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Citibank N A Complaint - Company Promoted Harassment - Credit Cards
Credit Cards - Complaint
I just got of the phone with a Citibank collections department manager. Several days ago my Mom called in on my behalf about a card I had canceled after I moved that was being charged late fees on a credit protector charge that was placed after I had canceled the card. They said she had no right to call them. The next day, my family was prank called five times by Citicard. We knew this because caller ID identified them and each time they answered the phone they'd hear a click. My family thought it was sort of funny but I was furious that Citibank felt it was acceptable to let an employee harass my family.
I called in today to find out information about the employee and file a complaint. After being transfered several times, I spoke to this manager who told me she could not give me any information about the employee, and that the calls were not in fact "prank" calls but that they were caused by a phone system that automatically calls a house and if it doesn't think someone is on the line, will hang up on them. She told me I couldn't file a complaint because this was just an innocent automated calling happening and there was nothing to complain about.
Tell me this is not completely absurd! I'm at the point where I am just going to pay whatever is left on my statement (although completely fraudulent charges!) to finally put an end to my Citibank experience.
I called in today to find out information about the employee and file a complaint. After being transfered several times, I spoke to this manager who told me she could not give me any information about the employee, and that the calls were not in fact "prank" calls but that they were caused by a phone system that automatically calls a house and if it doesn't think someone is on the line, will hang up on them. She told me I couldn't file a complaint because this was just an innocent automated calling happening and there was nothing to complain about.
Tell me this is not completely absurd! I'm at the point where I am just going to pay whatever is left on my statement (although completely fraudulent charges!) to finally put an end to my Citibank experience.
Comments:
Posted by tnchuck100 on 2007-09-04:
You may have a legitimate complaint about the "protection charge". However, they are protecting themselves and your rights by NOT talking to your mother about your account. The phone calls, while they be annoying to you, were not "prank" calls.
Posted by trumania on 2007-09-04:
I agree with tnchuck100.
Do you know how many people could just call up and say, "Oh yea, that's my daughter, I was calling on her behalf". It happens ALL THE TIME. And as a CSR if you let that person just talk about that account that is invasion of privacy not to mention the first step to identity theft.
You should be happy that they didn't let her talk to them. If you want her to talk to them, then you can 3 way with them and your mom and tell them she has permission to speak about the account, otherwise privacy laws say NO.
As for the "Prank Calls", obviously you have not watch the Simpsons in their like 50 years of running. Prank calls is when they actually speak... lol.
The automated calls were most likely caused because you have that outstanding balance.
Do you know how many people could just call up and say, "Oh yea, that's my daughter, I was calling on her behalf". It happens ALL THE TIME. And as a CSR if you let that person just talk about that account that is invasion of privacy not to mention the first step to identity theft.
You should be happy that they didn't let her talk to them. If you want her to talk to them, then you can 3 way with them and your mom and tell them she has permission to speak about the account, otherwise privacy laws say NO.
As for the "Prank Calls", obviously you have not watch the Simpsons in their like 50 years of running. Prank calls is when they actually speak... lol.
The automated calls were most likely caused because you have that outstanding balance.
Posted by moneybags on 2007-09-04:
Put your number on the Do Not Call list and advise them IN WRITING that despite your previous business relationship, they are NOT to call that number. If they do, contact FTC. Keep a record of the calls in your caller ID. Do NOT erase! FTC can levy a fine of $11,000 PER INCIDENT!
Posted by Too Good To Be True on 2007-09-04:
The only thing 'absurd' is having your mother call for you. Pay your bills ontime every month and you will not have the bank calling you. And keep your mother off the phone.
Posted by jktshff1 on 2007-09-04:
You don't "grown up" until your mama and daddy are dead
Posted by trumania on 2007-09-05:
Putting her phone number on the Do Not Call list will not solve her problems. The Federal Do Not Call list does not protect a consumer from calls from companies which they have had prior relationships with.
"#
If I register my number on the National Do Not Call Registry, will it stop all telemarketing calls?
No. Placing your number on the National Do Not Call Registry will stop most telemarketing calls, but not all. Because of limitations in the jurisdiction of the FTC and FCC, calls from or on behalf of political organizations, charities, and telephone surveyors would still be permitted, as would calls from companies with which you have an existing business relationship, or those to whom you’ve provided express agreement in writing to receive their calls. "
The simple solution would be to pay the debt and move on. The only reason they are colling her is because she owes money on the account. The can request that the company takes her phone number of their 'telemarketing' list BUT they will still call her, and have the right to call her, with regards to her account status and maintenance.
"#
If I register my number on the National Do Not Call Registry, will it stop all telemarketing calls?
No. Placing your number on the National Do Not Call Registry will stop most telemarketing calls, but not all. Because of limitations in the jurisdiction of the FTC and FCC, calls from or on behalf of political organizations, charities, and telephone surveyors would still be permitted, as would calls from companies with which you have an existing business relationship, or those to whom you’ve provided express agreement in writing to receive their calls. "
The simple solution would be to pay the debt and move on. The only reason they are colling her is because she owes money on the account. The can request that the company takes her phone number of their 'telemarketing' list BUT they will still call her, and have the right to call her, with regards to her account status and maintenance.
Posted by stuffedfishie on 2008-04-09:
yeah, if stop paying then you're just going to get more calls until you start paying, plus the balance will go up even more. As for the hang-up calls, it really is an automated dialing system, not a pranking employee. Employees aren't connected to talk to you on the outbound collection calls in early stages of deliquency until after bettween 1 and 30 seconds when the system has determined that there is someone on the line. This is done as a matter of efficiency to maximize each collector's contact. You can send a letter to cease and decist contact to stop the calls, but that also means that you account will be revoked (this shows up negatively on your credit report, "closed by grantor") and the account will be sent to outside collections for a more aggressive approach.
Posted by lawman123 on 2008-05-10:
They are almost certainly telling the truth about the automated calling system. This does not excuse their actions, but it does explain them.
Unfortunately, Citibank is collecting an account on its own behalf, so it is not covered by the federal fair debt collection practices act in relation to these calls. If it were covered by the act, you would have a decent argument that the calls are illegally harassing, and at a minimum you would be able to tell them to cease and decist calling you and have it be legally enforceable. Depending on what state you live in, you may be covered by a state law similar to the FDCPA, for instance, in California the Rosenthal Act would apply to Citi's calls.
If you can't afford to pay the card, tell them that, and firmly tell them to stop calling. If they continue to call, simply hang up on them. Adding a "f-you, stop calling" is recommended but optional. Keep in mind that failing to pay will damage your credit and they may eventually sue you, offset the balance against your checking account, or otherwise puruse the debt.
If you are having persistent problems paying your debts, you may want to consider bankruptcy. A qualified attorney can advise you on that.
Unfortunately, Citibank is collecting an account on its own behalf, so it is not covered by the federal fair debt collection practices act in relation to these calls. If it were covered by the act, you would have a decent argument that the calls are illegally harassing, and at a minimum you would be able to tell them to cease and decist calling you and have it be legally enforceable. Depending on what state you live in, you may be covered by a state law similar to the FDCPA, for instance, in California the Rosenthal Act would apply to Citi's calls.
If you can't afford to pay the card, tell them that, and firmly tell them to stop calling. If they continue to call, simply hang up on them. Adding a "f-you, stop calling" is recommended but optional. Keep in mind that failing to pay will damage your credit and they may eventually sue you, offset the balance against your checking account, or otherwise puruse the debt.
If you are having persistent problems paying your debts, you may want to consider bankruptcy. A qualified attorney can advise you on that.
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