I am the owner of an Orchard Bank Credit Card, issued by HSBC.
In October, I was contacted by HSBC Customer Service informing me there were suspicious activities in Mexico on my credit card. After confirming (1) the card was in my possession physically; (2) I was not in Mexico; (3) I did not authorize any of the transactions, HSBC reached the conclusion that my card had been illegally duplicated without my knowledge. HSBC then closed my card and issued me a new one. I was also told that I would not be held responsible for any of the transaction.
Several days later, however, I found a transaction, in the amount of ~$40 and happened at a restaurant in Mexico, appeared in my account. I filed a billing dispute with HSBC regarding this transaction since I neither authorize it nor had any knowledge of it.
Today, I received an email from HSBC (signed as Victoria V15431 from HSBC Billing Dispute Department) informing me their decision of holding me responsible for the charge. They provided a copy of the sales receipt and stated 3 reasons: "1. The sales slip contains your credit card imprint or electronic equivalent; 2. The sales slip bears a signature; 3. Your card was not listed as lost or stolen at the time of this transaction."
After reviewing the sales slip, I found the signature does not match the one on the back of my card (or any of my signatures)!
I am extremely unsatisfied with HSBC's decision. And I urge you to seriously consider the risk if you are going to use any financial products from HSBC.
Anonymous
Sunnyvale, California