HSBC NORTH AMERICA HOLDINGS INC

2018-02-06

CO

Managing an account

Checking or savings account: Checking account

Problem accessing account
Complaint: In mid-XX/XX/XXXX, I opened a XXXX Checking account with HSBC with an initial deposit of {$1500.00}. Two months later, I received the letter I've attached dated XX/XX/XXXX. They used vaguely threatening language to convey to me the notion that if I didn't provide them with unspecified additional information, my account might be closed. They provided a toll-free number to call. On numerous occasions since then, I have tried without success to reach them. There have been hold times up to 30 minutes without an answer ; their system offered to let me leave a call-back number but I was disconnected ( twice ) upon selecting that option ; twice, I selected that option and was told the mailbox was full ; and twice I was able to leave a message including my call-back number, but I've heard nothing. I've tried other HSBC customer service numbers, but I was told I needed to call the specific number on the letter. I've tried their Chat feature on their website but was told I needed to call the specific number on the letter. In short, I have gone to extraordinary lengths to try to comply with their request, but I've been thwarted at every step. I'm through trying. I'm seeking your help in punching through their barrier to contact them.
Company Response: Closed with non-monetary relief

Timely Response

2018-02-06

Orlando, FL

Written notification about debt

Debt collection: Mortgage debt

Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-02-05

Hinkley, CA

Closing an account

Checking or savings account: Checking account

Company closed your account
Complaint: Hello CFPB I recently applied for a Premier Checking account with XXXX XXXX XXXX. The account was approved on XX/XX/XXXX. I then deposited XXXX dollars into the account and had no further activities since the account was approved. I found out yesterday that I can no longer access my account without any notice or explanation from HSBC. I called customer service today on XX/XX/XXXX and was finally told that due to " rules of deposits '', HSBC has decided to close my account with no further explanation or possibility to resolve. I can not possibility imagine that depositing XXXX dollars into my HSBC account has violated any rules for deposit or wronged the XXXX XXXX. Note there is absolutely no requirement for minimum balance level, and my account was already properly approved. I had absolutely zero activities since my initial deposit of XXXX dollars. Further, when I called customer service, the client relationship manager refused to have me talk a manager and informed me that HSBC is unlikely to do any business with me in the future! I mean I am now banned from opening any accounts with HSBC. If they don't want to do business with me, they don't have to approve my account in the first place. If HSBC is so negligent and improper for dealing with US customers, I sincerely hope their Charter be reconsidered for this country. Best, XXXX XXXX XXXX
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-02-05

Baxter Estates, NY

Managing an account

Checking or savings account: Checking account

Fee problem
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-02-05

Lakewood, CA

Opening an account

Checking or savings account: Checking account

Didn't receive terms that were advertised
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-02-05

Bronx, NY

Charged fees or interest you didn't expect

Payday loan, title loan, or personal loan: Personal line of credit

Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-02-05

N Plainfield, NJ

Managing an account

Checking or savings account: Savings account

Deposits and withdrawals
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-02-04

Greenwood, CA

Advertising and marketing, including promotional offers

Credit card or prepaid card: General-purpose credit card or charge card

Confusing or misleading advertising about the credit card
Complaint: On XX/XX/XXXX, I applied for credit card with XXXX on their online website. I have an excellent credit rating of XXXX. On or around XX/XX/XXXX, I was informed in a letter that I was being denied credit due to the fact that I do not have a bank account with HSBC. There was no mention of this requirement whatsoever on their website. During the application process, I sent in my personal information. I believe it is unethical for a bank to ( 1 ) collect this information knowing I will be denied credit because I don't have a banking account with them. This should have been the first question on the application ; and ( 2 ) employ bait and switch tactics that imply that if I open a bank account, I will be approved for a credit card.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-02-03

Goldenrod, FL

Threatened to contact someone or share information improperly

Debt collection: Credit card debt

Contacted your employer
Complaint: XXXX XXXX purchased a credit card debt from XXXX XXXX XXXX, assignee of XXXX XXXX and hired XXXX XXXX to represent them in the Court of law in order to collect on the debt. On XX/XX/XXXX, a lady named XXXX who claimed to be with law enforcement agency and wearing a " badge '' and shorts, t-shirt, flip flops, came to my place of employment with her XXXX small children. She was asked to leave by human resources and to contact me at home. She left and then immediately called my place of employment again, being harassing. She left her number and I called her to try and set up an appointment and all She stated was someone would be out next week to my home address, which I verified with her, as I believe she was trying to give me Court papers. Instead, On XX/XX/XXXX, she showed up again at my place of employment. I asked her to please wait outside as I was getting ready to leave work and I would meet with her. I came out and she was still inside. I told her I needed to use the restroom. She said " really '' I said yes. Then when we got outside she continued to stand by the employee entrance area. I said this is embarrassing and why didn't anyone come to my residence. She accused me of avoiding her and threatening to fine me. They took me to court and Sued me and unfortunately the judge sided with them which I disagree with. Not only violating the FDCPA, the company failed to provide evidence that I owe the debt and that they have a claim in the debt. I asserted lack of standing not to mention being threatened, harassed and humiliated at my workplace.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-02-03

Oxford, GA

Problem with a purchase shown on your statement

Credit card or prepaid card: General-purpose credit card or charge card

Credit card company isn't resolving a dispute about a purchase on your statement
Complaint: I MADE A PAYMENT OF {$800.00} FOR MY CREDIT CARD HSBC ( XXXX XXXX ) THROUGH MY XXXX CHECKING ACCOUNT. XXXX XXXX TOOK OUT {$800.00} FROM MY CHECKING ACCOUNT ON XX/XX/XXXX. I CALLED XXXX XXXX ON XX/XX/XXXX, THEY DID NOT RECEIVE IT. HSBC HAD VERY BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE.MOST OF CALLS GOES OUT OF USA. ONE CALLS TAKES MORE THAN 30 MINS. XXXX XXXX EMPLOYEES DO NOT HAVE ANY RESPECT FOR AMERICAN CUSTOMER. HSBC HAD DONE SIMILAR MISTAKE EARLIER ALSO.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-02-02

Greensboro, NC

Opening an account

Checking or savings account: Checking account

Didn't receive terms that were advertised
Complaint: I opened a checking account with HSBC, responding to an offer to get a {$350.00} bonus. More information about the bonus can be found here : XXXX XXXX XXXX I apologize that this link is to a third party, but I no longer have access to the promotion on the HSBC website . The terms described on this website matched those that I saw on the HSBC site. As you can see, the bonus required me to make 2 bill payments in each of 3 months in the first 120 days after account opening. HSBC dragged their feet about opening the account, but I received a Welcome to HSBC email on XX/XX/XXXX and I promptly established online access to the account. I made two bill payments in XX/XX/XXXX, four in XX/XX/XXXX, four in XX/XX/XXXX, and four in XX/XX/XXXX. I tried to space them to ensure that two would be before the statement close date each month and two would be after. The {$350.00} bonus never posted. On two separate occasions, I asked via online chat about the bonus. In each case, I was promised a review and a decision by mail and email. I never received any decision form HSBC. The bank has been non-responsive, and I no further interest in banking with them, but I'm afraid to close the account out of fear that it would then be impossible to get the bonus.
Company Response: Closed with monetary relief

Timely Response

2018-02-01

Port Chester, NY

Managing an account

Checking or savings account: Checking account

Problem making or receiving payments
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-02-01

Freetown, NY

Trouble during payment process

Mortgage: Conventional home mortgage

Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-01-31

Jamaica, NY

Closing your account

Credit card or prepaid card: General-purpose credit card or charge card

Can't close your account
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-01-31

San Francisco, CA

Managing an account

Checking or savings account: Checking account

Fee problem
Complaint: I have just been reading about the HSBC Advance Checking Maintenance Fees ( that have been deemed illegal in some countries ) and checked my own checking account to discover they have been charging me $ XXXXmonth for years. I never use this account ( other than for transferring money between US and XXXX HSBC accounts ) and they have charged me an incredible amount of money. The search function on their website only goes back as far as 2016. But I think these charges go much further back. This account was mis-sold to me. I had no idea I would be charged a fee for going below a certain amount. If may have been buried in the Terms and Conditions but I was not properly made aware of that. I have other Checking Accounts with XXXX XXXX and XXXX, which do not charge me a fee. I feel very XXXX for not checking my statements but I have also not been told before/during the opening of this account that I would need to pay a fee ( for literally no service ). These " packaged accounts '' have been deemed unethical in many other countries : XXXX XXXX XXXX I am happy to adhere to the policies of the account in the future ( now that I have been informed of them ) but this taking thousands of dollars from my account is not acceptable.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-01-31

Sacramento, CA

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Credit card debt

Debt was already discharged in bankruptcy and is no longer owed
Complaint: XXXX XXXX has taken old debt that was discharged in bankruptcy and added onto my credit. I spoke to different representatives and they stated the this account was purchased in 2016. However, any accounts with HSBC were filed under bankruptcy. Also, XXXX XXXX purchased accounts from HSBC and while account was on my Account Name Original Creditor Open Date Balance Debt Contact Information XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX HSBC BANK NEVADA XXXX. XX/XX/2016 {$550.00} {$550.00} XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, VA XXXX ( XXXX ) XXXX credit as XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX as reinstated the debt to read HSBC.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-01-31

Saybrook, IL

False statements or representation

Debt collection: Credit card debt

Impersonated attorney, law enforcement, or government official
Complaint: I received two threatening telephone calls today from XXXX ( " XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX '' out of Michigan ) regarding a credit card bill, which was charged off over 7 years ago. They acquired ( purchased the file ) onXX/XX/2018. They said they were going to serve me papers between the hours of XXXX and XXXX regarding a lawsuit filed against me. When I contacted them with questions, I was hung up on several times, told to " pay your bills '' and " XXXX '' twice. I was also called a " XXXX XXXX ''. When I told them not to call me at work, they said they had no choice but to serve me. When I asked what my address was they began giving me several, all of which they obtained by doing a XXXX search. The representative confirmed this and told me that if " you are going to mention the company, get the name right '' ( I said XXXX because of nerves ). She then hung up on me. Representatives from Law Firms that specialize in collections leave false information and threats ( I've had this happen previously many years ago when I lost my job ) and contact any person with the same last name, always leaving the same messages for family members regarding the person they are trying to collect from. Their behavior is unethical, unprofessional, and completely disrespectful. Additionally, they threaten and give unlawful information. This company, in particular, needs to be fined and shut down. Their communication practices are unacceptable and unlawful.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-01-30

Valley Spgs, CA

Communication tactics

Debt collection: Credit card debt

You told them to stop contacting you, but they keep trying
Complaint: this is a continuation of complaint # XXXX now today I get a phone call on my cell phone from a man who says he represents XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX who now have this account from XXXX XXXX. Stating again they are representing HSBC. this man openly admitted the account is 9 years old and when I asked him what Statue of Limittations were in California couldn't give me an answer. he wanted me to accept a XXXX for the debt in which I refused and hung up. I would like action taken against this company and XXXX XXXX. for selling my personal information. I constantly have to worry about Identity theft due to HSBC 's lack of following good collection practice.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-01-30

NY

Took or threatened to take negative or legal action

Debt collection: Other debt

Sued you without properly notifying you of lawsuit
Complaint: In XXXX I lost my job and couldn't pay on an unsecured installment loan from HSBC. I had been making payments up until the point I lost my job so the balance owed was only {$2900.00}. It went into Collections where XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX XXXX XXXX ) took over for recovery. They then put a judgment on me. I had signed a confession of judgment which I would it was my bill and made arrangements with them to take {$50.00} a month out of my check. This went on for 5 years from XXXX XXXX. I had paid them {$2700.00} over that time and they stopped taking money out of my bank account so I thought the bill was satisfied. It was only until this month XXXX when I tried to refinance my home that I found out they had put a {$4000.00} lien on my property. I called XXXX and tried to find out why. They had advised me that I defaulted in my payment arrangement by not recertifying with them to take money out of my account which I have never done for the 5 yrs they were doing it. They said I was sued ( with no notification or summons for me to appear in court ) and pre-judgment, post judgment plus other fees were added totally now {$4600.00}. I was very upset since I cooperated fully with repayment and was doing my part to clear up this debt. I am also very upset that paying in good faith they could not settle the balance owed as paid in full as a lot of creditors do since the left balance was only {$280.00}. I tried to explain that I DID NOT default in my payment arrangements but THEY DID by stopping my payments. They were uncooperative as to helping me rectify this as I pleaded since the balance was only {$280.00} I would pay and they could take lien off and they told me they could not do that because now the creditor wants all their money. I am very upset and would so like to clear this matter up. I do not have {$4600.00} and feel THEY defaulted me and THEY SHOULD clear this up for me. Please help.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-01-30

Katonah, NY

Advertising and marketing, including promotional offers

Credit card or prepaid card: General-purpose credit card or charge card

Didn't receive advertised or promotional terms
Company Response: Closed with non-monetary relief

Timely Response

2018-01-30

Boca Raton, FL

Closing on a mortgage

Mortgage: Home equity loan or line of credit (HELOC)

Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-01-30

Fort Macarthur, CA

Trouble during payment process

Mortgage: Conventional home mortgage

Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-01-27

NJ

Opening an account

Checking or savings account: Checking account

Didn't receive terms that were advertised
Complaint: I opened my checking accout with a promotion coupon ( To summary : can get {$350.00} if {$10000.00} deposit and maintain 90days ) on XX/XX/2017 but havent received the bonus after timeline passed. I contacted HSBC and they said I have to contact the branch where I opened at. I contacted the branch. They said I have a history of opening/closing a checking account before so I am not eligible to get the bonus. However, the banker checked the history and proceeded when I opened my account. The banker ( I can give the banker information if you need it. I didnt enclose due to personal information ) confirmed that HSBC has no record of my previous checking account history in their system after researching it. If the banker would informed that I was not eligible for the bonus when I tried to open a checking account, I wouldnt open and wouldnt maintain my money there over 6 months so far.
Company Response: Closed with non-monetary relief

Timely Response

2018-01-25

Hurricane, MS

Managing an account

Checking or savings account: Checking account

Deposits and withdrawals
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-01-25

Manhattan, NY

Managing an account

Checking or savings account: Other banking product or service

Banking errors
Company Response: Closed with non-monetary relief

Timely Response