Did “doofus” Kenneth Chenault sink American Express? Internet Powerhouse Andy Martin blames Kenneth Chenault for American Express’ collapse. Martin’s consumer boycott begins to bite, as he and AmEx law firms square off in court over a $20 payment. Martin vows to topple the AmEx leader despite fears of a racial backlash form the Obama administration: “Chenault has to go,” says the Internet Powerhouse.
Internet Powerhouse Andy Martin says Kenneth Chenault should be ousted as American Express head
Andy says fear of a racial backlash from the Obama administration is the only factor keeping Chenault at the helm of AmEx
ANDY MARTIN
Executive Editor
ContrarianCommentary.com
“Factually Correct, Not
Politically Correct”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
How African-American “Arm Candy” destroyed American Express
How poor customer service in the Internet age is destroying major American businesses
Do AmEx leaders, including Democratic Party majordomo Charlene Barshefsky, fear a racial backlash if Chenault is fired?
(NEW YORK)(April 24, 2009) When Morton’s Steak House charged business columnist Dan Dorfman $2.50 for a drink “on the rocks,” Dorfman’s response created a media firestorm that cost Morton’s millions of dollars in bad publicity.
When an abusive American Express (AmEx) customer service employee berated and harassed me over what he claimed was a $20 late payment, I began to investigate abusive customer service at AmEx. As a result, I am convinced that American Express is being run by an incompetent leader who should be removed: Kenneth Chenault.
Chenault represents a new risk factor in corporate leadership; African-American “arm candy.”
For those of a certain age and social background, American Express will always be an iconic firm. We picked up our mail at AmEx in London or Paris. The very name American Express meant “service.”
Today AmEx is being run with gang banger tactics. The result is that the firm is slumping, and U. S. taxpayers are likely to take a hit. A former head of AmEx was my neighbor. I am sure he is as mortified as I am at what Chenault has done to the firm.
Why is all this happening?
When Kenneth Chenault was appointed to lead AmEx the economy was booming. The fact that Mr. Chenault was a failed lawyer who shifted to corporate work and surfed the wave of “affirmative action” to senior management at AmEx was not a critical matter. With Chenault, AmEx would have a chief executive who portrayed an inclusive, progressive, African-American image to the business community and customers around the world.
But Mr. Chenault turned out to be a corporate doofus who is running AmEx into the ground:
http://money.cnn.com/2009/04/23/
news/companies/american_express/
?postversion=2009042317
Customers are deserting a company that has become known for abusive customer service or no service at all:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124051776104649423.html#mod=testMod
And in the midst of AmEx’s collapse, the firm’s lawyers and I continue to face off in federal and state courts in an increasingly nasty confrontation over a dispute triggered by a phone call over a $20 bill:
http://www.boycottamericanexpress.blogspot.com/
http://www.boycotttheplumcard.blogspot.com/
As Dan Dorfman would say, with or without his $2.50 Morton’s ice cubes, “I’ll drink to that.”
How could Chenault destroy one of American business’ legendary franchises? Good question. When some goon in Phoenix customer service calls up a large customer and starts berating the customer over an alleged $20 shortfall, and holy war breaks out, the firm is at fault, not the customer.
No one at AmEx management has ever apologized to me. Instead, they hired convicted swindler Jack Abramoff’s law firm to harass me with baseless litigation. Now AmEx is using a second scumbag “law firm" in New York to intimidate me. It’s all there in the court pleadings to see (see blogs above). Needless to say, neither Dan Dorfman nor I are the type to be intimidated.
In the Internet age, beating up on your customers is a prescription for failure, not success.
And in the meantime, no one is saying what needs to be said: Chenault has to go. The AmEx board fears a racial backlash from the Obama administration (more of that in a subsequent column). AmEx director Charlene Barshefsky, a longtime Democratic Party wheel horse in Washington, no doubt knows what would happen if Chenault was dumped for incompetence: the Federal Reserve Board’s bailout spigot would be turned off. AmEx had to seek a federal bailout because of Chenault’s incompetence:
http://home3.americanexpress.com/
corp/pc/2008/bhc.asp
And while customers are deserting AmEx, and AmEx customer service vanishes and is replaced by rapper-style tactics, Chenault continues to defraud both his stockholders and American taxpayers with his lavish compensation plan:
http://people.forbes.com/profile/
kenneth-i-chenault/4704
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2009/
news/0904/gallery.biggest_ceo_paychecks/4.html
Racial profiteering: ain’t it great? Sadly, AmEx’s attempt to take advantage of African-American arm candy in 2001 may sink the firm today. Kenneth Chenault, however, will sail into the sunset with tens of millions of American taxpayer dollars. Today we not only have companies “too big to fail;” we have executives too dangerous to fire for incompetence. Kenneth Chenault is exhibit #1.
America: leave home without it. American Express left us long ago.
COMING: Another racial profiteering scandal; another possible racial backlash from the “Big Man Obama.”
NOTE: Andy Martin was the author of the trend-setting 2005 column, “GM Should File for Bankruptcy,” that presaged the automaker’s future collapse, see:
http://www.pr-inside.com/general-motors-should-file-for-bankruptcy-r904367.htm
FOOTNOTE: A tip of the hat to the University of Illinois Economics Department, and UI College of Business, for training yours truly in business and economic analysis (consumer sampling). They taught me well.
------------------------------
Readers of Obama: The Man Behind The Mask, say the book is still the only gold standard and practical handbook on Barack Obama's unfitness for the presidency. Buy it.
Book orders: Amazon.com or http://OrangeStatePress.com. Immediate shipment from Amazon.com or signed copies (delayed for signing) from the publisher are available.
------------------------------
Andy Martin is a legendary Chicago muckraker, author, Internet columnist, radio talk show host, broadcaster and media critic. He has over forty years of radio and television experience and is the informal “dean” of Illinois media and communications. He is currently promoting his best-selling book, Obama: The Man Behind The Mask and producing the new internet movie Obama: The Hawai’i Years. Andy is the Executive Editor and publisher of www.ContrarianCommentary.com.
Martin comments on regional, national and world events with more than four decades of experience. He holds Economics and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Illinois and is a former adjunct professor of law at the City University of New York. He is an announced candidate for Barack Obama’s former U. S. Senate seat.
UPDATES: www.twitter.com/AndyMartinUSA
His columns are also posted at ContrarianCommentary.blogspot.com; contrariancommentary.wordpress.com.
[NOTE: We frequently correct typographical errors and additions/subtractions on our blogs, where you can find the latest edition of this release.]
MEDIA CONTACT: (866) 706-2639 or CELL (917) 664-9329 (not always on)
E-MAIL: AndyMart20@aol.com
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2009.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
The latest sleazy tactics by American Express
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS
Case No. 08 CV 3812
Judge Pallmeyer
ANDY MARTIN,
Plaintiff,
vs.
DANIEL AKERSON, et al.,
Defendants.
AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF
MOTION TO FURTHER STAY PROCEEDING
AND FOR EXTENSION OF TIME
Plaintiff hereby states under penalty of perjury in support of his pending motion:
1. Defendant American Express and its various and divers law firms appear intent on making this Court look silly.
2. Earlier this week, Plaintiff submitted a pending motion to this Court. As if on cue, almost immediately thereafter another law firm for American Express (i.e. not counsel of record in this Court) contacted Plaintiff to make collection demands and to threaten new legal action. While Plaintiff asked new counsel for faxed material, opposing counsel only agreed to mail the material to Plaintiff. His package is apparently in the mail, somewhere. (Plaintiff is currently producing a movie so he is on the road.)
3. American Express’ latest law firm claims to be “Mitchell & Kay, 710 Penn Plaza 15th Floor, New York, NY 10001.” For a brief search of that law firm’s reputation and professional practices, see attached. The company or “law firm” apparently operates under false pretenses. Another lawsuit? Could be.
4. Giving this Court the benefit of the doubt, the Court may have erroneously believed that its “order” last October would be the final word on the dispute between the parties. Obviously that was not the case. American express is paying "big firm" litigation fees to needy attorneys to aggressively pursue Plaintiff and to inflict damage on his credit, as well as threatening new litigation. Just as aggressively Plaintiff is defending himself.
5. Thus, the claim by the esteemed local law firm (Greenberg) for American Express that the law firm wishes to “rely” on this Court’s prior ruling to harass and pursue the Plaintiff while the Plaintiff is barred (enjoined) from defending himself and counterattacking, is frivolous. Both parties have equal rights to attack and defend. Common sense, let alone the law, mandates no less.
6. The Court can now see why American Express counsel is wasting this Court’s time with requests for relief that are contradicted by the firm’s own litigation strategy in continuing to attack Plaintiff. This Court should allow the state court to proceed, and deny American Express any prospective relief in this forum.
7. All of the current infighting arises after this Court's October ruling and thus neither res judicata nor collateral estoppel can apply to new actions. Montana v. U.S., 440 U.S. 147, 99 S.Ct. 970 (1979)
8. In law school, they teach that those seeking equity must come with “clean hands.” A party that is attacking (AmEx) and seeking an equitable remedy from this Court hardly comes before the Court with clean hands when it wants the Court to enjoin the Plaintiff herein from defending himself against AmEx’s continuing predatory behavior.
9. Coda: This litigation has been going on for almost a year. The undisputed fact is that the controversy was triggered by an AmEx customer service rep being abusive to a substantial customer who was alleged to be behind $20 on a bill. The Court can now glean from the disorganized response of AmEx law firms that AmEx’s abysmal customer service extends to pathetic litigation management as well. It is time for this Court to tell American Express to “leave home without it” and leave this Court alone. Otherwise, the Court risks looking as inept and biased as AmEx counsel.
Executed April 23, 2009
I certify the foregoing is true under penalty of perjury, 28 U.S.C. § 1746.
Respectfully submitted,
ANDY MARTIN
P.O. Box 1851
New York, NY 10150-1851
Tel. (866) 706-2639
Fax (866) 707-2639
E-mail (text only):
AndyMart20@aol.com
with courtesy copy to:
Suite 4406
30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
Certificate of service
I certify I have served counsel for the defendants, Ruth Bahe-Jachna, Greenberg, Traurig, 77 W. Wacker Dr., Suite 2500, Chicago, IL 60601 by fax to (312) 456-8435 on April 23, 2009.
ANDY MARTIN
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS
Case No. 08 CV 3812
Judge Pallmeyer
ANDY MARTIN,
Plaintiff,
vs.
DANIEL AKERSON, et al.,
Defendants.
AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF
MOTION TO FURTHER STAY PROCEEDING
AND FOR EXTENSION OF TIME
Plaintiff hereby states under penalty of perjury in support of his pending motion:
1. Defendant American Express and its various and divers law firms appear intent on making this Court look silly.
2. Earlier this week, Plaintiff submitted a pending motion to this Court. As if on cue, almost immediately thereafter another law firm for American Express (i.e. not counsel of record in this Court) contacted Plaintiff to make collection demands and to threaten new legal action. While Plaintiff asked new counsel for faxed material, opposing counsel only agreed to mail the material to Plaintiff. His package is apparently in the mail, somewhere. (Plaintiff is currently producing a movie so he is on the road.)
3. American Express’ latest law firm claims to be “Mitchell & Kay, 710 Penn Plaza 15th Floor, New York, NY 10001.” For a brief search of that law firm’s reputation and professional practices, see attached. The company or “law firm” apparently operates under false pretenses. Another lawsuit? Could be.
4. Giving this Court the benefit of the doubt, the Court may have erroneously believed that its “order” last October would be the final word on the dispute between the parties. Obviously that was not the case. American express is paying "big firm" litigation fees to needy attorneys to aggressively pursue Plaintiff and to inflict damage on his credit, as well as threatening new litigation. Just as aggressively Plaintiff is defending himself.
5. Thus, the claim by the esteemed local law firm (Greenberg) for American Express that the law firm wishes to “rely” on this Court’s prior ruling to harass and pursue the Plaintiff while the Plaintiff is barred (enjoined) from defending himself and counterattacking, is frivolous. Both parties have equal rights to attack and defend. Common sense, let alone the law, mandates no less.
6. The Court can now see why American Express counsel is wasting this Court’s time with requests for relief that are contradicted by the firm’s own litigation strategy in continuing to attack Plaintiff. This Court should allow the state court to proceed, and deny American Express any prospective relief in this forum.
7. All of the current infighting arises after this Court's October ruling and thus neither res judicata nor collateral estoppel can apply to new actions. Montana v. U.S., 440 U.S. 147, 99 S.Ct. 970 (1979)
8. In law school, they teach that those seeking equity must come with “clean hands.” A party that is attacking (AmEx) and seeking an equitable remedy from this Court hardly comes before the Court with clean hands when it wants the Court to enjoin the Plaintiff herein from defending himself against AmEx’s continuing predatory behavior.
9. Coda: This litigation has been going on for almost a year. The undisputed fact is that the controversy was triggered by an AmEx customer service rep being abusive to a substantial customer who was alleged to be behind $20 on a bill. The Court can now glean from the disorganized response of AmEx law firms that AmEx’s abysmal customer service extends to pathetic litigation management as well. It is time for this Court to tell American Express to “leave home without it” and leave this Court alone. Otherwise, the Court risks looking as inept and biased as AmEx counsel.
Executed April 23, 2009
I certify the foregoing is true under penalty of perjury, 28 U.S.C. § 1746.
Respectfully submitted,
ANDY MARTIN
P.O. Box 1851
New York, NY 10150-1851
Tel. (866) 706-2639
Fax (866) 707-2639
E-mail (text only):
AndyMart20@aol.com
with courtesy copy to:
Suite 4406
30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
Certificate of service
I certify I have served counsel for the defendants, Ruth Bahe-Jachna, Greenberg, Traurig, 77 W. Wacker Dr., Suite 2500, Chicago, IL 60601 by fax to (312) 456-8435 on April 23, 2009.
ANDY MARTIN
Monday, March 16, 2009
Chicago News Conference: Internet Powerhouse Andy Martin to call for the ouster of American Express management Tuesday
Andy Martin and American express face off, again, in an Illinois court Tuesday. A federal judge clears the way for an American Express default in consumer controversy. Martin charges that American Express is being destroyed by chief executive Kenneth Chenault.
ANDY MARTIN
Executive Editor
ContrarianCommentary.com
“Factually Correct, Not
Politically Correct”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEWS CONFERENCE:
INTERNET POWERHOUSE ANDY MARTIN TO CALL FOR THE OUSTER OF AMEX MANAGEMENT TUESDAY
(NEW YORK)(March 16, 2009) When credit card “Goliath” American Express took on consumer activist “David” Andy Martin, in response to Martin’s reaction to a boorish AmEx customer service employee in Phoenix, AmEx lawyers probably expected to trounce the Illinois consumer champion. They didn’t realize until much later they were tangling with the aggressive “Internet Powerhouse” who is committed to consumer protection.
What began as a dispute over a $20 bill is costing American Express tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees and million in lost goodwill. The $20 controversy continues, and continues to grow in scope and intensity.
Friday the 13th a federal judge in Chicago cleared the way for Martin to seek a default ruling from an Illinois state court in the Martin/AmEx dispute.
“This is the most amazing corporate public relations disaster that one can imagine,” Martin stated in announcing a Chicago news conference where he will call for the ouster of AmEx management. “Some jerk working at AmEx Phoenix called and abused me over an alleged $20 past due bill. Instead of being polite to a customer with a substantial history with AmEx, AmEx’s employee became abusive. He then retaliated against me. Big mistake.
“We have now been back and forth in federal court and state courts and we are heading shortly for the Federal Reserve Board now that AmEx is a bank holding company.
“Why would any company abuse its customers this way? In an editorial column later today, I believe I will provide the answer: Kenneth Chenault has destroyed American Express. Chenault and his management team should be removed. Any bunch of corporate employees who take on a battle with a substantial customer over $20, and then get needlessly embroiled in federal and state courts, spending tens of thousands of dollars with Jack Abramoff’s corrupt law firm, is mismanaging the company’s and the shareholders’ business.
“American express has also been devastated by media reports that it is paying is customers to ‘go away.’ What kind of a business is that? ‘I’m from American Express customer service, and I’m here to ask you to get lost.’ AmEx is on the verge of becoming a laughingstock. Maybe they should merge with AIG.
“It is time for Kenneth Chenault to be removed by either the AmEx board, or by the shareholders.
“Tuesday I will ask the state court judge to enter a default. Most likely, he will give AmEx more time. AmEx’s besieged lawyers have filed the same motion over and over again three times.
“I am fighting for consumer justice, and for fair treatment for AmEx customers,” Martin states.
The dispute, as well as other customer complaints that Martin is collecting, can be followed at:
http://boycottamericanexpress.blogspot.com/
http://boycotttheplumcard.blogspot.com/
NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:
WHO:
Internet Powerhouse and Author/Editor/Columnist Andy Martin
WHAT:
Andy Martin calls for the ouster of Kenneth Chenault and the American Express management team
WHERE:
Southeast corner of Huron and Wabash Streets, Chicago
WHEN: Tuesday, March 17, 2009; 2:00 P. M.
MEDIA CONTACT: (866) 706-2639; CELL (917) 664-9329
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Readers of Obama: The Man Behind The Mask, say the book is still the only gold standard and practical handbook on Barack Obama's unfitness for the presidency. Buy it.
Book orders: Amazon.com or http://OrangeStatePress.com. Immediate shipment from Amazon.com or signed copies (delayed for signing) from the publisher are available.
----------------------------------------
Andy Martin is a legendary Chicago muckraker, author, Internet columnist, radio talk show host, broadcaster and media critic. He has over forty years of broadcasting experience in radio and television and is the dean of Illinois media and communications. He is currently promoting his best-selling book, Obama: The Man Behind The Mask. Andy is the Executive Editor and publisher of www.ContrarianCommentary.com.
Martin comments on regional, national and world events with over four decades of experience. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law and is a former adjunct professor of law at the City University of New York. He is an announced candidate for Barack Obama’s former U. S. Senate seat in 2010, www.AndyforUSSenator.com.
His columns are also posted at ContrarianCommentary.blogspot.com; contrariancommentary.wordpress.com.
Updates: www.twitter.com/AndyMartinUSA
MEDIA CONTACT: (866) 706-2639 or CELL (917) 664-9329 (not always on)
E-MAIL: AndyMart20@aol.com [NOTE: We frequently correct typographical errors and additions/subtractions on our blogs, where you can find the latest edition of this release.]
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2009.
Andy Martin and American express face off, again, in an Illinois court Tuesday. A federal judge clears the way for an American Express default in consumer controversy. Martin charges that American Express is being destroyed by chief executive Kenneth Chenault.
ANDY MARTIN
Executive Editor
ContrarianCommentary.com
“Factually Correct, Not
Politically Correct”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEWS CONFERENCE:
INTERNET POWERHOUSE ANDY MARTIN TO CALL FOR THE OUSTER OF AMEX MANAGEMENT TUESDAY
(NEW YORK)(March 16, 2009) When credit card “Goliath” American Express took on consumer activist “David” Andy Martin, in response to Martin’s reaction to a boorish AmEx customer service employee in Phoenix, AmEx lawyers probably expected to trounce the Illinois consumer champion. They didn’t realize until much later they were tangling with the aggressive “Internet Powerhouse” who is committed to consumer protection.
What began as a dispute over a $20 bill is costing American Express tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees and million in lost goodwill. The $20 controversy continues, and continues to grow in scope and intensity.
Friday the 13th a federal judge in Chicago cleared the way for Martin to seek a default ruling from an Illinois state court in the Martin/AmEx dispute.
“This is the most amazing corporate public relations disaster that one can imagine,” Martin stated in announcing a Chicago news conference where he will call for the ouster of AmEx management. “Some jerk working at AmEx Phoenix called and abused me over an alleged $20 past due bill. Instead of being polite to a customer with a substantial history with AmEx, AmEx’s employee became abusive. He then retaliated against me. Big mistake.
“We have now been back and forth in federal court and state courts and we are heading shortly for the Federal Reserve Board now that AmEx is a bank holding company.
“Why would any company abuse its customers this way? In an editorial column later today, I believe I will provide the answer: Kenneth Chenault has destroyed American Express. Chenault and his management team should be removed. Any bunch of corporate employees who take on a battle with a substantial customer over $20, and then get needlessly embroiled in federal and state courts, spending tens of thousands of dollars with Jack Abramoff’s corrupt law firm, is mismanaging the company’s and the shareholders’ business.
“American express has also been devastated by media reports that it is paying is customers to ‘go away.’ What kind of a business is that? ‘I’m from American Express customer service, and I’m here to ask you to get lost.’ AmEx is on the verge of becoming a laughingstock. Maybe they should merge with AIG.
“It is time for Kenneth Chenault to be removed by either the AmEx board, or by the shareholders.
“Tuesday I will ask the state court judge to enter a default. Most likely, he will give AmEx more time. AmEx’s besieged lawyers have filed the same motion over and over again three times.
“I am fighting for consumer justice, and for fair treatment for AmEx customers,” Martin states.
The dispute, as well as other customer complaints that Martin is collecting, can be followed at:
http://boycottamericanexpress.blogspot.com/
http://boycotttheplumcard.blogspot.com/
NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:
WHO:
Internet Powerhouse and Author/Editor/Columnist Andy Martin
WHAT:
Andy Martin calls for the ouster of Kenneth Chenault and the American Express management team
WHERE:
Southeast corner of Huron and Wabash Streets, Chicago
WHEN: Tuesday, March 17, 2009; 2:00 P. M.
MEDIA CONTACT: (866) 706-2639; CELL (917) 664-9329
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Readers of Obama: The Man Behind The Mask, say the book is still the only gold standard and practical handbook on Barack Obama's unfitness for the presidency. Buy it.
Book orders: Amazon.com or http://OrangeStatePress.com. Immediate shipment from Amazon.com or signed copies (delayed for signing) from the publisher are available.
----------------------------------------
Andy Martin is a legendary Chicago muckraker, author, Internet columnist, radio talk show host, broadcaster and media critic. He has over forty years of broadcasting experience in radio and television and is the dean of Illinois media and communications. He is currently promoting his best-selling book, Obama: The Man Behind The Mask. Andy is the Executive Editor and publisher of www.ContrarianCommentary.com.
Martin comments on regional, national and world events with over four decades of experience. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law and is a former adjunct professor of law at the City University of New York. He is an announced candidate for Barack Obama’s former U. S. Senate seat in 2010, www.AndyforUSSenator.com.
His columns are also posted at ContrarianCommentary.blogspot.com; contrariancommentary.wordpress.com.
Updates: www.twitter.com/AndyMartinUSA
MEDIA CONTACT: (866) 706-2639 or CELL (917) 664-9329 (not always on)
E-MAIL: AndyMart20@aol.com [NOTE: We frequently correct typographical errors and additions/subtractions on our blogs, where you can find the latest edition of this release.]
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2009.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
NEW YORK POST: American Express beats up on its best customers
AMEX ILLS OF THE VERY WELL HEELED
By JAMES FANELLI
January 4, 2009 --
Even New York professionals raking in six-figure incomes have been sideswiped by the recent credit crunch, with some having their American Express cards unexpectedly canceled.
One jewelry-company exec saw her AmEx credit lines dwindle down even though she had never fallen behind on payments.
Ronnie Dobkin, a card holder since 1997, was embarrassed when her platinum card was declined at a fancy dinner.
"It was totally shocking," Dobkin, 53, told The Post.
About a month ago, Dobkin had taken out a $633,000 mortgage condo. The financing temporarily dropped her credit rating.
According to consumer groups, credit-card issuers have grown tightfisted. "We're always evaluating our risk-management strategies and making changes as needed," said AmEx spokeswoman Lisa Gonzalez.
By JAMES FANELLI
January 4, 2009 --
Even New York professionals raking in six-figure incomes have been sideswiped by the recent credit crunch, with some having their American Express cards unexpectedly canceled.
One jewelry-company exec saw her AmEx credit lines dwindle down even though she had never fallen behind on payments.
Ronnie Dobkin, a card holder since 1997, was embarrassed when her platinum card was declined at a fancy dinner.
"It was totally shocking," Dobkin, 53, told The Post.
About a month ago, Dobkin had taken out a $633,000 mortgage condo. The financing temporarily dropped her credit rating.
According to consumer groups, credit-card issuers have grown tightfisted. "We're always evaluating our risk-management strategies and making changes as needed," said AmEx spokeswoman Lisa Gonzalez.
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