Citibank needs to green themselves.

We recently went through a little credit card theft scam fighting over 40 fraudulent transactions charged in Mexico, and worked with Citibank to reverse the charges and settle the account. Credit card number stolen...

Thankfully, Citibank has made the account whole, but in the process – I think they killed their share of a few trees. First they sent out one letter for every transaction that was being declined by us to confirm they have opened a file on it. Then they sent one letter for every transaction letting us know it was being reviewed. Then, we received one letter for every transaction to confirm the charge has been credited back to our account and the file was closed.

120+ envelopes. 120+ letters. Who knows how many ink cartridges. And stamps? This is a sure fire way to keep the USPS in business.

Since all these transactions were reported at the same time, me thinks a smart(er) way to handle this going forward is to send ONE letter confirming all the charges we are declining. Then send ONE letter to confirm our account is in review. Then ONE final letter on all the charges that were being credited back to our account, and if need be, ONE more letter in case some of the charges were not credited (confirming why). Seems a much more efficient use of time. Of money. Of Mother Nature’s resources.

How about it Citibank…care to work on greening yourself?

2 thoughts on “Citibank needs to green themselves.

  • June 21, 2009 at 3:14 pm
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    In the UK we’re seeing a trend where utility provders (phone, gas, electricity, etc.) charge you to get paper bills. I suspect banks will soon work out they can make (take) some more money doing the same. Is this a bad thing?

    Reply
  • May 4, 2009 at 11:42 am
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    This is so true. What about an option just to have this all done online.

    Having just moved back to the East Coast after years in California, I find this endemic to company’s based here. Dunkin Donuts is a classic example. How on earth are they still using styrofoam for their coffee???

    Reply

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