Many consumers think transferring a high credit card balance to a new card with a promised low balance-transfer interest rate can be be a smart move.  However, your credit card company can "pull a fast one", according to a recent Philadelphia Inquirer article.

Without prompting, the bank that issues your credit card may be able change the minimum monthly payment on your card - which can result in budget-busting higher payments.

Congress has recently taken note of shady tactics by credit card companies.  According to the article:

After years of complaints about sudden "any time, any reason" rate increases and the like, Washington finally reached the same conclusion that many consumers had long ago: Some card issuers' practices cross the line that separates annoying and sneaky from truly unfair and deceptive.

In fact, starting Aug. 20, the first new protections from the Credit Card Act of 2009 take effect: Cardholders will be entitled to at least 45 days' advance notice of any rate increase or other changes in terms. And they'll also have a crucial right: The right to say "No, thanks" and pay off their debt under the old terms.

But credit card companies may still be able to change your minimum monthly payments.  By "pulling a fast one", the credit card companies land more and more consumers in default.  Once in default, the debt collector and credit damage follow closely behind.  

Pay close attention to your monthly statements and complain to your credit card issuer upon noticing such dramatic changes in terms.