Manufacturer Warranties and Protection Plans

[spoco57]

Although we managed to get debt cancellation terminated, the BB credit application form (which BB faxed to us, eventually) showed that we had, in fact, signed. 

As you have stated, there was absolutely no explanation or warning of "opt-in" programs from the BB sales associate. It was fine print, and placed where it would raise the least suspicion when the BB employee says 'sign here, here and here". This is ALWAY a dangerous thing to do, and we almost paid for our negligence, even though we are usually careful never to sign up for these "opt-in" programs. We should have been paying more attention to the fine print.  We foolishly trusted the BB agent. Don't do that. 

The way that BB could avoid the damage to their own reputation in this is to be careful to have employees be very careful to point out the "opt-in" and "opt-out" clauses. As it is, they seem to be colluding with HSBC in this. I'm sure that looking the other way allows them both to feed off of this deal. Best Buy gets sales they might not have made, and HSBC reaps the benefits of "debt-cancellation". 

I would encourage BB to do their best on behalf of their paying customers, instead of in the behalf of HSBC. It won't be HSBC deciding whether or not to make any further purchases from Best Buy. It will be the guy they hung out to dry with a little "debt cancellation" scheme, and let me tell you, wallyworld might catch some windfall here.

I do applaud BB's helpful agents here online, Sarah-BBY and Adamtech were most helpful in assisting us to resolve our own "debt cancellation- NY" line item. Thank you, folks. 

[Adamtech Emerging Expert]

You're most welcome spoco57, I am glad we were able to assist!

[katiowen]

They most certainly will add it without proper notification!  This type of situation happened to me as well.  In my opinion a checked box does not constitute authorization.  The terms and conditions of this service were handled in a very deceptivie, underhanded manner.

[starhelper2587]

You're right.  A check box doesn't constitute one's authorization.  But when one checks boxes, fills out personal info, then SIGNS the entire document by signing at the bottom ... now that constitutes authorization!  Below every signing line on any type of document like a credit card application, there's a clause stating something like "by signing here, I acknowledge and agree to the above, blah, blah blah." The Ts and Cs to any credit card, service, contest, etc. etc. are always in small print and they are always the consumer's responsibility to be informed of.  So I guess you're saying that practically every company out there handles their business in a "very deceptive, underhanded manner."  HaHa.  I'm not trying to be rude, but I just hope you realize what you're saying here.

[katiowen]

I understand the implications of a binding contract & laws relating as such.  I did read the agreement comprehensively.  What I'm trying to communicate is I DID NOT check the box authorizing this type of "protection."  Anyone could have marked that box after my signature & claim I completed it.  I authorized the submitance of the credit card application, nothing more, nothing less. 

[spoco57]

I'll say it again. There was no box, checked or unchecked on the application.

There WERE 3 signature lines, all in similar boxes, but one of which was in a box with some text above it that signed one up for Account Shield. It was disguised to look exactly like the other two signature boxes, and the text was clearly designed to be passed over in signing for what you thought was a credit card application.  It's difficult to admit it, but we all SIGNED for Account Shield. I still have a copy of the application form which was provided by HSBC, and there is no getting around the fact that we signed the line opting into Account Shield. 

The fine text ALSO says the applicant can opt out of Account Shield at any time. This is where HSBC is clearly not living up to own their contractual obligation. Nifty move, having the people who are responsible for cancellation living in a 3rd world country somewhere, with atrocious English, and clearly under orders not to cancel Account Shield for customers.

The fact that it is referred to as "Debt Cancellation" and not "Account Shield"  on your bill is one more evidence that this is clearly intended to deceive. 

[starhelper2587]

spoco57 -  That is sad that HSBC set up their application that way and even used 2 different names for the debt protection between the application and monthly statements.  However, thanks soooo much for actually posting some factual info to clear all this up for everyone!  I'm glad you're able to point this out so others may pay closer attention to what they're siging in those three boxes on the application.

[jajajija]

were you able to get a refund? I just had the exact same problem. Nobody explained to me about signing up for any service when I signed up for the credit card. I called HSBC and they said that I signed up for it and they'll mail me a copy of the agreement. But after reading all of these posts it makes me realize that my best bet might be to just go straight to BBB and file a complaint there.