I always just inquire "Who is your service agent?" to the person on the line. "What is a service agent?" is the normal reply. "The person who receives notices of suit and inquiries from the regulatory authorities of my state". "I intend to file a formal complaint with the Consumer Fraud Protection division of the state attorney general's office".
Silence on the phone. "Please wait a moment while I speak to my supervisor". Pause. "Sir, we have determined to remove the charge from your account".
And I ain't bluffin'. The last thing, for example, an insurance company wants is an inquiry from any state Insurance Commissioner's office or any states Office of the Attorney General.
They learned these tricks, of course, from the bankers. They hound you and nickle and dime you to death. It has become a major source of income for them in this low interest rate environment. I believe in just being very nice and then being very polite, firm and assertive.
Works for me most of the time. Too many people just roll over and that encourages unjustifiable fees and greed.
