About 5 years ago Home Depot Consumer Credit offered me credit by sending me an unsolicited preapproval in the mail. I applied, was approved and used my credit line.

I was never late and always paid more than the minimum.

Later, they periodically reduced my credit limit to the amount that I owed stating there was something in my credit report they were holding against me. Remember, they solicited me. The fact is there is nothing (bad) in my credit report that wasn't already there before they solicited and approved my business.

I tried talking to someone about this, but didn't get anywhere so I stopped charging to the account and continued to make payments. I paid off the balance in full in Dec 2009 and requested the account (which has always been in good standing) be closed immediately.

In Mar 2010 I started getting calls from their collection department about a 60 day past due balance of $12. Apparently, over 30 days after I paid off and closed my account, they hit my closed account with an $8 finance charge without mailing a statement. I didn't log in anymore because remember, I paid off and closed the account.

Their website makes it nearly impossible to easily dispute a charge or email customer service!