Epassporte.com ripoff, unauthorized $475.00 charge to my bank account!! Internet *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

I had been trying to use my debit card online to purchase a greeting card from a reputable card company and the payment would not process so I wrote a query to the banks customer service.

I discovered today (because I happened to check my account balance online), that an unauthorized $475.00 charge was made to my bank account by epassport.com! There was a transaction number and a phone number listed so I immediately called to investigate and was told that they needed my visa/debit card number to track any purchases.

I declined, stating that I do not trust anyone unkown to me to give that number out over the phone, especially someone who's company has already fraudulently ripped me off! I asked him to track the purchase with the transaction number I provided but he stated that their system is not set up to look anything up by transaction number and repeatedly asked me for my card number.

I refused and he told me flat out that he could not report it to their fraud department or do anything to help me unless I provided him with my card number! Again I refused and told him that I was reporting it to my bank and law enforcement and they could determine what, if any, information to give this scam artist. He hung up on me at that point.

I called my bank and reported the fraudulent charge and discovered that my account had been temporarily frozen because they had noticed suspicious activity when this epassport tried repeatedly to charge amounts of $250 and $450 to my card. Thank goodness my Bank (Bank of America) had noticed and put the hold on my account because this epassporte.com would have made off with every dollar I had!

I have never heard of this company and never dealt with them in the past so this fraudulent charge is just out of left field! I tried looking them up online and their website only had their logo and a log-in and password prompts and no information whatsoever as to what kind of business they are or how to contact them or where they are located or anything.

I did glean from the customer service person i spoke with that the purchase would have been for a pre-paid credit card and in doing an internet search on them I found that they are a payment processing service of some sort for seedier sites such as casinos and adult content and since I have not frequented any of these places I cannot see how they got my information.

As this happened just today I do not have any resolution yet but will follow up with my bank and law enforcement, with the advice given for a similar complaint here on Rip-off Report in hand!

Tania
Stehekin, Washington
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.