[FlamesAddiction]

I had a really bad experience with American Express over fraudulent charges. They stopped the fraudulent charges, but still expected me to pay the $1,800 that was already charged. I argued with them about it and thought it was ridiculous that they would agree enough that the charges were fraudulent enough to stop the automatic payments, but still expected me to pay the current amount. I had the card for several years and never missed a payment and was a good standing customer, but they were treating me with suspicion. I realize there was probably fine print in there that put me on the hook for it, but I felt offended.

In hindsight this was a foolish of me, but I decided out of principle that I wasn't going to pay. They sent it to collections and I told them to get bent. Now I have 5 derogatory remarks on my credit score that won't come off still for a couple of more years and it has impacted my life. We were rejected from moving into a really nice co-op because of it, which certainly wasn't worth standing my ground on for $1,800. I would have saved way more than that on rent and would have a much nicer place to live in. I should have just paid it knowing what I know now. My credit rating was perfect before that.


Now I check my credit every week. It's so important to stay diligent these days.