Columbia House unauthorized charges; charging before they ship ripoff Internet *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

I joined Columbia House a month ago, believing them to be an honest business. Since I joined over the internet, they had access to my credit card information.

A little less than two weeks after my initial joining, I had a charge on my account for $25.94 from "Columbia House Video Club". I called customer service to find out why they had charged my account when I hadn't made any purchases. I was told that the "Director's Selection" had been mailed to me because I never mailed back a post card I was supposedly sent in the mail.

I explained that I never received a post card to mail back, therefore would not and could not have known to notify them that I didn't want the "Director's Selection". I was told that it "wasn't their problem". My only option was to wait until the movie arrived, which could take up to four weeks, and refuse the package.

I asked to speak to a supervisor and was told that there was no supervisor available. I had several emails back and forth with the customer service at Columbia House, explaining my situation again and again. After being told time after time that there was nothing they would do, I demanded that they remove my credit card information from my file, which they PROMISED had been done.

Two weeks later, 05.01.07, I logged on to see my balance in my checking/debit account, and saw that I had a bounced check. To make matters worse, that check was my payment to the State of Michigan for my 2006 taxes. I called my bank immediately to find out what had happened. Imagine my surprise when I found out that there was a charge on there for $25.94 to Columbia House Video Club! Once again, same as last time, I was charged for a "Director's Selection" that I never received a postcard for. Once again, this was not their problem, and it was out of their hands. My only option, as was the case last time, was to wait until my movie arrived in the mail and refuse the package.

DO NOT EVER give your credit card/debit card information to Columbia House. They charge you for things they have not even mailed yet, things that may take up to four weeks to receive. This is NOT stated in the terms and conditions! So far I have received almost $52.00 in unauthorized charges. After talking to several of my close friends, this exact same scenario has also happened to them, and it takes forever to resolve.

I got roped in by the $0.49 per dvd to start my membership. All I can say is, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Kristina
South Boardman, Michigan
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.

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