Predatory Interest by Comenity Bank

I need advice on fighting what I believe are predatory charges from Comenity Bank.

Two years ago, I bought furniture using a store credit card issued by Comenity Bank. They offered “zero percent interest” financing . I set up autopay for the minimum payment and paperless billing.

Never missed a payment. Never had a late payment. Made every minimum payment on time for 24 months.

Then after 24 months, my balance went from $2K to $6k overnight.

Apparently “deferred interest” means they were charging interest the entire time and hit me with all of it retroactively when the fine print of a promotional period expired. $4k+ in interest charges on a $2,000 balance.

What I’ve tried:

∙	Called customer service - they refused to help

∙	Escalated to supervisor - still refused

∙	Called their “hardship department” at 866-679-8097 - they told me I need to MISS A PAYMENT and trash my credit before they’ll consider any settlement

∙	Offered to pay the full $2k principal TODAY to settle - REFUSED

∙	Filed a CFPB complaint today

What can I do? These guys are predators.

Has anyone successfully fought Comenity Bank on this? Let it go to collections and negotiate a settlement later?