We have currently paid Sears department stores over 3,000 dollars for 1,900 dollars worth of merchandise that still has an outstanding balance of 2,690 dollars. We were not able to make some payments and missed some due to financial situation. In 2004 my situation improved and I began making double payment of 120 dollars on the 3,500 balance. Because I was over the credit limit due to late fees I was charged an exorbitant interest rate. That was fine I deserved that for past payment record. The balance after 1 year, however, only decreased to 2,900 dollars approximate. We were late on 1 payment since Feb 2004 and paid above the minimum payment from then to the present. Then in Jan 2006 the due date suddenly started changing from the 28th of the month to anywhere from the 25th to the 28th of the month and we were subsequently charged 2 late fees over the past 4 months. Seems like just another tactic from the Sears financial 'Loanshark' corporation to keep the balance at their preferred 3,000 dollar limit. The items purchased in 2000 for 1,900 dollars will cost me, if I pay at the current rate now which is above the minimum payment, nearly 9,000 dollars. Should it be or is it legal to change the date on a credit account without prior written notice.