Capital One: We can visit your home or work any time

[Bob Juch]

By the looks of Capital One's new customer contract, it looks like the bank wants to know more than what's in your wallet.

Brendan McDermid/Reuters

The US bank recently updated its company terms and conditions to allow Capital One representatives to show up anytime, "at your home and at your place of employment," the Los Angeles Times reported Monday.

It's a literal move that not even law enforcement can do without a search warrant. The US Constitution's Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, but Capital One's policy is one that its customers are essentially agreeing to.

The updated contract also states that the company, "may modify or suppress caller ID and similar services and identify ourselves on these services in any manner we choose." Meaning, the company doesn't have to identify itself when it calls you.

It all sounds deceiving but Pam Girardo, a company spokeswoman, told the LA Times that the contract's language is being taken out of context.

"Actually, we want our calls to display as Capital One on caller ID, and that's the way they are programmed," she said. "However, some local phone exchanges may display our number differently. This is beyond our control, and we want our cardholders to be aware of that potential occurrence."

Girardo said that the company wouldn't pay a visit to their customers except for circumstances involving jet ski or snowmobile loans.

"As a last resort, we may go to a customer's home after appropriate notification if it becomes necessary to repossess the sports vehicle," Girardo said.

Stil, customers can't avoid the fine print that doesn't quite explain it that way -- especially if Alec Baldwin comes knocking.

[ladysoleil]

That's not creepy or anything. I really like my Venture card, but I didn't know housecalls were one of the "perks".

[TheConfessor]

I have no problem with Capital One coming to my house, as long as they send Wintergreen.