FIRST NATIONAL CREDIT & CAPITAL CHOICE CONSUMER CREDIT

My own stupidity prompted me to fall for this scam twice - let me explain.

Last year around this time I was contacted via telephone about a credit card with a "$2500" credit limit. I was hesitant many times when they had called before - but one lazy evening and I decided to give them my bank account information (over the phone). The assured me of many things and how my credit would start to build as I used their credit card. Just having moved here from Canada - I was in a position to pay the amounts they were speaking of and apply for the card. The total including processing fees and other misc. charges equaled to approximately $300. The BEST part about this whole situation is I never sent them a check or signed a written agreement. When a month passed - and I saw the debits out of my account - *1* of which I had authorized - another which I had not I naturally got concerned. Since while I was on the phone I had been given phone numbers to call if I had not received anything within 30 days. I had almost forgot about it until I looked at my Bank statement. I dont have bad credit - I just dont have any so I pay with cash quite frequently. I immediately contacted the bank and informed them (Washington Mutual) that I had been scammed. I went to the bank - filled out "unauthorized ACH payment from my account" paperwork and within 3 days I had the money credited back to my account.

Approximately 2 weeks ago I received 2 offers in the mail - Capital Choice Consumer Credit and First National Bank. I was reluctant to send anything - but I figued for $86.00 it was a decent investment for the amount of credit they were granting. I had a bad feeling about it after I put the checks in the mail - so I jumped on the internet to check them out - guess what I found?? This site!!!

I called the bank and was attempting to put "stop payment" on the checks - of which the bank had assessed a $30 fee for each check (there was 2, one to Capital Choice - the other the First National). Upon speaking to the bank - I decided that I had already lost the $43.00 and to save $13.00 per check wasn't worth the charge - I let them clear.

Capital choice cleared my check on FEB 4/2002. First National has yet to cash my other check - but since I've already kissed that signed check goodbye - I didn't care.

On Feb 5th - there was an ACH from Capital Choice Consumer Credit - a charge of $43.00 - Let me tell you they're not getting that money!! .. I contacted the bank and again filled out another "Unauthorized ACH debit" report.

That same day - this site gave me enough information to fax "First National" and cancel my account. I received a telephone call from them stating that "my check had already been processed" and if I put a stop payment on the check - I would owe them $30.00 for NSF check. The lady then began to detail the services and products I could purchase with their card - WITH THEM ONLY. I said to her "don't you think it's just a little bit deceiving that you offer a card as a "credit card" and then offer credit only to people purchasing from your "catalog" - I engaged in a heated arguement with this lady - as she proceeded to tell me how I would benefit from the "First National" credit card program. She stated multiple times how if my check came back NSF - I would owe them $30.00. Truth of the matter - upon speaking to the bank - I actually DID NOT put a stop payment on the check - due to the fact that they already HAVE all the routing numbers - they would attempt to debit my account over and over. I opted to let the check clear - and dispute any additional ACH charges being debited from my account. The lady consistantly repeated the services and the "NSF fee" I would be assessed. I simply said "lady, your company is a fraud and preys on people's goodwill" - this of course put her into a whirlwind of "I dont know where you're getting your information from" etc etc. I simply said "good luck collecting $30 from me" and promptly hung up on her.

The bank I have been dealing with since has been fairly helpful in stopping the payments - they have opened an investigation and have assured me that any additioanl ACH charges debited to my account would be promptly returned as they are now aware of the scam.

I have spent the last year building a good credit name for myself - and the only advice I can give anyone is:

If you receive an offer in the mail - if the package you receive DOES NOT contain information about APR % Annual Fees, Late fees, etc. - There's a good chance it's NOT a legitimate company.

I have read some information about First Premier Bank and other companies like it - that charge an annual fee, participation fee etc. etc. I have 2 First Premier cards and they have been wonderfully understanding throughout the duration of myself being a customer. I will recommened instead of mailing money orders, or sending in checks - to use their "pay by phone" system. This DOES cost $5.00 to initiate the transaction - but the funds are posted to your account at midnight of the day you present the charge - and the available credit is ready for use by the next business day. Small fee to pay - since you'll have access to your funds on the next day (weekend included)

What have I learned? DON'T TRUST ANYONE!!! ... You bank will help you - if they are not helpful - pleasantly ask to speak to a supervisor - explain the situation, and they will understand and take car of it for you. Banks are slowly becoming aware of these scams, and are taking measures to ensure your safety.

I wish everyone good luck - I hope that no one goes through what I went through - 2 days on the phone - and $86.00 later - I'll be sure to double check ANYTHING that comes through the mail from this day forward!!!!!

The 1st time it happened - I got all my money back - I simply told the bank that I was scammed - and since I never signed anything - the company never had recourse of action against me (nor should they) but apparently kept my name and phone number on file. Next time they call - tell them to take you off their list - by law they have to.

Hope everyone can learn from this - I sure have!!!!

*UPDATED info ..Click here to find out HOW TO DEAL WITH PHONY CREDIT CARD RIP-OFFS **Get your money back, **Stop them from taking more of your money, **Stop them from ruining your credit

Click here to read more Rip-off Reports on Capital Choice Consumer Credit aka E-Credit Solutions