Credit Card Interest, A Financial Curse

Recently I closed down my last credit card and paid the balance off. I specifically asked if the account was closed and that the account was paid in full. “Yes” the customer representative said. I was very happy to close down yet another credit card. Several days later I received a written confirmation that my account was in fact closed. Two days later I received an email announcing my “new” statement was ready for this closed account. Bewildered, I went online and pulled up the account. Unbelievable! There was a statement with $128 worth of just interest with a $10 minimum payment due. I was so annoyed by this situation that I called the credit card company and asked the representative that was unfortunate enough to answer. “Can you please explain why I am getting another bill from you after you confirmed that my account was closed on the phone and in a letter sent to my home?” The representative proceeded to shamelessly explain that it was the interest due from the last statement to the day I closed the account. “Why was I not told about this when I asked to pay the account off and closed it?” “I don’t know sir.” By this time I was out of control. It is rare that I lose control. This situation put me over the edge. “That is crap.” I yelled into the phone. “Nobody told me I owed additional interest. I was told the account was closed and so I am not paying this bill.” “As a courtesy, I can wave this interest.” said the representative. “Good, because I am not going to pay it.” I yelled again. I slammed down the phone. I am not recommending that you deal with situations like this; however, don’t just accept that you are going to pay interest for the rest of your life.