Just thought that by writing this review I can do some service to society. I have had extremely bad experience with Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) customer service in the past few days.
The story goes back to 2004 - 05 when I used to have SCB credit card. In April 2005 I had to rush for a long term assignment in US. I was not able to make the payment for April bill as I left before I got the card statement. However I made the payment in May from US via a friend in India (for April bill). However SCB continued to charge me interest on late payment and kept on increasing outstanding amount. They did not inform me about the same through any means. It came to my notice when I was taking a home loan from State bank of India last year. SBI told me that there is a write-off in CIBIL for non-payment of credit card of around 5600/- against me.
I was shocked. I only had taken one credit card in my life, that of SCB (how unlucky I am!!!) so I quickly realize that it has to be them. When I checked with them they told me that there is around 5900/- outstanding amount on the card. When I asked the details, they said that it will take time to get the statements as it goes back to 2005 (very old). On repeated follow up, they kept giving me false commitments and excuses regarding statement disclosure (for 1 month).
One day a guy (called Shankar) called me and told that they are able to fetch statements (from VISA) and told me that since I made late payment for april bill (in may 2005) and did not pay late payment charges I have an outstanding of around 6000/- due to interests. When I asked why they dont send any communication, even email about the same to me, he had no answer (gave only lousy excuses).
I thought it is in my best interest to settle the amount and so that I can get my pending loan through. So I asked him what needs to be done. He said that they can settle the issue if I do 50% payment. I immediately agreed. However I asked him to mail me the statements, so that I can I have records to verify. He agreed and said that I will receive the statement within 2 days and in the meantime he will get approval for 50% payment.
I waited for the statement but it didn’t came even after seven days. I called them up and another guy (Santosh) said that since Shankar is on leave he will send the statements immediately. But statements never came. Later on these bast stop taking my calls and told their front desk not to hand over any call from my side to them, it seems. I only got false promise of call back from the front desk personnel.
In complete helplessness and desparation, I approached RBI, where I came to know that I can register a complaint with RBI ombudsman. I did that and also informed SCB in writing about it (through email) . After few days of registering complaint I got call from SCB person from their collections department and she agreed to give me no dues letter only if I make payment of 3000 bucks . Since it was my need, I went ahead for payment. On payment I got letter from them which contained number of mistakes (even my old address). I requested them to make necessary changes, but the rude lady refused to do it and instead asked me to take back 3000/- and talk to their customer care (which is a total shit). Since I had no choice I came back with whatever letter they gave but with a resolve that I will FIGHT till I get some justice or atleast make my point clear and loud to ombudsman. In the meantime I can get my loan approved.
It took me 3 months, hundreds of call, official complaints and finally 3000/- to get an error filled no dues letter from these cheaters. I will request from all of you who has gone through this rather long review NOT to do any business with Standard Chartered Bank. If you are doing it, stop that as quickly as possible or else face the wrath in future. I would like to give them negative product rating if mouthshut has an option for it. SCB should have been blacklisted by now for their unethical business practices. See the number of peeved customer and -ve reviews on mouthshut.
Thanks
Shivendra Vivrekar