Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California

''Hidden'' Credit Card Charges

I responded to a mailing from First Premier Bank offering a Visa and MasterCard for a fee of $26 each. I used each card to make a single purchase. Once I used the card I received a billing for fees I was not aware of for each card: $50 annual fee, $6 participation fee, and $119 acceptance fee, totaling $175. I immediately wrote to First Premier Bank and cancelled the cards, and included the cards in my mailing, and told them I would pay the two single charges (which I did pay) but not the additional fees. One bank representative I talked to stated in snide way that the fees were in the �very fine print�. It is indeed in the very fine print, not anywhere in the bold attractive mailing. The Bank calls me every day about the unpaid charges, and continuously sends me mailings about it. They tell me they are going to ruin my credit. I feel like I am being �legally� robbed and harassed. I�ve contested the fees in writing with the Bank, but they responded that I am still responsible for them. Do I have to pay these fees? How do I handle this situation?


Asked on 5/09/01, 9:40 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Scott Shabel Law Offices of Scott Lee Shabel

Re: ''Hidden'' Credit Card Charges

Depending upon the way the card was marketed, the bank's conduct may constitute a deceptive business practice, actionable under California law. You may also be able to sue the bank on behalf of all other California consumers similarly defrauded, and recover your attorneys' fees from the bank. If you would like to pursue the matter further, please feel free to contact our office.

Read more
Answered on 6/20/01, 10:56 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Credit, Debt and Collections Law questions and answers in California