Released: September 24, 2006

Bank of America pitches to captive customers

Source: By David Lazarus, San Francisco Chronicle

Anyone who has activated a Bank of America debit card by phone over the past couple of years knows that the company routinely takes this opportunity to try to sell you things you didn’t want.

But what makes BofA’s sales tactics so remarkable is that the company doesn’t offer a chance to opt out from hearing its marketing pitches. You’re instructed to press 1 for more info but no option is given to skip the solicitation.

“It’s very frustrating,” said San Francisco resident Larry Berger, who activated a new BofA debit card the other day. “My goal when I called was to get my card going. They were deliberately steering me away from my goal.

“They keep asking me questions with clear yes or no answers,” he added, “but don’t give me a chance to say no.”

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