I noticed a charge on my credit card which I did not recognize, so I asked my credit card company (Capital One) to remove the charge.
Enom contacted me and told me they had seized my domain, for my failure to pay the domain registration fee.
I told them that I did not recognize the charge (since Enom had sold the domain registration to another company I did not know, and the charge appeared under this unknown name). To clarify, I originally registered the domain through a 3rd party, in Florida, but I received verification of the registration from Enom, so I assumed Enom was the "real" registrar. And Enom was the company that contacted about the credit card issue.
I asked them to overlook this mistake, made since I did not recognize the credit card charge. It is a simple matter to resubmit the charge. However Enom refused to do this, telling me first that I had to go through the Florida reseller. The reseller, of course, said I had to deal witb Enom.
Enom then told me I had to pay a $200 "reinstatement fee" because they had already paid their own domain fees (which amount to about fifty cents a year) with NIC or whatever it is called.
Enom then (this is the fraud part) took the extraordinary step of seizing another of my domains. They refunded the payment on my credit card for this domain registration.
And again told me I had to pay a $200 reinstatement fee. I asked why they had done this, and they said that I had misused my credit card (removed the charge) for the first domain, so they were going to take all of my domains.
I told them I had used a DIFFERENT card to charge this domain. They have no right to undo a charge on an already-accomplished transaction without the credit card holder's permission. This would be similar to buying some furniture, paying for it and taking it home. A year later, the furniture company puts the money back on your credit card and comes into your home and reposesses the furniture.
Regardless of this illegal activity on my credit card, it is illegal for a charging party to arbitrarily remove all previous charges it had made on a credit card, not just the disputed charge, without notifying and obtaining agreement from the credit card holder.
I did write to the Washington State Attorney General. While sympathetic they responded that there was not enough money involved for them to pursue this. They only had time and workers to file legal action if the amount of money involved was over $10,000.
I think Washington State protects Microsoft and Enom, judging from their lack of interest to pursue any legal action whatsoever, even write a letter or make a phone call.
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
Why file a report here? Ripoff Report is a permanent record! Other complaint sites copy our content then remove reports for money.
