Consumer complaint received 2025-05-06 00:00:00
Product: Credit card — General-purpose credit card or charge card
Issue: Problem with a purchase shown on your statement — Credit card company isn't resolving a dispute about a purchase on your statement
Company: AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
State: MA

Complaint narrative:
Subject : Formal Complaint Against American Express and XXXX for Fraudulent Practices and Inconsistent Resolution To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding the handling of a disputed charge on my American Express account for {$9000.00}. This issue stems from a deceptive and misleading transaction involving XXXX, a company notorious for fraudulent practices. My experience, detailed below, highlights both the unethical behavior of XXXX and the inconsistent response from American Express in addressing this matter. 

Background I, along with two other individuals, attended a presentation by XXXX We were misled by a taxi driver paid by XXXX to leave our fully paid-for, all-inclusive resort under the promise of a free stay, only to be subjected to high-pressure sales tactics. Within 24 hours of signing the contract, we realized the deceptive nature of the agreement and canceled the transaction. 

The company, however, forged my signature on the cancellation agreement, further compounding their fraudulent actions. Their representatives, when contacted, refused to terminate the contract and even hung up on me. I have recordings and documentation of these interactions to substantiate my claims. 

Inconsistent Resolutions The total cost of the product in question was approximately {$53000.00}. Of this, the other two parties involved in the transaction received full refunds through their financial institutions, including American Express. I submitted the exact same supporting documents as the other partiesevidence that XXXX used fraudulent, deceptive, and abusive tactics to secure paymentsand yet my disputes were denied multiple times. 

This inconsistency is unacceptable. The contract itself stipulated that less than 25 % of the total amount paid would void the agreement unless a payment plan was in place. Since 80 % of the funds were refunded to the other parties, the contract is null and void. In addition I never signed for a payment plan and none were/are in place, there again nullifying the agreement. Additionally, I neither possess the product nor have I received a refund, leaving me without the promised service and my rightful funds. 

Accountability By siding with XXXX despite the evidence of their fraudulent practices, American Express has failed to uphold its responsibility to protect its customers. The refusal to refund my payment, while granting refunds to the other parties under identical circumstances, raises concerns of inconsistent and possibly discriminatory practices. It is imperative that American Express adheres to fair and equitable policies for all customers. 

Request for Immediate Review I urge the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) to review this matter immediately. The ongoing dispute is causing significant undue stress and negatively impacting my credit report, as the charge remains an outstanding debt. I demand the following : 1. A full refund of the disputed charge, consistent with the refunds provided to the other parties.

2. An explanation for the inconsistent handling of this case compared to identical claims.

3. Assurance that American Express will implement policies to ensure fair and consistent dispute resolutions in the future. 

Supporting Evidence I have attached the following : Recordings of XXXX representatives refusing to terminate the agreement. 
Documentation proving forgery of my signature. 
The same evidence submitted by the other parties that resulted in their refunds. 

This matter requires urgent attention. I expect a thorough review and resolution within the shortest possible timeframe. Failing that, I will have no choice but to pursue further legal action against both XXXX and American Express for their complicity in fraudulent and abusive practices.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation