JC Penny, Charleston, SC - rude collection call on a Sunday - received no letter prior to call

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on August 9, 2002:

From:

RE: JC Penny, Charleston, SC - rude collection call on a Sunday - received no letter prior to call

I have been a faithful, in good standing customer of J. C. Penney in Charleston sine the store opened in the mall. Paid my bill always on time. Two months ago I received a call on Sunday A.M from a collection agent stating my account of $200.00 was past due 2 payments and I had to be make the payment that day. Prior to this phone call I never received a call, late notice or anything.

Needless to say I was upset and made a visit to the store on Sunday and paid my account in full. I was told in order to close the account I would have to call an 800 number on Monday. I made the call and canceled the account which I had since 1978. The very next day I received a regular statement from J.C Penny stating my last months bill was received one day late and a $25.00 late fee had been added.

I was given a minimum amount to pay by a certain day for that month. No notices that the account had gone to collection or if there was a serious problem with the account. Needless to say I no longer do business

with J. C. Penny.