[Resolved]  Standard Chartered Bank — Discrimination

Address:

South 24 Parganas, West Bengal

This is in regard to the above mentioned Credit Card, which belongs to me. For the last 3-4 months I have been chasing your bank to solve the problem, which has caused me embarrassment and waste of time and energy.


To tell you the whole problem I need to start with my bill STATEMENT DATE 23rd MARCH 2009. I was traveling through the Europe during then,[protected], I had lost my hand baggage along with my passport and cell phone, along with my credit card. After couple of hrs with the help of the local authority ( Rome Central Station – Police)I manage to find my handbag and luggage. Since I had found everything in order, I checked into my hotel and went through all my stuffs. But since I had my credit card STANDARD CHARTERD EMIRATES PLATINUM, and VIJAYA BANK CREDIT CARD, I immediately called the related banks and asked them whether there has been any transaction in last 2 hrs, I did got through Standard Chartered Italian number after lot of looking around. I had to call my office as well to inform them about my Vijaya Bank card as well. So I also requested them to please put in a request for a Photo ID whenever there will be any usages on the Credit Card. Since everyone said it was in order without any usage in last 2-3 hrs, I tend to over see the matter.



When I received the relative statement I was surprised to see a transaction made on the same date of Euro 550=00 ( INR 36,293=84), I immediately called the bank and asked them about the same. I clearly explained them the whole problem and also asked them to look into the matter, since my total bill for that month was of Rs 74,704=35, I paid the balance amount of Rs 38,410=51, which was according to me was the sum for my total purchases that month.



I did informed the bank once again I spoke to some lady called Ms. Pretty , but she too said she will look into the matter and see what can be done, I request for a revised bill and she had advised me that I need to fill up a certain and send it back to them. But it’s been over 3 months, I am still waiting for that form. Finally I decided to stop making any payments, on[protected], I received a call from your office in Guragaon from Mr.Rahul, who insisted that I make the payment (minimum) as soon as possible, I explained to him the whole problem. I quote “ Sir, you please make the payment of Rs 2,520=00, moment it is reflected in your account we will WAIVE of that disputed amount ( Rs 36,293=84) from your bill”, hence someone made the payment on my behalf (receipt No. 38391 dt.[protected]. Now this was over a month, I am still waiting for that revised bill by email which Mr.Rahul has promised, and also confirmed my email address with him. But once again I was let down. Now another month passed without me making any payment, on[protected], I received a call from Mr.Vivek of your bank from the Gurgagon office, he once again repeated Mr.Rahul’s word, which was still echoing in my head. He added “ Sir, please trust me once, you make the minimum balance payment of Rs 4,120=00, we will solve your problem”, I asked him how is it possible. He passed his phone to his senior and once again I had to narrate the whole story, his reply was “ Sir, your outstanding is Rs 93,600, according to you Rs 36, 293.84 was wrongly charged to your account, so hence you can pay Rs 57,000 and settle this matter.” I requested him in written the same, he suggested I rush to the Standard Chartered Bank ( NS Road, Branch), and meet Ms.Prachi Asani, who will be able to help me out. Since I was tired of narrating the same problem over and over again on the telephone, I went down to the bank personally. On meeting her she explained me that this meeting is for SETLEMENT, I was surprised; I DON”T WANT A STELEMENT. I was very clear with Mr.Vivek about the same, but I guess instead of recovering the money the righteous way they would rather like to close the problem instead of facing the way. He called me during the meting and here again I asked him over the phone what can I do re-solve this problem and I quote “ Sir, this is the best way for out of it.” Again I insisted why should I settle the matter as a DEFAULTOR, I just want to clear the problem. I never had any problem as such with your bank, half of my family are using your credit card, so why should I be proclaimed as DEFAULTOR who decided to settle the matter.



I am feel helpless, as Mr.Vivek explained me that I have to pay just Rs 12,000 – Rs 13,000 ( Rs 45,000 usage during the 3months, settlement amount quoted to me Rs 57,000) more and I can close the matter. I quote “ You can then apply for new Standard Chartered Bank credit card”, does he take me for fool.



I am looking for a advise from you to solve this problem or else I have to take up this matter legally, I would rather spend Rs 57,000 on legal expanses then going for a settlement. So please advise, just to keep Mr.Vivek’s word, I did made the payment of Rs 4,120=00 (Dt.[protected], as he had said that after this payment will be affected someone will get back to me to resolve this problem but not to my surprise I just received another statement without any solution. If someone should follow Mr.Vievek’s advise then everyone using your card, should use the card to the full limit and then for a SETLLEMENT, ( 35 % ) and then apply for a new card, and so on carry on like that. Maybe that could be the new policy implemended by your bank, I fail to see that why would your bank would like to get rid of regular customers, specially during time of recession.

Email exchange between the bank and me :

On Mon, Dec 21, 2009 at 2:31 AM, head.service <head.[protected]@sc.com> wrote:

Ref : 12/09/041126/YAP/ESC

Dear Mr. Shamim,

This is with further to our earlier communication regarding your card
ending 5250.

As informed in our earlier correspondence vide reference number
12/09/000789/YAP/ESC dated December 10, 2009, we request you to effect
payment within seven days.

We understand that you would make a payment on December 21, 2009 to
our executive towards the outstanding in your card ending 5250.

Post realisation of the cleared funds, we would arrange to reverse the
outstanding balance to your card account.

Subsequent to the reversal, there will be no outstanding in your card
ending 5250.

Assuring you of our best services always,

Yours sincerely,


Balu Jayaraman

Dear Mr. Jayraman

Its funny that I get a conformation email within a couple of seconds, but I still haven't received reply to my email in last 20 days.

Whereas it use to not take you more then 10 mins to send me an email regarding the payment as Mr.Sunil Gond's request but its taking you more then 20 days to reply to my email.

I hope to receive a reply from you by this year end.

Best regards,
Nooman Shamim

+[protected]
[protected] Forwarded message[protected]
From: Nooman <[protected]@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Jan 1, 2010 at 3:14 AM
Subject: Re: At your service Your Right Partner Standard Chartered Bank (KMM3632529I15977L0KM)
To: "head.service" <head.[protected]@sc.com>
Cc: Customer.[protected]@sc.com


Dear Mr. Jayaraman,

As per your Letter No.12/09/000789/YAP/ESC dated December 10, 2009 and your email Dated December 21,2009 I had affected the payment of Rs 43,000 against Card Ending 5250 and Rs 6,600 against Card Ending 8052.

As per my various communication with your executive in Kolkata Mr. Sunil Gond[protected] during that period he assured me that once the payments will be affected I will receive my Credit Card Statement within 7 days with "no outstanding".

I think you are already aware of all the problem arrised due to the "Disputed Amount" of Rs 36,293.84 transaction date 09-03-09, all the interest fees and late payment charges accumulated due to that. You must be having the copies of all the email I had sent along during that period so I need not further explain myself.

Before Mr.Sunil Gond had arrived to this solution of paying of Rs 43,000 and Rs 6,600 subsequently all these problems will be taken care off, but I guess I shouldn't trusted your executive and taken his word for granted. Neither should I have taken your letter for granted.

But to my surprise I had just received my Credit Card Statement dated December 23, 2009 with no such solution. I had just called the Customer care as well, spoke to a Ms. Rohini she said that she will speak to concerned department and will get back to me within 3 days.

Waiting for your earnest reply.

Best regards,

Nooman Shamim