Advantage Capital took money out of my bank without my authorization. Consumer fraud ripoff. Carson City, Nevada & Internet, Nationwide, USA

On April 9th, I was called by a cell phone company who offered me a cell phone for $19.95. After the conversation was over and bank numbers given, I was told about some "special offers". During the automated conversation, I was informed that all I had to do was cancel within 7-10 days after receiving the packets, and no charges would be made.

On April 30, I received a packet in the mail. Without really looking at it, I took out the top page only, and called the company, but it was too late in the day. On May 2, I received a notice from my bank that 3 checks had bounced. I don't bounce checks, so I went to the bank and was told that $99.95 and $59.95 had been automatically taken out on April 26, 4 days BEFORE receiving the packet. So much for free trial offer!! I called the number I was given, and was told that due to high volume, they would take my name and number and someone would get back to me. It didn't happen.

I called the next day, all day, threatened with lawyers and everything, but no luck. On Monday, May 6, I tried looking up a website for them, but they were down. I did find one that said "Advantage Capital complaints", and was shocked to read that this had happened to so many others. I called the BBB in Nevada and was told that this company does not exist in that state, that the address is a forwarding address, and that they were probably either in Florida or Canada.

I have filed complaints with the BBB, and the local office in my state, and also contacted Dateline NBC, but I didn't have much info when I contacted the latter. I went to my bank that day and got my $159.90 back, as well as the $60 I was charged for NSF funds. I am hoping to be included in a class action lawsuit so these companies can be stopped.

I contacted the company that originally called me, they claim they have no control over Advantage Capital, and that they have received so many complaints against them, they are cutting all ties.

I did learn a lesson however........NEVER give out bank or credit card numbers over the phone to ANYONE.

Joy
Richmond, Virginia