Shivangi Sharma alleges HDFC Bank unfairly changed her credit card billing cycle and harassed her family. Learn full details, legal remedies, and complaint filing process here.
Complaint Summary : HDFC Bank Accused of Unfair Billing Cycle Change and Harassment: Complaint by Shivangi Sharma
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Complainant Name | Shivangi Sharma |
| Company/Brand | HDFC Bank |
| Complaint Type | Harassment / Unfair Practice |
| Product/Service | Credit Card |
| Issue Description | Credit card billing cycle changed without consent, leading to double payments. Family members were allegedly harassed with abusive calls by HDFC’s collection team. |
| Date of Incident | September 2025 |
| Company’s Response | Escalation raised, but issue not resolved; complainant alleges further harassment by collection agents. |
| Original Post Source | View LinkedIn Post |
Full Write-Up
Shivangi Sharma, an HR professional with four years of experience, has raised a serious complaint against HDFC Bank on LinkedIn, accusing the bank of unfair practices and customer harassment.
According to her, HDFC Bank changed her credit card billing cycle without her consent. This forced her into making two payments within 24 days first on 1st September (her regular billing date) and again on 25th September, causing undue financial stress.
When Shivangi escalated the issue on 27th September, instead of providing a resolution, she alleges that HDFC Bank’s collection team began harassing her family members, even calling her mother and using disrespectful language.
Shivangi has described this as “unethical, exploitative, and deeply disrespectful”, emphasizing that such behavior erodes customer trust. She urged HDFC Bank’s leadership to take responsibility and address the matter with seriousness.
How Choice4Voice.com Can Help
At Choice4Voice.com, we help consumers like Shivangi Sharma by:
- Publishing verified complaints to create awareness and accountability.
- Guiding customers on legal remedies and escalation paths against banks.
- Providing ready-to-use templates for filing complaints with RBI Ombudsman, Consumer Forum, and other regulatory authorities.
Applicable Legal Cases & Authorities
- Banking Ombudsman Complaint (RBI):
- Applicable under the RBI Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2021.
- Covers cases of unfair practices, harassment by collection teams, and unauthorized changes in billing cycles.
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019:
- Wrongful billing cycle changes and harassment amount to deficiency in service and unfair trade practice.
- RBI Fair Practices Code:
- Prohibits banks from using abusive collection methods and mandates fair treatment of customers.
- Indian Penal Code (IPC):
- Section 506 (Criminal intimidation) and Section 509 (Insulting the modesty of a woman) may apply in case of abusive calls to family members.
Step-by-Step Complaint Filing Guides
1. RBI Ombudsman Portal (Banking Issues)
- Visit https://cms.rbi.org.in.
- Select “Credit Card / Collection Harassment” category.
- Upload billing statements and complaint details.
2. Consumer Forum Complaint
- File via E-Daakhil Portal.
- Mention billing error, harassment, and attach call records if available.
3. Police Complaint (For Harassment)
- File FIR under IPC Sections 506 and 509 at the nearest police station.
Pre-Drafted Complaint Templates
1. RBI Ombudsman Complaint Email
Subject: Complaint Against HDFC Bank for Unfair Billing Cycle Change and Harassment
Respected Sir/Madam,
I wish to lodge a complaint against HDFC Bank for changing my credit card billing cycle without consent, which resulted in double payments within 24 days.
Despite escalation, the issue was not resolved, and instead, HDFC’s collection team harassed my family members, including my mother, with abusive calls.
This amounts to deficiency in service, unfair trade practice, and violation of RBI guidelines. I request urgent intervention to reverse the impact and penalize HDFC Bank for misconduct.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
2. Consumer Forum Petition Draft
Case Title: Shivangi Sharma vs. HDFC Bank
Complaint: Unfair billing cycle modification, financial burden, and harassment by collection agents.
Relief Sought: Restoration of original billing cycle, compensation for harassment, and strict action against abusive recovery practices.
Brand History: HDFC Bank
- Founded: 1994
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Key Services: Retail banking, credit cards, loans, wealth management.
- Regulator: Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
HDFC Bank Contact Details
- Customer Care Email: support@hdfcbank.com
- Grievance Redressal Officer: grievance.redressal@hdfcbank.com
- RBI Ombudsman Portal: cms.rbi.org.in
Q&A
Q1: What is the complaint against HDFC Bank by Shivangi Sharma?
A1: She alleged HDFC Bank changed her billing cycle without consent and harassed her family with abusive calls.
Q2: Can a bank change my credit card billing cycle without permission?
A2: No, changes must be informed and authorized by the customer.
Q3: What should I do if my bank harasses me for payments?
A3: Escalate to the bank’s grievance officer, RBI Ombudsman, and file a police complaint if needed.
Q4: What is the RBI Ombudsman Scheme for credit card complaints?
A4: It provides a legal remedy for unfair practices, billing errors, and collection harassment by banks.
Q5: Can I get compensation for harassment by bank collection agents?
A5: Yes, Consumer Forums and RBI can order compensation.
Q6: Is it legal for banks to call family members for recovery?
A6: No, RBI prohibits banks from harassing or contacting unrelated third parties.
Q7: What IPC sections apply if bank agents use abusive language?
A7: IPC 506 (intimidation) and IPC 509 (insult to modesty of a woman).
Q8: How do I escalate unresolved issues in HDFC Bank?
A8: Start with customer care → grievance officer → nodal officer → RBI Ombudsman.
Q9: Can a billing cycle error cause double payments?
A9: Yes, if changed unfairly, customers may face overlapping dues.
Q10: How do I file a complaint on the RBI CMS portal?
A10: Register at cms.rbi.org.in, choose “Banking / Credit Card Complaint,” and upload documents.
Q11: What are common complaints against HDFC Bank?
A11: Billing disputes, recovery harassment, hidden charges, and poor grievance handling.
Q12: What is the Consumer Protection Act 2019?
A12: A law that safeguards consumers against unfair trade practices and service deficiencies.
Q13: Can RBI penalize HDFC Bank for harassment?
A13: Yes, RBI can fine banks and order corrective action.
Q14: Is audio proof admissible in consumer disputes?
A14: Yes, call recordings are valid evidence in legal forums.
Q15: How fast does RBI resolve complaints?
A15: Typically within 30–60 days.
Q16: Can I demand reversal of wrongful charges?
A16: Yes, banks must reverse unjustified charges under RBI rules.
Q17: Does HDFC Bank have a history of consumer complaints?
A17: Yes, multiple complaints are reported regarding billing and recovery practices.
Q18: Can I file an online consumer complaint?
A18: Yes, via E-Daakhil Portal.
Q19: What is Choice4Voice.com’s role in such cases?
A19: It helps customers escalate complaints, provides visibility, and guides legal remedies.
Q20: What are RBI’s guidelines for debt collection?
A20: Banks must follow fair practices, avoid harassment, and communicate respectfully only with the borrower.
