Sears Holdings/ MasterCard CreditSears Holdings/ MasterCard Credit/ Citibank CREDIT CARD SCAM/ 12 MONTHS NO PAYMENT OR INTEREST Hoffman Estates Illinois

I bought a washer and dryer at Sears in Fort Myers, Floridain April 2007, they wanted me to take out a Credit card and save 10% and free delivery free installation and mutliple rebates, no payments or interest for 12 months.

Month after month i wouyld get a statement and file it knowing I would owe a $2,439.12 by March 31, 2007.
This morning March 7, 2008 I realized I hadn't receieved a statemetn since Dec of 2007. I pulled the last statement and decided to go ahead and pay early so I don't miss the deadline.

So when I called, I was SHOCKED to learn 5 days ago they added $629.88 in interest charges!!!

I called the credit department they said "oh no you bought the merchandise in February and your 12 month was up 5 days ago. Now, I am disabled and partially blind, I cna't find the orginal documents, so I can only assume based on the fact I donated the w/d I had to hcarity in April, they changed the actual date of purchase. I offered to pay the $2,439.12 while on the phone and they said NO! They wanted the addditonal $629.88 after all " its not their fault you didn't get your statements". I pointed out I have always paid my bill early and in full for years only to be told "it doesn't matter". Addtionally, I was informed SEARS doesn't handle the credit Citibank does, "so SEARS can't help me". My credit card says SEARS on the front not CITIBANK.
Needless to say after being threatened with ruining what credit I have I paid the whole amount and will pursue some other ways to get my money.

I now clearly understand why SEARS and CITIBANK are in deep trouble. I hope it gets worse for them.

John
Fort Myers, Florida
U.S.A.