I lost my job a few months ago due to budget cuts stemming from this horrible recession. I contacted all of my cc holders and relayed the information to them. A couple were very helpful in reducing my interest and monthly payments in order that I might keep up with payments. Walmart/GEMB was one of those that said they could do nothing for me and actually advised me to miss payments so I could qualify for their "hardship" program. I did actually end up missing payments (not on their advice but just b/c I couldn't find a job). I never avoided their calls, updated them on current information/phone number/address, and explained my situation each and everytime I spoke with an associate. Finally, this past Sept, I found a part time job. It's min. wage, but I was just happy to be able to pay my bills. Called Walmart cc and requested enrollment into their program. Was accepted on Sept 26...or so they told me. Then I received the next month's statement. Not only was the reduced interest rate I was promised NOT there, but I was also being charged a late payment fee one week after making my payment with a CSR via phone. I called to find out what was going on, and I have to say that it was probably one of the most unpleasant calls in my life. My CSR was extremely rude and told me that according to their records I was only added to the hardship program two days prior and that I should be grateful to be accepted into the program at all, and if I didn't like the terms, I should just stop payments. I tried explaining that I wanted to make payments, but I wanted them to fulfill their promise of a reduced interest and min. payment option. She stated that there was no documentation in her computer as to the terms I was referring to and that was that. When I pushed, she literally screamed..yes, SCREAMED...at me that she'd already wasted 12 min. on my call and wasn't about to waste any more. I never raised my voice, never lost my temper, asked her to stop yelling at me and told her again that I wanted GEMB to fulfill their part of our agreement. She threw a tantrum like a two-year-old and spat, "fine! I'll take off the late payment. happy?" Then again, amazingly, suggested I simply not make any payments. I've since written a letter to the company, emailed them, and will be prepared to contact the BBB as well as any local government agencies that might be able to help me. If dealing with this company, I highly suggest recording or documenting every single communication. Their verbal agreements aren't worth the imaginary paper they're not written on and their associates either don't document their calls or their documentation "mysteriously" disappears from their computer. If you aren't a card holder, for god's sake, don't get one. You'll regret it.
Last edited on Oct 27, 2009
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