It seems everyone is complaining about Russell Simmons’ pre-paid Visa RushCard.

The NY Times wrote a scathing review of the consumer card, and a loyal reader wrote in to complain about the raw deal she received with her new RushCard.

Maybe Simmons should stop frolicking in the surf with women young enough to be his granddaughters, and pay attention to what’s going on?

Loyal reader Tasha S. wrote:

Hey Sandra,

I am a loyal reader of yours and I just wanted to let you know about a fraudulous situation I recently experienced with the RushCard, Russell Simmons’ pre-paid debit card. I decided to get one of his cards out of support for him because I think its quite obvious the card isn’t receiving the attention they hoped for. So I received my card in the mail and immediately transferred money into the account from my bank. I was going to use the card as a “gas card” only, so I deposited $150 on the card. When I received my email alert from the bank informing me of my recent activity, I noticed that they withdrew $160 from my account, not the $150 that I clearly inputed. So I called customer service and the issue was quickly resolved.

Later, I went to the gas station to use the card for the first time. I spent $26 at the pump, which was on a Wednesday. The next morning I checked my balance on their website and the amount was accurate, also including a $1.93 fee. (I didn’t know that everytime you make a payment they charge you $1.93!) Before I went to bed that night, something told me to check that balance again, and so I did. To my surprise, they had the nerve to charge me again for the same transaction! Again, I only spent that $26 at the pump ONCE, but there were two charges with the same amount from Shell gas station, just on two different days. So I called customer service to address the situation and both representatives I spoke with were beyond rude.

I’m not even an ugly person, but she brought out the worst in me that night! After a 35 minute cursing match, they refunded me my $26. I then tried to close my account because I didn’t want them taking anymore of my money and they said I had to spend all of it to get it back. So that means I have to make transactions, therefore you STILL get my money because you’re going to charge me ridiculous fees! Oh and they don’t tell you this when you sign up, but there’s a $19.95 activation fee as well. They take that at their leisure.

I understand the mistakes happen, but them being a “financial” institution making mistakes like that is unacceptable. They are supposed to be encouraging people to manage their finances appropriately and instead they’re robbing people. Having the RushCard was a horrible experience and I would advise everyone not to support this business venture of Russell Simmons. Just goes to show that you can’t support everything just because its black owned!!

xoxo

Tasha S.
therealmztasha.blogspot.com