Two weeks ago, I received a call from Wells Fargo, telling me a credit card, issued to my ex-husband, with myself as a co-signer, in 1997was in default. The divorce decree mentioned that card, among many, as being his responsibility. I was never given the whole card number, only the last 4 digits. I had never seen the card, nor do I believe I ever signed on it. I still haven't gotten ANY documentation from Wells Fargo--no statements, no bills, no nothing. I moved from a large house to a cottage several months ago, to pay off all my bills and to be able to live cheaply and debt-free. I told the credit collector that I had never received anything having to do with that credit card.
She said it didn't matter, and if I didn't make a payment by the following Friday my "credit will be dinged." I worked long and hard to bring up my credit score in the years following my divorce. I talked to my divorce lawyer, who told me to ask them for documentation--that we needed time to look at the paperwork--and I called them and told them I wouldn't be paying anything until I had some facts at my disposal. the Friday the payment was due, I got cold feet and went into my bank to make the payment. I didn't want to appear to be taking responsibility for a debt that was not mine, but I did not want my credit damaged.The banker there took a look at my divorce decree and told me not to make the payment, that "it was obviously not my responsibility" and that he'd handle it and get back to me the following Tuesday.
Nothing. No call, no documentation in the mail, nothing. Yesterday, I started to pay my bills online and discovered that $22,000 had been removed from my checking account. I called the Wells Fargo Collection department and asked how they could do that and they said: "We TOLD you you were responsible! You signed for that line of credit! (How could I know that when I had no paperwork, no history of the card, no nothing?) And that we had every right to take that money!
I am now in the process of trying to find a lawyer who will not only sue my ex-husband but Wells Fargo. All this is the truth. The money they took out of my account was already earmarked to pay for repairs to the ratty little house I live in and taxes.
I will join any class-action suit, any ---- anything to protest my outrageous treatment by these people. I have always paid all my bills on time. I would have been reasonable had I been given the simple information I asked for. I am so outraged, I cannot tell you.
I am an honest person and trustworthy and a ferocious opponent. This is all the truth.
I hate Wells Fargo. If you have money in there, get it out and into a credit union or a small bank that has the courtesy to behave in a forthright and responsible manner.
I feel like I was raped.
EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back! HERE IS WHAT RIP-OFF REPORT SUGGESTS YOU DO: Go to your bank within 60 days of the charge, or as soon as you know about the charge, don't delay, and tell them that there has been fraudulent activity within your account. Explain that you wish to file a dispute, and demand that they assist you in accordance with Federal Regulation E.
According to the majority of victims interviewed by Rip-off Report, those who immediately called their banks to dispute the charges did not get very far. Many victims got the following responses from their banks: “we could not do anything for you” or “you waited too long; it has been more than 60 days”.
If the bank is says that you have waited too long, explain to them how you called their 800 number as soon as the charges were found, and were told by the bank that nothing could be done. Remind the bank that they failed to assist you properly at the 800 #, and instead, provided you with an inadequate explanation of your right to dispute. Tell the bank that it's their fault time has expired, and since they gave you the wrong info to begin with, they will just have to deal with it, take the loss and reverse the charges.
Tell them the truth; this was unauthorized and your account was NOT to be charged! Keep emphasizing how you never authorized anything! Direct them to the hundreds of victims reports that were filed on Rip-off Report.com. And if you're at the bank, walk them over to their computer and make them go to this site! If you are on the phone with them, tell them you will wait while they access this site! Either way, be persistent!
DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER! Let them know nicely, that you were advised to Report them (the Bank) and this situation to the Banking Commission in your state. Since each state has a different name for the agency/controller over banks, find that name before you call or get to the bank so you can throw it in their face. The more knowledgeable you appear to be, the further you will get.
And just continue to demand the Federal Regulation E form! The bank CAN, MUST and WILL reverse the charge! But, you must be persistent; ask to speak to the supervisor or the area manager for all the branches in the state.
Let the bank personnel know you are meeting with the media later in the day, that you would much rather they do the right thing (as most other banks have) by looking at the complaints and immediately reversing the charge(s) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the Media if necessary so you are telling the truth.
If you have to, be loud (but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics should still work. The bank can easily fax or mail to you the Federal Regulation E dispute form.
CHARGES TO YOUR CREDIT CARDIf the charge was to your credit card (not debit card, check card, or checking account), contact the credit card company as soon as possible to request a dispute form. Consumers usually have a little longer to dispute fraudulent credit card charges (up to 6 months), but it is better to act right away. In this type of situation, credit card disputes are usually successful since fraudulent companies often won't contest the disputed charge. In rare cases, credit card companies will review disputes, but refuse to reverse the charges. If this occurs, complain to a manager and let them know you will be filing a report here.
Remember… Don't let them get away with it! Make sure they make the Rip-off Report ..
The more Reports filed on a Company or individual, the more likely it is that the authorities, media and attorneys will want to take action. And good luck… Let us know how you do!
ED Magedson – Founder
RipoffReport.com
Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com
Rip-off Report
PO Box 310, Tempe, Arizona 85280
