First National Benefits ripoff, they took $330 from me and erased the phone recordings i had Miami Florida EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

I got a phone call from FNB on Friday May 13, 2005. They said you are eligible for $500 free government grant money from the IRS. But they needed my account number.

I gave them my checking account number, and they kept talking about the benefits. I said you know what, I don't want this. They tried to lure me back in, and I said no. So they said you have to complete these questions so you can get your ID number at the end of the recording, then you can call in to cancel it.

I asked if I was going to be billed the $29 that they said they needed to send out my package. And they said no, if I called in and canceled. So I called back to cancel and since it was a Friday, and I am 6 hours behind their Florida timezone, it was too late. The money was taken out of my account by Monday.

I figured that that the $29 was it, and whatever, not worth filing anything against.

Today is June 3, 2005 and I was checking my bank account online, and I noticed that $299 was taken out yesterday. And I knew that I didn't authorize it. So I called the First National Benefits and asked them if they could reimburse me my money, since I tried to call and cancel my account.

Well, when you sign up at first, they make you go through this automated questionaire and you have to say yes to every question, before you can get your ID number to call and cancel the account. Well during the recording, I said no to a few questions and so the rep. had me start over from the beginning and say yes. Then we got further into the recording and I said no to another question, so we started over once again. I think we had to restart 3 times before I just gave up and said yes to every question. All of these were supposed to be recorded.

But they weren't. One of the questions was do you understand that if you don't want some kind of medical coverage you have to pay $299.95 if you don't cancel within 7 days. And of course I was suckered into saying yes.

I would have just hung up on them but they already had my account number.

So I got this letter in the mail this morning and it says that if i don't call and cancel my account, that some medical insurance place is going to automatically charge my account $299. So I was already charged, and there is supposedly nothing I can do about it because in my recording I say that Yes I agree to it.

Now, I am active duty military, I don't need health care coverage, and I was sure to let the reps know that, and they said don't worry you can just call back and cancel. Well, that never happened.

I've tried to call back and listen to my recordings....that I had to start over because I said no, and they don't seem to have those recordings.

This is a ripoff. I want my money back!

Amanda
Kailua, Hawaii
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.