Edible Arrangements Unauthorized charge Gardena, California *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account that someone wrongfully takes it from you!

I placed an order online, which totaled $59, with the Edible Arrangement Gardena franchise on May 2, 2010. The delivery date was scheduled for May 6, 2010 and my bank account was debited $60.17 on May 3, 2010. On May 3, 2010 I immediately contacted the Gardena Edible Arrangement franchise, through their websites email, requesting an explanation for the additional charge. I never received a response. I contacted the store on May 6, 2010 at approx. 2:30 PST to inquire about the additional charge. I was told by the employee, a young lady, that it was a special charge. I asked the employee what kind of special charge was I being charged for and why was it not charged at the time I placed the order. She could not give me a valid answer for the unauthorized charge and became defensive. I had forgot her name and asked her to give it to me again and she refused. I asked to speak with the manager and was told he was not in. I was able to get his name, Armen, and was told he would be in the next morning. My husband decided to call the franchise and a young lady answered the phone. He asked for her name and she said it was Jessica. He then asked for the managers name and she gave the name; Armen. We contacted the corporate office and I gave my complaint to an agent. I was told that I would receive a call from the manager of the Gardena franchise the next day. I was also told by the agent that if I was not satisfied with the outcome to contact them again and my complaint would be escalated to the next level.

As of May 11, I had not received a phone call from anyone regarding the unauthorized charge and there has been no credit to my account from Edible Arrangements. I contacted the Edible Arrangement Corporate office on May 11, and as I expected my May 6, complaint could not be found so I submitted another one with an agent named Diana. Diana told me I would hear from the Gardena franchise within 24 to 48 hours and she would hand carry my complaint to her supervisor. My husband contacted the Gardena franchise on May 11, and was able to talk to Armen. Armen said he was not the manager, but he would make sure that the unauthorized charge would be credited back to our account. I decided to go to my bank on May 12, 2010 and file a complaint so my bank could dispute the unauthorized charge.

Since I had not heard from Edible Arrangements, On May 18, 2010 I contacted the corporate office again. I was finally able to make some progress with an agent named Erin. Erin located my May 11, complaint and contacted the Gardena franchise while I was holding on the phone. Erin realized that something was not right with the franchise and said she was going to immediately report the franchise because she noticed in the records that Armen is noted as a primary on the franchise which means he has to be an owner. I think my complaint was being expedited by Erin because I mentioned that I would be contacting the BBB and the IRS because I know the franchise is probably scamming other customers. I could not understand why it is so difficult for the franchise to return the unauthorized $1.17 to my account. At approximately 3:35 p.m. PST May 18, 2010 I received a call from the Gardena, California Edible Arrangement franchise requesting my debit card number. I told them I would not be giving them my debit card number and they need to credit the money back to my account the same way it was taken out. My concern is that there are probably other customers who are being overcharged and not questioning the charge. $1.17 may seem minute, but if at least 1000 customers are being charged the same amount or more, it is a large sum of money that is not being taxed. The Gardena California Edible Arrangement franchise needs to be investigated.

 

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 RipoffReport.com Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com

Rip-off Report PO Box 310, Tempe, Arizona 85280