Appera Teeth Whitening Once you deal with them, expect to be issued a new credit card. Newport Beach Newport Beach California *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

I actually dealt with this company some time ago, before having heard of the rip-off report... I'm certainly glad I have now.

Appera Teeth Whitening is a fairly common scam, as far as I know, especially on "Free iPod/Free Digital Camera/Free money/Free whatever" sites as a "special offer" required to complete before you may receive your "Free exotic sportscar delux!".

When I did the offer, I was given a 14 day free trial for something along the lines of $6 shipping and handling charges. Like most other reports of them I've read, I was charged roughly $87 next month. I filled out their cancellation form (Which conveniently didn't actually offer any email or address, and was only a three entry form), and then attempted calling the company.

Like most other rip-off companies, once you call you ineveitably are put on hold for a minimum of an hour before you finally get a machine telling you to please call back later and/or fill out the online cancellation. I made the mistake of hanging up and assuming the cancellation form would be enough.

Three months later, I was billed for $87 again. I filled out the form again, and tried calling their company every day for a week to no avail. Finally, I called my bank and asked to be issued another card. I got my money back, a shiny new credit card, and a message on my answering machine from "CALIFORNIA" that matched the phone number I've seen in some of the other complaints: 714-426-4500. Message deleted, I win.

In addition, it's interesting to note that write on the bottle it mentions that it will not work on fillings or badly yellowed teeth. So unless you are part of the extreme minority that doesn't ever drink coke, eat candy, drink coffee, or smoke, it won't even work on you. And even if you MUST have this product, a quick Ebay search brought up a boatload of auctions where the product is going for $0.01 for a three pack... I'm sure this has nothing to do with the fact it's shipped to the original victim in packs of three.

David
Ashland, Massachusetts
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.