Nextcard Visa and Merrick Bank Rip-off deceptive company internet

I signed up online for a Nextcard Visa over a year ago. I wanted to use Nextcard hoping to rebuild my credit. They "approved" a $300.00 credit limit. However, I had to send in the $300.00 first,and then the credit line would start.

I talked with my credit counselor a few weeks later and he said to cancel the card. So I called Nextcard to cancel my account, they said to send in $50.00 to cancel the account. So I did.... a year ago.

Three months ago I got bill from Merrick Bank saying I owed them $380.95 for the Nextcard Visa account.

The lady I talked with @ Merrick Bank was VERY rude and said I never closed the account w/ Nextcard and that Nextcard went out of business and Merrick Bank took over their accounts. Nextcard Visa NEVER sent me a bill saying I owed money, not even a phone call.

Since I could not find my old check book proving I closed the account, I had to settle the account with Merrick Bank for $190.47 .... so I thought. That was two weeks ago today. I noticed my check by phone to Merrick Bank had not been pulled from my checking account so I called them.

Mr. Henderson at Merrick Bank claimed that there was no record of me calling and making a payoff. And I had no confirmation number to prove it. So, I had to settle with Merrick Bank AGAIN but this time it was for $228.00. I realize that my poor credit is my fault & I'm trying to fix it. However, I was taken advantage of by Nextcard & Merrick Bank.

Please anyone who reads this. Read the FINE PRINT on ANY credit card application! And write down EVERY name & numbers of people you talk with regarding cedit card payments.

Mary
Orlando, Florida