PASSPORT TO FUN DECEITFUL AND FRAUDULENT PASSPORT TO FUN California nationwide

On January 26, 2009, I found an automatic debit to my checking account named "AP9*HEALTHPLAN 877 993-6264", with a charge of $14.95. I do not have any health insurance and since when is health insurance that cheap! I called immediately and the agent (Carmen 153529) garbled the name of the company. I had to ask her to repeat it three times before I understood it was PASSPORT TO FUN.

I asked what the charge was for and was told I signed up for it in October 2008, when I signed up for a $25.00 Walmart gift certificate. I don't remember doing either one. The agent tried to end the call as quickly as possible, but I kept asking questions, such as, what is passport to fun. She finally explained it was for entertainment discounts to restaurants, amusement parks, vacation spots, etc. I am disabled and can hardly walk, so I would definitely not sign up for this program.

When I looked back at November and December I found two other automatic debits for the same amount under the name "DISCOUNT FUN CL 800". No phone number was included. This was the first time I noticed it. The passport to fun agent advised me that I would be reimbursed for January but not Dec or Nov.

I asked for a supervisor, and she (Latoya 5152) said I could only be reimbursed for January and the account would be canceled. I explained I never received any Walmart gift certificates or passport to fun membership information during the three months I was charged. Supposedly, I was to receive a gift certificate and whatever else, each month, which I did not.

Both the agent and the supervisor were in quite a hurry to get me off the phone. I called my bank immediately and explained the situation, and said that these three debits were unauthorized. Chase said that they would dispute the charge with passport but I told them that they already refused to refund the past two months.

I advised that this is a fraudulent company just by the fact that they listed the debit as "healthplan". Chase agreed to give me a credit for Nov and Dec. I told them that passport to fun said they would refund January.

You can bet I will be checking my account more thoroughly from now on. I still do not know how they got my information in the first place. I am very careful of my online purchases.

I would like to report them to the Better Business Bureau, but all I have is a web address.

Anne
Chicago, Illinois
U.S.A.
*EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account that someone wrongfully takes it from you!

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.