Well, if you're gonna go to the LA Times, you may want to mention that Capital One and GEMB both due this as a matter of course, especially if more than one payment is made in a billing period. 

When I complained to Cap One, they were rude, but took off the hold.

When I complained to GEMB, they said they did it because it's in the agreement, and because they can (**bleep**?!!) and balance chased me down to $100. 

Barclay's is not alone in this practice.