Tim,

I wanted to lodge a complaint against the marketing tactics being employed by MBNA bank in Delaware.

Recently I was solicited by telephone and told that they wanted to give me their 0% card for 12 months.

I informed the caller that I did not want to apply for a credit card. She informed me that there was need to apply because it was already approved, she had all of my financial records in front of her on her computer and that all she needed was my agreement to take the card and that everything was ready to go.

I approved the transfers of some of my other accounts to their card and was told it would take two weeks for them to transfer the funds and have the account activated.

Today I received a letter telling me that they declined my application. I have worked hard in the past 7 years to make my credit report as clean as possible and now it has a rejection on it because of a transaction that I didn't want in the first place.

I expressly told the agent of MBNA bank that I! did not want to apply for their credit card. I believe they should be held accountable for stooping to underhanded marketing tricks.

Thank you for your time, Sam N.

Based on the facts in your letter I agree that you were somewhat misled, and I would suggest that you file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. https://rn.ftc.gov/pls/dod/wsolcq$.startup?Z_ORG_CODE=PU01

The average consumer is unaware that when a credit provider calls or sends a pre-approved offer, the only thing they have is a profile of you and not your complete credit file.

The way it works, the credit provider contacts the credit bureau and tells
them the basic criteria they are looking for. The only information that they
are given is your name, address and telephone number; they are not given any other information that includes your Social Security number. If you read the fine print in a mail offer they always state that you met the criteria at the time the offer was made but they reserve the right to change or withdraw the offer after a credit check. Unfortunately this is rarely explained in a telephone offer.

The good news is that your credit report will not show that you were
declined, only that an inquiry was made.

You should take this opportunity to get a free copy of your credit report as explained in your turn down letter from the MBNA. A large number of credit files contain inaccurate information and all consumers should check their file every year. This will serve to alert you if you become a victim of
identity fraud.

I also suggest that you check the other credit bureaus to see what
information they contain. When you request a copy of your report it is not
listed as an inquiry. This link will explain how to obtain copies of your
credit reports. http://www.timduffy.com/credit/credit_report.htm

Tim

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