Why was my credit card bill late? The foreign call station's mistake revealed

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread discusses participants' experiences with customer service issues related to credit card billing and communication challenges with representatives who may not speak English fluently. Several users share their frustrations and anecdotes regarding late payments, account management, and the difficulties encountered when trying to resolve issues over the phone.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant recounts a frustrating experience with a credit card company where they faced issues setting up online payments due to poor communication and incorrect personal information.
  • Another participant expresses sympathy for the original poster's situation and acknowledges the importance of persistence in resolving such issues.
  • One user questions whether the account in question is with Macy's, sharing a similar experience of receiving overdue notices despite having sufficient funds.
  • Several participants express a strong preference for speaking with representatives who communicate clearly in English, citing past frustrations with language barriers.
  • One participant notes improvements in communication at the PC Solution Center, indicating a positive change in their experience over time.
  • Another user shares a negative experience with customer service from Office Depot, highlighting concerns about language proficiency among representatives.
  • One participant discusses the lack of an official language in the US and their frustrations regarding language barriers in customer service.
  • Another user mentions that some immigrants have successfully learned English, contrasting their experiences with those of foreign operators who struggle with the language.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the challenges posed by language barriers in customer service interactions, with many expressing frustration over their experiences. However, there is no clear consensus on the broader implications of these issues or potential solutions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences and frustrations related to customer service in the context of billing and communication, without implying any official stance or policy from any companies mentioned.

Who May Find This Useful

This thread may be of interest to members of the consultant community who have encountered similar challenges in customer service interactions, particularly regarding billing and communication issues.

lockhartkitchen
Messages
2,154
I received an email from my credit card saying I was late paying my bill. One month ago, I tried setting up online pay and couldn't get it to work. The person on the other line couldn't speak English well and said computers were down. Have tried several times throughout the month, but didn't have a statement to mail in.

Out of sight out of mind. I call and pay by phone and ask to speak to tech department. According to their records I was born in 1919. Hello!! No wonder I couldn't set up my account. I'm not a spring chicken, but I'm not THAT old. He fixes it, I set up my payments and call back to another department to get credited for the late charges which then gave me over the limit charges. The man (again couldn't speak English) was rude and said it wasn't their fault and they can't control when the computers are down. Uggh. He didn't get it. He said it was my fault. He said it had the correct birth date. Yes!! It was just changed.

Long story short! After asking for a supervisor several times, he refused then hung up on me. Call again, and a lady ask what the issue is. Your birthdate is 1919? Hello? I tell her I'd be a miracle baby. Supervisor please. I finally got a hold of a supervisor when I called back. I explained the issue. She took off ALL the fees, etc. and apologized for the man's rude behavior. Don't settle when you know you are right!!
 
Don't even get me started on this issue!

So sorry that you had to go through it, good thing you kept at it and finally got someone who would/could help you.
 
Just curious is this for a Macy's account?
I had the same thing, they kept sending me notices about my acount being overdue, I'd call they's tell me my checks were returned for insufficient funds (ummmm, no they weren't)
Then he told me I had 3 charges of 25 cents each that were due immediately or I'd lose my card with them. I disputed it, what do they even sell for a quater and why would I make the transaction 3 times??
Next time I went to use my card it was declined the account was closed!!
 
I refuse to spend any time anymore with anyone who cannot speak good clear english. I'm an American in America and I'll not waste my precious time trying to make sure a foreigner is understanding me. If I can't understand them right from the start... I just ask for a supervisor right away and I've been told that if I ask specifically for someone who speaks CLEAR and UNDERSTANDABLE English... that they are not supposed to refuse you so you did totally the right thing in continuing to pursue your rights! Way to go!
 
quiverfull7 said:
I refuse to spend any time anymore with anyone who cannot speak good clear english. I'm an American in America and I'll not waste my precious time trying to make sure a foreigner is understanding me. If I can't understand them right from the start... I just ask for a supervisor right away and I've been told that if I ask specifically for someone who speaks CLEAR and UNDERSTANDABLE English... that they are not supposed to refuse you so you did totally the right thing in continuing to pursue your rights! Way to go!


I TOTALLY agree! I have been frustrated more times than I can count just trying to be understood when speaking clear English.....and trying to understand someone who doesn't.
This was actually an issue at PC Solution Center until recently.....I'm thrilled that they heard all of the complaints - I haven't had this issue at all this season!:thumbup:
 
ChefBeckyD said:
I TOTALLY agree! I have been frustrated more times than I can count just trying to be understood when speaking clear English.....and trying to understand someone who doesn't.
This was actually an issue at PC Solution Center until recently.....I'm thrilled that they heard all of the complaints - I haven't had this issue at all this season!:thumbup:

That is SO true! When I first joined PC in mid 06 nearly everyone I spoke with was English challenged! Now that you mention this... it's been SUPER the last quite a few months. I recall telling my recruits not to put up with it but I don't think they have even had to encounter it! YEA!!!!!!!!!
 
Don't get me started with this! :grumpy: I don't buy by phone from Office Depot for one for this very reason. I swear those people are in another country. In fact, I had an issue with something from vistaprint a while back and had to wait a few days to get through to anyone because the offices were closed because of a hurricaine - I forget where but it was Central or South America. I felt concern for them but I also wondered why people in they US couldn't have those jobs.

And when did it become okay for people to move here and not learn the language?

I made a call to HO twice recently and got people with thick accents...
 
Unfortunately, there is no official language of the US, so there's no way to force people to learn English. Which is why stores that specialize in foreign items (like Asian markets, etc.) don't have to have signs that are also in English. Ugh. (That's another pet peeve of mine.)
 
Well... my inlaws immigrated here as well as many others in our church and some of them have been here over 50 years... learned the language very well but still have thick brogues... but at least THEY understand what I am saying and they use correct English when speaking. These foreign operators don't even understand much less speak English correctly.
 
BethCooks4U said:
Don't get me started with this! :grumpy: I don't buy by phone from Office Depot for one for this very reason. I swear those people are in another country. In fact, I had an issue with something from vistaprint a while back and had to wait a few days to get through to anyone because the offices were closed because of a hurricaine - I forget where but it was Central or South America. I felt concern for them but I also wondered why people in they US couldn't have those jobs.

And when did it become okay for people to move here and not learn the language?

I made a call to HO twice recently and got people with thick accents...
They are in Manilla. I had to deal with them earlier this year. I called and spoke to them everyday for a week. Finally I went back to the store and told the manager I was done and that he could deal with them and I wasn't leaving the store until I had a resolution......funny, had my problem resolved in less than 30 minutes.....and he even drove to Savannah (4 hour drive from here) to get me a new laptop. Kudos to him....but I don't shop at OD anymore.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was my credit card bill late?

Your credit card bill may have been late due to various reasons such as a delay in processing by your bank, a missed payment due date, or issues with the billing cycle. It's important to check your account statements and ensure that payments are made on time.

What does it mean when a foreign call station is involved?

A foreign call station refers to a customer service center located outside your home country. If your credit card company uses such a station, there may be communication delays or errors that could affect billing and payment processing.

How can a mistake from a foreign call station affect my bill?

Mistakes made by a foreign call station can include incorrect billing information, failure to process payments on time, or miscommunication regarding your account status. These errors can lead to late fees or missed payments on your credit card bill.

What should I do if I believe my late bill was due to a mistake?

If you suspect that your late bill was caused by a mistake from a foreign call station, contact your credit card issuer immediately. Provide them with details of your situation and request a review of your account to resolve any discrepancies.

Will I be charged late fees for a mistake made by the call station?

If it is determined that the late fee was due to an error on the part of the foreign call station, many credit card companies will waive the late fee. It’s essential to communicate with your issuer and explain the situation to seek a resolution.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

  • Pamperedva
  • Pampered Chef Finances
Replies
7
Views
2K
thehaleykitchen
  • Bren706
  • Pampered Chef Finances
Replies
2
Views
3K
Admin Greg
  • wadesgirl
  • Pampered Chef Finances
Replies
10
Views
2K
Dotty
  • esavvymom
  • Pampered Chef Finances
Replies
2
Views
1K
Admin Greg
  • andrealynne719
  • Pampered Chef Finances
Replies
7
Views
3K
andrealynne719
  • pkd09
  • Pampered Chef Finances
Replies
28
Views
5K
Fluffy215
  • esavvymom
  • Pampered Chef Finances
Replies
2
Views
1K
Admin Greg
  • Chef_2_Four
  • Pampered Chef Finances
Replies
3
Views
1K
Chef_2_Four
  • noelskitchen
  • Pampered Chef Finances
Replies
14
Views
2K
BethCooks4U
  • genburk
  • Pampered Chef Finances
Replies
12
Views
2K
SillyChef
Back
Top