Amazon won't let me open a new account

[nature1ders]

I found a few threads on this site from awhile ago with similar stories so thought I'd post mine here for what it's worth.

Sometime a few years ago I really began using Amazon and ordering CD's, DVD's, along with Blurays. I returned NONE of them. After I got most of what I was interested in I decided the best thing to do would be close my Amazon account and slowly pay off my Amazon Chase Credit Card. I e-mailed them and it took a few e-mails which eventually closed it down. Good I thought, now to focus on paying off my credit card, then when I'm ready re-open an Amazon account.

Soooo sometime this year I tried, and was going to order the new Berserk Bluray they've released recently. I went through entering the credit cards info, a new e-mail, and thought it was done. I checked my e-mail later and it told me my account was suspended and I would be contacted by an Account Specialist. I was like "huh?" So I decided to delete my e-mail address and start over with another one, same effect. I was very confused at this point and frustrated so gave up trying, figuring I'd just try sometime later in the future.

So yesterday I attempted a new account, with my e-mail, and I went ahead and processed my order for 1 item around $78 on my Amazon Chase Credit Card. I thought all was well and that this was all a glitch, but........ again it happened. This time I went to contact them via chat, they told me an Account Specialist would e-mail me about this in 24 hours. I was laughing hysterically at this point because I couldn't believe it, they seemed to be giving me grief because I closed my old account.

I have only ever bought on Amazon, never returned, and I didn't do anything shady most of my purchases were discographies and bluray discs. I have literally no idea why I can't create a new account but I suspect it must be the Amazon Chase card, however I think I also tried my debit at one point last time.

The point is this is creeping me out badly, they have no reason to block a new account from being created, there is no sense to this at all. What I personally believe is they are trying to give me grief over the fact they had to close my account previously, they wanted me to continue using it and giving them money or something. Very strange. Thought I'd just let you know this, again very creepy after I think about it.

Your thoughts?

PS My story here is all there is to it, no secret shady things I did or anything, it was closed at my request and maybe a year later I tried re-opening one to this ridiculous mess.

[HarryT]

Perhaps before getting hysterical you should wait and see what the email from the Account Specialist says?

[HomeInMyShoes]

It's probably just due diligence on Amazon's part to not create new accounts with previous credit cards (if they are on file.)

They are trying to be helpful in preventing fraudulent use of your credit card. I'd say be patient with the account specialist.

[HarryT]

That sounds entirely plausible to me. I certainly see no need to invent sinister conspiracy theories here.

[nature1ders]

Yea well I'll let you know when/if they respond. But I still find this pretty creepy practice, I can delete my account on Overstock over an over again and re-create it with no issues, heck anywhere mostly. This just seems creepy and like they're trying to get back at me for closing the first account.

Anyways I'll let you know

[nature1ders]

They just telephoned me! They said they just wanted to confirm I placed the order and would remove the hold, how weird though huh? All is well but I'll buy a NOOK from here on out.

[Mike L]

I know this won't help you at all, but why did you close your account in the first place? It doesn't cost anything to keep the account open, and there's no penalty for having an account open if you don't order anything.

Mike

[KimberlyFDR]

Originally Posted by nature1ders

They just telephoned me! They said they just wanted to confirm I placed the order and would remove the hold, how weird though huh? All is well but I'll buy a NOOK from here on out.

So, because they were trying to be cautious and make sure someone else wasn't using your credit card (thus preventing fraud) you'll no longer do business with them?

I second Mike L's question, why did you close your original account? Before I got my Kindle, I went months without buying anything from Amazon (sometimes just doing an annual Christmas order) and saw no reason to close my account when I wasn't using it.

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by nature1ders

They just telephoned me! They said they just wanted to confirm I placed the order and would remove the hold, how weird though huh? All is well but I'll buy a NOOK from here on out.

Sounds like pretty standard anti-fraud stuff. Lots of places will do this from time to time.

Good luck with the Nook, just hope you don't need customer service as it's not real great or consistent in my experience.

[pidgeon92]

I really doubt B&N is going to let people open and close multiple accounts either.

[VaultBoy]

Before you cinch up the tin foil hat, what's happening isn't out of line.

Just doing their due diligence. Ease up a bit.

[jersysman]

I am ecstatic to see that they did this. At least they are taking fraud seriously. Don't worry, if you don't want to do business with them, I feel that much better doing business with them and having an account there because I know, if somehow my information got into the wrong hands, that maybe through their anti-fraud policies I will at least in a small way be spared the agony of what can happen with identity theft.

[Katsunami]

Originally Posted by KimberlyFDR

So, because they were trying to be cautious and make sure someone else wasn't using your credit card (thus preventing fraud) you'll no longer do business with them?

I second Mike L's question, why did you close your original account? Before I got my Kindle, I went months without buying anything from Amazon (sometimes just doing an annual Christmas order) and saw no reason to close my account when I wasn't using it.

Agree....

Sometimes, I don't shop at a particular store for years. The reason can be as simple as having put a hobby on ice for a long time; are just not needing their products. All of a sudden, I'll order for €500 at once. Therefore I've never closed any account.... Same with forums, by the way.

[HarryT]

There's also the point that, if you close the account, you lose access to digital content.

[Shack70]

I don't see anything wrong with what Amazon did. I think there is more to the story than the version we got.