Amex was my first credit card I ever qualified for and had it for a number of years -- close to 10. After not using it for a couple of years, I decided to cancel it. My cancellation coincided with a bill stating my 45 dollar membership was coming due. About 3 days before the bill was due I call customer service to cancel it. They informed me that they were unable to do that because the computers were down.

No biggy to me -- I had a few days until the bill was due. On the day the bill was due -- again, just the $45 membership fee. I called again. Once again I was told that the computers were down -- could I call back? I said that my bill was due today and I needed it canceled. They said no problem when the computers are up we can credit your account and get it canceled. I was reassured by the rep. About three days later I called again to cancel.

For the 3rd time I was told that the computers are down and they could not help me. I was starting to get a little nervous now as the bill was past due so I asked to speak with a supervisor. I was transferred. I told him that my bill was past due and needed to get this dealt with. The rep said no problem for some reason his computer was not down and he would credit my account and cancel my card. He also said to ignore my next bill as the changes may not be in effect by the billing cycle.

I was feeling a little more relieved. My next bill arrived it said I still owed the $45 plus a $29 late fee. Did not think much of it as the rep said this may happen. Well a month after that I received another bill saying that my account was 2 months passed due and another $29 late fee was assessed. I got right back on the phone and explained the situation.

The rep says nothing has been noted on my account but she will cancel my account but can not credit my account. I then ask to speak with a supervisor. This was the 6th person and the 2nd supervisor I have spoken to. I explain to her, Miss Perry, a supervisor, what has happened. She says she is personally canceling my account and removing the charges and that I will receive a letter in the next 10 days stating what we discussed. I hung up half way believing that things were taken care of.

The next day I called and asked the status of my account. The rep said the account still held a balance 83 dollars and that my account was closed due to non payment. I ask to talk with a supervisor again and was directed to a Miss Berry. I once again explained my problem and she informed me that she would take care of canceling my account and crediting the charges. I asked that a letter be sent out right away to confirm this. Miss berry said that they don't do that. I need to wait for my next bill.

Not trusting her I asked to talk with her supervisor who is Miss Vestal, the 9th person and the 4th supervisor. Now Miss Vestal said the same as everyone else except the account was now reported as closed by me and that she would credit the account and personally send me a letter of confirmation within 2 working days. That is where it stands now. She said it takes 48 hours to update everything and get my letter out. She also says that this should not be put on my credit report. I still am not very confident that this matter is over and I have started taking names and I have saved all the bills in question.

I do really believe that the excuses I received about computers being down was a lie to keep my account open and if there is anyone else out there who got the same excuses I would love to hear from you.

I believe this is an attempt at shady business dealing. I know other companies who try this too -- like AOL.

Thanks,
Lonnie Morrison, lmorrison1@uswest.net