[Resolved]  Standard Chartered Bank / Credit Card — Credit card - Hidden charges

Hello,
Here is a short story about the 1 year long problem with SCB Credit card.

In December 2006, I have got a SCB Gold card and have not used it till March 2007. In March 07, the bank has automatically upgraded by card as PLATINUM CARD. There was no communication with me on the same.

Further to this, they have started charging Rs. 1200 every month as PLATINUM CHARGES. I have been sending complaints to head.[protected]@standardchartered.com and received atleast 10 complaint numbers. Still, no resolution. They have also added interest & taxes to this amount every month.

As I was not here in India, from March 07 - Jan 07, I have been paying the charges through the web. I have not been checking the detailed bill which was delivered to my India address.

Totally, I have paid more than Rs.60, 000 extra during this period. I have given my first complaint during March 08 and fighting with the customer care till July 08.

In July 08, the customer care person from Bangalore conveyed that Rs. 1200 is being charged for TATA AIG Insurance every month. But, I have not requested for this facility.

When I enquired about the facility of the insurance, he said the insurance company will pay the outstanding balance to SCB incase of my death / illness. NO ADVANTAGE TO THE CUSTOMER.

Also, he told me that the service should have been requested by me in 2007. There is no track in SCB's system till now. Also, I was not in India during this period and my mobile # was not active as well.

Till date (Oct 2008), they are not able to tell me who requested for this service.

To add more surprise, they forced me for a final settlement of Rs. 1, 20, 000 (actual usage was less than Rs. 70, 000). I have also paid Rs. 55, 000 as the first EMI.

When they gave me the settlement letter, it was mentioned as "THE BANK IS CONSIDERING YOUR INABILITY TO PAY THE OUTSTANDING AND WE ARE ALLOWING YOU SETTLE YOUR ACCOUNT".

I have not agreed to accept the letter as it was incorrect. I have requested them mentioning the correct reason for cancellation. They have not contacted me till last week.

Now, I got a call from their collection department today mentioning my current outstanding is Rs. 1, 48, 000.

This is a pathetic service from SCB and it is sick to use their service.

Please be careful about their hidden charges.