011914i-Bank-of-AmericaI have been a 30-plus-year customer of Bank of America in Cambridge. Social Security has been my sole income for the past 13 years. I was secure in the fact that Massachusetts law has provided free banking for youth and elders (those over 65), but now have had a very confusing and costly experience.

Evidently, a system was implemented recently that seems to have offered clients a choice of different accounts and services. I did not respond – wasn’t aware of the offer, or even what it was. Since I didn’t opt out, they opted me in, and my account has been charged a $12 monthly fee for at least the past six months.

I only learned the particulars of this problem at a recent meeting with a bank manager. She was confused but helpful, and has expedited my request for reimbursement of all fees for the unrequested services. Hopefully that will happen. But in the meantime, it’s clear that I am just the tip of the iceberg.

No doubt other low-income elders have been affected, since the method of introducing this change cynically cloaks it in the disguise of “offers” instead of changes. Please pay attention, everyone!

Mary O’Brien, Lancaster Street

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