even AB calling but caller ID *did* identify the caller as AB. Which...could've been faked.
It's all an excuse to ring an extra $20 out of you...and everyone they are doing this to. Because it's never just you.
And to have this happen TWICE. In the past almost 40 years I've been paying bills, I've only ever was late with two payments TOTAL before my loan with AB. Once, I deliberately missed a car payment with a previous bank because I'd heard that missing a payment once or twice actually improves your credit score, as long as you pay promptly the next time and make up the difference. The reasoning is(and forgive me if you know this already--it was an eye-opener for me) if you miss a payment and then make it up, a company knows you're good for it but if you always pay on time, you're...kind of a wild card? I once had Chase refuse to give me a car loan for that very reason: I was TOO reliable. That time, I got a loan through Ally and they were a delight to work with.
The other time I "missed" a payment was back before online payments were even an option. I'd mailed a check to the bank my Visa is through and the envelope got stuck in the sorter at the post office and all but shredded. No lie--I got a little plastic baggie back with the remains and an apologetic note from the USPS. My Visa bank was very understanding and cancelled the late fee they'd charged me. As good businesses do with customers who've been good to them.
Is the AG in your state any good?
I don't know. I've never needed anything from him or known anyone who did.
