BUYERS UNION ripoff ORANGE California *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

We were called by a telemarketing company on the behalf of CALL ONE they said for the price of $3.95 we would get a free calling card, 200.00 in grocery coupons, movie passes, prepaid gas card. He said they would need our checking account info, me being a BIG FOOL gave it to him,but before I did I wanted the # to the call one to verify, while I had him one hold I called the # he gave me from my cell, it was a legit # so I felt secure in giving it to him, it was Tuesday am, by Thursday when I was balancing my acct. register I discovered $3.95 was taken out of our account twice, plus $119.90.

I was devestated, I was angry, this happened on Dec. 16, I had checks out for Christmas gifts for my girls. I called the bank, they said there was nothing they could do. When I called Buyers Union to complain they made me so angry they hung on me. My husband called them and demanded that they play back the conversation of me authorizing them to deduct the funds from my checking account..they could not.

Their response was they would send a check request form and they would pay for any nsf fees which came to $320 in NSF fees alone. They stated it would be no problem to take care of the fees. When I finally received the forms it was dated 12/19/04 and i received it 1/20/05 and the form had to be completed within 30 days of the date on the letter. They mailed me another form with the correct date on it. I mailed it to them certified receipt and when I called to check the status of them receiving the forms they stated they never re ceived the forms. I had the signed certified card showing where they had signed for it.

I made another trip to the post office and copied everything that I had sent before again, certified. Thru all the trash that I had to put up with and all the money I spent on sending the forms to them...getting things from my bank....fees, etc. I still have not received any of my money back.

Michelle
Lulung, 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.

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.