Easy Saver - Membership Services - Encore Marketing - The Company Store Rip Off! Online Scam!! Unauthorized Credit/Debit Card Charges! Lanham Maryland *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

I recently placed an online order with The Company Store. I have ordered from them for years so, have friends and family. I never will again and I caution you not to as well. Apparently, upon placing my online order I was automatically enrolled with " Easy Saver". This is a scam company also known as "Membership Services" that supposedly offers you dining, shopping, rental car, etc discounts...a total savings program (yeah, right). That would be nice, if it were true, but first of all, I never signed up for it and secondly, they charged my debit card $96.00 without my authorization or knowledge.

I found this when I logged into my online banking account and noticed an Electronic Purchase with Easy Saver in the amount of $96.00. The good part was, it was posted to my account just the previous day. I took immediate action.

First, I called the phone number for this Easy Saver provided on my electronic bank statement. They started by asking for all of my contact information and I said "not until you tell me what your company is all about and why you charged my debit card $96.00."

After going around and around with the man on the other line I was able to get to the source. He told me that when I placed my online order with the Company Store that my information was provided to them and an account was enabled in my name with a 30-day free trial period.

Again, I NEVER SIGNED UP for this! So, naturally, I called The Company Store. I got to "upper management" within the Customer Service division and got now where, fast. The manager accused me of signing up for the service and on and on. I told him that they have lost me as a customer and that I would pass the word to everyone that I knew. I also told him that they should be ashamed of themselves and that they are the reason why privacy acts have been passed. He did not care what I had to say.

My next step was to contact my bank. Note: If this should happen to you (which I hope that it doesn't) contact your bank right away; it makes a difference. I completed a false charge report with my bank and canceled my debit card. I have yet to know whether my bank will help me out, but I feel confident that they will since the elapsed time was only one day from the charge.

I have since conducted research on this scam company and have found multiple, similar stories on www.RipOffReport.com and www.BadBusinessBureau.com that detail almost the same thing that happened to me. I also called the number back and got the name of the company and their physical address (since they asked for mine, why not ask for their's).

Don't let it happen to you! Be careful when ordering online, but if at all possible ban The Company Store. THEY WILL SELL YOUR INFORMATION! It is not worth the time and frustration. No one deserves to have their debit or credit card charged without their authorization or knowledge. Coming from an Internet advocate, this should really cause you to exercise extra, extra caution. I know that I will now more than ever before!

Please forward this to everyone that you know! I promised Easy Saver and The Company Store that I would. Happy, safe, online shopping!

Jennifer
Bonita Springs, Florida
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.