Capital One Scam

[Westchaser]

I have been a Capital One cardholder for 10 years. In Feb 2010, I received a letter from them stating my "Introductory" APR expired. The net result was my rate immediately changed from a steady (for numerous years) 4.95% to 15.9%. After reading that letter, I immediately called their customer service line to ask (1) why since I have never exceeded by limit nor made a late payment and (2) what options did I have to get my rate back to what it was or at least lower. I was told (quote) "We understand your frustration but apologize as there's nothing we can do at this time to lower your APR. Please call back next month to see if it's possible at that time to reduce your rate. In the meantime, I'll notate your account that you called to inquire about lowering your rate." Since Feb 2010, I called each month with the same question and was literally given the exact same (scripted) reply. In the meantime, my monthly minimum payment more than doubled to Capital One. I've struggled but paid each one and did so on time. July 2010, after six months of struggling and calling Capital One, I called again with the same question and was told by "Seth" that I could "OPT-OUT of the NEW terms" that caused my APR to jump. I immediately reacted, informing him that I've been asking this question for six months .. why only now was I offered this wonderful news? His answer: "We are DISCOURAGED from telling customers about the opt-out option which also places your account in RESTRICTED status." I asked what "restricted status" meant and he clarified that "the card could NO LONGER BE USED for purchases BUT would reinstate your original APR of 4.95%." I nearly shouted "PERFECT!" when he told me this news. He said he would need to transfer me to a "senior account specialist" to complete my OPT-OUT request. I waited approx 5 minutes and another gentlemen took over the call. He was quick to tell me: "You've unfortunately MISSED the window of opportunity to OPT-OUT of the new terms and, therefore, you are STUCK (he actually said STUCK) with the new APR of 15.9%" WTF? I was LIVID. I told him how I've called for six consecutive months asking how I can get my old APR of 4.95% back but was told to call back .. and that my inquiry would be noted on my account. He proceeded to tell me "I'm sorry but there's no record of you ever calling - to ask about your APR or any other reason". If I could have jumped through the phone to strangle someone at Capital One .. I would have. I told him this is a SCAM and that I would be blogging this online on as many websites as I could locate. He said (quote) "I would do the same if I was in your situation". Either way, Capital One are running a DIRTY business of lending. Just google "CAPITAL ONE SCREWED" and you'll find a ton of posts like mine. I wish I could dump this account but, unfortunately, I'll be stuck paying off the balance well into the foreseeable future.

I have since submitted a complaint at: www(dot)occ(dot)treas(dot)gov(slash)customer(dot)h tm