My daughter had purchased certain items in Kolkata with her additional SBI card for which I was the main account holder. I received a call after 6 days with an offer of paying the amount in installment which I did not accept and informed them that I want to pay the entire amount in a single payment. When next time my daughter went to have her next purchase, she was informed that the card was blocked.
When I contacted the helpline, they informed that this action they have taken to stop fraud as they were suspicious that fraud may be going on. I informed them that they themselvs inquired and I confirmed that the payment would be made in single installment and I had already made the payment of the entire amount, much before the due date ( 8th August, 2005). I also informed them that they had acknowleged my payment by an SMS to me. I also asked them a duplicate bill as I did not receive any bill for the amount and my payment is more than the atual amount. The helpline promised a bill 4 times but it was never dispatched.
Further they informed me that my card is also blocked.
I got another phone call subsequently asking me how the purchase has been made when my location is in Allahabad. I hope they must understand the usage of credit card.
Further telephone call I got subsequently in which they informed me with a request that no further transaction should be made with Senco Jewellers, Kolkata as it was a black listed company by SBI card and the blocking of card id done as we have transacted with a blacklisted sales organisation.
Most irrelevent statement is the last one. When Senco Jewellers, Kolkata was contacted they opined that it is their kindness to accept th SBI card and not the SBI card allowing or not allowing for the transaction.
I comment that the SBI card helpline is extremely inefficient, not helpful, misinformed, unorganised and does not cater the need of their customers.