Author Archives: jik

HSBC takes its cue from the “we’re a large corporation and we don’t care about you” playbook

I’m not going to bother to reprint the response I received from HSBC to my recent complaint. Instead, I will reproduce the response I just sent them: February 26, 2010 [name elided] Executive Liaison Office of the President HSBC Card and Retail Services P.O. Box 80026 Salinas, CA 93912 Dear Ms. [name elided], I have… Read More »

HSBC figures out clever money-making strategy: don’t email statement until after payment is due

My wife and I have a Jordan’s Furniture charge account issued by HSBC NV, a somewhat shady subsidiary of HSBC with a history of predatory lending and suspicious practices. They issue “private label” charge accounts for Jordan’s and many other retailers. We have a balance on the account under one of their frequent “buy now,… Read More »

Disastrous snow handling in Boston

(Simulblogged.) February 1, 2011 Mayor Thomas M. Menino 1 City Hall Square, Suite 500 Boston, MA 02201-2013 mayor@cityofboston.gov (617) 635-4500 Dear Mayor Menino, On the brink of yet another major snowstorm, I am writing to complain about how incredibly bad the city’s handling of the snow has been this winter.

Citizens Bank credit card dispute idiocy

I recently sent Citizens Bank, the issuer of our primary credit card, a letter disputing a charge on the card. Being eminently familiar with the rules surrounding such disputes, I included in my letter all of the required information. A week or so later, I got back this letter: