Barclays PLC Complaint: Closing/Cancelling account

#1554278 7 Sep 2015

Credit card

Complaint #1554278 submitted on 09/07/2015 relating to Barclays PLC. Complaint relates to Credit card - Closing/Cancelling account .

Complaint was submitted via Web and sent to the company on Tuesday 8th September 2015.

Narrative (may be redacted).

I am writing to describe unfair and deceptive practices exhibited by Barclaycard and XXXX in their handling of the XXXX XXXX XXXX. My father, XXXX XXXX recently received his renewal notice informing him of the {$89.00} annual fee. See attached. In XXXX, he will be XXXX years old, and no longer wishes to maintain his card. In fact, in XXXX, he lost his card and his account is currently blocked to prevent possible fraud.

The instructions on the letter is to call the XXXX number if he wishes to cancel the card. Because he has difficulty in hearing, I assisted him in calling the number. I explained the situation to the agent who insisted on speaking with my father. Although he could communicate his desire to close the card, ID 'd him by name birthdate and zipcode, that was not sufficient. I told the agent that they could ask me the questions, and I could communicate with him and provide further authentication, but they refused.

I then offered the following suggestions to no avail:1. My Father could write a letter to close the card ( The should have his signature on file to compare ) 2. I could have his signature notarized.
3. I also suggested that since this is a XXXX card product, I could bring him into a XXXX Branch to authenticate his request. ( he has ID ).

They told me the ONLY way to cancel the card is through the phone. And if they can not identify him, they can not cancel his card.

I sincerely believe that Barclaycard is purposely making it difficult to close the account simply to obtain the annual fee. I believe that there are many customers in this situation that are being held hostage, and end up paying the annual fee. Truly a deceptive practice.

Older American

Company Barclays PLC
Complaint ID 1554278
Date Received 09/07/2015
Product Credit card
Issue Closing/Cancelling account
State/ZIP Code HI 968XX
Consumer Consent Consent provided
Company Public Response Company chooses not to provide a public response
Company Response To Customer Closed with explanation
Submitted Web 09/08/2015
Result Timely Response: Yes, Consumer Disputed: No
 

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