Thank you for this interesting article. I learned a lot of things.
It's always a sticky situation to be in. In my business experience, I personally try to use templates to sending out professional invoices with my collect letters, it helps get a speedy response back. A really good one I found I'll throw in at the bottom of my post.

Sarah C.
Collection Letter

Called twice, back to back, once with a Blocked Number (Unavailable) at 9:21am and once with 800.684.8429 at 9:32am.

I don't pick up numbers I don't recognize and I state quite clearly on my voicemail to NOT leave a message because this voicemail is no longer checked.

Every place I have dealings with knows to contact me in WRITING, not by phone.

This number has called repeatedly BEFORE 9:00am, usually between 8:30am and 9:00am but just because they call at 8:55am doesn't negate the fact that they are calling BEFORE their legally allowed hours of operation.

My phone automatically sets the time, so it isn't as if I can have it set fast.

Additionally, they are contacting a Mobile Phone with an Autodialer, which is also illegal.
Read about it by Googling "Contacting Cell Phones Autodialer" or check out this article: http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/debt-collector-robocalls-autodial-cell-phone-1282.php

EVERY time they call before 9:00am, even ONE SECOND before 9:00am, I will file a complaint with the FTC. I HIGHLY recommend you do the same.

IF NO ONE FILES A COMPLAINT, THESE PEOPLE WILL NEVER STOP BREAKING THE LAW!

File a complaint with the FTC for violations ranging from Calling Before 9:00am to Calling a Mobile Phone with an Autodialer at: https://www.FTCComplaintAssistant.gov/

And just for reference: File complaints about Fax Spam with the FCC at: http://www.fcc.gov/complaints

Let's all help solve the problem by creating a massive amount of complaints to Federcal Communications Commission.

http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm

I have had this card for about 4 years now.

Today I went to pay my bill and noticed a $79 annual fee that has never - ever been charged to my account.

I'll see what happens when i call them on Monday - but needless to say, I'm not hopeful...

I applied for this credit card and was approved for $300.00 limit. I chose to pay the $39.00 processing fee via mail by paper check made out to HSBC card services. The Check was chased and i never received the card. I called the credit card department to see whats going on and got the run around. Telling shit like I cant seem to pull up your credit application information. She was able to pull something using my cellphone number my name and address. I'm being told that their is no application on file for me, but me $39.00 check payment was cashed and processed. This company prays on the week and something needs to be done to this division of HSBC. Just think of how many millions they rip off a year and get away with it. I would like to see the fraud division of HSBC orchard bank be closed down.

Got 10 calls from this number yesterday, and never once was there a human at the other end. So far today, got another 5 calls.

Finally, I called them back, and just got a recording, asking me (only) to "Enter your account number." It never told me for what... Credit card? Which one? Debit card? Which one?

On my own, I had to research that this was HSBC, so I tried again, and only got a message that their "office is closed," yet the (automated) "dialing for dollars" continued.

I finally called the customer service number on the back of my card, the guy there acknowledged my account was current, and that they were having a "glitch" with the "dialing for dollars" system, and that they're getting "quite a few calls."

I suggested they simply "Unplug the f&*#ing thing" until someone can get it fixed, and that I was going to report them if I get one more harassing call.

I design similar systems for a living, and would never think of letting an automated dialer run without a human present. What kind of morons are these?

The guy I spoke with ("John" Yeah, right) said he was putting in an emergency order to have "it" stop calling me immediately.

We'll see.

Our other card is a Capital One, which seems to run a much tighter ship... Going to cancel (and shred) this HSBC card the moment it's paid off - There are too many legit credit companies out there, and no need to deal with these incompetent cheapskates, and their inept offshore call centers.

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I do not know these people not are we in debt.They keep calling, I filed a complaint with the state and federal do not call lists.
I just do not answer and let the answering machine kick in which always results in dial tone.I do not know what else to do besides filing complaints and not answering.

They called me 10 times in 3 days! The number was reported 9k times on blacklist sites like http://www.everycall.us/phone-number/1-800-684-8429/
Somebody please stop them!!

I received abusive & harassing phone calls from a number also from a "Mr. King" from WPG acting on behalf of HSBC. Mr. King threatened me & my family regarding a relative's debts. He lied, harassed, and insulted our family.
I just got off the phone with the Attorney General's Office & the Federal Trade Commission after filing complaints with both offices.
If you receive a call from this number: 877 523 3986
PLEASE CONTACT THE FTC:
http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/contact.shtm
Toll-free helpline: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357);
TTY: 1-866-653-4261
CONTACT YOUR STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL OFFICE & FILE A COMPLAINT IMMEDIATELY!

Today I had a rather explosive phone conversation with a Jerrod Stapelton, code number X34 with HSBC I told him that the letter is on the way,however I don't know what address I need to send this to, can anyone provide me with that address. I am a disabled paralegal and former police officer, yet this damn thing has me climbing the walls, over the past week we have had over 17 calls from these SOB's, we called the credit card company and they say we are not behind on paying on our card debt but they keep saying we have a bad debt and they are trying to collect. Today Jerrod told me he would put the calls on hold for 10 days until they receive the cease and desist letter, but my temper caused me to terminate the call (hope the assholes ears are still ringing) early.

As you may well tell I am a bit upset with this, we have never in our forty years of married life had a collection agency after us, we are both over 60 and on Social Security Disability due to injuries suffered on the job so we don't have a lot of money but have been good card users until these folk decided we aren't hell we can't even find a time when we sent in a LATE payment.

The number is still out there screwing with folks, Called me five times today, never did say what the hell they wanted, really angered me, glad my grandchildren weren't in the house or their ears would be burning from the old cop talk I tossed into the receiver.

Orchard Bank - Credit Card and Loan Collectors. Called at least 5 times a day. Finally blocked the number. Try this http://www.everycall.us/store/

Be careful with HSBC. I have had a savings account with them since 1999. They look for every possible excuse not to pay interest payable on the account. They ignore all the correspondence and compalints, and simply try to hold on to your deposit as long as possible. HSBC used to be Midland Bank, the largest bank in United Kingdon, untill it was purchased and renamed to HSBC, which is a Hong Kong operation, a very shady bank with all sorts of problems. They take your money and refuse to pay up when you ask for it. Their last excuse in my case was that they did not know which country I belonged to, although they have had all the necessary documents, including photocopies of my American passport. Since March of 2008 they have not paid any interest into my account in their London branch, and they refuse to respond to my e-mails, phone calls and letters, holding on to my savings, approxiamtely $9,000.00
Be aware! HSBC is a caerfully disguised den of thieves.
At this point I have no other recourse, but to contact a lawyer, a solicitor, as they are called in England.

IN VIEW OF THE LONG LIST OF COMPLAINTS THERE PROBABLY IS CAUSE FOR A CLASS ACTION AGAINST HSBC. THE GROUNDS ARE; HARASMENT CAUSING PHYSICAL HARM. INCORRECT INFORMATION GIVEN TO CREDIT REFERANCE ASSOCIATIONS CAUSING, CREDIT RATING DAMAGE, PERSONAL LOSS AND SLANDER. IT PROBABLY COULD BE A VERY LUCERATIVE CASE FOR A LAW FIRM TO TAKE ON. IT IS HIGH TIME HSBC WAS MADE AN EXAMPLE OF.

This number keeps calling my home, and I answer to make the phone stop ringing, and no one is there! They call AT LEAST ten times a freaking day. It's SO annoying and we have never even dealt with these people before (from my knowledge)! so I just want to know what's up.

Today I blocked my thirteenth spam attack from Orchard Bank (they have more e.mail names than there are stars in the sky. Is there any way to stop these messages?

Since last month was christmas, and my payment was due right before , i forgot all about it until the other week, and I thought to myself "eh, oh well, i'll just pay the 23 dollar late fee" ....... but today so far they have called every hour on the hour lol If I was more than two months late, i'd understand, but so far it's only one month late, I don't understand. Do they really have nothing better to do than to harass someone who has only ever been one month late? lol GET A LIFE!!!!!!

I just received yet another phone call from this outfit. This is 1/2 hour before they are allowed to call by law. They call constantly, even before the bills due date! This is not my CC account but my wife was stupid enough to get one of their cards. The calls come while she is at work and I keep telling them to call after 4:00 PM yet I get calls at all hours. I work nights so I don't appreciate getting calls during the day.
When these foreigners call, ask to be transferred to a US agent as they must then do that.

The caller ID reads Citigroup Global 972-655-5210 and what I owe after 10 years of payments is mostly, if not ALL interests rates. RIP-OFF! The harrassing phone calls have gotten so far out of control, I feel like calling the police. But I've somewhat corrected the problem.

My caller ID is hooked up the my television set, so when a creep credit card associate calls, I'll know immediately who it is while watching TV.

I set the number of rings to only (2) at a very soft ringtone & let my answering machine take the call instead of me. Chances are, they will hang up without leaving a message. If they do leave a message, it's usually just a recorded one.

With their extremely high interests rates and continuous harrassing phone calls, I think it's about time the law step in and put an end to these crooked credit card companies once and for all.

STAY AWAY FROM CREDIT CARDS!

I was late and behind on my payments after being out of work. In addition to getting numerous calls every day (over fifteen), I started noticing a strange coincidence, I received a lot of these 800 number calls right when I called someone or received a call from someone who I knew. It seemed to be too often to just be a coincidence that they were calling right when I was using my phone.

It feels more than a little creepy that the collectors would be able to know when I was online. Is this possible? These frequent calls feel like psychological warfare - they have to remind you every hour that you owe money. Never in my life did I not intend to pay. It would be nice if our government officials could actually make them play by the rules instead of allowing corrupt companies like this to intimidate and play mind games with people. What's even more crooked is that they would like to keep me paying for as long as possible. I would hate to see what I really paid them over the last few years because the balance always seems to be going up...

Please if you can tape the calls from HSBC, if not then write to HSBC as a formal complaint. Also request all information HSBC hold on you ( Computer records, all taped phone calls and most importantly ask them for all records of their calls to the telephone number they are calling you on.)
Then go to the police and report the for harrassement if this is your personal beliefe.

Dear All
As a shareholder I am very concerned about HSBC behaviour.I am building a case against HSBC Bank. It is only with your help that we can change these problems. I am going to ask The RBI to investigate the Bank with reference to the complaints that is being lodged.

Please go to this site http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB3vbb9Tx7E

This is an interview that I did concerning HSBC.
If you would like to send me your complaint I will do everything to help you.

Kind regards
Michael Mason-Mahon

E-mail: ckmdm@aol.com
Mobile: 0044 7834763544

Get this. I recieved an unsolicited credit card from them with a $300 credit limit and all of these extra charges. I sent the card back telling them to cancel it. They sent me back a letter saying they are "unsure of my specific question". Than I got a bill for $90.32 from them, $74.00 for the card, $15.00 for a late charge, and $1.32 for interest. I called them, and they said they would cancel it if I paid the balance due! I called again, then was put on hold for over 15 minutes! I never charged anything, and never ordered the card.

Been receiving calls from this number that go to voice mail and they never leave a message. I called and the message was " Card Services". We have never, ever had any dealings with HSBC and know of no reason they should call. We have had this number for over 3 years and no one ever called from HSBC prior to last week. We have an issue with "card services" (they are relentless) about a business account that is in dispute. So we assume that the 800 number is a disguise to get around our legal representation.
In such, we have notified them via certified letter to stop attem¶tíng contact via phone. These collection groups seem to like to wear you down with numerous phone calls before they send anything in writing.

We have asked all our freinds and associates to give them courtesy calls! We are joining UCAN!

I opened a credit card accoun with HSBC/Orchard Bank in 2002 with a credit limit of $250. I paid tis account off in 2005 and had never heard from anyone. In 2009 I was buying a car and on my credit report was a collection from Midland Mgmt. collections for $1419.00. I called Midland to request any paperwork they have to prov I owe thismoney (which I know I don't). I was told thay haveno paperwork but demanded I pay the immediately! Told them they needed to show me all paperwork including payments I made over the course f hvng this loan. I was denied becausethey had NO paperwork. So, I started at the beginning with HSBC, no paperwork. I have now called 5 agencies that supposedly had my account from HSBC and most have no record as thay have been sold to 3rd parties. I cannot get this off my credit report and it is a big negative!! No help at all from HSBC/Orchard Bank!!! Also, Midland Mgmt. has my phone number and addess and still have not gotten a call or letter trying to collect this bogus debt in 13 months??? There has to be help somewhere!!!!!!!

The calls are all day and all night. Even when the bill is paid they call. It is non stop harassment. It's 9:22am and I have gotten 4 calls. There have been 18 since 8:04am yesterday morning. THE BILL IS PAID! I don't even bother to look at my phone any longer. There has to be some kind of recourse for the incessant abuse.

nothing was good enough for them now i am in collections and get phone calls 10+ times a day and most of them no one there. t same 800 number.
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Nice post. Consumers should be made aware of the FDCPA guidelines, so that debt collection agencies cannot harass debtors in this manner. There is another post which I came across, which deals with the same topic : http://www.ovlg.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-harassing-debt-collection/

I have been on disability from my job for almost a year now with an income that is more less than what I made when I was working. In order to have a roof over my head and be able to drive to all of my doctor appointments, the credit card payments could not be made. The non stop calls kept adding stress which caused my disability to worsen so I had the phone number changed and it was put in my cousins name. I don't know how they got the new number, my cousin was never on any of my cards, the new number is unlisted, and yet after a month or so they called looking for me using their personal cell phone. The telephone number they dialed from said cellular call on my caller ID however, they left a message on my answering machine to call a different number. The caller, even pretened to be an "acquaintance" saying it's "TOM" give me a call back at 314-XXX-XXXX. To bad for "TOM" that I actually was signing my bankruptcy papers the next day. Because I am not able to go back to work, and even if I was able to, the company I worked for was acquired by another one and the job I had has now been moved out of state. In the area I live in, the job market is really really bad and I would never make the salary I once did to cover the payments if I were able to work again. I understand that many of the bill collectors think that they have heard all of the stories and that so many people are just lying to them. I am sure that they have heard these stories however, they need to read the newspaper or sign on to yahoo and look at the jobless claims being posted each month. Those are NOT stories... People can't help if they are sick and can't work anymore. Many had good jobs and income to pay these bills prior to either getting sick or loosing their job and some even both. Ask the bill collector to live on disability or unemployment and figure out how to pay the mortgage, car payment, utilities, food and bills. Do they honestly think that you can survive they way you did before on 40 or even 50% less income???? To all of the bill collectors out there who leave threatening voice mail messages 10 times a day not even knowing if you have the right number, lets cut your pay by half and then tell you to live on it and still pay your bills. No advanced notice, no warning, just cut your pay.... See if you can live. I bet not. These big banks and credit card companies have no feelings. Trust me, I used to work for a big bank and when they were bought out...guess who got the big bucks....all of the executives walked away with severance packages ranging anywhere from 4 to 8 million dollars and this is NOT made up...all of it appeared in the newspaper... So if these companies can "pay" executives who basically did nothing that kind of money, they can deal with not collecting the credit card payments from some of their customers. I bet it doesn't total as much as they paid out in payments to do nothing executives.... Any by the way, I don't feel bad about filing for bankruptcy anymore either.... My illness was NOT my fault and l need shelter and transportation to doctor appointments so credit card company start calling someone else after tomorrow cause the bankruptcy is being filed today.....

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FDCPA does not require creditors collecting their OWN debts to follow FDCPA.

Well I left a previous comment about me being an ex-collections agent so I wanna share what I know about there tactics on getting your new number, etc... When you place and order for a pizza or any thing like that and the company asks for your phone number, usually to bring up your name and address, Well this is how Banks and telemarketers get your info. This is how they find you. THis system is called LYNX Program. So when ordering a pizza, *67 your number and pick up the food yourself. Just a lil advice from me to you. I hope this will help everyone! Thanks and have a blessed day!

There is a web site that outlines many of the business practices that HSBC and its affiliates use to screw you even if you maintain a perfect payment record that can devastate your credit instead of helping rebuild it..

It is at http://www.hsbccardinfo.com

My credit is less than perfect, I accept that, but am doing what I can to pay it back and have made arrangements with my various creditors. My question...has anyone received a call (or calls) about a pending lawsuit against you? About six months ago I got a call where I could barely understand the man on the other line telling me he had a lawyer waiting on the line and that I was "in big trouble." I figured it was some kind of scam and let it go, called my various creditors to make sure they didn't have anything pending against me and, again, let it go. Now, six months later I received another call where the man said he had my address, my social security number was "on hold" and I was in "very, very big trouble" so I'd better call back ASAP and talk to the lawyer. Both calls (I believe) were from India. The number they gave...717-685-4363...is a non-working number. My very long winded question....who do I contact to complain about this so it stops? It is mildly scary that they have all of my information and continue calling. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Ran

Well just to start off I went with a debt collection agency Allegro Law I was with them for a 1 year and a half and I was almost about to get clear of debt when they went bankrupt know I am waiting to find out if I am even getting any or all my money back I am upset. They were not even the paying the credit cards keeping the money to themselves. Then I went with First Fiancial which is M4 Fiancial in which they were taking most of my money and putting it in fees. By the time I switch to First Fianancial it was to late and I was getting sued by my credit cards Chase,Hsbc,Fifthirdbank. Chase was one card and hsbc and fifththird were link. So know I am in a bigger mess thanks to all the false debt collectors. I do not know what is going to happen with Allegro Law since they went bankrupt they gave us all a card an we are waiting on the class action suit. And First Fiancial M4 Fiancial whatever I have to wait six to eight weeks to get my money back in which I am still waiting. I need to find out how to write to the State Attorney in Florida as well as submitting a newspaper article about these false debt collectors in which they promise you the world. Thank god to my family since I am in college right now they are dealing with the credit card company now an paying my debt. I am wondering how can these companies get away with these scams. half of them go bankrupt change there name and are out there again ughh what a mess!!! Just thought this can help someone I learned my lesson to deal with the creditcard companies or just go bankrupt. In which I am dealing with the creditcard companies. a word of advice do not go to a debt collectors and if you do make sure you go to Better Buisness Bureau and check out if they are a reliable company. Thanks to all...

I have sent certified mail to both of the addresses for HSBC and neither address will sign for the certified mail. All other banks and collection agencies do. What can be done about their harassing calls when they refuse to accept the written notices of cease and desist.

Hsbc bank offered me a credit card to rebuild my credit. I filled the application online and they issued me a credit card in 14 days. I called orchand bank customer service number and i activated my credit card verifying millions of personal questions that i went over with one of their representatives. Before receiving their credit card, it was required that i had to set up account access online providing also personal information. I made a few small purchases , but just today june 28, I went to a gas station to purchase gas and my credit card was declined. A message outside of the pump said "See cashier"I went inside provide card to the teller, and she says the same thing "declined". I called right there customer service at the back of the card, and get this lady asking full social security, mother's maiden name,date of birth, and the whole nine yards of my private information. Anyway, i explain the situation and i get that my account has been blocked by this customer service person because she is not able to pull some sort of report that has personal public records about me. This is some sort of questions like do you have an installment account with the following companies:
gmac, chrysler, bmw, none of the above
and you have to say well i have an account with chrysler and this is how they verify that the caller is the person who it is. My account is blocked because of this? and I am being denied
a purchase of $10 dollars in a gas station because a customer service person has put a hold on my account because they are not able to identify public records questions about the user of the account? and until i don't send a mailed copy of my driver's license and two utility bills to their corporate office, my credit card will remain blocked????? how stupid can this be. i give you all my personal information, i go thru an online process of setting up my online access for my credit card setting up personal information, and i am blocked from accesing my account online and in a gas station until i send copies of my driver's license and two utility bills to verify that i am the user? what joke is this? how innefective you block an account from a user who is able to verify transactions in the account, able to register this personal account and set up security questions, what else do you need???????? I am so frustated with the conversation i had with both the manager and the person from customer service that I just can believe that they are able to inconvenient a client of their this way.
i understand fraud happens, but if you aable to provide all the private information about yourself how is that i still have send copy of my driver's license and two utilities bills to their company for my security hold be removEd?? how ilogical can this be. yOU eeven call my house number provided in the application and you were able to speak with me on the phone. I am so mad
about how innefective this customer service matter tried to resolve an identify problem? This is so ilogical and ridiculous that you should be ashame that you work in the customer service department. my bill with them is coming to be paid with them next month, and my access online has been placed on hold, i am not able to use the card for purchases, and i still have to pay a bill to them which i don;t know when is due because i set up ppaperless statement and my account access online is on hold waiting for my tverify my identity with a copy of my ddrivers license and two utility bills.
What other verification you need when i nknow the purchases i made on the card plus i answered my house number when you call to follow up on my request to sspeak with a supervisor. you are bunch oof no brainers !!! the real thief have aa real kick of you stupidity that are not able to control people access your databases and steal identities from a computer database, and the customer who oprovides all her personal information still have to fax a copy of their driver;s license. How stupid this is....

IF YOU CREDIT CRIMINALS PAID YOUR BILLS THEN THEY WOULD NOT BEING CALLING YOU

I just received the 3rd phone call from Citizens Bank regarding a bill on my car that had been paid. When I told them the bill was paid and that I spoke to someone earlier to make sure that everything was fine, I was told...."Well, we are having issues right now." What does issues mean? That the bank has screwed up and cannot keep track of its records? That someone has to have a job and decides to keep calling regarding a bill even though the bill has been paid?

I resent having to answer the phone and being bugged when there is nothing owing until the 4th of June. My bill is current so why do they keep calling? I owe two more payments and can hardly wait to get rid of Citizen Bank. Beware. They have lousy record keeping information.

They usually call me once every day at about 12:30. today, they called me 6 times in the span of 12:30-2:00. the 6th and final time i picked it up and left my phone in front of my sound system with a song blaring. maybe they will get the message.

This is bad to hear that all big banks are harassing people like us. I also get lots of call from these companies. The so called centralized DNC list is worthless.

Sounds like an opportunity to create something! You know there’s a need, if you can market this could be profitable for you eh

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I recently moved and when I had TV/Internet installed they offered a bundle deal that included a phone. I took the deal and since day 1 I have been receiving calls from HSBC, everytime they call I ask to be removed from their list because I am not the person they are looking for. They always give one of 2 explanations.

(1) "OK, thanks- I will remove you from the list", (obviously they don't as I still receive phone calls every day)
(2) "I can't remove your number from the list because it is a listed contact number for the person that holds this account", (This is ridiculous, the person on the account doesn't care enough to pay their bills, I doubt they care if they have correct contact info)

This is so irritating.

To those who are upset over the fact that HSBCA continues to calling x amount of times a day. If you are honestly tired of them calling you, regardless what the situation might be. By telling them to stop calling, will not get them to stop calling.

Send them a letter via certified mail, return receipt. Telling them that you wish to no longer be contacted by phone. By law, the calls must stop once they receive your letter. However, they can continue to contact you by mail.

I have been a customer with HSBCA for going onto 3 years. I am very pleased with the service I have received. I pay my bill in full, regularly. If I cannot pay my bill in full each month, I always make more than the minimum payment required, at the time the bill is due. I always file away my bill, including both a copy of the online payment I submit, plus the confirmation that my payment has posted, in the event something should happen and my account accidentally gets turned over to collections by mistake, I have proof of all my payments.

Tough economical times have affected many people. By doing the right thing, you can avoid these type of calls. We never spend more than we can afford. We never max out our cards and live within our means. You never know when life changes for the worst, that's why it is so important to prepare for tough times.

had 17 calls to my work number in one day, called them...it wasn't even me they were looking for, WRONG #. WOW. They removed my number from m the auto calling que...we'll see what happens

Unfortunately, the FDCPA only applies to 3rd party collection agencies and not to collection departments of the original creditor, so until HSBC either sells (hopefully) or assigns the debt to a 3rd party collection agency, they do NOT have to follow any rules of the FDCPA as they are NOT a collection agency.

Now, if they assign the debt to an 3rd party agency, they can STILL call you since HSBC still owns the debt, however, you CAN use the FDCPA rules on the assigned collection agency. Now, if they sell the debt to a 3rd party collection agency, they can no longer call you because they no longer own the debt and if they do call you, then you can complain.

This information was obtained from myfico.com forums.

Also, when you fill out an application for the card, please read ALL the other terms in the box besides just the disclosures, one of the lines states something like:

By submitting this application, I authorize HSBC to contact me at any number furnished for any reason, these calls may be telemarketing calls, notice of late payments and may also be pre-recorded or live.

(It's also buried in these lines of text that they can hold your payment for 14 days)

So when you submit your application, you give them permission to call you for any reason they wish to. Also since they are the original creditor, the FDCPA rules do not apply, then also once you submit your application, the " Do Not Call" list no longer applies to them because you now have a relationship with them which you created by submitting your application.

On a positive note, the person who posted about them charging an overlimit fee because of a late fee for his March statement, this is now illegal and is against the new credit card bill of rights:

Major points: You **MUST** opt-in to Over Credit Limit coverage
Creditors are NOT allowed to charge you over the limit fees if credit card fees take you over the credit limit.

Universal default has been eliminated

They can no longer raise your interest rate on a whim, they MUST give 45 days notice and allow you to opt out (although opting out may result in them closing the account.)

They can no longer charge all those crazy fees, Setup fee, application fee, processing fee (some sub-prime card issuer charged a fee for the application, then another one for the processing of the application) so no more of ending up with 30 dollars available credit on a 300 dollar limit.

The above only applies to fees charged to the card and not pre-payment fees.

For example, if you have a 300 dollar limit, the highest legal annual fee they can charge is 75.00 which is 25 percent of the credit limit.

HSBC does do behavior scoring for at least the first 90 days your account is open, during this period, you should avoid cash advances, using the card at bars, thrift stores, pawn shops and tire retread centers to name just a few places.

If they do block the card due to suspicious activity, and you can't understand the main call center CSR's, call the backdoor number (Google for it) and you will reach a US person, tell them that you need your card released, they will have your verify your purchase(s) and if correct, they will release the card. The people at this number have a bit more power than the outsourced call center.

For most of my credit accounts, I use Amscot Bill-Pay Service, it costs an extra $2 and posts in 1-3 days and in most cases, is considered guaranteed funds so there is no payment hold (usually).

In my case, I usually pay my statement the day it drops, then check back in a few days to see if the Min payment amount for that statement has changed to $0.00 which it should after payment posts.

Like I mentioned earlier, some of this info came from the forums at myfico.com, other used sites are creditboards and chexvictims.

WC

PS, Make sure to read everything everywhere when you apply for something (sometimes the print is so small you need an electron microscope to read it LOL!)

You think HSBC is bad, Chase is worse they have been raising interest rates to 29% or 32% for years on customers who paid their bills on time and not just the minimum but more.

There's a post on 1800notes where the person was charged for six years 32% and still owes the same amount only because only $1 went to the principal the rest was interest. This is a closed account that the person was just paying off.

Well to me it looks like they paid the debt twice at 32% interest for six years.

My advice, stop paying a penny more to those crooks. Actually anybody outthere that is beign charged such outrageous interest rates stop paying, they already got your debt and then thousands more.

Some of you collectors posting here just post without reading many of the posts.

Many like myself, do not owe anything to anybody still I'm getting calls for someone else demanding payment. No matter how many times I tell them wrong number they keep calling at all hours. Some even claiming I'm lying. It is very anoying and if they think I will break down and pay someone else's bill so they stop calling, sorry I do not fall for their scams.

Credit card companies are a bunch of thugs and loansharks. And to slam customers with ridiculous fees from just one missed payment obsurd.

There are millions of unemployed in this country that cannot pay their bills. The situation is terrible, many cannot even afford to buy food.

But it seems these creditors don't care, reading this and other posts they continue to harrass even after customer tells them they are unemployed.
On another post, this person had been living in a tent after losing their home. All this person had was the tent and a cell phone. Creditors called and did not care whether she was living in a tent or not, all they wanted was their money. No compassion.
If you are living in a tent with no income how the H... are you going to be able to pay your bills. What part of $0 dollars don't they understand.

I must agree that they do call alot.... I was laid off at one point and couldnt pay my bills. Instead of acting like a grown up and talking to them I avoided the phone calls. Once I put my big girl panties on and actually spoke to them they were very nice and worked with me to get my account caught up. After 5 months of paying on time I called and requested they raise my card limit and they did! I have found that HSBC (my account is with Orchard Bank) is a great credit card company to use if you are trying to build or in my case rebuild my credit. The customer service department was very friendly. And for those of you out there.... we all hate bill collectors, but you should realize that they are working to pay their bills and feed their kids just like we are. In this economy you have to work whatever you can find.... whether you like it or not.

they should be illegal! I don't even have a fair chance to pay my bills. I signed a contract and agreed to pay late fees when it was possible to get and keep a job. Now there are no jobs because of the incessant greed of the bankers. They are void of morality or obligation to the human race. Their call center minions are harassing me non stop, when finally I decide to answer customer service rep receives a verbal lashing that could shatter glass. They probably get paid nothing while the bank Executive is dining on a meal that costs more than they make in a month!

Credit card holder's in America have a number of people's. So this is a big issue of credit card. Many bank's provide this service, some of them are fraud. so carefully before you take any credit card of any bank.
johnhasan
thanks
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[a href =" "] http://www.easyfinancialbliss.com ="dofollow"] http://www.easyfinancialbliss.com [/a]

Nice that you sit around calling people stupid and to answer their phones. Maybe they're not home but can see who called. To all collection agency reps ~ get a REAL job. I hope that when you're a little behind in your bills (and you will be one day) that you get people like you calling your home and threatening your children that mommy and daddy are going to be put in jail. Then you'll see how it feels. :) YAY!

you chose to use the card therefor you choose to fine yourself! it clearly states in the credit application that there is a a Annual fee of $39-$129 depending on your credit ...
if you do not pay your credit card, your credit card may be closed.
======================
johndouglas
credit card deals

hey i have been getting phone calls from hsbc as well i live in canada 20 to 30 calls a day starting from 8 am and ending at after 9 pm i have had a car loan with hsbc and for 2 years everything was working out perfect and then all the sudden one month they had the wrong account number they are blaming me for this even tho i went it and paid them cash for those missed payments do to there incompatance i would like to see something done about this bank and am on board with everybody in a class action law suit please e- mail me MattGrant@live.ca only in regards to this legal action

i get constance phone calls from this debt collector, when i get home i have 20 or more missed calls i have already made payment arrangments with them to pay my bills which are only a month and a half late i was out of work for a sort period and i am trying to get caught up, but they still call many times a day

HSBC just continues to call us constantly, just because we were late one time with our payment, which I usually do online, but could not get into the website to do the payment. They start calling as early as 8:00am and keep it up until 9:00pm. And they also use at least two different numbers to call from, one being 800-395-2274 and the other being 800-684-8429, and they do not leave any messages. I have tried to take my phone number off of the account but it does not let you.

I have their card but don't use it. They use various numbers to call from, not just 800-684-8429. We were a little late paying them, and they called 20 times on Saturday between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm and 20 times yesterday. I am working to try and cancel the card and finish paying it off, but it is crazy that they call so many times. I wish that they did not have to have my phone mumber on the account.

They called me 14 times on Sunday from before 8 am to 5 pm
These people are jerks I got a card through Best Buys and they hit me with a $79 fee when I refuse to pay it they hit me with a $39.00 late fee and an a over my credit limited. What are they talking about. HSBC Bank will wait along time before I pay these fees. They told me that I had to pay these fee because so many people went Bankruphty on them. So because I pay my bills on time and so on, they can't wave the
fees. I work 60+ hours a week so why should I be responible
for someone who didn't pay them. I was up to date with all my bills until now. If they come to my understanding I guess they can go to H**l Looks like I'm in same boat that everyone else is in with HSBC.

LD

I've had their card for 10 years and never late once, until this month (Dec 09). It wasn't but about 2 days late and it's unbelieveable the number of calls I'm getting a day.

I've been receiving an average of 7 up to 10 calls per day. Nearly all calls occur, with a hang up just before it goes to voice mail, then followed up with another call directly after that. Today, I received 6 calls in less than 30 minutes, all but 1 back to back of one another (often within the same minute).

Isn't this in violation of the FDCPA? And if I file a complaint with the FDCPA, what do they do? Anything?

Anyone wanting to participate in a class action law suite please call me so we can muster a list of names to get the ball rolling. My number is 405 787-1503 Cell 405 314-1503 Waiting for your call. Merry Christmas

MEL

Who knows a good attorney for us all to file a class action suit against HSBC as well as the stupid collection attorneys they retain perpetually, please let me know ASAP

i once had a creditcard with saks before going bankrupt, well after going bankrupt i applied for a orchard bank card and they approved me, and then denied because of an old debt that i owed hsbc, but it had nothing to do with orchard, i know orchard is hsbc, but this card was supposed to help you after bankruptcy, F__ckem, they will need me before i will need them. i did real good paying my bills before i was laid off, someone else will get a great customer

has been getting more than 5 calls a day from the number 800 684 8429.
She politely answered and they asked for a "Ricky" or "Rick" and she said there was nobody here with that name. The line was silent so she hung up. They have called her four times today so far and last time i answered there was nobody there.
This is ridiculous. I cant believe these calls have been happening for nearly three years and they are still calling people.

I had the same problems as all of you did.  I fixed it very easily and without too much hassle from HSBC.  I called them and ask for an account balance.  After they gave me the amount, I told them the card was stolen.  They clsoed the account immediatley.  This was after I attempted to close the account the right way for over a year.  I ask them to not allow an charges, and they would not excpet for their own fees of course.  The REP told me that they could not close the account while it was 2 days late for payment.  The late fee of course was added and sent the account over the limit.  My origianl minimal payment of course went up 300% due to that.  Last month they did it all over again, by adding my yearly membership fee.  Thsi also snet it right back to over limit and etc..

BTW, I am on the civil suit.  I had the card for 3 years total during which I made purchases of approx 5,092.48.  I made payments during that smae time of approx 7487.95.  This was not intrest, it was 98% fines, fees, and services.

I 100% HATE ORCHARD BANK CREDIT CARD. I APPLIED FOR A CREDIT CARD WITH THEM AND WAS APPROVED, AFTER MAKING ONE SMALL PURCHASE MY CARD WAS BLOCKED AND I WAS TOLD I NEED TO COPY MY SOCIAL SECURITY CARD, MY LISENCE AND TWO UTILITY BILLS AND SEND IT TO THEM. I REFUSED AND WAS TOLD UNTIL I DO MY CARD WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO USE, BUT THEY WOULDNT CHARGE ME FOR ANYTHING EITHER. AT THAT TIME THERE WAS ONLY A 100.00 BALENCE ON THE CARD. MONTHS PASSED BY AND NO CALLS FROM THEM NO LETTERS NOTHING, UNTIL SEPTEMBER THEY CALLED ME LIKE CRAZY, THEN ONE DAY ONE OF THEM GOT MY GRANDMOTHERS NUMBER AND CALLED HER. THEY TOLD HER SHE WAS THE ONE WHO HAD THE CARD, SINCE MY GRANDMOTHER HAS A MENTAL ISSUE SHE WAS CONVINCED EASILY, THEY ALSO TOLD HER THE AMOUNT WENT UP FROM 100.00 TO 300.00 PLUS OTHER FEES. SHE WAS SO WORRIED THAT SHE TOLD HER SISTER AND HER TWO SONS, ONCE THEY HEARD THIS THEY CALLED ORCHARD AND ASKED WHAT ADDRESS DID THE CARD START FOM THEY TOLD HER MY ADDRESS, SO NOW MY FAMILY THINKS IM A CRIMINAL AND HAS DONE SOMETHING WRONG, THEYRE EVEN TRYING TO PUT ME IN JAIL, FOR A MISSUNDERSTANDING. LUCKILY THE CARD IS IN COLLECTIONS AND THEY WERE ABLE TO TAKE THE AMOUNT DOWN TO 110.00 PLUS A 4.95 PROCESSING FEE. BUT I STILL DONT KNOW HOW TO MAKE MY FAMILY TRUST ME AGAIN, THANKS ALOT ORCHARD.

This one should reach the TV News. Sent two checks to HSBC for payment and it seem that they just ripped them in half, sent them back and said "WE CANNOT ACCEPT YOUR PAYMENT BECAUSE IT WAS TORN" so instead, they send me a late payment bill. This had to be done by them because I know that the mail man does not deliver torn mail. If anything "RETURN TO SENDER"THANK GOD i DON'T OWE THEM MUCH, SENDING A CERITFIED FINAL PAYMENT OVERNIGHT and closed the account too!

I kept getting calls from this number as well, it was for another person though. I told them several times that they had the wrong number. So here was my solution and it has worked for 4 days now with no calls. I got my digital recorder out and when i answered the phone, i told them that the call was being recorded for quality assurance. I then asked them who they were trying to reach and what number did they have on record. They answered with the person's name and confirmed the phone number. I then told them that this was the correct number but the person that they were looking for hasn't had the number for 2 years. I wished them well and haven't heard from them for 4 days. I was getting calls from them everyday. If they call back i will do the same thing, and then the 3rd time i will take them to court with my proof.

The funny thing about this is that I do have a card with them and it's always current. My initial reaction was to cancel the card, but I don't know if I could do that from what I've read on here. I live in texas and as long as i let the person on the other side of the phone know that the call is being recorded, i can use it later. OH and by the way, the person was very friendly also.

I never ever applied or ask for this Orchard card! It just showed up here asking that I activate it and oh Yea they gave me a $400.00 limit. I did not want it, and like many had been hit with devastation. We played by all the American Dream rules for over a 43 year marriage, (until the medical cancer bills and probably losing our home Drove my husband to totally give up and just die apologising to me for leaving me in such a mess.) Some people and companies are totally 'Heartless'
I have to forgive the rudeness of some of these posters when they say 'stop whining and pay' Not 7 years ago we had a triple A credit rating, but no longer!
My daughter (who claims to be mentally sick) She is 'NOT' only lazy won't work, lives off state aide, and stole from me and her father when he was still alive.
To shorten this, I never activated that card so thought I had zero worries. I did get mail from them (Orchard) but assumed they were only trying to get me to take this $400.00 limit credit card. Then I find out my 'Adult' daughter had activated it and had the nerve to ask me to get a higher limit. (She had the card)
I immediately called and explained to them. They had stopped activity on it because I had never activated it, or used it. (I can't even get started on HSBC and the extreme stress they are causing me)
Now I find out I owe over $69.00 for yearly use. Yes I quickly paid off her charges, torn up the card (I had thrown it away, but she found it in the trash and had been using it.
They seemed to understand and gave me credit for one half yearly charges. I told them to cancel that card as it is cut to pieces!
Within 2 days I had another card (same number) ?? This is the 4th credit card I have had to change and my check and debit card, as my daughter was finding the numbers, on receipts and charging things.
My bank President actually encouraged me to press charges against my daughter. That is another story, though.
Now I think because I have torn this card up and never 'Ever' used it I was fine! Not so as I get a call telling me I need to pay my Orchard card and privilege's had been suspended.
What could I owe, it was torn up and had not been used? Well they did not cancel it and now another year and the yearly dues was over even the charge limit. I shall never understand? They knew it had never been used and all these charges was because they said I had it!!
Again when I refused to pay for anything except the yearly fee, they accepted that, and sent another card still with only a $400.00. limit.
I am numerous e-mails to them (for proof) telling them to cancel the card. Oh the sob stories I got? I need you to keep this card. Orchard does not keep employees' where costumers cancel cards.
This was now year 3 years where I had never used the torn up card I did not want. My last contact with them was 'Cancel the Damn Card' I will never pay them another penny for a card I don't want has fanatical hurt me and I don't have.
Another year passes and again I get a bill for the $59.00 yearly fee. I was getting at least 10 calls a day wanting that fee and of course by now its up to over $600.00.
Never used, wanted and cancelled many times, and my fee's are now over $1000.00! How can things such as this be allowed?
I explained to them I have 'drafts' of cancellation of well over a year ago. (they say they have the same of me saying I wanted to keep the card?)
On their bills there is not one single purchase only their fees and interests, which one would think, I never wanted that card ever.
I have actually talked to some nice collectors from Orchard that can plainly see I have never made a purchase of any kind with that card and one even agreed she would refuse 'also' of paying interests and fees to a company I had never used their card.
But there is no reasoning with them and they call many times a day!

Everyone is so negative. I have been working as a collector for the past four years, and can't take another second of it. Every day I goto work I feel like I'm losing a part of myself. I can't wait to be out of school and never look back.

If you get a credit card, know there are going to be fees, know you must pay back the money you borrowed, and most importantly ....
we are people on the other end of the line-and most of us just want to help you. You wouldn't believe how much I have been abused verbally and
the intentions of both banks I've ever worked for...were to help people. We want you to pay what you've borrowed. Big thing there,
you lend some money and see if you get it paid back.
HSBC is a global bank and has a very miniscule number of offices in America, so stop the belligerent and asinine comments about Asia, the bank was started overseas.

If you want the calls stopped from anyone, ask for a cease and desist but before you do, if you can't pay your bill ask for a hardship program and if you've maxed out your fee waives,
ask for a settlement

Never pay a debt settlement company-these are awful scams

if you need consumer credit counseling call 8003882227 there are good organizations out there.

be nice to the collector you talk to next, they may hate themselves a little more everyday and because your late on YOUR bill, telling them what a piece of shit THEY are..
bad karma folks. seriously.

Is there any place we can make a complaint about all the harrassment that HBSC does?

The information provided is helpful only if you can get the people to tell you the mailing address of the people harrassing and calling. The people calling from this number are not using thier real names, when I call the number back no one can find these poeple who are making the phone calls. I have told these people ten days in a row to quit calling this number., these people have also called my room mates number in a different state during the weekend trying to locate the debtor whom has never given that perosns name, number and acutally theY are calling a business number that has in no way connection with me, but my roommates business number because the cell phone company recently sold the addresses of poeple and this mans address is close to mine he is 845 and I am 845 1/2 so they are calling basically my nieghbor, my boss and the stupid payment isn't even owed. They refuse to give up their names and addresses and business address they represent and when I quote they have to tell me thier business name and address they represent they are telling me they don't ahve to give up any informaiton about who they are, who they work for or thier business address..please pay more taxes this week to the united states governemnt so these businesses and corporations can rape us blind to and take and do what they want. Please support socialism so we can make sure corporate amerca can get money and keep these kinds of collection tactics the back bone of America! I love being a fricken citizen of the US where the govenrment can take and take and do nothing to help us and give up our tax money paid to them to support these types of business tactics.

my parents got a call last night and so far it's been the same as what everyone else has said where they call and tell you that there's a seopena going out for you. i told my dad to not give out any personal info,let this "Todd Shaw" character go through what all he had "on file" most of it was wrong, but those that were actually right anyone even a kinder garner could get off the internet about someone. which ain't too much really. anyhow he told "Todd" that he was going to have the $200 (just like everyone else has stated) sent to him and i was handed the phone to get the info on where to send it... here's the funny part he stated to have the money sent to a Wells Fargo account personal account.... now if he was a real collector from HSBC/Orchid wouldn't the money be sent to them instead of a Wells Fargo personal account? anyways I have his account number he shared with me. now about this guy "Todd Shaw" his ext. # is 168 on that 866-629-8004 he claimed first to be with A.C.S. then changed it to First Capitol rm (lcc) then changed it again to First Capitol Group (does this guy even know who he works for?) he's expecting me to have that $200 sent by 10am today, but he's not getting a cent of it, thanks to all that have commented about this harrasment but i don't believe it has anything to do with HSBC or Orchid unfortunately... he's a third party who they probably sold info to. the First Capitol Group is investors group by the way, not a collection agency here in Texas, lol

I'm not standing up for HSBC/Orchid's behalf, those i have deep hatred for anyways because they apparently support terrorism and I'll be damned if I'm gonna supply them the funds to to buy the weapons for the terrorists to use on our troops. but this group of conspirators is not directly tied into them as far as i know at the moment.

I'm off to the store to buy a turkey now, God bless America and have a great day.

What goes around comes around. Never pay a voice on the phone. Mail me something in writing. What says you can't call them 23 times a day, ask them how is the weather is in thier state or town. Tell them you just had nothing to do today and you thought you would let them know that you would sure like to pay them and you will when you can. Call them and tell them Just wanted to let you know I havent gotten any any money yet. Try this one I called to let you know that a wolf came to my door yesterday and had puppies, so as soon as I can sell the pups I will be sending you some money. If all of us would just call them 23 times a day, they would not be able to use their phones to call us. Think about It.

When you receive a call from a debt collector or collection agency, kindly ask the representative for their mailing address, as well as their fax number. Make sure you are polite or they might not give you the info, if the representative becomes rude or unresponsive, ask for a supervisor.
Step2
Never admit to owing the debt. You don't know who is on the other end of the phone, and you would never want admit to anything as they record these calls. I advise you send a validation letter to each collection company, for more info on that contact me and I will send you a sample letter.
Step3
Fax a copy of the letter below, and send the letter via certified mail.

Cease communication
(Sent via certified mail)

DATE:____________________
Creditor name:__________________________________
Attn: Customer service

Address:
City, state, ZIP:

RE: Name ____________, Account #_______________________
To whom it may concern:

This letter is in regards to the account you claim I owe __________________. I am requesting at this time for you to cease communications with me regarding my account. You can correspond with me via U.S. mail. My address is printed below.

Any future phone calls I receive at my home or at my work will be reported to the Federal Trade Commission as a violation of my rights according to 15 U.SC. 1692c.

Sincerely,

Name:________________________________

Address:______________________________

City, state, ZIP:__________________________________
Step4
Enjoy the fact that you will not be harassed day and night from these ruthless collection agencies.

I've had several calls from hsbc reguarding a local tech credit card I had. I have no problem admitting I was late on payment, but they are harrassing me over $40. They called me thursday, saturday morning and evening, sunday, monday and wednesday morning and afternoon. I've repeatedly asked them to wait for payment and that it was made, that they need to stop, I've even tried to be logical and ask why would you call on weekend or 9am monday?!? you're not gonna see it until later? It continues and I'm afraid If I were to call the police or operator they would just say pay your depts. Are they not harrassing me, or can this be considered "business as usual"? -- cause frankly even though my balance is $0.00 I'm considering getting rid of these morons!

I'm in canada btw, so I'm not sure if the law pertains to my region or if I have legal recourse if they call tomorrow or next.
Can someone advise?
Geo

I've been getting calls about a credit card merchant account and the first two times I told the person on the other end of the line, politely, that I'm not interested. The third time I lost it and I spoke like a lady should never speak. I got a forth call, asked for the supervisor, got someone else and they couldn't understand that I don't care what they're selling. I think the callers knew how to say their lines and didn't speak the same language as me.

1-866-629-8004 This Number called my sons home and ask him if he knew me and he told them yes that I was his mother and they ask him if anyone was there over the age of 18 to sign for a summons for me he ask what it was about and they would not say .. So he called me up and told me what they had done and it really shocked me and I called that number back they said they was from HSBC and I ask them what was going on why they told my son that they was sending a summons to me .... they told me that they was no summons sent out yet and I told them that I had never had an account with a HSBC they ask for my full name and I gave it to them and they repeated a ss# and ask if it was mine ... It was not and they had the wrong address I ask them why did they call my son and do me like that the lady was a foreigner that I was talking to and she said she was sorry she had the wrong person .. I ask her why didnt she make sure that she had the right person before she told my son that she was sending a summons out to me ...She told me that they was just trying to collect and account that they told everybody they called that so they would call them back that they do not send summons out and really do people like that ... I had been getting some prank phone calls and had my phone hooked to a recorder I got every thing she said and contacted and attorney and took it to him he said that they had made a big mistake doing me like that and I had a good case against them ... I was wondering If they have done anybody else like that ? That is very rude for them to do someone like that and I am filing a case against them they should have knew better than to do that ....