Received Unwanted Charges for an ANZ Credit Card I Never Signed Up For
I’m having a major issue where ANZ is billing me for a credit card I never applied for. I’ve been trying to reach out to ANZ for assistance but can’t seem to get through. I’ve never signed up for any ANZ service or activated any of their cards. About three years ago, I received a card in the mail with a note stating, ‘since you have an Aussie loans card, we’re switching you to ANZ.’ This card was sent to my mum’s address, but I had already closed my Aussie account at the time, so I simply discarded the card and all associated paperwork since it was unsolicited. It’s worth mentioning that I haven’t lived in Australia for nearly a decade.
Now, I’m being pursued for $50 annual fees that have accumulated over the past few years for a card that was never activated. The wait times to speak with customer service exceed 30 minutes, and it’s an international call. To make matters worse, the financial services ombudsman appears to block connections from overseas as well.
I’m really sorry to hear about the frustrating situation you’re dealing with. Here are a few steps you might consider taking to resolve the issue:
Document Everything: Keep a record of all communications related to this matter, including dates, times, and details of your attempts to contact ANZ.
Reach Out via Social Media: Sometimes contacting companies through their social media channels (like Twitter or Facebook) can yield quicker responses.
Contact International Support: If you haven’t already, look for an international contact number specifically for customers outside of Australia. ANZ may have dedicated lines for international inquiries.
Email ANZ Customer Support: If phone calls aren’t working, try emailing them directly with all your details. Make sure to include any relevant information like your old account numbers and explain your situation clearly.
Consider Sending a Formal Complaint: If you don’t receive a response, you might consider sending a formal complaint through registered mail to ensure it gets noticed.
Contact the Ombudsman Again: Even if you faced issues connecting, you might try different methods to reach the Financial Ombudsman in Australia, such as emailing or using an alternative phone line.
Check If Someone in Australia Can Assist: If you have friends or family in Australia, they might be able to help you contact ANZ directly or provide assistance in navigating the situation.
Monitor Your Credit Report: You might want to check your credit report to ensure there are no other discrepancies or unauthorized accounts listed there.
I hope you can get this resolved soon!