It looks like it is a CIBC call centre and/or possibly a CIBC collections number, which is why they won't tell you what department they are. What an absolutely stupid hassle they cause by acting so suspicious like this. As of July 2010, they do answer the number. I was called by 416-784-5900 and a women on the phone told me they are a call centre located at 750 Lawrence Ave M5L 1A2. I have no way to confirm that information though.
But they called me out of the blue and it started like this "Hi, John Doe? Great. In order to cofirm you are who you say you are, we need you to answer the following security questions". I then responded, "wait, you called me. How do I know you are CIBC? How about I call you back?", response was "Ok, you can call us back at this number 1-800-597-5525". To which I responded, "That doesn't sound right. How about I call CIBC main branch, and have them transfer me to your department? What department do you work in?", the response was "we can't give you that information".
It seems suspicious except that 1-800-597-5525 is the CIBC student loan number.
Up-to-date with payments every month. Always called if I was going to be late. They never acknowledged that I called, as callers would hound me several times day and night until three days after I paid. Have been reprimanded at work for all the calls they make to me during my shift. They have taken monies out of my account without notice, caused me five years to clean up my credit report for the events that unfolded because they took money without my knowledge. Have complained to customer service at CIBC returned the call but stated their hands were tied when it came to the student loans division. Have complained to CIBC ombudsman and not heard anything. Have complained to the Ombudsman of banking proceedures without any reponse. I had not had any calls for one week and thought my complaints had had some effect, but to my dismay this a.m. I had two more calls from 1-800-597-5525.
When I have taken calls from them and am up-to-date with my payments, they want to know if all my information is correct. These calls can be every week in the past. It has resently every few days.
I tell them I am not planning to move I like my job I have fought tooth and nail to retain my cell phone number for 10 years; (as all cell carriers want you to change your number when changing provider so they can charge you 20 to 30 dollars for the change of numbers). If they keep calling during my shifts I might get fired and then they will not receive payments.
I am tired of the harrassment , my stress level goes right over the top when I see a 800 number on my phone. If all students banded together maybe we could get CIBC student loans to pay attention. Leave me a message on this web sight.