[tommy_1812]

I just got a phone call at work while I was away today. The lady who spoke to a co-worker asked if I was the owner of this restaurant establishment. He stated he didn't know anything.

I tried to contact the american express financial review center after receiving the message. Could this perhaps be in regards to the recent collection that was put on my report?

I'm thinking they are wanting to close my accounts or something. Any thoughts or ideas? I'd hate to loose sleep over this.

[centex]

If you are being F/R'ed, there will usually be a red indicator on your online account access screen. I don't recall the precise language. The F/R does not usually result in closure but rather will result in a suspension until you provide whatever financial docs they want to see...

[tommy_1812]

I went to my accounts summary at american express. There is no FR notation on any of my accounts. To my dismay, they reduced the available credit on my Blue card from almost $15,000 to $10,200. My amex One card with the savings contributor had no preset spending limit. Now it says my available credit for that card is $7,000. It doesn't appear they closed the accounts though.

As a precaution I took all the money I had in my savings plan with amex one temporarily until this blows over. I am carrying a few thousand dollars balance between both cards, and would hate for them to demand full payment upfront, thus taking it out of my savings. The only drawback is I don't get the 4% APY anymore.

My chevron card also had a $1500 credit line and it has been reduced to 1000. Looks like this stupid JDB did a number on me.

[Hedwig]

Put your money in ING Direct or one of those banks. I believe they pay a comparable rate. It may be a little under 4%, but at least your money is out of AMEX's hands.

[tommy_1812]

Everything was kosher until the feds decided to bump down rates on several occassions. 5% APY was not a bad deal at all.

[apexcrsrvc]

American Express is way overrated. They do FR's for really no reason. They also slash and burn credit limits for no reason either.

[amexfan2008]

Hello,

First, Be very careful with American Express review team. These people are trained to trick and mislead you into thinking you must send them information or your in trouble. If you look at the cardholder agreement they can close your account for any reason. There are a number of things that can spark the red flag for them. Insurance claims, over use of benefits, major charges on one or numerous account, (No present limit - doesn't mean unlimited).

The people on this team are nice at first and then will put this false sense of pressure on you to send them private information or your in trouble. They will request W-2, Tax ID, bank statement, and etc. First, thing don't cave into them. Don't fall for the pressure. I had an attorney take care of the discussions has they can be really mean and nasty. If they advise they will close your account even if you use cards daily. Take that power away from them and tell them you don’t care and it’s not emergency to get the card back. I told them I went ahead and shredded it.

Remember you the customer and you can disconnect from them at anytime. I felt so guilty and like I had done something wrong. They will try to pressure you into making mistakes. My advice. Let them know legally you have no obligation to send them anything. They have no right and can't force you to do anything.

If they get really nasty. Keep in mind they record each and every call. Let them know clearly that you want to help them and plan to assist in almost every way possible. You have the right to ask why you are being questioned or investigated. Ask, What sparked this? What's the time line? How does this affect me? How does this affect you guys? What happens if I choose not to send my confidential information? Let them know clearly that with identity theft going rapid that you don't feel comfortable sending this information and wont.

If push comes to shove. Say, NO! Tell them to close all of your accounts and refund all yearly fees that have been charged since they have made the decision to suspend your accounts. Most cases won't require and attorney. Most attorneys will do this for as little as 1 or 2 hour charge. If you have Hyatt legal services they will take care of this in identify theft cases.

I love American Express and had almost all of there cards. I love the benefits from the concierge, airport lounges, and companion fares but they’re attitude and the way their financial review teams handles thing turned me off towards their company. I closed all accounts and demanded a refund for everything. Platinum card is $450 a year keeps in mind. The Account review person I spoke with was Helen Nathan this lady is the devil. She makes side comments and tries to force you into a corner. She has to be the most unprofessional person I have spoke to. Don't take her mess. Please get an attorney if you have to deal with her.

Thanks,

Originally Posted by tommy_1812

I just got a phone call at work while I was away today. The lady who spoke to a co-worker asked if I was the owner of this restaurant establishment. He stated he didn't know anything.

I tried to contact the american express financial review center after receiving the message. Could this perhaps be in regards to the recent collection that was put on my report?

I'm thinking they are wanting to close my accounts or something. Any thoughts or ideas? I'd hate to loose sleep over this.