Unwelcome bank charges
I have a credit card with First Gulf Bank (FGB). In September, 2014, someone called me from FGB and said that since I pay my bills regularly, they were happy to give me an offer. They said I would receive an insurance coverage for Dh300, for which I would have to pay Dh25 monthly for 12 months. They asked me whether I would be interested or not. I replied that I would be interested, but before joining I would need to get some documentation about the policy and so on.
To my utter surprise, they didn’t send me the documentation until now, and my September credit card bill showed that they have enrolled me for the scheme.
I called the customer care number and asked how they enrolled me in this programme, without any written confirmation, and asked them to cancel the Dh25 per month scheme. They told me they wouldn’t be able to do that, as I have already been enrolled in their scheme.
To be frank, I had a monthly credit card payment of Dh656 for a balance transfer of Dh7,200. The agent who gave me the credit card told me it was free for life. I hadn’t used the credit card until it was time for the balance transfer.
Midway through the credit card instalment, I found an extra Dh250. When I enquired, I was told it was the annual fee for the credit card.
I called the customer care and was told that I would need to pay it, as the credit card was not free. This incident has happened to a few of my friends as well, which I came to know about later.
How is it that an agent sells a card, stating it’s free, and after one year, the bank charges you a certain amount? Also, how is it that I get enrolled into a instalment scheme for which I requested the documentation, but haven’t yet received?
Please Gulf News, look into this matter seriously as you are my last hope.
From Mr Prasanth Radhakrishnan, Dubai
The management of First Gulf Bank responds:
FGB is grateful for all customer feedback to which we give careful consideration, as we strive to consistently deliver the highest standards of service. FGB has been in contact with Mr Radhakrishnan, and the matter has been resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Mr Radhakrishnan responds:
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the time and effort that Gulf News has taken, for my issue.
I am happy that FGB has waived my annual fee by making me register for the Standing Instructions facility with du. They also promised to increase my credit card limit. Keep up the good work.
(Process initiation: January 27, 2015. Response from organisation: February 2. Reader confirmation: February 4.)
Why am I charged twice?
I purchased a phone from a Samsung store in Mirdif, with an etisalat plan. When I received my first bill, I was charged with the phone that I had already paid for. After five months of follow ups, and being sent to different offices of etisalat, they said they will issue me a refund. But they never did.
I have spent more money and so much frustration following up with them and nobody from etisalat even bothers to update me about my complaint. Will someone from etisalat please help me? I just want my money back.
From Mr Charles Rollon
Dubai
The management of etisalat responds:
Kindly note that the customer’s issue was resolved.
Mr Rollon responds:
Yes, the amount was refunded. Thank you.
(Process initiation: November 22, 2014. Response from organisation: December 26. Reader confirmation: January 4, 2015.)
Editor’s note: Do you have similar issues that you would like to raise with us? You can write to us at readers@gulfnews.com.
