HSBC Credit Card Department would not work with my husband when we were having financial trouble. My husband asked if he could pay x amount until we got on our feet. We were in the process of losing our home. My job contract was not renewed, so I was facing unemployment. HSBC said x amount was unacceptable and kept calling for the amount they wanted. The conversation kept repeating itself. When I tried to make a payment online, to show good faith even though it was not the amount acceptable to HSBC, we were locked out of the online service since the account was delinquent.

Statements stopped coming. Threat letters replaced statements stating we will be sued for the balance. We just received a certified letter from his employer providing us a copy of wage garnishment won in court in December 2010. No letter stating when they were going to court was sent to us. My husband was not able to state his side of the story. 2000.00 in late fees was assessed on a 1300.00 balance over the cource of one year.

There is a number for everyone to call if credit card companies run by national banks, such as HSBC, are behaving badly. 800-613-6743. You will be connected to the Office of Comptroller of the Currency. www.helpwithmybank.gov, I had no idea this office existed. I called the CA Attorney General's Office and asked who I take this matter to. The above office was given to me. The office investigates the bank to see if their dealings are outside the regulations. Call them first for instructions on how to navigate through the web site. When we find out the outcome of contacting this watchdog. I will write again.
American citizen