Advantage America; US Government; Www.grants.gov GRANTS NOT REAL! $12,500 promised by US Govt. in TX; no, FL; no, BALI, INDIA! Caller asks for bank account info (given-now closed) to deposit grant, then retrieve their fee of $49.99 + $2.99 Cust. Care would then take $299.99 for a Healthcare benefits package. The initial telemarketer called back to say remove all my $$; said THIS IS A SCAM! Winter Park; Bali Florida; Bali, India *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

Original contact made to me on Nov. 9, 2005
Please be advised that a U.S. company has opened a telemarketing agency in Bali, India, claiming they are the U.S. Government Grant Department. This company is:

Advantage America Healthcare
19200 Howell Branch Road
Winter Park, FL 32792
Customer Care phone: 1-866-503-7345

www.grants.gov is being misrepresented with the following incoming phone numbers out of Texas, which actually originate in Bali, India:

254-631-7904; 254-631-7900; 254-631-7901

One telemarketer has admitted to me that this is a scam after I gave information regarding my checking account. (This account has been closed.) A follow-up call was made asking me to authorize an ACH transfer which I refused. I asked many questions and the initial telemarketer called again. He told me that if I was skeptical, I should go and withdraw all of my money out of my account. I was promised a grant of $12,500.00 to be deposited into my account. A fee would be withdrawn in the amount of $49.99 + $2.99 after the grant was to be deposited. I had forgotten (briefly) that "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is" (not true).

I called Customer Care at 1-866-503-7345 to verify information and was told that an additional $299.00 would be withdrawn from my account for Health Care Benefits. The telemarketing people (I spoke to several) never mentioned this and argued and argued that they should just send a check to me, and I would pay them when it cleared. I was told I didn't have to buy the Healthcare Package and finally got the information out of them about their location.

The original telemarketer apparently had a bad feeling of guilt after I told him that I knew this was a scam and had closed my account, and that if this money had been withdrawn, I wouldn't be able to feed my children for two months. I was very upset. He said he was sorry and I should take all the money out of this account.

He called me again today, Nov. 11, 2005, to ask my forgiveness, to tell me that this was a scam, and promised that he would not allow any money to be taken from me. He was sincere in this apology and I do believe that. I do not want to reveal his name, which I am sure is false anyways, since he did tell me to take all my money out of my account in his first call to me. He claims he is finding a new job within two months. I hope so.

Advantage America is to blame for taking advantage of US residents as well as the workers in Bali, India.

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