Life with a credit card

I was sitting idle at office dreaming about my good future, when my mobile phone rang for the second time in a minute. The first time, I just ignored the call as it was an anonymous one. This time, thinking about urgency, I picked up the phone and said hello. A sweet voice, which I still remember as one among the most pleasant voices I have ever heard, was the response.

“Good morning Sir, My name is Swetha, I m calling on behalf of HSBC credit card section. Could you please spare five minutes so that I can introduce our new credit card scheme.”

I cannot recollect exactly her name and what she said. But I remember that I told her to go ahead even though I was reluctant to hold another credit card account. After her completing the introduction, regaining my sense of mind, I expressed my disinterest in having a credit card.

“Please Sir, We have special offer for technopark employees and joining fees and annual membership fees are waived. We will be visiting your office tomorrow. What time is convenient to you Sir for a meeting?” She asked.

“Any time.” My reply was abrupt as I thought of meeting the young girl who is gifted with this sweet voice. I googled to find out whether girls with good voice are good looking too.

Next day morning a gentleman came to me and introduced himself as HSBC credit card executive. He explained the offers and benefits with HSBC credit card. While he was searching for the documents, I was searching for that girls as I thought she would be accompanying him.

“I am not interested in this credit card, Anyway I will apply for one as it is free. Are you sure about the charges? Is there any hidden charges?” I asked.

“No Sir. You need to pay only the amount for which you purchase.” He explained.

I nodded and signed the application form after going through the terms and conditions.

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Almost one and a half year later, I got an opportunity to use my HSBC credit card as the available amount on my HDFC credit card fell down to zero. I had not used HSBC credit card till then as I was satisfied with the services offered by HDFC. Then onwards I started using HSBC credit card. I received a security gadget from HSBC, which impressed me a lot since I used credit card for most of the online purchases. I started receiving printed as well as electronic statements and mobile alerts and dropping cheques became my habit. Things were going smooth until I received the last month statement.

To my surprise, an amount of 700 INR was included as annual membership fees. Service tax and cess on this amount was also added. I suddenly contacted the HSBC customer service centre and complained about this. But the service centre representative argued with illogical reasons. In fact, they were not ready to revoke the additional charges. I finally decided not to continue with HSBC credit card and informed the customer care centre representative that I would pay only the amount for which I have purchased. He agreed and assured me that steps for closing the credit card account would be initiated as soon as I pay the amount. As per our agreement I dropped another cheque for the amount thinking that it would be the last one in favour of HSBC credit card. Two days later I found out that the access to their online services was denied to me and that was a relief for me as I was sure that it was the sign of initial steps as part of closing the account.

. * * * * * *

A month later I received a mail from HSBC saying that there is still outstanding balance in my account, which is to be paid. I checked with the customer service centre and found out that no payment was registered in the last two months. Hence there was late payment fees and interest accumulated in addition to the earlier amount. I checked with my savings account bank and came to know that HSBC has not yet produced or claimed the last cheque.

At first I thought that it happened by mistake or because my cheque was lost. But after discussing with my friends, I came to know that same things happened to some of my friends. I searched in Google and some of the social networking sites like twitter and I could see a lot of people in deep sorrow because of similar things happened to them. I am in a dilemma what to do next. Is this a clear case of fraudulent activity by HSBC? If yes how should I proceed further? The problem is that I don’t have a solid evidence to prove that I have dropped the cheque in time. Could you help me with your suggestions?
Now I realize the grief due to girl and gold.