Bank Card Empire Bank Card Empire: Working their scam with a split tongue Tempe Arizona

This past Friday I was at home working when the phone rang. The details of the conversation were nearly identical similar to the way it went for others I read about here, from the friendly person, the auto recorded message to the hardcore sales pitches and argumentive tone, to having one guy hang up on me, just before telling me that he had to attend a "meeting" and would call back later to get me the references I requested. Pissed off, I called back and requestied to speak to "Mary Anne" and his answer to me was "Ok, if you can give me your email address, I will have to email her your number since we don't have a way to transfer calls...(WHAT!? ). I said "yeah, right and hung up" with out giving him that information.

Suprisingly she did call me back and I was letting her know that I was really upset with the lack of professionalism from the last guy, and let her know that I was not impressed at all with their company. As I'm talking (and without my knowing) she quickly transfered my call (thought they couldn't do that?) to "her Supervisor" He was the smooth and knowledgeable and had an answer for everything. He picked up and butted in as I was letting her have it!

Long story short, I gave them a run for their money, intentionally running up their phone bill. About after 2 hours and talking with over 5 different people, I got through to them that, like any savvy person, I was insistant to check them out before preceeding any further.

As for the guy with the smooth lines, I was able to dish it right back to him and somehow I convinced him that I need to get back to him. He gave me his direct line number...which weirdly enough, I think it may be a Michigan number (though I never called it and don't plan to).

I have to admit, in the beginning of the presentation they had my interest but the but then realiity set in and I thought (and verbalized to them) "why do I have to PAY YOU, if you want my help?" - The feed line was that there is a demand in our area for people like me (ok, like I told them for all they know I am an escaped convict - which I'm not, but you get my point) I also told them that I'm having a problem with the fact that they represent the worlds biggest credit card companies and I'm having a difficult time how or understanding why they would have to resort to this form of employing people (over the phone, sight unseen and no application process) to get the job done and why would they allow people like them (who were very unprofessional and hokey) be cut loose to hap-hazzardly hire people? Oh, they cleared that up for me..the difference was this was going to be MY business not really anything to do with them and I wouldn't have to "handle the money" (HELLO- would I not be representing them down the line!????)

OK- Just want to wrap this up and say THANK YOU to Rip OFF Report and to those sharing their story.

I have contacted Visa, Master Card and attempted to get to AE to let them know about this. I think they need to get involved since these crooks are using their names to successfully rip innocent people off!!!

Lastly (and the obvious) - When they call and if your into it, play with them like a cat with a mouse (heck it's their dime!) or hang up on them, but DO NOT sign up with them!!!!

Janet Eaton Rapids, Michigan
U.S.A.