My friend, who knows limited English was sent a credit card issued by HSBC bank in the mail. He signed the application, and was sent the card. He never used the card, but started getting bill statements that he owed 15 dollars, then next month 15 more, with a late fee. He eventually sent 90 dollars, and thought is was over. After more statements he sent 90 $ more, and then, he told me about it. When i saw the statement it said he now owed 159 $, and that the account has been sent to collections. When I called the bank, they refused to talk to me unless he authorized it via a letter that is faxed to them. We sent the letter, and now, they said it will take 7 days to verify the letter. The bill says 30 dollars are due on sept 13. He sent a payment of 30 dollars last month, on the 7th, which was due on the 13th, and they said it was late because they received it on the 15th. Does anyone what we can do about this? We live in california if that helps.can they charge fees this way?
Additional Details
he has tried to cancel through other people interpreting for him. Last month, he sent a written letter requesting cancellation, something that the credit card company required, and still he was charged again this month. He didn't know about the monthly fee.
should he send more money? they said it's been sent to collections, but then why is the bank still charging money?