This website company to supposedly match people took $17.99 out of my bank account without my consent or knowledge. They overdrew my account. I have no clue how they got my debit card number. I received an email once regarding ChristianMingle, but I deleted it; resarch tonight showed me that this group is associated with this company. I do not use these kind of websites and believe the internet to be a dangerous place to try to meet someone. So, I am wondering why this money suddenly came out of my account with me never having even heard of this site and with me not even being interested in such sites. My experience with eharmony was not that great...and I do not use these type of sites since then. I would really like my money back but people are saying not to count on it and reports I read here led me to believe I probably won't get it back.
Who is out there harvesting card numbers so as to rip us off in this manner? This is a site you have to register on, and I am not registered on it. I have never been on it nor do I wish to go on it. I am really upset and feel violated. I assumed that this money would come out again next month if I didn't put a stop on that card. And with someone having my card number who knows if more than that would have come out? Is Friend Finder really there to match people or just to take unsuspecting people's money? They got my money without me ever having registered on the site. I thought you had to register in order for them to ask for your money. Apparantly not...unless someone else is posing as me. Due to probelms others reported, I suspect that shady people are working for this company or for a side company that brings in money through harvesting bank account info.
I would really like to see this group investigated. What they are doing is just plain wrong in taking people's money from their accounts when they never signed up for the offered service. However such a group can be prosecuted and, untimately, put out of business. I would love to see that happen.
I apologize if this was a matter of stolen identity and not the fault of the Friend Finder group. It seems from the things I have read, though, they have a bad repuation as far as being after people's money, so I decided I should report what happened to me...so as to spur an investigation.
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 CARD If 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
