Dealing with Bank of America - January 2007

1/11/07 – Twice during the day the CSRs couldn't pull up my file.

On the 3rd try, after a 10 minute hold I spoke to "Nancy Brown" (audio upload pending)

She stated that the case had gone to VISA for pre-arbitration, and it could take up to 30 days for response. She couldn't tell me anything else because she doesn't work for arbitration. Of course not, she's not with VISA, right? That was an early clue that something was amiss.

It was supposedly sent to VISA on 1/3/07. She noted it costs fees on both sides, and one might decide not to fight it. She can’t say when I’d be notified, but it would be by letter. If I don’t like the decision or the "we can’t help" letter I have 30 days to write an appeal.

01/31/07 – I spoke to "Nancy Brown" (audio upload pending) yet again. She stated:

"The merchant wrote back in to us um we actually filed the pre-arbitration, they have to respond by February 11th. And then either accepting or declining, and then if they decline it, we you know push it further. If they accept it then the credit remains on your account. Resolved in your favor."

I asked "Who are we waiting for on February 11th? Are we waiting for VISA or the merchant?"

She replied: "For VISA"

When asked how I'd be notified she stated: "Um, I’m not sure if you get a call or you get a letter or what happens."

When I advised that this is 100% contrary to what I’d been told just recently, she said she didn’t know about that (I didn't tell her that she was the one I'd just talked to).

Ultimately, all the above turned out to be 100% lies.