Advantage America Benefits ripoff $12,500 offered gov grant money for $50 member fee per health care plan not to be removed from account until money deposited in account Winter Park Florida *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

Call received at my home for free government grant money offered with no upfront cost involved from me until money deposited into my bank account.I was told so many families a year were chosen for these grants offered.

All they required from me was to fill out some forms for prior approval to be sent in to them and to give some personal information now so if approved money would be put into my account within a few days and any fees required to get grant moneys would at that time be taken away from initial amount deposited and if I planned to receive money in the future from this same government grant offer there would be a yearly fee removed each year thereafter to allow it to continue.

I inquired about what the amount would be for these said fees and asked repeatedly about these fees not being removed from my account until money deposited into my account.They assured me no money would be removed until grant was received into my account. I was also told that I would be offered a bonus of $1,000 if I referred my family and friends to this great offer. They would then call said family right after getting off phone with me and would call me back to let me know if they had gotten through to them and would get my bonus when approval allowed to receive grant.

They said I'd receive my packet of info within a few weeks.Friend who referred our name to this offer talked to my husband that same day and told us her sister went and changed her account info that day that she thought it was a scam and told us we probably shouldnt do it. We had already received the call and it was already done. My friend went to her bank the following week and threatened lawyer intervention if bank didnt reimburse her money immediately. Waited a few weeks and then in Dec 2005 saw a $49.95 fee removed from my account but no packet arrived and no money seen in my account for grant.

I immediately went to bank and filed a dispute to recover the $50. It was granted the woman at the bank had said there were others she was hearing about this happening to so she was aware of it at the time it was brought to her attention. Thought that would be the last I'd see of this company removing money from my account but it wasn't.

Again looking at my monthly statements from my bank a few weeks later I see a withdraw of $299.95 come out of my account and know it's this same company again surprised to see it's the amount they said would be taken for the yearly grant fee amount. I have contacted company since then by phone to inquire why had not received packet yet in mail and to see why money was taken and if they had received all money necessary to send info to me.

I also questioned what exactly the two amounts they had given me were being taken out for several times.At first told me I needed to send copy of bank statement by fax to ensure money was received cause they were experiencing technical difficulties the day I called about this. I received a call from them at one point and they had asked if I had received my money yet from them and had again asked for my info for bank gave me a confirmation # even for the supposed deposit still no money.

Didn't send them the bank statement waited a few more weeks and still no packet came.At one point I was told that the $300 was for a gov grant guide to help me fill out the applications for grants for different things I may need the money for and the letter they sent also confirms that. Finally tried to reach them again by phone and this time no person answered and was told to go to their site and found these complaints. So total amount taken from me so far has been $350

Patrick
Rockford, 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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CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.