[Resolved]  HSBC — Cheating customers

Address:

Delhi

I opened my account with HSBC's Basant Lok branch in Vasant Vihar (Delhi) in July 2010. At the time of opening the account the bank staff told me that I will have to deposit a minimum amount of Rs 25,000. And once this amount recedes, I will be charged by the bank. But what they hid from me actually hurt me financially:

1- The bank staff didn't tell me that they would charge around Rs 150 to issue a debit card.

2- They didn't tell me that if I wished to close the account before six months from the date of opening the account, I will be charged about Rs 1000 as penalty.

3- Now, one fine morning I got a text message on my mobile informing me that the deposit of Rs 25000 has gone down and the bank has deducted a certain amount.

4- I called up the person I was dealing with (Dipti) but instead of helping me she said, "you are creating so much hassle just for Rs 150, I'll pay you this amount from my pocket." So much for the professionalism of an international bank !

5- But that's not the end. When I tried to take out cash from a cash machine, it wouldn't accept an HSBC debit card.

6- Today I filed my income tax returns and tried to use the card but lo and behold ! HSBC was not in the list of banks whose cards would be accepted.

7- I called up HSBC's customer care manager N K Joshi and with great politeness he said this is how things are... sorry you had a bad experience but nothing can be done.

What recourse do I have now?

Rajesh Joshi