Reader Dan says Bank of America called his old address and gave out his account details to the person who answered the phone. Luckily, that person turned out to be his father, though Bank of America didn’t know that. Once they did know they were speaking to a relative, they asked Dan’s dad to pay his bill for him.

Dan writes:

I got an interesting call from my father today. Turns out that when I moved to California and called Bank of America to change my billing info and phone number, they didn’t do it. Instead, they kept my old address and phone number, which is where my parents currently live.

I was a little late making a payment this month (my bad, and I intend to pay immediately). So, Bank of America calls the number they have on record, and the man who picks up tells them I’m not there. They then tell the man my account balance, that I’m overdue to pay, and the amount I’m overdue. Now, mind you, this is before the man they called tells them who he is. Strike one: Giving my account information to a perfect stranger who has already told them that he’s not me.

Then, when he questions the fact that they just gave him my account information, the rep asks who they’re speaking to, and he identifies himself as my father. At that point, they don’t apologize, but instead ask him, “Well, would you be willing to make a payment on his behalf?” He responds with, “No, I wouldn’t like to pay the bill for my 25-year old son.” Strike two: Asking my father, who is not on my account, the father of a 25-year old (not a 16 or 17 year old that he’s responsible for) and has nothing to do with my loan, to pay my bill.

No strike three yet, and I hope there won’t be one. I called to complain, and was forwarded to the voicemail of a call center manager. Since I’m on the west coast and it was already about 6pm my time, I’m cutting them a break and giving the benefit of the doubt that I’ll get a call back first thing tomorrow.

-Dan

That’s kind of you Dan. We wouldn’t be so generous. If you do decide you want to rid yourself of Bank of America, here’s a tip: Ask them about your interest rate.

(Photo: epicharmus )

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