EMusic eMusic unauthorised subscription and billing New York New York *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account that someone wrongfully takes it from you!

My credit card showed two unauthorised transactions in March and April 2009 each for USD 11.99. I contacted my bank to dispute the charge, and they suggested to contact the company and to provide the bank with details of that contact.

I had used the eMusic service 3 years ago when taking up a free trial, in September 2006. I canceled the trial one day later as I found their music download content was not what I was wanting. Since then I regularly receive eMusic newsletters and emailed special offers. I usually ignore then, and only occasionally do I even view the images in the email. More often than not the emails automatically go directly to my junk mail folder.

I contacted the company and their operator said that I had click on a link in an email which gave them permission to reactive the account for a 12 months subscription. While I was talking with the operator I quickly check a sampling of their emails and could not find any link which said to activate or subscribe, nor I had I taken advantage of any free offer, which she said would have activated the account. I did concede that I on occasions have viewed the images in the email, and she said that would signify my acceptance and would have activated the account.

She said that because there had never been any access of the account that she could cancel the subscription from now onwards but that past fees were non-refundable, after a little more haggling she agreed to credit the very last billing.

When I said that what they were doing was fraud and activating an account on the basis of viewing the images in an email would certainly be illegal she hung up.

It is not a large amount of money, and I have sent them a letter of demand, but these tough economic times do seem to make organisations a lot more shady in their dealings

Brian
Gladesville
Australia

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
RipoffReport.com
Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com

Rip-off Report
PO Box 310, Tempe, Arizona 85280