Annoying Telephone Calls from Kohl's

What happened...

One evening three weeks back, I started receiving telephone calls from people identifying themselves from Kohl's concerning a late charge on my Kohl's card. I immediately responded that I don't even have a Kohl's card, but they were dis-interested in that reply, not even acknowledging it. So, here I am thinking, how rude for Kohl's to be calling me, asking (no, demanding) me for personal information (i.e. SSN, DOB, etc.) when I do not have a Kohl's card and never did. I explained that I don't hand over personal information like this over the phone, esp. when they are calling the wrong person. What type of verification system do they have in place if someone else is easily able to obtain a credit card under my name, but with erroneous information such as SSN and DOB?

Initially how I handled it...

I decided to ignore the calls. I didn't know if this was a scam or real, but in any case, I didn't want to hand over my personal information to a perfect stranger. However, they were quite persistent, calling me early morning, several times during the day, late evenings and weekends, too! I considered their questions invasive and their tone/tact highly unprofessional.

And, then two important steps...

I obtained a free credit report to see if there was anything related to this call on the report - there wasn't. Then I called one of the credit agencies and opened a 90-day fraud alert (which prevents anyone from opening a credit card in your name, without you knowing about it).

I started to research this on the Internet...

Although it appeared that some people actually owed money and were subjected to these very harassing calls, I also discovered that several people around the country were experiencing the same thing I was going through. They, too, never opened or owned a Kohl's credit card, nor did they ever charge anything at Kohl's, yet they were receiving annoying calls from Kohl's finance credit department, asking for personal information.

This is From an Annoyed Innocent Citizen From Texas: "I told them I had a problem with their collection practices and wanted to ask them to please remove my name from the call list because I am not who they are looking for. In addition, I asked that they improve the phone system so you can get off the list if they are calling in error."

What I did next...

I went to the Kohl's site and got this customer service e-mail: customer.service@kohls.com

In am e-mail, I explained the situation above to them, requested that they stop calling as I don't have a Kohl's card. (Of course, inside I'm thinking, I'll never buy a Kohl's card either as these people are rude and don't listen well.) It was Friday that I sent the e-mail and I eventually heard back Monday afternoon from this e-mail: cscc.escalated@kohls.com , but first...

Monday morning I got another call (I knew it was them), so I decided to pick up...

After picking up, I had it out with the person calling and requested a number I could call to get this resolved once and for all. She provided me with this number: 1-800-815-6457

I called the number and the woman who answered somehow knew it was me. I explained that I don't have a Kohl's card and don't feel comfortable giving personal information out over the phone (she was requesting SSN information and my DOB). She said she would need that information in order to resolve this. I asked the Kohl's rep to give me the information they have on file and I'll let them know if it's correct. She responded nastily, "I can't give information out about Kohl's customers." (Well, now you know how I feel Kohl's!). I continued, 'how about just one figure from my DOB'? She agreed and asked for only my "birth day". I reluctantly provided it to her and then she acknowledged that it wasn't what she had on file AND that I wasn't the one they were interested in talking to. She informed me that she would take my name off their phone list.

Later on, I did receive a response to the e-mail I sent out on Friday. The explanation was brief and a little vague.

Here's what Kohl's e-mail said...

Dear Mr. _______:

Your e-mail was forwarded to my attention in the Executive Office of Kohl's for follow up and resolution. As it is my intent to provide our customers with quality service, I appreciate the opportunity to review your concerns.

The telephone calls that you received were intended for a Kohl's Charge customer. As you are not liable for any debt affiliated with a Kohl's Charge account, we have taken the steps necessary to remove your phone number from our system.

I apologize for the inconvenience you have experienced. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 1-262-704-9065 with any further questions or concerns. We hope that you allow us to serve you in the future.

Sincerely, (name removed)

Senior Correspondence Specialist

Kohl's Department Stores

In Conclusion...

I've provided this information above to help anyone else out who may be going through this annoying ordeal. It appears that by e-mailing Kohl's, you can resolve this without picking up the phone and revealing personal information to people who should not be asking for it.