Barclay Credit Card — Fraudulent Priority Upgrade Membership Schemes

Dear Consumer Forum,

This is to inform you that the bank issued a Gold credit card (4339 xxxx xxxx 7731) to me based on some phone calls from the executives/agents who promised a free wrist watch etc. I categorically mentioned that I am on verge on retirement and do not need any credit card. Due to persistence of the agent I agreed to getting the card only if it is free (no annual fees). I received the card on March 3. The card is still pasted on their letter and I haven't used it anywhere.

Unlike other prestigious banks, there was no form filling, no identity or address proof collected and yet this card was delivered!

I get an sms 4 days later (March 7) that the bill has been generated for Rs. 6179.8. This came as brute shock. After calling their help line and informing them, I asked them for cancellation request CAS/1186582.

I further received an sms informing that "Your Barclaycard swap request has been approved and you would shortly be receiving your TIMES card. Your card a/c has been debited with Rs. 5500 toward Priority Upgrade Membership fees".

This is so ridiculous. Wheres the question of approval of any request that I never made arising from. What Priority upgrade membership! How can my account just be debited like that?

On coming to this website, I found loads of similar complaints and have come to believe that the bank is not genuine and this entire card business is some money making scam.

I would request consumer complaint forum to get this issues to RBI. Meanwhile Since I am from Times of India group only, I would bring this matter out in media and ensure that RBI bans this bank!

Regards,
Sharad Choughule