On the 2nd of August, 2007, I happened to drop in at “Shopper’s Stop” at City Centre, Salt Lake, for shopping. After the purchase, the staff at the counter insisted me to acquire a “Green Card” for which I had to sign a form. I was made to understand that it was just a formality. My address and telephone numbers were noted down by the staff. No mention of any application for a credit card account or health policy was made to me at that point of time.

Later, in early September, 2007, I received a telephone call from a Citibank/ Citi Financial, Chennai, stating that some Health Insurance Policy had been initiated on my name and even opened an account for the same (without my permission or consent.)

There is yet another incident which might be informative. Before the mention of the health insurance policy and credit card, I received phone calls from Shopper’s Stop agents announcing me as the winner of some lucky draw I never participated in. I declined to accept this huge sum they claimed to be my prize, still they were strongly persuading me.

Subsequently I received a letter from Citi Financial, dated 31st October, 2007, thanking me for applying for Good Health Policy over phone, which is baseless.

In fact, I did not apply anything over phone; and I remember having strictly informed them to stop further proceedings in case they have mistaken, making it clear that I did not ask for any health policy nor credit card whatsoever. They assured me that immediate action would be initiated to end the process. However, it seems, no action was taken on their behalf, and, within a few days, I received a Citibank credit card.

I duly returned the credit card to the sender, after destroying the same, enclosing it within a letter dated, the 5th of January, 2008, requesting the cancellation of the policy and the credit card account. They sent a letter acknowledging it and promising to resolve the problem, given some time.

I also visited the local CitiBank at City Centre, revealing the problem, about which, they promised to investigate. I was given a phone number to make my complaint also, which I found to be deactivated!

I also sent a letter on the 7th of January, 2008 to New India Assurance denying their claim. However, my request was left unanswered till date.

The same day, a Citibank rep, Suhrid Karmakar (mob: 9830062951), Manager Credit & Dept. (Collection) Citi Group, 22, Camac Street, Calcutta 16, visits my residence to collect the pending premium dues. I was rather alarmed by this claim. I spoke to him about the whole matter, and in response he promised me to get the problem settled.

Meanwhile, Citibank continues sending the statements; innumerable phone calls were made repeatedly by Citi Bank and BPO callers demanding me to pay the amount. Such claims do not hold grounds, considering the fact that such applications are made without my consent, my signature or valid documents.

On the 12th of August, 2009, a demand notice of Rs.19636/- was served to me by advocate Lopamudra Sur, of M/s Dasgupta & Associate, Temple Chambers, 6, Old Post Office Street, Kolkata (Tel: 66131090/66130938) on behalf of Citi Bank. It also states that, it accrued an interest at the rate of 24% p.a. The letter threatens me to make the payment within 10 days, failing which, legal proceedings (Civil & Criminal) would be initiated for recovery of the same, at my costs and consequence thereof.

I am sorry to state that, I am shocked by the method adapted by these companies for harassing innocent people for the sake of business. It is causing me and my family enormous mental stress and wastage of time in handling and pursuing the matter.

Therefore, I request you to take a prompt action to end this harassment.