Bokala Grant Masters, Grant Finders, Grant (anything) Unauthorized deductions from my bank account. Asheville, North Carolina *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account that someone wrongfully takes it from you!

Three years ago I answered an ad for free information about grants.  Of course the company required a charge of $1.98 for postage on the materials.  When I Received the info I decided not to hire the company's services.  Unbeknownst to me, once they had my debit card number (from paying the postage fee) they began charging me $38.00 every month. 

I didn't pick up on it at first but when I did they had already charged my checking account 6 months of fees.  I immediately tried to contact them to have it stopped.

In my quest for fairness, I encountered literally hundreds of other people who had been scammed by the same company.  When I reached them by phone they actually wanted me to repeat my debit card number.  I told them to look up my name in their records.  They did and said they would "cancel" my order - which I'd never agreed to in the first place.  

After a few months of no charges to my account, I figured it was safe to stop looking for the charge on my statements. Lo and behold, 2 years after they stopped taking the money they started again!  I noticed it last month and checked the rest of 2009.  Sure enough there were deductions under many different names but all with the same area code and all about the same amount of money.

I called them last month and they said they would "cancel" my order.  My new statement came in the mail today and there it was a charge $38.65 from Grant Finders.

What I'd like to know is this:  If there are so many complaints against this company how can we the complainants band together and get an investigation going?  There are people out there who are using our advanced technology against us and are robbing us blind.  Surely, the Ralph Naders of this world could take this on!!!!

<b><font size=+2><font color="#0000FF">EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back! </font></font></b>  

<b><font size=+1>HERE IS WHAT RIP-OFF REPORT SUGGESTS YOU DO: </font></b>

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!  

<b><font size=+1>DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER! </font></b>

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.

<b><font size=+1>CHARGES TO YOUR CREDIT CARD</font></b>

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 .. <i>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. </i>

 And good luck Let us know how you do!

ED Magedson Founder

RipoffReport.com

Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com

Rip-off Report