Spiegel - FNCB - Merrick Bank No communication/recourse for consumers...RIPOFF charging 40% APR with balance transfers!!!! Hicksville New York

I wanted to respond because I have had so much trouble and little help from Spiegel. I too received a letter (from Eddie Bauer, not Spiegel) stating that my account was closed. I have continued to pay on this on time etc., like a good little consumer. Since I paid $100 towards my September balance and it only went down $4....yes that is four dollars (!!!) I called Spiegel and tried to get an answer.

The first call they offered me the number and address. I tried the number and it was only automated so they offered for someone to call me back...(never happened.) The second call I asked to speak to someone about the FCNB account information. A snotty girl offered me the same info/numbers/addresses. I asked to speak to a supervisor (nicely of course) and she snottily transferred me where I was hung up on.

The third call I finally spoke to a supervisor at Spiegel who only offered me apologies and little more information. I have decided to pull up my credit report because I was scared that I was being taken advantage of - what else can I think when I pay $100 and only $4 goes towards my balance?!?!?!

My credit report shows that I closed the account (which I did not) but it shows on time and my balance. I have taken this account to a debt consolidator in New York. When I told them the situation with my last payment, they balked at the fact that this had happened. They estimated that the new bank - which they told me was MERRICK BANK IN HICKSVILLE NEW YORK had to be charging me at least 35% in interest a month!!!!!

It makes me sick that we are being treated like 2nd class citizens when we once were "valued customers" of FCNB/Spiegel etc. I am mad that basically $96 dollars went somewhere into a bank's pockets which have to be deep enough to reach to the 7th level of dante's inferno....or this is how I see it.

If there is a class action out there, I would like info. I will print the DOT's information and try to read it. This is not right and people who were in good standing with FCNB should not just be dumped into a new bank that charges over 35% APR!!!

Good luck to everyone.

Erin
Frisco, Texas
U.S.A.