Client Care Relations - Personal Choice Voucher ripoff false advertisement fraudulent billing Champlain New York *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

I received a call on January 30. 2006 from a company who claimed to be Visa, inquiring about a credit card that I wished to receive from an online ad containing a credit card limit of up to $5,000.00. They informed me that I was approved, and that I would have to make a security deposit of $389.00 to receive my card. They read the information that I had given them online back to me to verify if the information that I had given them was correct. The company (supposedly Visa) then told me that my account would be debited on Feb. 22, 2006 for the sum of $389.00, and that my Visa credit card would be sent out as soon as my payment cleared for my security deposit. The company also gave me a verification number and an 800# to call back and check on the status of my account and card. After the company received my information, I received no calls or letters from them, which I thought was abnormal. I then called back to cancel my order for the Visa card on Feb. 18, 2006, because I had a bad feeling.

When I called the 800# they gave me, they asked for my number to pull up my account. I gave them my number and to my surprise they had no information on me, which made me wonder more, because when they called, they had all of my information. Because my name wasn't in the system, the customer service representative told me to call back in two days and speak with a supervisor. 2 days passed and I called back on Feb. 20, 2006 to get the matter cleared. To my surprise the answering machine picked up and told me that the offices were closed and they were open from 8am until 5pm. On Monday Feb. 22, 2006, I called back to cancel my order for the Visa credit card, so that my checking account would not be debited. My information was still not in the system. I was definitely sure that something was wrong. I then told the customer service representative to leave a note to the supervisor stating that I did not want this card, and to not take the money out of my checking account. My checking account was not debited as of Feb. 23, 2006. After I checked my checking account on the 27th of Feb. 2006, I begin to feel like I had handled my situation with the company and it was over.

I checked my checking account on March 7, 2006, and realized that the company had debited my checking account on Feb. 28, 2006 for the amount of $389.00, which I specifically told them that I did not want them to do. After realizing that they debited my checking account, I called them to see what was the status of my card and why did they take the money out of my account. They told me that I wasn't getting a card and that I was going to receive a package in 22 days, and once I got the package to call them with the postal tracking number in order to cancel my order. I told them why couldn't I cancel now before my order was processed to save time and money. They told me that they, CCR, couldn't help me because they only handled accounts and they were under contract with PCV (personal choice vouchers), so they couldn't handle refunds. They also told me that they could not transfer me to their managers and that I would have to wait until the package arrived (22 days), then I could send it back, after I give them my tracking code from the post office to get a refund, which would take 30 days. I was very furious at the way they handled business, because I told them not to debit my account anyway, and also at the fact that they led me to believe they were going to send me a card. I could have gone to the library to get a package on how to apply for credit cards. By visiting the site, www.rip-offs.com, I was ahead of their scam, which is still in process as of today (March 7, 2006. I hope they get caught and I hope they ,CCR and PCV, get what they deserve!

Damarius
Opelika, Alabama
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!

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

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...the victims' advocate

WE are Civil and Human Rights Activists

We are a Worldwide Consumer Reporting News Agency
...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.