HSBC Retail Services BEWARE additional fees scheme by credit card company used by BEST BUY Carol Stream, Illinois

HSBC Retail Services are a big rip off.  I purchased a Nikon camera, an extra lens, and a memory card in Jan 2012 the day I was leaving on a four month cruise around the world.  The promotion was 90 day free interest if paid in full by the endo of the 90 days.  While on the cruiseship, I emailed numberous times to try and get access to my online account and explained my situation with lack of email and phone support so I could pay my bill in full.  I kept getting an email back to call a 1-800 number which cost if you are out of the country.  

I authorized my sister-in-law to pay the bill. Although she kept fax sent confirmation of all correspondence, HSBC refused to let her pay the bill; but they did give her the address.  I mailed my payment in full in March and when I returned on Apr 28, I was being billed for $158 in late charges.  I immediately called, complained, and they removed all charges except $36.39 which I paid just to keep the fees from continuing to accumulate.

I then faxed in documentation where I tried to pay the bill early and the fax correspondence and disputed the $36.  I finally received a credit on May 21 which I called to request a refund and spoke to Shawn on May 21, then on Jun 7th, I spoke to Susan, then on Jul 6th, I spoke to Jason, and after hours and hours of trying to reach a supervisor, I was connected to Sonya who told me the records did not show I had requested a refund.  She has supposedly submitted for the refund and it will take 30 days to receive.  What a horrible company and I will never buy anything on credit again using this company.  Buyers beware....Best Buy uses HSBC