06.21.05
Okay, I have this one credit card that I have been judiciously using and paying off, without accruing any interest until July 1st 2005, whereupon the interest rate goes to 9.99%.
It has a pretty small balance, but I still can't afford to pay it all off before the end of this month.
Recently I got an offer in the mail from Sears (Citibank) Mastercard, to transfer balances from other credit cards, without fees or penalties, and pay 3.99% for the life of the transfer repayment.
Now, I don't know about you, but I would rather pay 3.99% than 9.99%. So, I decided to call the provided telephone number, and get the ball rolling before July 1st.
As you may or may not recall, I had an issue with some bastard trying to use my Mastercard to shop at allgear.net. This resulted in that account being closed, and also with me getting a new card with a new account number.
For some reason, I never bothered to activate the card. So, in order to do this balance transfer transaction, I had to activate the card, which I did. I told the lady on the other end of the phone all of the hoo-hah and clap-trap that you have to share with them to get anything done, which I believe involved the 3-digit security number on the back of the card.
A few minutes later, I called the 800-number to do the transfer, and got connected to a guy that made me tell him all of the information I had just shared with the lady, which took several minutes to accomplish. I had to answer security questions, know all the relevant numerical stuff related to being me, and then finally give the man the account number and 3-digit security number on the back of the card.
"Uh, oh. We have a problem."
What?
"The security number that you gave us isn't the one that we have listed for your account."
That is the number on the card that you people sent to me. That is the number on the card that I just validated, using that 3-digit security number.
"But it isn't the three-digit number we have on file for your account."
Look, this is the only card that you guys have sent me in the last year. I can't help it that you have a different number than I do.
"Unfortunately, Miss Lxxxx, we can't proceed with any action on your account until you have the proper 3-digit number."
So, you acknowledge that I am who I say I am, and yet you're telling me that because you guys screwed up somewhere, I can't transfer the balance from a credit card with the same exact name, same exact social security number, and same exact billing address as the information you have on file for me, to the card I have with your company.
"I'm sorry, but we can't do anything unless you can tell us the 3-digit security number on your account. However, we can reissue you the card, and you should receive it within the next 7 to 10 business days."
Which could potentially be after July 1st, when Sear's offer expires, and I also have to start paying interest on the account whose balance I wish to transfer.
"That shouldn't happen, but let me transfer you to someone that can get your card out to you asap. Can I help you with anything else, before I transfer you?"
Nope. I think that about does it all for me.
"Have a nice day, and don't hesitate to call us back if you need any further assistance."
Yeah, I'll get right on that.
Grr. So, I talk to some woman and explain the situation, she tut-tuts, and then says she'll send a new card out immediately. And that I should also have a nice day.
And for now, I play the waiting game.
Bastards.
3 comments:
I had a similar but not same thing, when it came down to getting more checks. I walked into the local BoA that I've banked at since I got here, and said, I need checks. "Great. Go over to this phone..." No. I'm getting customer service, or I leave. "I can't..." Yeah.
I found a check re-order form from back when you could do those things, and sent it in. I got my checks, without waiting on the phone.
Except...wrong name. Apparently, for the last 6 years, my last name has been misspelled. I had to give in, and call. 5+ minutes later, I get the runaround. Lessee...crappy musak, annoying announcements thinking it's a real human talking, and not-so-amazing service. I eventually got my checks.
The end.
In case y'all were worried, the new card from Sears arrived on 6.27.05, I went through all the phone calls and red tape again, and am now paying 3.99% with Citibank, instead of the 9.99% other credit card wants.
Yes, you may all breathe a collective sigh of relief now.
How the hell are ya? I've lost contact with *everyone* from college and high school and a little birdie told me about your blog. I'm glad to see you are gainfully employed, that you like your job, and haven't lost your sass. If you'd like to catch up write back, otherwise I'll assume that I've forgotten that I offended you some years ago and you never want to hear from me ever again. ;)
Post a Comment