STAMPS.COM Unauthorized charges made to my debit card Los Angeles California *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

I've had two different incidents this company and unauthorized charges. I have never purchased goods or service from STAMPS.COM nor did I ever sign any agreement for business or trial business with them.

I found unauthorized charges on my bank debit card from STAMPS.com that dated back to 11/2007. Each charge was posted monthly at $15.95 per month. In Jan 2008, I closed the debit card and had a new card issued with a new debit card number.

On June 24, 2008 I noticed another STAMPS.com unauthorized transaction on my new debit card. The amount was for $63.80. Out of curiousity, I divided that by $15.95 and found that equalled 4. This effectivlely means I was charged for the last 4 months as well.

I called STAMPS.COM and talked to a representative who said there was an account set up with my debit card number, under a different name. He could not reveal that name. He said he would close the account. He also stated he would credit my card back the $63.80. He gave me a case number for my complaint. After reading all the reports on Ripoff, I'll be surprised to get the money back.

This will be my course of action for now.
1) I will dispute the charge with my bank - (must be done within 60 days).
2) I will attempt to issue a subpoena between my attorney to get the name and address of the bad account with stamps.com turned into the police dept. as well as determine what other legal action can be taken regarding stamps.com and these incidents.
3) I will cancel my debit card again.
4) I will never order stamps from USPS online again.

Im not sure if this is the connection, but the two companies are affiliated and I have ordered stamps through USPS online in the past with the two different debit cards.
5) I will notify USPS about the stamps.com incident (for what it's worth)

Artista
Houston, Texas
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 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.