Date Received: 2023-10-11
Issue: Trouble using the card
Subissue: Trouble using the card to spend money in a store or online
Consumer Complaint: On XX/XX/XXXX I acquired an Amex prepaid gift card, advertised to function like a standard credit card. However, every attempt to make a purchase was declined, despite using vendors that readily accept other prepaid gift cards, such as XXXX. Seeking resolution, I called Amex customer service on multiple occasions. Not only was my issue not addressed, but I also faced multiple instances of discourteous and unprofessional behavior from their representatives. Some even terminated the call without providing assistance. This is not a unique problem, as evident from the multitude of similar complaints on a XXXX thread : https : XXXX.
Company Response:
State: RI
Zip: 029XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-10-11
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-10-11
Issue: Improper use of your report
Subissue: Reporting company used your report improperly
Consumer Complaint: IN ACCORDANCE WITH FCRA THIS CREDITOR HAS VIOLATED MY RIGHTS. UNDER 15 USC 1681 SECTION 602 STATES I HAVE THE RIGHT TO PRIVACY. 15 USC 1681 SECTION 604 A SECTION 2 ALSO STATES A CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCY CAN NOT FURNISH AN ACCOUNT WITHOUT MY WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS. UNDER 15 USC 1666 B A CREDITOR CAN NOT TREAT A PAYMENT ON A CREDIT CARD ACCOUNT UNDER AN OPEN & CONSUMER CREDIT PLAN AS LATE FOR ANY REASON.
Company Response:
State: NJ
Zip: 08330
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-10-11
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-10-10
Issue: Trouble using the card
Subissue: Trouble using the card to spend money in a store or online
Consumer Complaint: American Express Gift cards are useless, as they are scarcely acceptable to use for online purchase or for gas or at a restaurant. I have three ( 3 ) separate Amex Gift Cards sealed and unused, that I just received from an employer. Each are purported to be valued at {$50.00} USD. Just minutes ago I opened and attempted to use for an online purchase. All three ( 3 ) cards were declined. I attempted to register cards via https : //balance.amexgiftcard.com/ # / and all three ( 3 ) cards were declined. I called the 1-888 number on the back of the Amex cards and discovered that one ( 1 ) card only contains TWENTY CENTS VALUE on a {$50.00} card. This card was never used. How is this possible? The other XXXX ( XXXX ) cards contain FIFTY DOLLARS VALUE each. However, I am unable to make any purchase online with these gift cards. XXXX XXXX : XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/30 XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/30 XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/30 XXXX
Company Response:
State: CO
Zip: 80123
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-10-10
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-10-10
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: I ordered king crab legs from a XXXX add XX/XX/XXXX or XXXX 2023 for {$74.00} for a party. The add said they come from XXXX. It was free 2 day shipping in dry ice. I never received crab legs. Website that was in XXXX ad no longer exists. When I tried to go to website afterwards it kept re directing me to a website that sells clothing and accessories! After repeated attempts to get information from American Express I decided to file this complaint. I have reached out to XXXX multiple times letting them know I did not receive what I ordered they said when they reached out to the company that the company said they sent me something and the date they said it was delivered. I explained the only thing I have received in mail was a cheap pair of earbuds ( I did not order ) but it was not from company charging me. I asked what the company said that they sent me, XXXX would not tell me I asked for copy of response from company XXXX representative said she would email it to me she did not, instead she sent an email letting me know how to file fraud charge. Which I had already done. They closed the case I filed another complaint then I called and said it would not let me send finish filing the fraud charge complaint because it was for same reason as before and that one had been closed because the company said they sent me something. So she took information over phone and kept saying well its been several months since the charge! I said I know and I filed a fraud claim immediately when what I ordered was not received when promised, so she filed fraud charge again then they closed both because they said I started one on internet that was open ( I could not complete ) and then called and submitted again so they couldnt have XXXX open at once for XXXX complaint. So they closed BOTH! I call again guy says company making charge said you received something, this time he gave me a tracking number and shipping company. So I went online typed in tracking # it showed nothing I emailed shipping company asking them to send me information on the tracking # they never responded. This has been going on for months now. The simple fact is I ordered consumable crab legs that was supposed to arrive in 2 days they never arrived. The company making charge says I received something but no one knows what it was or has proof that it is I ordered. I have repeatedly requested the information from American Express which they never provided.
Company Response:
State: MO
Zip: 64801
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-10-10
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-10-10
Issue: Problem with a purchase shown on your statement
Subissue: Card was charged for something you did not purchase with the card
Consumer Complaint: I was taken advantage of because I have a learning XXXX and a physical XXXX and now have to speak to this phone to write that someone has stolen and use my card to multiple place and I do not know who. Some people come to help me out sometimes to clean and to general help me out. all of the charges are not mine this is the second time and American Express is discriminating against me because of my learning XXXX and XXXX by refuse to help me. Please just help me. Im tired of people taken advantage of me. I didnt never authorize no one. The lady I speak did not even do anything to fix my balance
Company Response:
State: IL
Zip: 60564
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-10-10
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-10-09
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed
Subissue: Debt was result of identity theft
Consumer Complaint: I noticed an account on my credit reports from a company called AMERICAN EXPRESS that I never had any business relationship with. AMERICAN EXPRESS was attempting to collect on a an alleged debt in the amount of {$2000.00}. I have had my identity stolen and sent AMERICAN EXPRESS a letter via certified mail XX/XX/2023 notifying them about this fraudulent account including a copy of my Identity Theft report asking them to please delete the fraudulent account from my credit reports. I also disputed this fraudulent AMERICAN EXPRESS account with the credit bureaus. AMERICAN EXPRESS however continued reporting this fraudulent AMERICAN EXPRESS account with the credit bureaus. XX/XX/2023 I noticed AMERICAN EXPRESS still reporting this fraudulent AMERICAN EXPRESS account with the credit bureaus. I then sent AMERICAN EXPRESS a DEBT VALIDATION LETTER via certified mail XX/XX/2023 requesting the agreement between AMERICAN EXPRESS and myself and the original application for the account. AMERICAN EXPRESS violated the FCRA 15 U.S.C. 1681g ( d ) by failing to provide the evidence requested after being notified about the identity theft. FCRA 15 U.S.C. 1681g ( e ) states .... a business entity that has provided credit to, provided for consideration products, goods, or services to, accepted payment from, or otherwise entered into a commercial transaction for consideration with, a person who has allegedly made unauthorized use of the means of identification of the victim, shall provide a copy of application and business transaction records in the control of the business entity, Pursuant to the FDCPA 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( b ) AMERICAN EXPRESS was required to cease collection efforts until the alleged debt was validated but failed to do so. AMERICAN EXPRESS continued reporting the alleged debt to the credit bureaus in its attempts to collect on the alleged debt thereby violating the FDCPA 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( b ). I saw the fraudulent AMERICAN EXPRESS account XXXX, XXXX and XX/XX/2023 on my credit reports. I then sent AMERICAN EXPRESS a FAILURE TO RESPOND letter via certified mail XX/XX/2023. AMERICAN EXPRESS violated the FDCPA 15 U.S.C. 1692e ( 2 ) In its attempt to collect on an alleged debt by falsely representing the character, amount, or legal status of any debt. AMERICAN EXPRESS violated the FDCPA 15 U.S.C. 1692f In their attempts to collect on the alleged debt by collecting an amount that was not expressly authorized by an agreement creating the debt or permitted by law. AMERICAN EXPRESS violated the FDCPA 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( b ) by not ceasing collection efforts until the debt was validated. Case law is well settled that reporting an alleged debt to the credit reporting agencies is " an attempt to collect on a debt ''. Pursuant to the FDCPA 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( b ) AMERICAN EXPRESS was required to cease collection efforts until the alleged debt was validated but failed to do so. AMERICAN EXPRESS continued reporting the alleged debt to the credit bureaus in its attempts to collect on the alleged debt thereby violating the FDCPA 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( b ). Additionally, AMERICAN EXPRESS FAILED TO RESPOND to the DEBT VALIDATION LETTER within 30 days causing me to send a FAILURE TO RESPOND letter via certified mail XX/XX/2023. AMERICAN EXPRESS violated the FCRA 15 U.S.C. 1681i by not validating the alleged debt within 30 days. I saw the fraudulent AMERICAN EXPRESS account XX/XX/2023 on my credit reports and it is still there as of this filing.
Company Response:
State: IN
Zip: 46516
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-10-09
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-10-09
Issue: Trouble using the card
Subissue: Trouble using the card to spend money in a store or online
Consumer Complaint: I received an American Express gift card for {$100.00}. I tried using it at XXXX XXXX, an online clothing store and at XXXX. It was rejected everywhere. Online forums say that this is typical. I submitted questions online and talked to someone at American Express, but they wouldn't help. They just said useless things like to check the balance. They basically that I had to keep trying to find a retailer that would take it.
Company Response:
State: NY
Zip: 11215
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-10-09
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-10-09
Issue: Fees or interest
Subissue: Problem with fees
Consumer Complaint: XX/XX/2023 I contacted American Express in regard to a unknown balance. This card was was mainly used on my XXXX account where I signed up for it. After being on the phone for about XXXX hours I noticed the fee was due to a charge that XXXX didn't refund back to the card. So I agreed to pay the charges and all other fees were waived due to me not being aware of the bill because I had not been using the card. After that the bill had a XXXX balance and I requested for the account to be closed. Later I realized that I was still being charged fees on this closed account. In which I reached out before or the beginning of XXXX regarding the bill. I spoke with a supervisor who said he would mail out all my statements and for me to let them know what fees I didn't owe, other then that nothing was done about it and the bill was at a outstanding balance of {$200.00} due for XXXX, accumulated from fees that American Express continue to charge me for no reason though I paid my last payment in XXXX and closed the account. I have called about 7 times since then to get this issue resolved and I keep getting the run around and poor excuses regarding the fees. I have spoke to three or four supervisors in which, only one that I spoke to on XX/XX/2023 attempted to get the fees removed but only down to {$150.00}. I am constantly being told these charges are from when I didn't pay my bill in XXXX or XXXX ; which makes no sense if I paid my last payment in XXXX and late charges/ interest were waived on XX/XX/XXXX. Statement shows that a fee of {$39.00} dollars was added on XX/XX/2023 after I made my last payment on XX/XX/2023, and they have continue to charge me late fees and interest since that date though my balance was XXXX when I closed the account. The statement shows their adjustments on XX/XX/XXXX though everything was done on the XXXX of XXXX. I think there is glitch in their system because these charges are not accurate and makes absolutely no sense. I am not willing to pay these because I made my last payment and haven't used this account anymore since I closed it. My last calls to XXXX XXXX were made on XX/XX/2023. I was told I had to speak to a higher up level supervisor and the call had to be scheduled even though I called on a week day. The call was scheduled for XX/XX/2023 for XXXX am and no one has called. I am fed up with this company, I've never had such horrible customer service with any company. They won't listen to me as a customer and they keep making excuses for these charges and no one seems to want to resolve the issue. I have given them several chances to resolve this issue in which they have said that the date has passed for them to be able to waive their own fees that I am wrongfully being charged. They are ruining my business credit because this card is a business card. I need this to stop. I will never do business with XXXX XXXX again or advise anyone else to either. To resolve this issue, I need for all the fees to stop, all their charges to be removed, no additional charges to be added, and no more bills from American Express.
Company Response:
State: TX
Zip: 75056
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-10-09
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-10-09
Issue: Getting a credit card
Subissue: Card opened without my consent or knowledge
Consumer Complaint: I was just alerted that there has been a hard inquiry onto my credit report from AMEX. I do not have ANY account with AMEX and have never opened a credit card with them. I called AMEX customer service and they said someone had opened a XXXX XXXX Account credit card in my name, they did not tell me where and when this happened and told me they would handle it and close the account. I need to know if my information or SSN has been compromised.
Company Response:
State: NJ
Zip: 07960
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-10-09
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-10-09
Issue: Trouble using the card
Subissue: Trouble using the card to spend money in a store or online
Consumer Complaint: I received an AMEX gift card for the total amount of {$1500.00} however have been having issues attempting to use the card for the past month. No online retailers such as XXXX or XXXX would accept this card saying that it is on behalf of the credit card company declining the charge. I was able to use small amounts and got it down to {$1400.00} however I am still unable to purchase items online or in store. XXXX XXXX also refuses the card as well. I am stuck with a gift card that is basically unusable.
Company Response:
State: NJ
Zip: 076XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-10-09
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A