In 2007 I engaged a local doctor to provide lasik services. The services were rendered as agreed.
I paid the bulk of the fee with my medical flex card from my work insurance. The remainder was financed by handing me a form which I filled out and was approved. I believe everyone gets approved for this. I owed Care Credit 1340.00.
Every month since I have paid online through my bank so there was no need for me to review paper statements. The required minimum was 35.00 and I paid 50.00 each time. I pay online so I simply add an account to my bank and schedule the payment.
By August 2009 I owed 190.00. I paid 50.00 once again and my next statement suddenly increased to 593.00. 493.00 was added to my account because the "promotional purchase" I was unaware of expired.
I was advised by customer service that it is "unfortunate" that I don't read my statements and was curtly asked if I had any other questions.
During the time I owed Care Credit I also purchased carpet through GE Money Bank and paid that off completely. That was 3800.00
I have been given no consideration or warning that if I paid the entire 190.00 I would avoid the "trap"
This is patently unfair and deviously concealed in a paper statement even though you are actively encouraged to pay online.