Capital First ripoff Miami Florida

I was contacted by Capital 1st on July 18, 2002. However, they did not identify themselves as Capital 1st. They identified themselves as being Capital One. I had just recently paid-off and closed a credit card account with Capital One.

They said they had another credit card for me with a 2500.00 credit limit. I was told there was an annual fee of 59.95. This did not surprise me, as my wife has a Capital One card with a 59.95 annual fee. The also told me there would be an additional 29.95 processing fee, but that I would need to pay that out of my checking account. I was very wary of this, and asked how could I be sure that they were Capital One? At that point, they repeated back to me my old Capital One credit card account number. They also assured me that a supervisor would come on the line to verify information and details of the offer.I was told I would have my credit card in 2-4 weeks.

Based on the information they already had, and the supposed supervisor confirming, I gave them my bank account/routing numbers.

I deposited my paycheck on Friday August, 9 2002. I did not spend during the weekend, as I was saving back for my daughter's 5th birthday party coming up on the next weekend. Monday August 12, 2002 I tried to use my debit card to get some lunch while at work. My card was declined. At first, I thought perhaps there was a delay in posting the funds to my account. On Tuesday August 13, 2002 I receive a paper card in the mail for a Premium MegaSaver phone card long distance plan for which I would be charged 54.90 a month for.

I immediately call the number, and am told they will not speak to me without my social security number and a PIN # for the account. I tell them I never authorized a long distance phone plan, and that I am NOT going to activate the PIN#. They won't help me at all.

I get off the phone and immediately call my bank, and find out that that on Monday a company called Capital 1st had made debits in the follwing amounts: 29.95, 99.95, 59.95, 54.90...and an additional 85.00 was pending, because at that point, they had wiped out my account. My bank had me fill out fraud paperwork, and put a Stop Debit on the account, and froze my account until all outstanding checks clear, and the account can be closed. The bank states that the stopped all the monies from being transferred, as it actually takes 3-4 days for debit transfers to actually happen.

We have since found out that my wife's ex-husband who lives in TX was recently taken by Capital 1st. Additionally, two of her co-workers have been contacted in the last two weeks, and a friend who lives in town was contacted last night!!!

My wife has since filed complaints with the appropriate state and federal agencies on my behalf, because she is a terrific advocate, and is great at using resources available.

I figured out that they had obtained my old Capital One credit card number from a couple of years ago when the same outfit contacted me about magazine subscriptions and going under the name PCH...also listing a S. Dixie Hwy address in Miami. When they attempted to charge my card with roughly 800.00 worth of magazine subscriptions, I contacted Capital One and had the transaction voided. This may very well be the reason they identified themselves as Capital One, instead of Capital 1st.

It is imperative that complaints against this company be filed with governmental agencies, as it is the only way they can be stopped at this point.

Brett
ClearLake, Washington

Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on Capital First

CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. Consumer makes harsh but accurate statements. *Rip-off Report Investigation follow-up provides valuable information.