HealthyDiscount.com - Healthy Discount Card ripoff Internet *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

I submitted this statement to the National Fraud Information Center. Everyone else should do this as well, and anywhere else you can.

I ordered unlimited ringtone downloads for a $1.99 per month on March 08, 2006. When I looked on my bank account there were 2 charges applied to my account on March 13, 06. One was a $59.95 charge taken out on 03/08/06, and another charge of $99.95 taken out on 03/08/06. Needless to say, I was very upset because I didn't know where the charges came from, but on my bank statement it said "HealthyDiscount." The 800 number was also there, and so I called the same day, 03/15/06. The operator I talked to was named Joe Spencer and he told me I had signed up for a healthy discount club membership.

I told him that was not acceptable or authorized (as I read all of the fine print, and no mention of such a thing was on the page I visited) and I not only wanted a membership cancellation, but a refund as well. I was told it would not be a problem. When I didn't see the credit in a week, I called again. This time I talked to Joe again, he says it would take 20-25 days to get back into my account. So I waited and after 25 days (actually 32 days) I called them back and they said they would put in a request to the billing department - look for it in your account in about 3 days to a week.

This went on for 2 more calls, then I was informed that my bank info was incorrect on their end, and so it had to be re-processed (another 20-25 days). When this time elapsed, it was back to the old "we'll put in a request to the billing department, please give 3 day to a week for the funds to reach your account." I asked to speak to a supervisor on several occasions and I was first told that the supervisor was not there that day. Weeks later I was told that supervisors do not accept incoming client calls, and since that call I have been told on several occasions that there are n o supervisors for that department, as there are only 4 people working there so there is no need for one.

When I asked them about why I could not look up their 800 number on any directories, they told me they were in the Philippines. I have also asked to speak with the billing department a few times. They are not allowed to give away that information. Today (06/08/06) I asked them who the company heads were or senior members, owners, they were not allowed to divulge that information either. I asked for more information on health care providers who accept healthy discount card or that are in anyway affiliated, I was told they would put in a request for information.

I asked them to put in a request for someone from the billing department who doesn't look at requests or refund money, or contact clients...probably don't even work, to please call me to discuss the matter. I won't hold my breath. There are several others this has happened to. If you go to this website - http://www.ripoffreport.com/results.asp?q1=ALL&q4=&q6=&q3=&q2=&q7=&searchtype=0&submit2=Search!&q5=healthydiscountcard


You will see stories from the few people who did try to complain. How can we get our money back? More importantly, how do those people get held accountable, how can we ensure this happens to no one else? Here are the names of everyone I have spoken with at HealthyDiscount:

Joe Spencer
Rachel
Nicole Young
Jennifer
Gordon

Jason
San Diego, California
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.