A debit of 395 dollars was made against my mothers bank account and the bank contacted her to find out if she had authorized the charge. She of course told them no that she hadn't authorized that amount and had never heard of the company making the debit against the said account. She received the phone number on the bank charge and called them up only to get someone who couldn't explain to her what the charge was and she was told that she would be getting a package in 2 weeks in the mail.
Obviously she never received and package and so I called the number on the copy of the debit that the bank provided me, only to get and answering machine everytime I called. I then got online to find out who these people where and was lead to this site where I found some additional phone numbers and started calling them. Once I got a live person to talk to about this I was asked how I received that phone number. I proceeded to tell them of the situation and how I felt like this was a scam and that they were preying on the elderly and I needed to talk to someone immediately who could get the money refunded.
Of course that particular person was on the phone and unavailable and would have to call me back. So about an hour later someone called back and told me that they had a recording of the conversation between their sales person and my mother and so I said ok let's hear it. I listened to the conversation and could barely understand any of the conversation or words the sales person spoke. I couldn't understand what they were even offering her or what their service was supposed to be. So I proceeded to tell the lady that she was elderly and that I couldn't believe that they would take money from people that had no idea what they were offering. She told me she would fax out a form and for me to explain what happened and why I was asking for a refund and fax it back to the billing department and that they would have it refunded.
I filled the form out immediately and stated that the money should be refunded immediately to the account and that if it was not refunded in the next seven days that I would report them to every bbb I could find and every web site outlining scams that I could find too!
I have since faxed another notice and still I have no resolve. The first guy whom I talked to made sure that I knew that all of the scam reports that I had read on the internet had been resolved and was very proud of that, it is awfully ironic how now it has been 1 month to the day and I haven't received any indication of a resolve. So I am posting on your website to let everyone know that these people are scam artist who prey on the elderly and make sure that I can do my part to prevent this from happening to anyone else!
Autumn
Temple, Georgia
U.S.A.
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, Rip-off Report.com & Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com
EDitor@RipoffReport.com
badbusinessbureau.com
www.ripoffreport.com
Don't let them get away with it.™
Make sure they make the Rip-off Report!
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