First National Government Grants ripoff from my bank account, fraudulant billing, FRAUD, dishonest These people really need to be stopped! Why the heck isn't the Florida Attorney Generals office doing anything! Miami Florida *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

I was contacted yesterday, July 30, 2005 from a lady with a very thick accent. She said her name was Jennifer Jones. She stated that my name was on a list in which the government had $12,500 grant money for me. For just a $29.95 processing fee, she will send the forms to fill out and state the reason I need money and then the $12,500 will be automatically placed in my bank account.

Since I didnt understand her very well and I was wary, I asked to speak to her supervisor. A man came on with the same accent and basically told me the same as she did. Also, I would get a trial membership for a plan and that I had 7 days to review it, if I didnt want it I could call and cancel it, but if not I will be charged $299.00.

All I needed to do was give them the # at the bottom of one of my checks. Even though my gut told me not to, I went ahead and gave it anyways. I am a single mother of 5 boys ages 1-11. I have recently had a very hard time financially and I have been praying for help. I really wanted to belive that this was the help I had been praying for.

Immedaitely after hanging up I went to the website they gave me and it was unavailable. So I did a google seacrch and was directed here. Now I feel so dumb.

I dont know what to do if they take out $299.00 out of my account. I cant even afford the $29.95. I will go talk to the bank Monday and see what I can do.

These people relly need to be stopped. I hear of scams all the time but I have never fallen for any until now. This is really gonna hurt me and I may even lose my house if they take my money b/c Im already behind in rent. If anyone has any info that can help me stop them from this, please let me know.

Angela
Fitzgerald, 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!

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

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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.