First National Benefit Grants - Government Grant Association mislead scammed ripped off FRAUDULANT New York City New York *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

On June 22, 2005 I was called by a company identified as Government Grant Association. His name was Robin Smith. He had informed me that I was granted $5,000.00 in grant money and that I needed to give him my bank information so that money could be deposited into my account on the 23rd at eleven. He had informed me that it would cost me $29.95 for the processing fee. There also would be a $299.95 fee for the service of providing information on how to apply for other grants available to me as well. And that money would come out in a few days once I got the paperwork in the mail and the money was deposited. I waited for the next day to see if the money was deposited in the account and it never showed.

For some reason I had a bad feeling that I had been taken in on a scheme by this company or person. I went online to the BBB and checked up on this company. Sure enough there was a mile long negative report about them.

I therefore tried to call the 800 number that was provided to me and there was nothing. I was feeling hopeless and very irritated that I had fallen for such nonsense.

Then all of a sudden I was contacted a second time from this very same company. Except this time was a different representative that had contacted me. It was two days from the first time I had been contacted by this company. Her name was Rebecca. She had pretty much explained it the same way as the first representative, but a little more in detail.

When I had asked her for her name, address, phone number, and any other information regarding this company she was working for, she hesitated and acted like it was her first day on the job. She had given me a different address than the first rep. but the same phone number.

When I was unsure about the first call that was made to me, I had contacted my bank and let them know about the company and what they planned to do. The bank put a stop payment on that account for debits only and allowed any deposits to be made. They are now currently watching my account for any fraudulant charges that may occur. So when the second rep. called me and sold me that same line, I had just given her the same account information that the bank is watching. I have been checking the account via internet to see if there is any activity, but haven't seen anything yet.

I have since opened a new account with my bank so no charges are made to me. I have recently contacted my local law enforcement agency as well and informed them of the scam. Once a charge is made on my old account I may proceed in charging this company with fraud. I am very angry that someone had the gull to disrupt my family and I with this outrageous act of misrepresentation.

I would love nothing more than for this company to have to pay the $5,000.00 or however much promised to others, in restitution to the people that they have committed fraud against.

Please, if anyone else has been contacted by this company needs to come forward against them as well. Don't hesitate. We need to take a stand against people who are doing this and teach them a lesson.

Jaime
Cheney, Washington
U.S.A.

EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back!

HERE IS WHAT RIP-OFF REPORT SUGGESTS YOU DO:

For those of you who might not be as lucky as the person above... If you account was charged...
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!

We are not lawyers.
We are not a collection agency.

We are Consumer Advocates.
...the victims' advocate

WE are Civil and Human Rights Activists

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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.