Why does this read like a plea for a class-action lawsuit?

I got this crap in the mail today from a bloodsucking bank to which I owe money. Like most people, I don’t generally read these things thoroughly, although every time I do, I realize I really should. This one announced a fairly insignificant “minimum finance charge”, but it’s not the charge that has me curious, it’s the way it’s being presented.

Allow me to quote from the letter:

If you do not wish to accept the above change, you must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Write to us at (name and address of bloodsucking vermin here). Clearly print or type your name and full credit card account number and state that you reject this change. You must give notice in writing; it is not sufficient to telephone us. Send this notice only to the address in this paragraph; do not send it with a payment or any other type of customer service request. This mailbox is ONLY for rejection of change of terms.

2. Write to us immediately. We must receive your letter at the above address by May 1, 2007 or your rejection will not be effective.

I’m not a lawyer, but this seems like a pretty screwy way to change the terms of service for any company. Do I read this as if they are asking permission to change, and silence is consent? Do I assume that if I deny this change, that my service will be canceled and the full amount due immediately? The change seems to be insignificant, but is it opening the door for future changes that won’t be put forth so “politely”?

Nothing like feeling you’re being backed into the corner by a bank.

One Comment

  1. Only a guess on my part…but why would any company you are already affiliated with need your card information?
    They should already have all the pertinent data they are asking you for.
    It sounds more like some blood sucking vermin trying to leech into your account, to me.
    Regardless of the Don’t contact anyone bit, that’s precisely what I’d do.
    If there’s any validity to it, they will know about it and can give you confirmation that this is indeed, real, and also give you the opportunity to voice your own concerns about how this was addressed, if it turns out to be valid.

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