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American Express review: debt collection 58

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1:22 pm EDT
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On Tuesday, January 20, 2009 I received a letter from American Express dated 1/14/2009 that stated my account is being reviewed for collections. Twenty-four hours later I received a phone call on my work phone from Zwicker and Associates. They identify themselves as an Attorney that has been retained by American Express to file a law suit against me. Of course I told them I would not speak with them while I was at work and hung up. I was confused and shocked and had no idea who these people were! I called American Express and the recording told me to call the 800 number who turned out to be Zwicker and Associates.

I called American Express back and was able to speak with a Human by not entering my account number. Once the person had my information, they refused to speak with me about my account.

I then returned the telephone call to Zwicker and Associates on my first break. I was transferred to a man by the name of Steven Marshall. Mr. Marshall stated that I had to pay him the full amount of 16, 249 plus dollars to settle the account. I explained that I have been making payments, and would like to make good and catch up my account, which was only about a month and a half behind. Mr. Marshall said he would take 10, 000 dollars over the phone and I had to give him a post dated check. I refused due to not having the money and he said if I didn’t give it to him “now” or he would forward my file to begin litigation. I was scared and did not know what to do so I gave him the check for 10, 000 dated 1/29/2009, but I explained I may not be able to come up with the money. I explained that I would probably have to call and cancel the check.

Shortly after ending the phone call I did place a stop payment on the check and contacted my bank’s security office.

I have a rare heart condition and the condition is stress induced and I had to take the rest of the day off from work. I could not function thanks to Mr. Marshall’s threats.

The person I spoke with is Steven Marshall at [protected], ext. 3225.
His E-mail is [protected]@zwickerpc.com

On 1/23/2009 I sent an E-mail to Zwicker and Associates informing them that I had learned of a law in the State of Massachusetts, 940 C.M.R. 7.00, which prevents any Debt Collector from soliciting a post dated check from anyone. When I notified them of this law via E-mail they made a statement I had “re-nigged” on my agreement and they would be pushing a law suit forward quickly against me. Proof of this can be heard on a telephone recording where Mr. Marshall of Zwicker and Associates knowingly spoke on a recorded line. The conversation takes place between Mr. Marshall and Vickie Piontek, who is a nice lady I met on an Internet forum. She is an attorney, but has not been hired to represent me. A copy of the conversation is available on CD.

Also, in the recording Mr. Marshall states that I contacted him by phone to “pull the settlement.” I have not spoken with Mr. Marshall after he coerced me into giving him the post dated check. I sent him an E-mail only; he never had the chance to tell me he would now want the full amount by January 31st. He is lying. Proof of the E-mail is attached.

On 1/25/2009 I sent a Cease and Desist letter to Zwicker and Associates via Fax and Certified Mail with Return Receipt. I requested strict proof of the alleged debt, a copy of the initial contract and payment history as well as a copy of the assignment of the alleged debt. I received the return receipt, but have never received a response to my request. As of 5/11/2009 Zwicker and Associates still has not answered my request.

On 1/26/2009 date I received my first letter dated 1/22/2009 from American Express notifying me that Zwicker and Associates was taking over my case. But, Zwicker and Associates contacted me via the telephone on 1/20/2009.

Staring sometime in March of this year I started receiving calls from an unknown person by the name of “Bonnie” from United Recovery Systems who wanted to speak with me about my “delinquent account, ” as she put it. During the next few days this person called both my parents and in-laws at their residence. The lady calling herself Bonnie told my family I needed to call her in reference to an account that I owed money on and gave a reference number. On 4/1/2009 I received a letter dated 3/13/2009 from a company by the name of United Recovery Systems (from a Mrs. W. White) stating they are a collection agency and needed to pay them $16, 964.53 to settle my American Express Account.

With the knowledge that American Express had hired Zwicker and Associates, I ignored this letter thinking it was a scam. Then on 4/25/2009 I received a letter from American Express which was titled “A Helpful Offer From American Express.” The letter, dated 4/21/2009 stated I could make payment arrangements with United Recovery Systems with a 0.00% interest rate and no fees. However, American Express has not notified me of any information about my status with Zwicker and Associates.?. So, am I now being pursued by two agencies for one debt, who do I pay? American Express, Zwicker and Associates, or United Recovery Systems?

Now, to make this even more interesting I receive another letter from American Express on 5/1/2009, dated 4/24/2009. This letter was titled, “Opportunity to Regain Cardmembership.” This letter actually offered me a new American Express Credit card with an annual fee of $49.00 and a interest rate of 14.99%. All I had to do is contact United Recovery Systems and make payment arrangements and the new card was mine.

Finally, on Thursday, May 7th at 11:29 AM my father, Robert Priest, received a telephone on his personal business line. The caller identified himself as a representative of The Law Offices of Mann Braken [protected]). The caller told my father that they had been retained against me and I needed to pay the entire 16, 000 (plus) balance at once. The caller attempted to solicit a credit card from my father to make a payment. My father told the caller to send their request in writing to me and hung up on them. At 11:56 AM another call came in from a different representative of Mann Braken. My father immediately hung up. A third call came in at 5:25 PM. All three calls were received on an Alltel Cell phone and proof of the incoming calls can be retrieved from Alltel. I can also attempt to obtain a copy of my father’s Alltel statement is needed.

I am not a dead beat and have always made a very good effort to pay my bills on time. This past year or two has become difficult and I even sent American Express two E-mails using their communication system. Of course, now that system cannot be accessed by me.

Also, since this began I have not made any additional payments. I don’t know who to pay. Now more than ever I am confused and scared to talk to anyone. Who do I pay American Express, Zwicker and Associates, United Recovery Systems, Mann Braken, or who?

I will be at home recovering from Heart Surgery for the next four to six weeks if I can clarify any of the above information. Please, contact me if I can.

Note: I have also filed a complaint/case with the following:

The Federal Trade Commission
Consumer Response Center
600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20580

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Office of Investor Education and Advocacy
100 F Street, N.E.
Washington, DC [protected]

U.S. Dept. of Treasury
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Customer Assistance Group
1301 McKinney Street, Suite 3450
Houston, TX [protected]

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection
Consumer Response Center
2345 Grand Boulevard, Suite 100
Kansas City, MO 64108

U.S. Senate
Committee on Banking, Housing, & Urban Affairs
534 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

Florida Attorney General’s Office
State of Florida
PL-01, The Capitol
Tallahassee, FL 32399

Florida Division of Financial Services
Office of Financial Regulation
Division of Finance
Consumer Complaint Section
200 E. Gaines Street
Tallahassee, FL [protected]

The Better Business Bureau
4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800
Arlington, VA [protected]

(Against Zwicker and Associates, specifically)

Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Complaints and Information
One Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108

State of Massachusetts
Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
Ten Park Plaza, Suite 5170
Boston, MA 02116

(Against Mann Braken, LLP, specifically)

Georgia Office of the Attorney General
40 Capitol Square, SW
Atlanta, GA 30334

Georgia Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs
2 Martin Luther King, JR. Drive SE, Suite 356
Atlanta, Georgia [protected]

Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

58 comments
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Robert Smith
Middlefield, US
Jun 03, 2016 8:16 am EDT

On Feb 25 2001 I transfered balance on blue AMX card to another card with 0 % interest. Today april 28 2009 I recieved a call from AMX saying they were trying to collect $2017.00 on said card. They claim they have been trying to collect this from 2004 and all billing they sent was returned by post office. I still have the same address, they had my PH#, how else could they call me. Looks like they need money. Save your recipts for at least 10 years with these people. I did not. Robert Smith Middlefield CT. 06455

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Krystal Roman
, US
May 26, 2016 1:09 pm EDT

I went and got gas today May 27th 2016 and I put in $12 worth of gas and you guys took out $75 worth of my money. I called American Express and they said that my money will be refunded within 8 to 10 business days that does not work for me. I have my money today for reason you need to stop taking out more money than I have spent. Whether it be a rule or what you should never take out more than I have spent I will definitely not recommend you to anybody else

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AMEXusersbeware
, US
Sep 20, 2011 11:17 pm EDT

Here's the short story... Had an Amex Card that I maxed out (my mistake) and was charged big rates (25%), tried to negotiate rates but was told I needed to enroll into one of there payment plans first. Have been on for 18 months making payments and graduated from their payment plan, as I now go back to readdress old interest rate levels, now the the story is we don't negotiate. So, the story from 18 months ago has done a 360 degree turn with no help from Amex. Loan shark with a plastic card... The sad part is their story about trying to help people get out from under. They are in fact they are just giving enough breathing room to keep you making those payments.

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rboeh
Colorado Springs, US
Aug 31, 2011 3:20 am EDT

Pathetic company who has no value for their long term clients. Customer for 12 years and called last week to inquire about a interest rate reduction to what other rates are being offered. They denied it. Then 1 week later I discover the cut my credit balance was cut to what was owed with no notice given. $13000 credit line reduction. When asked for an explanation, they tried to say it was credit report. Absolute lie as my credit is the best its ever been in the history with the company and least amount owed. Find it pathetic they cut it, because i asked for a better interest rate. Card will be paid off. American Express should have been allowed to fail, instead of tax payers bailing their butts out, and government converting the to a bank. Th3y mismanage their business, taxpayes had to save them, then they screw over customers who pay their bills on time.

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Toini
Houston, US
Mar 12, 2012 4:18 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have s significant work history with American Express. I do not work for the company any more. I am seeking a new position. American Express is using Worknumber service to verify past employment with the company. The information that worknumber has on my employment from American Express. is missing 7 years. I have tried to straighten the issue both with American Express( there is no one I am allowed to talk and switchboard refers me to Worknumber) and Worknumber ( they claim that they cannot communicate to the company to address the issue, are left what they were given in the first place and keep advising me to try to talk to American Express).
I have a real issue with the significant gap in my history with AMEX. This is preventing me to obtain new employment and makes me to appear non sincere for my prospective employers, I am disgusted of the process the companies have created for obtaining my employment history and the impossibility to addressing the issue to resolve

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caramel2darby
, US
Aug 31, 2011 1:30 pm EDT

Imagine when you have a credit limit of $9, 000 and you are not even near that, and you have never, ever, ever, missed a payment, etc., etc, . etc, . and all of a sudden ...they crash your limit ...the LETTER is in the mail! Never got it...OOOPPPS! as the csr's always say " I understand" ...REALLY? Anyways, we have always heard that American Express is the worst to ever have, , , , , ...now we know...Thanks...American Express...we will never deal with you again!Worst ever service I have ever received ... on the phone and elsewhere...at least we won't deal with you again...

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bhawesh badalia
,
May 07, 2008 11:14 pm EDT

dear sir, ,

late payment fees hadbeen charged by the banker despite of made full payment before due date,

and the amount has been credited as well, in the statement send by the banker, before due date..

so, what to do, , ?

even called to customer care they are not willing to give service request number of my complain, ,
and the attendent also not willing to give the employee id, number..

regards
bhawesh badalia

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AmExSharks
Chanhassen, US
Apr 09, 2011 11:44 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I advanced 11, 774 American Express membership points that are worth $117 on October 4, 2010 to buy gift cards in combination with my existing points. on March 5, 2011, I closed the account because I had moved my primary residence out of the US earlier. At that time, I still owed the company 10, 052 points. I would not have closed the account, or I would not have borrowed the points for that matter, if I had known how the company will deceive me. I later found out that the company charged me $251.30 for the remaining 10, 052 points. It is equivalent to 134% interest rate over 5 month periods. I have been a loyal customer of American Express for the last 10 years or so. This practice will shame loan-sharks.

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Jeremy Weed
, US
Mar 25, 2009 2:10 pm EDT

To Whom It May Concern:

Yesterday I went to Costco to purchase some goods, and my American Express (AE) card was not accepted. I called your 888 number and was told it was due to some "external delinqency" I had. I assumed it must have had something to do with my student loans so I called the federal loan tracking number and talked to a woman by the name of Shirley, who told me that none of my loans were delinquent.

So, I called American Express back again and talked to four people, one of which hung up on me. I have the names (which I will leave out) of the five people I talked to including a supervisor from the Credit Operations Dept. All I was told was I was up for review on a few days ago and that a report from Experian led them to decide to close
my credit card, that is, without calling me, emailing me, or sending me a letter of any sort.

My question to them was, am I or have I ever been delinquent with my Amercian Express account? Any derogatory? I know the answer. I have paid on time and am on good terms, yet they decided to close my account based on secondary information that claimed I was "delinquent" when I am not.

I have requested a credit report and a list of my rights and it shall take 10 days to arrive. According to what I see I expect to follow up on any information I receive. I find it quite sad that a company of their reputation would act in such a manner, without even caring to contact me. If they had bothered to contact me I could have informed you that I just finished a Masters of Science in Nursing from a top notch private Jesuit University, and I am now working at a hospital that reputes as number one in many areas, and that I would have no problem paying any of my debts. Nevertheless, they decided to go forward without verification of any sort. Naturally in our economy, I understand that their action was a pre-emptive decision based on fear. What type of consumer service is that?

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suzumeee
2504 Silver lane, US
Sep 06, 2011 6:49 pm EDT

I got a parcel from mail saying "free gift inside" from American Express, I opened it and it said if I want to keep it, it would charge me $20 on it, otherwise I would have to send it back. Since I didn't want it so I called customer service and asked, and she said just put it back in the mailbox and the postman will take it. The postman didn't take it because I opened it, so I need to drive to the post office and pay for the stamp and send it back. But with all the information inside the parcel, how am I supposed to know what that is without opening it. It makes me so angry because first of all, if the "gift" is not free, then just don't say it's "free gift". Second of all, It was a real hassle to send it back.

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Leonardo
, US
Dec 16, 2010 12:58 pm EST

AMEX approved $200 charge from Asurian Insurance/Verizon Wireless on my AMEX account. I paid $70-90 for the screen on the phone with AMEX with my Amex card, not knowing that once I paid this Screen charge at the Verizon store, that American Express would approve any additional charge from Asurian Insurance/thru Verizon Wireless, without my approval; then Asurian Insurance sent my grandson a new phone; we then sent the broken phone back. In a month, Asurian started to harass us, telling us that they did not receive the brokwn phone. I told them that we did not have the phone, it was not required that it be sent certified from PO, so we dropped in mailbox. A month or so later, Asurian charged my AMEX card $200 and AMEX approved the charge without my knowledge;I have never had any agreement with Asurian Insurance Company. I was shocked. They did not have permission to charge my card. I immediately disputed the charge with AMEX, with many many phone calls, I am not responsible for a charge that I did not approve. Nor do I have the phone. Amex contacted Asurian and told me that Asurian said I was responsible for this charge because I had not returned the broken phone. Again, I reiterated to Amex that I was not responsible for the lost phone as this is why you have phone insurance; I was told by a supervisor at AMEX that if a merchant has a copy of my account number, that they can Charge my account and AMEX would pay it. I was SHOCKED. I immediately cancelled my account. I am 62 years old and I am a grandmother. I wrote a letter to the CEO of Amex at the end of October 2010, Cancelled my Credit Card and put the card in the envelope and mailed it to the CEO at American Express Headquarters, and have not heard one word back from the CEO. Today, I received a letter from AMEX asking me to send another letter to the Dispute department by 12/17th regarding the issues. After months of letters and phone calls, wouldn't you think that a company the size of AMEX could pick up the phone and call this 61 year old grandmother, thank her for her service and loyalty of 34 years, and see what they could do to help her. I am not going to pay $90 annual fee anymore, or go thru any of this with Amex. I will use my Discover Card, they are terrific and get rebates for the thousands of dollars that I charge each month. I have told Amex service department to "please take me to court and sue me for the $200, I would like to have a judge and the world know the harassment that I have experienced, and, by the way, during a second run with breast cancer during this time. Don't use American Express. They have become too big for their britches and don't care about anything but making money at the expense of the cardholders.

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Charly
, US
May 07, 2009 12:49 pm EDT

I have been an American Express customer for 25 years. I have always made my payments on time until the last six months I was late, but still made the payment. I received a cancellation notice without warning today stating that the reason they were canceling me was because of the score experian reported for me. So being a good customer for 25 years and trying to make it through a terrible recession means nothing to these people. This card was a COSTCO rewards card..I wonder if that has some bearing on their decision. I am disappointed in the behavior of this company to just suddenly cancel someone with an over all good history.

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jeffey9/11
Ph, US
Jan 14, 2010 12:24 am EST

American express has become one of the worse companies i have ever done business with. they never respond to the requesws and use the wrong information hat they have sold to you. they will argue with you even if they are wrong and have made a mistake. DO not be suprised if they go out of business because they have some really unprofessional and lousy people working for and running the company.

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Sumbate
, US
Jun 25, 2010 7:11 am EDT

Ok American Express Costco card . your computers cant think, your cs service department operates with no regard for human error, but yet you have made the error way out of control by total lack of inter company communication. my problem has been on going for 6 months and no one has taken authority and cleared it up correctly. like im going to pay ur jacked up interest charge when you where to lower the rate back down to 9.24 and it takes you more than a month. you are not acting like a partner to costco and there massive membership customers when you are not willing to honor working something out that has spun so far out of control case 7 different people at

AMEX handle a problem, dont return calls, dont leave call back numbers, totally unwilling to work with small business, so next i call Costco and have them help me get things right. please help me out or i will drive negative people and press to help me be heard loud and clear!

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Vishnev
, US
Feb 17, 2010 3:06 pm EST

How low and how cold can American Express be to call my daughter on her cell phone yesterday, Easter Sunday, to tell her that her credit limit was being drastically reduced. My daughter has been a loyal, prompt paying customer of American Express for many years; now American Express has possibly wreaked havoc on her credit rating with this uncalled for action. Come on, American Express- Easter Sunday? What will happen when my daughter tries to buy a house, her immediate plan. Will American Express relay to creditors that my daughter is not a deadbeat? Of course not.

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Meliss
,
Nov 17, 2008 12:58 pm EST

I have had and currently hold, R1 credit ratings for over 25 years.(since my first credit card!NEVER have mised one payment, and ALWAYS pay extra) I have had my AMex card for about 3 years, with a credit line of about 6k. I owe about 300.00.. i received a letter (after I looked on my account online with shock!) that they reduced my credit line to 500.00. After several calls about my rewards points that were supposed to go to my balance, I got the runaround and no one could give me the same answer. I finally called again today and spoke to another supervisor, who said the prior reps. must have mis-informed me ...so im now stuck with the points balance amount due. IM sorry they misinformed you? is all i get ! Thanks a lot ripoff company. Ill NEVER do business with them again...Ill take my R1 credit to someone else who appreciates a customer!

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CanAmex
3000 20th st n, US
Dec 18, 2008 3:55 pm EST

Don't Trust AMEX. They are screwing thousands of their customers daily!

They took away 70k of our available credit with no warning. No lates, 700+ score. What they are doing should be against the law. I wrote a blog with some things I did to fight back:

http://amexcreditreduction.blogspot.com/

The funny part is they are also asking for BILLIONS from the bailout bill. The same bill that was passed by congress to INCREASE lending!

Once again, they little people get the shaft, while corporate america gets a bailout. Shameful. Shameful Shameful.

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Sanders
, US
Jun 14, 2010 7:18 am EDT

I made a reservation for a hotel in London using American Express Travel. The payment was in the form of cash and American Express points. Because of the volcanic eruption in Iceland, I tried to change the reservation. The hotel chain, Holiday Inn, would have readily made the change; however, the reservation was owned by American Express so they REFUSED to make the change. American Express expected me to pay the full fee of $2, 892.71 to change the reservation. A ripoff by American Express and a ripoff by Holiday Inn if they are unwilling to make the change.

I have had an American Express Card since 1976. In that time the service has been reasonable. This event has raised a "red flag" about a possible deterioration of service at American Express.

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kellimaj
Latrobe, US
Jan 27, 2009 10:02 am EST

I was offered a gas rebate card for purchasing AmEx gift checks at the local mall. Of course, I followed the instructions carefully and received a letter back that my Gas Card had been denied for one of 6 listed reasons. I re-checked the application and rules for all 6 reasons and none should have disqualified me. The letter provided an invalid web address and I have been on hold for over 50 minutes to the phone number they listed.

I'm sure they deny these as a matter of course and if I have the patience to remain on hold, I wonder what the outcome will be. Either way, this is a scam (most people won't bother going through all this and I'm sure they're counting on it) and I will never do business with this company again!

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Luis PIsterman
Valencia, US
Feb 08, 2010 3:56 pm EST

I bought two airline tickets using reward points based on the advertising that the tickets did not have any restrictions (Amex advertises that airlines tickets bought with points do not have blackout dates and/or restrictions). When I called the Airline to request upgrades using my airline points I was told that due to the ticket fare it was not upgradable.
When I contacted American Express I was told that they were going to look into the problem, I ended traveling and after returning I contacted Amex again and I was told that I never contacted the airline (?) and that the tickets did not have any restrictions.
I sent a letter to AMEX with the following attachments: photocopy of the tickets issued by their travel agency, photocopy of the airline regulations with respect to fares in which it read very clear that the fare in question was not upgradable.
As of today (more that a year went by) they are still giving me the round around and not taking responsibility for their mistake.

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luciano
, US
Jan 05, 2009 10:01 pm EST

After years of a good relationship;after inviting me to a higher level of credit, Platinum ($35.000) and with a balance of $11.000, without being late and paying a higher membership fee, without a curtesy call, let us say 6 months ago, they E-Mail me informing me of the reduction.Now even my FICOscore will be negatively effected. So my dear fellow Americans let us send American Express millions of e-mails telling them that behind every account there is a person, a family that takes PRIDE in having a good credit line. Thank you. www.linealuciano2000@yahoo.com

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olga
renton, US
Dec 22, 2008 1:20 pm EST

AMEX BE AWARE! I have been with AMEX for several years. I have personal and business cards. I have never, ever missed a payment on any of the cards and my credit history was always great. Just last week my Amex card was declined - I was surpised, because as far as I know I had another $2, 000.00 of credit line to go. Anyway, I called Amex right away and I could not believe what I was hearing. Amex decreased my credit line - which would have been fine if it wasn't for very important detail: the amount of the new reduced line is $1, 650.00 less then my current card balance! So, it looks as I west $1, 650.00 over the limit! I got fees, I got "defaulted"! American Express had nothing to say to me except that if I don't come up with that difference in literally a week than I will continue to be in default! I am basically screwed! Amex is running me into the bancruptcy! It has to be illegal! Mind that I have been a good and loyal customer and nothing else for all those years!

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TpC
, US
Feb 24, 2009 1:11 am EST

I have had my American Express card for just over a year. I pay my balance off every time I use my card on time never late. Without notice AMEX canceled my card. I called customer service and was told that I had high debt with other creditors. I have two credit cards or I should say I had two cards, AMEX and a Visa. I hardly use my visa and when I do, my balance has never been more than $200.00 and I always pay off the balance. This is the same with my AMEX cards. I told the customer agent this and asked where they got their info. She said from Experian. I checked my credit report monthly and I have a good credit score (over 700). I was told there was nothing they can do, but I can reapply for a new card. I told the agent I would not reapply and that I would tell people to never apply for a AMEX card.

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crodney
, US
Sep 27, 2011 4:25 pm EDT

You just recently increased my interest rate to 15.25%, up from 9.99% when I originally opened my acct with you. What's up? Interest rates are dropping all over the place, and mortgage rates are under 5%. If anything you should be reducing interest rates, not increasing them. Your customer service supervisor refused to refer me to her manager or give me her manager's name, so it's pretty obvious there is absolutely no appeal process in place. It appears you just sit behind your desks and pull interest rate figures from the air, then cowardly insulate yourself from your victims?

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charme warren
Austin, US
Jan 23, 2009 8:23 am EST

I recieved a Gift Card for Christmas with $25.00 on the account. I used the G.C. once, but not to it's full amount.
I wanted to use this card again in combination with a few other G.C's I had recieved so I called the number on the back of the card to find out what my remaining balance was.
The number I called had been changed so I took note of the new # that was given to me. I called the second # and was informed that it was no longer in service as well. My phone call was then automatically rolled over to a voice mail that was going to tell me the 3rd number to call, but was cut off in the middle of the information given. I was told by a computer voice to call again another time.
After repeated attempts to find out my balance I gave up and determined that my family had just been "JIPPED".
I will be informing them and anyone else who will listen not to purchase a gift card from American Express because if you don't use it all the first time you will get ripped off.

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TroublewithAmEx
Washington, US
Mar 10, 2010 4:43 pm EST

I applied for an American Express Skymiles card and wanted to transfer my miles from NW Airlines World Perks to Delta Skymiles because NW had merged with Delta. AmEx told me that I didn't qualify because I didn't have an adequate credit record. I sent them a copy of my Experian credit report showing a very high credit score--within the best 3 percent of all people. But they never apologized or took any initiative to reactivate my card request, and I was to fed up to bother to apply again.

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CostcoFan
Livermore, US
Mar 07, 2009 7:17 pm EST

While traveling for my company, I was notified by the hotel that my card was declined. As I spoke with American Express customer service rep, they indicated that they were doing random review and decided to lower my limit down. This happened without proper and timely notification. This came without 30 days notice. I can do without this card and the lack of service and business sense necessary to stimulate the ecomony and its card holders.

Amex needs to be investigated just like all the other finanical institutions. They are playing with fire!

This kind of bullying is typical of a larger company. But just like all the companies that have fallen, so will Amex. I plan to notify Costco of their partnership with this company and make them aware of this tactic. This will discourage Costco members from signing up with Amex/Costco.

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Heyay
, US
Feb 23, 2011 5:01 pm EST

AMEX screwed up my account by debiting my account with four of someone else's balance transfers totaling over $12, 000.

This happened. They refused to help me and correct their mistake until I threatened to sue them.

They aggravated me so badly with their extremely poor customer service, that I created a website containing a detailed account of my experience. I hope others read what AMEX put me through and think again before opening an account with American Express, or cancel an existing account before AMEX screws them over.

The site is at www.AMEXblew.com.

Even though I paid off all of the legitimate charges I made in full and on time, AMEX still showed a phantom balance of $138.19 after all the bogus charges were removed and were explained away as 'fraud'.

They still have not satisfactorily explained to me where this balance came from.

After I complained, they issued a $100 'goodwill credit, ' but they are still making me pay $38.19 I don't owe.

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Sibuline
, US
Sep 29, 2011 6:08 pm EDT

I went to pay in cash an amex bill for another person--was informed cash was no longer acceptable--must be check or money order--got money order--they refused to accept the payment dated as paid vbut would send to amex office UPS within 24 hoursw--this meant I QWOULD BE LATE WITH PAYMENT. FO0R THE LAST FIVE YEARS AT LEAST I HAVE PAID WITHOUT ANYT PROBLEM--THEY CLAIM A CHANGE IN POLICY but THEY NEVER ADVISXEWD ANYONE OF THIS CHANGE! Now I have to pay a latye fee and they make the money even though they never told anyone thisw was going to happen!

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Ali A. Al-Dawood
, SA
Oct 18, 2011 10:30 am EDT

I have an important concern about the follow up by the American Express Application Processors at Customer Service in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh.
I have submitted my new application request since October 06, 2011, and nobody called me form American Express Group to tell me that I have missed to sign one paper of the application.

I called the free number ([protected]) on October 18, and a person named Homood informed me about the missing signature in the first page of the application.. I have signed the application where indicates the signature and there is no space or indications to sign the first page.

I think that this type of service is not acceptable to all the new credit card holders and it needs someone to rectify the deficiencies.

My Name: Ali A. Al-Dawood
Gov. ID. No.: [protected]
Mobile No.: +[protected]
Email: ali.dawood.2@aramco.com

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JayceeSke
Peoria, US
Aug 08, 2011 5:34 am EDT

In December 2008 called to cancel/close my account and request an account analysis. I had not received statements for many months and I was planning on foreclosure or bankruptcy, so wanted to confirm zero balance. Was told 5-6 days. No analysis after 6 WEEKS, so called again and requested and again no response. Logical assumption is account closed with zero balance. My current credit report shows a balance over $1300 which is more than ever charged in any 12 month period since 1984. Please advise address of executive I can visit in Phoenix AZ to get this resolved. Their customer service people know how to do nothing but read a script. Not near good enough.

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Jolyon
, US
Jun 02, 2010 3:32 pm EDT

I had a 9.99% fixed rate account with American Express since 2001. American Express raised the interest rate on my account to 12.5% without sending me separate written notice of the change. I was not then nor am I now in default on my payments or any other terms of the card agreement. When I found out about the increase I contact Amex and was told it was due to "market conditions". I immediately closed my account. Four months later they raised the interest again to 15.24%. I contacted them and they refused to return the rate to what it was when I closed my account and claim they can chnage the terms of the agreement at any time for any reason and I have no ability to opt out of the change. American Express recently reported huge increases in profits. I ahve filed complaints with the FTC, my state attorney general, the BBB and I encourage anyone else who has been ripped off by Amex to do the same. I would welcome inquries by class action attorneys.

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vake777
Aberdeen, US
Oct 01, 2010 10:16 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have been a customer of American Express since 1998! I have never been late once, not even once! ever...
Every month for the past 6-8 months, they start emailing me and calling me - HARASSING ME to pay the balance on my card because I have spent more than what I normally average! This all happens even before I actually receive my bill.

I have a number of bills auto-billing me on this card. They suspend the card if I don't immediately comply to their demands and pay my balance (yes, before I even receive the bill). Then all my auto-bills decline and then I have to call and re-enroll etc. I am going to take my business elsewhere - I have had it. Beware, this is no way to treat their customers - this is NOT a good, ethical company. This behavior is extremely unprofessional!

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S Ghiai
Atlanta, US
Mar 26, 2013 4:28 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

After being a member for 20 years, my limit was reduced by half just for paying late due to problems logging in. Representative in India who I could not understand hung up on me twice and then could not help. I have calculated spending over 2 million over 20 years which they charge merchants 4% and me annual fees and interest. No more
I hope the get stUck with people who would stiff Tem I order to appreciate people like me.

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Yield
, US
Feb 10, 2010 2:25 pm EST

In December 2008 AX lowered my limit from $17, 500.00 to $5, 000.00 without notifying me before taking that action. They also raised the interest rate to 27.24% ! This is robbery. I've had a credit line with them since 1982, and this is no way to treat such a long time, good paying customer. This card will be canceled and I recommend everyone else do the same. Many businesses don't even take AX because the company charges them too much for transaction fees. I will tell everyone I know what they've done, and I encourage a boycott of American Express!

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Angry in Chicago
Elmwood Park, US
Dec 08, 2008 1:19 pm EST

American Express is so mismanaged! I had all of my identity stolen in August and reported my stolen AMEX cards to them immediately. I had a pending online payment due within 48hours of the theft and was unable to cancel the payment due to the time element. I was assured by the representative on the phone that I could re-submit my payment with my new bank account info and all would be well. I did so and the payment was on time. I have 2 AMEX cards and I neve have a balance of more than a few hundred dollars on each, paying well over the amount due each month. I have never been late on either card and have a credit score of almost 800. In the past two weeks AMEX has cancelled my FlexPay on the Gold card and reduced my credit limit on the Blue card from $15000 to $500! After talking to the rep on the phone for 15 minutes I asked for a Supervisor and was patched through to Herno Sejour, in the credit department. After spending almost 45 minutes talking to him, I found out that the reason the credit limit on my Blue card was reduced was because they showed a NSF in August (when my purse was stolen) on the Gold Card in spite of the fact that I had called and explained what was happening and the payment was made on time with the new checking account! The information in their system showed no report of my cards being stolen and the bank info needing to be changed due to the theft. They only showed "replacement cards" being sent. They quote Experian as their credit reporting agency and in checking with Experian, I found no adverse information contained. This all started when I called in on November 24th to have the Flex Pay removed from my Gold Card. Somehow they have completely confused the information in my file with them and I can't get anywhere in trying to resolve the issue. I have heard from 3 other business associates that it's best to "LEAVE HOME WITHOUT American Express" because they are one of the worst credit card companies out there. I BELIEVE!

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Snulkino
, US
May 11, 2010 8:46 pm EDT

You just recently increased my interest rate to 15.25%, up from 9.99% when I originally opened my acct with you. What's up? Interest rates are dropping all over the place, and mortgage rates are under 5%. If anything you should be reducing interest rates, not increasing them. Your customer service supervisor refused to refer me to her manager or give me her manager's name, so it's pretty obvious there is absolutely no appeal process in place. It appears you just sit behind your desks and pull interest rate figures from the air, then cowardly insulate yourself from your victims?

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PatseChi
Chicago, US
Sep 06, 2011 10:53 pm EDT

I would have thrown it in the bin and sent an invoice to the American Express office for $47.95, trash removal service

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Equus
Melbourne Metro Area, AU
Jun 28, 2011 12:55 pm EDT

Amex is full of ###.

Amex Australia takes the Bcake for false advertising. They collect money and return it months later under the pretext that the item you claimed under rewards was discontinued.

What a convenient way to collect interest free funds. Imagine Amex doing this with say a 100million dollars for just a month. The interest they earn would be huge enough.

Boycott AMEX.

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Cmiller50
, US
Mar 12, 2010 7:44 am EST

Just told because I have used my card more, it would be put on hold, even though the payments isn't due for a couple of weeks? Sounds like somebody is in financial trouble and it isn't me!