Date Received: 2023-10-21
Issue: Trouble using the card
Subissue: Trouble using the card to spend money in a store or online
Consumer Complaint: The American Express gift card can not be used at online vendors or XXXX XXXX. Declined with no reason given despite the card being advertised to work with these service or refund the balance as cash or check to be actually useable.
Company Response:
State: PA
Zip: 19146
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-10-21
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-10-21
Issue: Problem with a purchase shown on your statement
Subissue: Credit card company isn't resolving a dispute about a purchase on your statement
Consumer Complaint: Hello ALL, Please review this timeline of what transpired : XX/XX/2023 I attended a webinar for section 8 pros interested in earning supplemental income purchasing and renting out section 8 properties. Through this webinar, XXXX XXXX laid out what he would do for us, i.e., setting up my LLC and operating agreements, hand pick 5 sections 8 units for me, getting involved in my offer negotiations, screening tenants, and setting up property management, and helping me scale 5 rental units ( stating NO EXPIRATION ON THIS PROMO AFTER PURCHASE. Also, he mentioned in his webinar that there would be step-by-step handholding for XXXX XXXX ( the ability to buy rental properties with only {$2500.00} down. He notes that he has access to his XXXX XXXX and finally a 60 money-back guarantee, which he notes Includes the full section 8 course, XXXX community access, private lender access, and monthly group Zoom calls. He stated during the webinar that this offer is good for the first 15 people who sign up and pay ( limited-time offer ) the moneyback guarantee removed any fear I had about signing up as I know I can get my money back if worst case scenario I cant or no longer wish to continue. I visit the checkout page, review the links at the bottom, and review Terms, Privacy Policy, and Refund Policy. The refund policy routes me to the privacy policy, leading me to assume the 60 moneyback guarantee was the refund policy. I proceeded to check out. Around an hour later Im sent links to sign up and join the XXXX community and create a username and password to his website for the video learning. Roughly an hour later I got home and discussed this with my wife and she let me know her business is not doing so well as she lost employment from several children she provides childcare for and we are losing a sizeable amount of monthly income so we decided to reach out via email to XXXX and request our refund. To my surprise, they replied Typically there are generally no refunds on digital/software products. Especially since I took up a limited slot on his webinar. But does bring up the 60- day guarantee still applying if I didnt buy a property at the end of the 60-day coaching period. This is the first time Ive heard that there are typically no refunds as this is not mentioned anywhere during the webinar and nowhere on the site to purchase the courses. XX/XX/2023 I replied to the email from the previous evening being as polite and provoking as possible to indeed receive my money back to which this XXXX person states he is empowered to refund {$2000.00} of my money now and the remaining $ XXXX will check with XXXX Friday morning. XX/XX/XXXX was that Thursday so I thought no problem Ill get my money back tomorrow. I thank XXXX and also let him know I will not be using the services, promos, etc. As I intended to get my full refund tomorrow XX/XX/2023 Friday comes I get nothing from XXXX or XXXX and the charge has now hit my account as it was run on the XXXX and posted on the XXXX. I emailed them at XXXX XXXX and received no response. XX/XX/2023 I emailed them again still no response. I started getting very nervous that they werent going to return my money so I started searching online regarding the company. I went to the charge and reviewed the company info stating its from XXXXXXXX XXXX but looking up the phone number and website it takes me to Section 8 Rental Assistance and its a company based out of XXXX XXXXXXXX. No luck there so I go back to the link that I was provided during the webinar I attended : https : //section8formula.com/paid-webinar I try clicking around on everything and reading as much as I could to see if there is any solution to getting my money back. I find nothing so I go to google.com and search Section 8 formula refund which leads me to the actual refund policy that was not disclosed to me at the time of purchase and ( it seems purposefully hidden from the purchase site he rushes you to in order to make your purchase. This leads me to here and the beginning of my nightmare with American Express. I dispute the charge with my credit card company 6 or 7 times and I continue to get the same response over and over again that they cant negate anyones policy even if I didnt receive it beforehand. XX/XX/2023 I emailed them after ( NOT ME ) my credit card company got a response in regard to my dispute. XXXX says I in fact did receive notice from the refund policy that is in place on his site and he included a copy of it in the response along with a receipt ( which was never sent to me other than the mailed response from American Express. This has been going on since XXXX so I have thrown some of them out but they all have the same information each time. American Express only accepts screenshots as proof. XXXX XXXX sends them his refund policy and American Express closes out the case. I first tried uploading video evidence of me clicking on his link for his refund policy to illustrate to American Express that it, in fact, doesn't take you to the refund policy but instead to a privacy policy, I tried sending the entire webinar to them showing he offers a 60 full money back guarantee ( again I've been disputing this since XXXX and still no refund from the merchant. The merchant not only stopped responding to me completely but also blocked me from the site they maintain I'm responsible for paying?? Here are some photos for you to review ( see link for photos ) https : XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XX/XX/2023 XXXX XXXX holds another webinar. I join under an alias as at this point, Ive pretty much been blocked from contacting them in any way. He starts again with his limited slot access exactly the same as before all the same information provided the only change this time is I screen-record the entirety of the webinar, including clicking on his link again to check out and again I try to click on his refund policy which again routes you back to his privacy policy. I attempted to provide this to American Express to no avail as all he has to do is resend them this policy that he has in place and thats the end of that. Present day Ive since given them a screenshot after screenshot showing them the webinar 60 money-back guarantee. A screenshot of the site inspection page shows that the refund policy he sent American Express is not accessible from the link he provided to make the purchase. I tried sending them a video but their guidelines wont accept a video and anything I upload to their site cant be anything larger than 10 megabytes The credit card company has since closed my case again stating Im liable for the charge, but I still feel with all this compelling evidence that I am not. I feel the merchant did not act in good faith by purposefully hiding the refund policy link on the check-out page from their ( hurry-up and by ) time/open slot arrangement webinar. stopped responding to me directly, lied to American Express stating I had a copy of documents that were never provided to me, lied about the 60-day money-back guarantee, and to top it all off theyve revoked my access to the online master class that this was all for. Thank you for taking the time to review this mess of a situation for me as this is my final and only resolution left to take with XXXX XXXX. Im including a link to the XXXX XXXX so that any screenshots or photos that are unclear are available to you through the site along with videos showing everything Ive laid out so far. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XX/XX/2023
Company Response:
State: AZ
Zip: 85132
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-10-21
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-10-21
Issue: Improper use of your report
Subissue: Reporting company used your report improperly
Consumer Complaint: According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act 15 USC 1681 section 602 a states : " There is a need to insure that consumer reporting agencies exercise their grave responsibilities with fairness, impartiality, and a respect for the consumer 's right to privacy. '' XXXX and XXXX are consumer reporting agencies and I am the Consumer. I have the right to make sure my private information isn't shared which is backed by 15 USC 6801 which states '' It is the policy of the Congress that each financial institution has an affirmative and continuing obligation to respect the privacy of its customers and to protect the security and confidentiality of those customers ' nonpublic personal information. '' AMERICAN EXPRESS is a financial institution by definition under that title. 15 USC 1681 section 604 a section 2 states that " In general Subject to subsection ( c ), any consumer reporting agency may furnish a consumer report under the following circumstances and no other : in accordance with the written instructions of the consumer to whom it relates. '' AMERICAN EXPRESS the financial institution and the Consumer reporting agencies XXXX and XXXX do not have my consent to furnish this information and they surely do not have my written consent. Any and all consent to XXXX, XXXX, AMERICAN EXPRESS whether it be verbal, non-verbal, written, implied or otherwise is revoked. 15 USC 6802 ( b ) ( c ) states that " A financial institution may not disclose nonpublic personal information to a nonaffiliated third party - the consumer is given an explanation of how the consumer can exercise that nondisclosure option. '' ( Furnisher of information to credit agencies ) Never informed me of my right to exercise my nondisclosure option. Not only that 15 USC 1681C ( a ) ( 5 ) states '' Except as authorized under subsection ( b ), no consumer reporting agency may make any consumer report containing any of the following items of information Any other adverse item of information, other than records of convictions of crimes which antedates the report by more than seven years. '' This account is an adverse item they are reporting again without my permission which is against the law. 15 U.S. Code $ 1681s-2 ( A ) ( 1 ) A states " A person shall not furnish an information relating to a consumer to any consumer reporting agency if the person knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the information is inaccurate. 15 U.S. Code 1681e states '' Every consumer reporting agency shall maintain reasonable procedures designed to avoid violations of section 1681c of this title and to limit the furnishing of consumer reports to the purposes listed under section 1681b of this title. '' XXXX and XXXX are not maintaining reasonable procedures. Also 12 CFR 1016.7 states that " A consumer may exercise the right to opt out at any time. '' I am opting out of your reporting services "
Company Response:
State: FL
Zip: 33705
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-10-21
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-10-21
Issue: Fees or interest
Subissue: Problem with fees
Consumer Complaint: I pay my monthly American Express balance in full each month via their app on my phone. The last statement indicated the due date was XX/XX/XXXX. I paid the full amount ( {$14000.00} ) on XX/XX/XXXX. The next statement included a {$380.00} finance charge and a {$29.00} late fee. I informed American Express by phone & was told there would be an " internal review " & I would be notified ( this was on XX/XX/XXXX ). I received no notice & called again on XX/XX/XXXX. I was told that it was declined and that the interest & late fee were due. In addition another {$190.00} was added as what they called " trailing interest ''. The only remaining balance during their review was the previous interest & late fee. So the balance now has increased to {$610.00}, none of which I feel is warranted.
Company Response:
State: WV
Zip: 249XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-10-23
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-10-21
Issue: Problem with a lender or other company charging your account
Subissue: Can't stop withdrawals from your account
Consumer Complaint: American Express National Bank XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, UT XXXX ( XXXX ) XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, SD XXXX XXXX Re : Banking Complaint under Texas Banking Codes Dear Sir/Madam , We are writing to formally file complaints against American Express National Bank and XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX regarding ongoing issues and problems with our checking accounts that have persisted over the last three years. We believe that the actions of these banks are in violation of the Texas Banking Codes and have caused us considerable inconvenience and financial distress. Background : In the last three years, XXXX XXXX and I opened three checking accounts with American Express National Bank and XXXX, XXXX XXXX. We have encountered a series of problems related to unauthorized transactions, disputed transactions, payment issues, and communication difficulties, which have adversely affected our banking experiences. Complaint Details : Unauthorized Transactions and Disputed Transactions : XXXX XXXX and I have experienced ongoing issues with unauthorized transactions and disputed transactions. Both banks have failed to conduct proper investigations and have not effectively resolved these concerns. This has resulted in significant financial losses and has left us dissatisfied with the resolution processes. Payment Problems : I have faced difficulties in making payments both online and in stores, often leading to transactions being declined or delayed. These issues have sometimes taken an extended period to resolve, with suggestions to make in-store purchases rather than online, which is not a satisfactory solution. Unauthorized Charges by Companies : On several occasions, companies have charged XXXX XXXX and my accounts without our knowledge or authorization. One such instance involved continuing payments for a service I canceled in XX/XX/2023. Despite promises from the company 's management team to resolve the matter, no action has been taken, and our accounts were charged without our consent. Transactions Holds : I have encountered transactions holds in the amount of {$0.00}, imposed by one of the banks. The banks advised me that these holds could not be disputed until they cleared, which often took several days or longer. This practice has inconvenienced me and resulted in delays in accessing my funds. Lack of Fraud Alerts and Account Freezes : Both banks have failed to provide me with notices of fraud alerts, and these alerts have led to account freezes without prior notification. This has resulted in disruption and inconvenience, particularly when trying to make essential purchases. Inability to Stop Withdrawals and Incorrect Withdrawals : On various occasions, We have encountered challenges in stopping withdrawals from our accounts, leading to incorrect amounts being deducted on the wrong days. This has further added to our financial burdens
Company Response:
State: TX
Zip: 765XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-10-21
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-10-22
Issue: Trouble using the card
Subissue: Trouble using the card to spend money in a store or online
Consumer Complaint: I paid for an American Express Pre-paid Gift cards on or about XXXX 2021, in the value of {$75.00}. The card had charges on it before I even received the card in the mail. I attempted to communicate with American Express to advise that AMEX needed to send a replacement card. Amex said that they disclaimed all liability! In fact, I could not even speak with anyone about the card. I emailed AMEX and a representative wrote me an email and said there was nothing AMEX would do after selling me a pre-paid gift card of {$75.00} with a balance of {$8.00} on it when I received it. For more than one year, I have been attempting to communicate AMEX about this. AMEX is discriminating against me as a minority woman by selling a pre-paid gift card with a {$75.00} Gift Card that only had {$8.00} on it. THIS IS NOT ABOUT A PURCHASE MADE USING THE CARD. THE PROBLEM HERE IS THAT THE {$75.00} PREPAID CARD CAME IN WITH A {$8.00} BALANCE. AMEX claims that " The Card was used for a purchase totaling {$67.00} at XXXX # XXXX located at XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. '' However, this is not true! Number 1, nobody in my family and I have ever eaten at XXXX. In addition, the charge from the XXXX was already on the card BEFORE I ever received it.
Company Response:
State: FL
Zip: 33143
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-10-22
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-10-22
Issue: Managing an account
Subissue: Banking errors
Consumer Complaint: On the XX/XX/XXXX, I received an email at XXXX XXXX saying someone was trying to change my email address.I call the customer service number XXXX XXXX XXXX and said it was ( NOT ) me and not let nobody change anything it was scammer.By XXXX XXXX, the same scammer get in my account by calling them and change my email and password and get in my account.But one error the bank makes, they did ( NOT ) asked the scammer my XXXX security code at the back of the card which only me know.XXXX is the XX/XX/XXXX and I still did not get my money back please help me I have XXXX kids and wife to take care of.every time I call somebody out of the United States answer.The bank name is American Express serve.Thank you
Company Response:
State: WV
Zip: 254XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-10-22
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-10-20
Issue: Problem with a purchase shown on your statement
Subissue: Card was charged for something you did not purchase with the card
Consumer Complaint: On or about XX/XX/XXXX, XXXX I onboarded XXXX XXXX XXXX line for a seven-day cruise. I then attended XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX for another eight-day cruise for a total of 15 days at sea. I attended with my best friend, XXXX XXXX, and our daughters, XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX. It was during the XXXX holidays and I had just lost my mother and needed a sabbatical. My experience on the cruise ship was nothing short of amazing for the service, and personnel was impeccable. During my stay, I incurred charges from XXXX XXXX of which I paid in Full. On or about XX/XX/XXXX my best friend, XXXX XXXX, and her daughter XXXX XXXX attended XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX again for the spring break holiday. I WAS NOT PRESENT ON THIS CRUISE. At the end of XXXX trip, I received a very large credit card charge on my personal American Express card ( ending in XXXX ) for {$10000.00}. This was the same card I utilized during my trip prior ; neither XXXX or I was able to understand how XXXX XXXX was able to charge my credit card when I wasnt on the itinerary nor was, I present on this voyage. Unfortunately, XXXX had already disembarked the ship and was unable to address the matter. I immediately called XXXX XXXX. I was advised that they had no such charges in their records and that I should contact my credit card company. I followed suit and contacted American Express explaining what had happened. American Express then reversed the charges ( temporarily ) while they formed a investigation. After two submissions on or around XX/XX/XXXX I received a letter from American Express stating the charge had been overturned, and I was no longer responsible for the debt. Apparently XXXX XXXX disputed the reversal. While meantime agreeing to a payment arrangement with XXXX XXXX to repay the outstanding balance. She provided them with an alternate credit card, and they charged {$5000.00} with subsequent payments between themselves and XXXX to pay her debt in full. Apparently, whatever they submitted back to American Express in their dispute was substantial ( Not sure what or how ). Therefore American Express reversed the credit and re-charge me the amount again! XXXX XXXX then returned the {$5000.00} they had received from XXXX and excepted my full payment from American Express. American Express then began to press me for the payment. I have been fighting this for the last SIX months with American Express! I have disputed the claim at least 4 times and submitted every document they requested confirming the inaccuracy with XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX has also been corresponding with XXXX XXXX requesting they overturn this charge of which they refused to. In each of my dispute with American Express The cycle repeats, they will place the charge on hold send the dispute to XXXX XXXX, who then returns the SAME EVIDENCE ( itinerary with the charges that was placed on my card ) with the charges. Nowhere on the itinerary is my name, nor was the card presented or present at the time of sail. Also, on the statement the charge says American Express however the number they listed isnt my credit card number! At one point when XXXX was speaking with a XXXX XXXX representative, she was advised that because I had attended a prior XXXX XXXX cruise with her that somehow my credit card number remained on her profile. Therefore, when is she was unable to pay her on board charges with her primary credit card, XXXX XXXX then defaulted to my credit card. This is absurd XXXX XXXX should not be storing credit cards for ANY REASON. Also, with every claim dispute XXXX XXXX responds with a different explanation of how the charges appeared. Theyve submitted serval bogus accusations, stating that the card was added prior to arrival ( online ), which isnt true ( they failed to prove ) then they said the card was presented when she onboarded, which also isnt true ( I had the card in my possession ) and utilized it in Florida at the same time. Even the card that they submitted as American Express isnt my card number. I have submitted written letters, affidavits, emails etc. XXXX has submitted letters and proof that these charges do not belong to me however XXXX XXXX and American Express has remained uncooperative in resolving this matter! I have been an American Express card holder since XXXX, I have several business and personal accounts and I have impeccable credit and payment history! Im now carrying a huge balance on my card ( accruing interest ), and American Express is forcing me to pay for a charge that ISNT MINE. The dispute division has offered me very little support, and in my opinion, they simply shift paperwork opposed to thoroughly investigating my claim. I believe had they had taken just a little time and considered ALL the facts this should have been resolved months ago! I have reached my wits end for my credit is being compromised and I have paid months of interest that isnt mine. Needless to say the countless hours I have spent calling, writing and following up is EXASPERATING and totally unfair! Shame on XXXX XXXX and American Express for being bullies! Each time I receive the same paperwork with a clear error, but nothing is done! I need for someone who to care enough about me as a LOYAL customer to research the submittals and rule in my favor. Im seeking to resolve this matter once and for all! I plan on submitting this letter, along with all of my supporting documents to every outlet, including the XXXX CFPB and the FTC in hopes that someone will hear my plea and provide me justice!
Company Response:
State: FL
Zip: 32818
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-10-20
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-10-20
Issue: Managing an account
Subissue: Deposits and withdrawals
Consumer Complaint: American Express has failed to adhere to its XXXX bonus XXXX direct deposit promotion. I have fulfilled all requirements and still no bonus posted to my account. Other bank users have had bonus to their account within 6-10 days. American Express checking needs to fix this. Customer service is useless and clueless. I have had direct deposit posted on XX/XX/XXXX
Company Response:
State: MA
Zip: 01906
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-10-20
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-10-20
Issue: Trouble using the card
Subissue: Trouble using the card to spend money in a store or online
Consumer Complaint: I have a gift card for XXXX and can not use it at seemingly any online retailer. This includes retailers that accept AmEx cards. Every time I try to use it the card is declined by the bank.
Company Response:
State: ND
Zip: 58201
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-10-20
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A