First National Grant Benefit, First National Benefit RIP OFF bank account drained, when will our government take action! Nationwide *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

The company's name is First National Benefit. They called me a couple days after my father passed away, the day the obituary was printed. They said I had been pre-approved for a $12,500.00 grant.

He said he would need some information from me so he could mail a packet. He all ready had my phone number, obiously, which is not even in my name. He had my address, social security number and bank name.
He said it would cost $29.95 for processing and that there was no other cost. At the time I thought it sounded like a good idea and it was only $30. This was in the first week of April.

Now in the last week of April with my bank account drained because its the end of the month, they withdrew $299.95 from my bank account. Now I owe the bank almost $500.00 due to the withdraw and the fees.

I called the company, after speaking to the bank, and asked them what the $299.95 was for and who authorized them to take it since the only payment I had authorized was the $29.95. They told me that it stated in a letter sent to me that if I did not reply within 7 days that I would be charged $299.95, for what they wouldn't tell me. I had just recieved that letter a couple days prior and haven't had a chance to read it yet.

I asked how they could take money from my account without my authorization. She said they didn't need it, that they could take it anyway. Then she screamed over me so I couldn't speak before hanging up on me. It took me 6 hours to get through that time and I still have not been able to reach them since. That was 2 days ago.
Well, I was not about to pay $299.95 for nothing or almost $200 in bank fees so I filed a dispute with the bank. So, I am getting my money back and they will fight the company, probably in court.

If anyone else has agreed to anything with First National Benefit or First National Grant Benefit, I urge you do do the same as I have before its TOO LATE.
I am glad I found this site. It was the only web site I could find with any information at all about this company.

Someone in
Delaware County, Pennsylvania
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.