PROVIDIAN CLASS ACTION INFORMATION PAGE

On May 28, 1999, Girard & Green, LLP (San Francisco) and the Law Office of Phillip Aron Schuman (San Diego) filed a proprosed class action complaint against Providian Financial Corporation, Providian National Bank, Providian Bank, and Providian Bancorp Services, alleging violation of the Credit Services Act of 1984, the Consumers Legal Remedies Act, unfair, unlawful, and fraudulent business practices, and false advertising. The plaintiffs seek to maintain the case as a class action lawsuit. Plaintiffs allege a variety of unlawful practices, which include: (1) placing unauthorized charges on credit card accounts; (2) making false and misleading statements concerning credit limit increases; (3) making false and misleading statements and failing to disclose material information concerning credit repair; (4) failing to disclose costs associated with credit limit increases; (5) placing debits on consumers' accounts for worthless services at exorbitant prices; (6) making false and misleading statements, and failing to disclose material information concerning credit protection; and (7) balance transfer slamming (the unauthorized transfer of credit card balances to a credit card issued by defendants).

Upon class cetification eligible cardholders should ultimately receive a notice of the right to participate in the class action.

. On July 12, 1999, an Order Consolidating Actions was entered in the Superior Court of the State of California, consolidating the eight primary cases filed against Providian into one action to be heard by the Honorable David A. Garcia, Judge of the Superior Court. Further, by stipulation, three firms were appointed lead counsel: Girard & Green; Lieff, Cabraser, Heimann, and Bernstein; and, Kaplan Kilsheimer and Fox.

On June 18, 1999, Girard & Green, LLP (San Francisco) and the Law Office of Phillip Aron Schuman (San Diego) filed a proposed class action complaint against Providian Financial Corporation, Providian National Bank, Providian Bank, and Providian Bancorp Services, alleging violation of the Truth in Lending Act, Breach of Contract, and, Unfair, Unlawful, and Fraudulent Business Practices. The plaintiffs seek to maintain the case as a class action lawsuit. Plaintiffs allege a variety of unlawful practices, which include: (1) placing unauthorized charges on credit card accounts; (2) making false and misleading statements concerning credit limit increases; (3) making false and misleading statements and failing to disclose material information concerning credit repair; (4) failing to disclose costs associated with credit limit increases; (5) placing debits on consumers' accounts for worthless services at exorbitant prices; (6) making false and misleading statements, and failing to disclose material information concerning credit protection; and (7) balance transfer slamming (the unauthorized transfer of credit card balances to a credit card issued by defendants); and(8)failing to post payments to consumers accounts on the date received.

FAQ's

1.How can I join or participate in the suit?
Upon class certification eligible cardholders should ultimately receive a notice of the right to participate in the class action. You should contact an attorney in your state for specific legal advice relative thereto.
2.Does the settlement with the State of California Attorney General and San Francisco District Attorney Dispose of the Class Action Cases pending Nationwide?
No. Those cases continue to seek redress for the cardholders complaints alleged in those actions. You should contact an attorney in your state for specific legal advice relative thereto.
3. Am I entitled to recovery in the Attorney General Settlement?
Go to the California Attorney General Website and read the agreement. You should contact an attorney in your state for specific legal advice relative thereto.

If you would like additional information concerning the class action lawsuit that is not covered here you should contact an attorney in your state for specific legal advice relative thereto. For general questions please contact Phillip A. Schuman by electronic mail at pas@sandiegolaw.org, or, Girard & Green, LLP at (415) 981-4800 or by electronic mail at providian@classcounsel.com.