Acclaim Visa ripoff California *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

Hello, my name is Christina and I have just been scammed by this so-called company EDP reporting, acclaim visa. They took $159.95 from my checking account unauthorized and when you contact them via phone no one answers. You contact them any other way they tell you to go to the police.

Here is the email response I got:

Christina,
There is one way for you to have a charge. According to the application submitted online on 12/21/05 for an Acclaim Visa prepaid card, the Terms & Conditions were agreed to and authorization for the one time application and processing fee was given.

The prepaid card is not a credit card. The prepaid card does not extend your credit. You will be able to load money onto the card and the prepaid card will only be good for the amount you apply. If you did not do this then somebody did otherwise we would not have an application. We take fraud very seriously and if someone is using your name and/or personal information to make online purchases on our website, we will cooperate completely with all law enforcement agencies in the pursuit of fraud.

If you believe your account was fraudulently charged for the purchase price of one of the card products we support, we will make every effort to aid in a resolution. Before we can take any action, we will send you a fraud form which you will need to take with to your local police department and file a Police Report. Please fax the form back with the necessary information to 818-487-0634 or mail the form back to me with contact info of your local Police Dept. and the officers contact information.

If the police determine this to be fraud then we will refund you the full amount it will be directly deposited back into the account it was withdrawn from, or we can send a check to the police department for you to pick up. We can't advise you on what to do but if this in fact is fraud, we will cooperate fully with all law enforcement agencies to help pursue and apprehend the criminals. How would you like to receive the form? I can mail, e-mail, or fax it to you.

Thank You,
Jasmine at Extension 121
Customer Service Representative
Phone: (800) 430-0672
Fax: (818) 487-0634

"We strive to provide you friendly and efficient support"

Christina
Firestone, Colorado
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.