First National Benefits ripoff was taken from our bank account Charlotte North Carolina Canada *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

i am from cleveland ohio. iam just a single mother of 5 and i am strugging with money problems. on feb. 16,2005 i receive a phone call on my cell phone (216-269-3680) stateing that i was approved for a grant for up to 12,500 and all i had to pay up front was 29.95 that would hae to be tooking out of my checking account.i really didn't understand the lady that much,but i told her that i didn't have a checking account could my boyfriend do it for me? she said yes.iask her did she need to speak to him and she said no because she heared him say he will do it.

so, on feb.16,2005 we notice that the 29.95 was taken from our bank account.i was suppose to receive a welcome letter that i never receive and, i was suppose to call first national benefits when i received the letter to see if any of my needs fit any of there grants before they billed me the 299.95.i have not received any thing,and about two or three weeks later the 299.95 was tooking from his account.

i called so many times to talk to some one the woul talk for a miniunt but when they saw that i was getting mad the would put me on hold and never come back to the phone.i gave up,until june. 7,2005 which is today i deceide to go on the computer to pull up their web page to see if they could help me with this grant because they had all of this money from us and they was on here for ripping people off my feelings was hurt because i thought that some of my money problems was over.i am already struggleing and to think that 330.00 is just gone i can't deal with that real well.so could some one please tell what to do?

Sheana
cleveland, Ohio
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.

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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...the victims' advocate

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...by consumers, for consumers

CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.