Complain about a product or service

American Express

Collection Practices

American Express • AmEx Blue • Platinum Card • Centurion Bank • Corporate Card --- • Account reviews • Collection policies • Declined charges • Disputed charges • Fraud • "Free card" offers • Gift cards • Incorrect charges • Merchant complaints • Payment posting • Rewards programs • Theft of identity • Unauthorized charges

Paige of Murrells Inlet SC (11/17/03):
I am an attoreny, who actually does HOA assessments collections work. I cancelled my Delta Sky Miles card over 1 year ago. I was 2 months late with my payment as my husband and I just sold a house, etc. I paid the owed amount. I was then called after that payment and told they were cancelling my account, even though I had previously done so. I said, "OK."

Then, I was 15 days late last month and had already mailed the payment when I received a call at work today saying if they did not have the full balance w/n 72 hours, they would add on interest, and eventually go after personal property and garnish my wages. I asked for an itemized statement of account, just attempting to confirm no hidden charges if it is paid w/n 72 hours. The guy then said I no longer had 72 hours notice as they mailed me a letter on November 14th so my notice period was up today. They need payment by tonight at 9:00.

They said they don't have to send me a statement. I know that is incorrect, but I have not been told that who to write a letter to. This is so wrong. They are violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and this Allied Company lied to me in an attempt to collect the debt. I believe this is wrong and unethical. I will pay them all that I owe them, so I will not wait until they sue me; however, this treatment should stop.

Deborah of Georgetown DE (11/10/03):
I lost my job. I called all my creditors including American Express. I told them my situation. Exact words were, "We can't help that". I signed on with a settlement company. All my creditors were notified by me and by the settlement company by certified mail. I still continued to be harassed by S. Coverwell from American Express.

The company sent her a ceast and desist letter, certified. Didn't make any difference. Still continued to call me sometimes several times a day. One day a friend of mine answered the phone and S. Coverwell told this friend of mine, my business and told him to tell me I had to pay this bill or else.

"E" of Georgetown TX (11/5/03):
I received a letter from AmEx saying that they would cancel my card if I didn't pay my bill. I didn't think anything of it, because I had paid the amount due, app. $1300, and the check had cleared the bank. We owe an additional $9000 that I have been paying off each month. Last Sat. morn. without any correspondence, I received a phone call from CS Services, evidently a collection service used by AmEx. They informed us that AmEx accelerated our account and wanted their money now and for us to use any means necessary, 401K loan, refinance, or anything and pay up. I said that was not possible and they gave us until Mon. morning at 8 to make a decision.

Since then, it is now Wed., we have been called by 3 different individuals all harrassing and borderline threatening. We have asked them not to call at work, yet they continue. I told them that we were not late with any payment and couldn't understand the situation. I even told them that how were we to know that they were legitimate, because we had received no correspondence with AmEx. They bluntly told me that we would receive nothing from AmEx. I want to pay the people, but not on their unreasonable terms, but something more sensible. I told them a workable situation for us, but they essentially told us that they didn't want our money unless it was on their terms.

The high pressure collections and the conflicting information we receive from each individual we talk to is something we are not familiar with. We always pay our bills and cannot believe how others in worse situations than ours must be treated.

The stress on us is unimaginable. We both suffer high blood pressure, and their tactics are causing us stress and pressure we do not need. Also, our 23 year old daughter was on our account since she went to college. They continue to threaten that her credit will be ruined, because she was simply a cardholder on our account. This will be devestating to us and her.

Erica of Fredericksburg TX (4/22/04):
I have been placed on a special program with AmEx. and I have been making regular payments. I received notice that my next payment due is: May 2,2004. I made a 900.00 payment a few months ago and have been making regular $40.00 payments. Now, as of TODAY 04/22/04 I was sent to a collection agency. How can I be sent to a collection agency and still have an on time payment due 05/02/04. WHere are my consumer rights? I have not received ANY written notification nor is there ANY REASON for AMEX to take this drastic action! Obviously, AMEX appears to be unaware of my consumer rights under the LAW.

I had a collection rep. scream and yell at my friend who was here helping me at home. I am disabled and have medical problems! The collection agency is: Allied Interstate and the rep. name is: Carina. She yelled at John (who is an atty...my fiancee) that I should get out of bed. At no time did she ever identify herself and I was awakened, mind you I have medical problems.

Erica should file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

Today, I get another call from Amex demanding payment by the 25th of this month. I told the rep that I was going to make a payment by the end of the month as agreed upon the week before. He then got rude and started yelling saying that he didn't care what I was told, and that HE is telling me that payment needs to be made by the 25th. I then asked to speak to his supervisor to complain about his rudeness. Guess what? His supervisor Mrs. Lee was just as rude, if not ruder. She started yelling at me over the phone to the point it was threatening. She said she was going to report my account and get my credit damaged.

I explained that I could make a payment by the end of the month, but that wasn't good enough for her. If both representatives were a bit more understanding I would have made a payment today. I felt like they have no compassion and should not be dealing with their clients if their attitude SUCKS. Mrs. Lee said she didn't care what I was told, she IS the supervisor and what she says goes. My credit card payments have become past due and I pay what I am able to pay. She didn't even want to hear that. All she cared about was getting her point accross by yelling and refusing to listen to what I had to say.

I feel bad enough that I am having a hard time to keep up with my credit card payments, but when the company supervisor spoke to me in such a demeaning manner I just don't think that their clients should be treated that way.

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