HSBC Credit Card - Misleading customer care department

I have been holding a credit card with HSBC for a long time.

On 9th October 2006 I received a telephone call from HSBC that whether I am interested in converting my transaction of Rs. 10,460/- into 3 equal monthly installments at a nominal processing fee of Rs. 209/-. I agreed to this and the man told me that I would get another telephone call again from HSBC office for verification. After one hour I got a call from HSBC asking certain verification questions and finally they confirmed that Rs. 10,460/- has been converted into 3 EMIs, and I need not make Rs.10,460/- in one go and these 3 EMIs will reflect in the next three subsequent bills. I asked for a reference number if any for the conversion for a future reference, which in turn they said that it is not required as they have made necessary entry in their system. I therefore made Rs. 1850/- only against their statement period 24 Aug to 23 Sep. 06.

To my great surprise, few days Back I got an SMS in my mobile indicating my outstanding balance as Rs. 18,598.30, which includes finance charges of Rs. 853.35/- being the penalty for not making the payment of Rs. 10,460/-. Immediately I contacted their customer care department and I was told that no such conversion took place. From this it is quite clear that HSBC is misleading the customers by not allowing them to make the full payment and later on charging penalty, finance charges, service tax etc. Subsequently HSBC starts harassing customers for not making the payment.

HSBC Customer Care Department promised me that they would investigate the case and revert back to me. Till date no one has responded to my telephone call. I have also forwarded my complaints to HSBC’s various branches in India, but without any success.

Can anyone in this country can take action against this erring bank?

K.C. Mathew

Mob. 93124 37219

New Delhi-110 018

Email : Email User