First National Government Grant ripoff +001819 phone # 1st nat'l Gov Grant free $12,500 for $50 they say Pennsylvania *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

For the past 2 weeks, my cell phone was ringing off the hook with the strangest number I have ever seen. The number was +001819 and every time I answered the phone we were automatically disconnected.

Today I answered the phone and did not say anything. I waited for about 20 seconds and then a lady with a Mexican accent introduced her self as Anna. Anna mumbled the name of her company twice until I asked her to speak clearly. This lady told me that there was annual payment of 12,500 dollars available to me.

This payment was from the national government and did not have to be paid back. In order to get this money Anna needed a one time fee of $49.99 (which does not need to be paid for 2 days for MY security). Then she immediately said what bank is your checking account with? I said I'm not supposed to give that info over the phone becoz I do not know you or your company - how do I know you are legit? She said that she needed my banking info (name and routing and account numbers) again I questioned her and she is good - she said you write checks all the time, right? Well your checks do not have the complete bank account number on them - once we have your information YOUR bank with verify that we are a legit company and proceeded with the money being transferred to your account. Anna also asked if I paid taxes and said she received my information from the government that I was approved for this grant. I said the government isn't supposed to give out anything without my permission and the government has not contacted me about this. Then I also asked if this is a government grant why it isn't coming directly from the government. She just kept reassuring me and asking for my bank info. I knew this was a scam but these people can fool anyone.

After realizing I was not going to give her this info she hung up on me.

I contacted my local news stations and the mobile phone company (the young man on the other end was very sweet - even called me back - about this site), as well as my local police.

Please be careful - the bank told me this happens all the time and there is nothing they can do about it - once these people have your numbers you are powerless -- you can possibly call your bank immediately and close the account before the transaction takes place. My bank said they do not call to verify that their customers verified any transactions.

Thanks to Carmen I am posting my experience here.

Kate
Marietta, Georgia
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.