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Report: #123777

Complaint Review: Fundamental Consumer Strategies - A.I.G. Ltd - Nationwide

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  • Reported By: Dover New Hampshire
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  • Fundamental Consumer Strategies - A.I.G. Ltd Nationwide U.S.A.

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I was recently contacted by phone, on or around dec.4'th, by a man with a heavy accent. He said his name was Paul Frank with Fundamental Consumer Strategies, and offered Me a MasterCard with no annual fee 0% interest and a $2500. limit, soon to go up to $5000. if I pay my bills on time.

I was told I would be asked a series of questions by an associate of his and to answer yes to all, but to hold any questions I may have until the end, otherwise I would be transfered back to him and start the process all over again. I bit into this like a fish on a hook, as it had been explained to Me this was a great way to build My credit.

"Just take aloan from any bank and make sure $299. is in your checking account by the 15'th of dec. to cover the one time membership fee." 'Boy did I bite. I'm 34 and a renter living paycheck to paycheck from the same job for the last 5 years, with a girlfriend and her 13 yearold son for the last 4.
The phone transfer took place and I was suddenly talking to Kevin, who informed me that I "would be recorded for quality assurance. My first mistake was giving him My account#, then a routing#,oops I asked a question! Back to paul. I finally got through the process and waited.

My suspicions were first raised when I could'nt reach either of the customer service #'s they gave Me.One was completely bogus, off by one didgit from the other. Since I've reached an answering service that says who they are, but are'nt open. A message saying no one is available or a constant busy signal. On Dec. 16'th My checking account was debited via virtual check by A.I.G. Ltd. a division of Wachovia in Orlando FL. according to My banks main office. still no card. I even called AIG 866-581-5774 they, or Mia whome I talked to was very short with Me and seemed to defend them, telling me I should be patient with this small company.She then directed Me back to 866-333-1593. Other than an affidavit of unauthorized transactions with My own bank, how do I fight this?

James
Dover, New Hampshire
U.S.A.

This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 12/20/2004 08:18 PM and is a permanent record located here: https://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/fundamental-consumer-strategies-aig-ltd/nationwide/fundamental-consumer-strategies-aig-ltd-wachovia-ripoff-credit-building-scam-rip-o-123777. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year. Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report. READ: Foreign websites steal our content

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REBUTTALS & REPLIES:
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#10 Consumer Suggestion

Don't Give Up - This is the real thing!

AUTHOR: Sherry - (Canada)

POSTED: Tuesday, January 04, 2005

Believe me you were onto something when you called Stephanie. Obviously, the company she works for is involved somehow or she wouldn't have hesitated and said yes to your questions.

I would suggest not being put off by them. No one wants to feel like a push over, but if you know you are right and they have taken advantage of you, you shouldn't give up.

You might want to try a different tactic, in order to get your point across, afterall it is your money.

Call again and let them know, that you know they debitted your account for the credit card program they ran and that you would like a refund. Let them know that if they can't help you, then you will have the AG in your state contact them instead. That might make them more willing to assist you in your quest.

Really don't give up so easily - this is your hard earned dough.

Good Luck

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#9 Consumer Suggestion

Don't Give Up - This is the real thing!

AUTHOR: Sherry - (Canada)

POSTED: Tuesday, January 04, 2005

Believe me you were onto something when you called Stephanie. Obviously, the company she works for is involved somehow or she wouldn't have hesitated and said yes to your questions.

I would suggest not being put off by them. No one wants to feel like a push over, but if you know you are right and they have taken advantage of you, you shouldn't give up.

You might want to try a different tactic, in order to get your point across, afterall it is your money.

Call again and let them know, that you know they debitted your account for the credit card program they ran and that you would like a refund. Let them know that if they can't help you, then you will have the AG in your state contact them instead. That might make them more willing to assist you in your quest.

Really don't give up so easily - this is your hard earned dough.

Good Luck

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#8 Consumer Suggestion

Don't Give Up - This is the real thing!

AUTHOR: Sherry - (Canada)

POSTED: Tuesday, January 04, 2005

Believe me you were onto something when you called Stephanie. Obviously, the company she works for is involved somehow or she wouldn't have hesitated and said yes to your questions.

I would suggest not being put off by them. No one wants to feel like a push over, but if you know you are right and they have taken advantage of you, you shouldn't give up.

You might want to try a different tactic, in order to get your point across, afterall it is your money.

Call again and let them know, that you know they debitted your account for the credit card program they ran and that you would like a refund. Let them know that if they can't help you, then you will have the AG in your state contact them instead. That might make them more willing to assist you in your quest.

Really don't give up so easily - this is your hard earned dough.

Good Luck

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#7 Consumer Suggestion

Don't Give Up - This is the real thing!

AUTHOR: Sherry - (Canada)

POSTED: Tuesday, January 04, 2005

Believe me you were onto something when you called Stephanie. Obviously, the company she works for is involved somehow or she wouldn't have hesitated and said yes to your questions.

I would suggest not being put off by them. No one wants to feel like a push over, but if you know you are right and they have taken advantage of you, you shouldn't give up.

You might want to try a different tactic, in order to get your point across, afterall it is your money.

Call again and let them know, that you know they debitted your account for the credit card program they ran and that you would like a refund. Let them know that if they can't help you, then you will have the AG in your state contact them instead. That might make them more willing to assist you in your quest.

Really don't give up so easily - this is your hard earned dough.

Good Luck

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#6 Consumer Suggestion

Cut off their finances! Find out where they are cashing their checks, and HOUND THEM RELENTLESSLY.

AUTHOR: Michael - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, January 04, 2005

First, call your local police. In my experiences with Everest consumer services, I complained to all the federal agencies, including the FBI and FTC. Nobody did a thing to look into the situation, but my local police got wind of things and began an investigation. By that time I had already received a refund, so they dropped it.

Find out from your bank where the virtual check was processed. There might be a copy of it included in your monthly statement. Start hounding that bank. Send them complaints from this website. I sent twenty to Netchex, which got them on the case, and just about everyone got a refund. If it turns out to be Wachovia bank, again, emai patricia.moran@wachovia.com.

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#5 Consumer Suggestion

Here's a quick resolution to your problem . . .

AUTHOR: Murray - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, January 04, 2005

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

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#4 Consumer Comment

New Fundamental Contact Phony

AUTHOR: Alicia - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, January 04, 2005

This morning I read the post above and immediately contacted Stephanie who was reported as being a contact affiliated with Fundamental Consumer Strategies. When I asked her if she was affiliated with FCS and could she help me with a refund, she sounded really confused yet said yes to both my questions...then she asked me to hold. About a minute later she came back and said that she talked with her supervisor and no, they weren't associated with Fundamental and she couldn't help me.

I really wish someone would be able to find the right person to pin down and get their money back. It sure would give hope to those of us who are totally lost!

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#3 Consumer Suggestion

Fundamental Consumer Strategies - Contact

AUTHOR: Phillippa - (Canada)

POSTED: Monday, January 03, 2005

I am really sorry to hear about your situation James and I hope that you actually get the credit card or your money back. You know you have several options you can pursue, I've seen them listed on this website. I also know you can call this lady Stephanie Bensimon at 416-644-3084. I strongly believe Stephanie is the administrator for the call center that called you. They are a legitimate company but I would suggest being real calm when you call and let her know what happened. What she will do is either initiate a refund or make sure you receive your package as soon as possible. I don't think you will have too much of a hard time getting your money back once you call. Mention your recording number to her, I am sure that will help her find your file quickly.

Good Luck

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#2 Consumer Suggestion

Wachovia Connection to another Credit Card Scam Everest Consumer Services

AUTHOR: Michael - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, December 28, 2004

There is another company, calling themselves Everest Consumer Services, that is operating the same type of scam. They were using Netchex drafts to rob peoples' accounts. They were cashing these drafts at Wachovia Bank in Philadelphia. Netchex was made aware that they were being used to defraud people out of their hard earned money, and they stopped doing business with Everest. Now, Everest is using AIG. They may still be processing these virtual checks through Wachovia. Your bank should be able to tell you. You might want to contact Patricia Moran of Wachovia's Corporate Fraud Investigations Dept. email her at patricia.moran@wachovia.com.

You should close your account immediately, and open a new one. Otherwise , these crooks can continue to help themselves to your money, or sell your info to other crooks.

The reason, when you interupted the second thief you spoke to, and you had to start all over again with the first guy, is because the second guy was taping you. They can't have any mention of a credit card on the tape, because that would prove they were lying to you.

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#1 Author of original report

Out of anger, frustration and a little boredom, I proceeded to rapid redial

AUTHOR: James - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, December 21, 2004

First off My apologies for all the misplaced apostrophies, hard to read I know.

Earlier today I called whome I believed to be AIG Ltd. at the # I had listed in My last report. I made My complaint again. The woman on the other end said AIG Ltd. and FCS are legit companies and I should "just be patient with them" as she listens to their recordings herself. I'm still unclear who is affiliated with who.

I told this woman of the constant busy signals, with no call back. she still assured Me they were a legitimate company, but there was nothing she could do for Me other than E-mail them for Me. E-mail??!!! what's the web address? I can't find it! She still ended up reffering Me back to 866-333-1593.

Later I called My banks' main office. I told them about this site to better help them in their search, they found the things I told them very interesting.

Out of anger, frustration and a little boredom, I proceeded to rapid redial 866-333-1593. I got several different and suspiscious recordings. the standard slow and fast busy signal, one that says "no one is available to take your call." one says "The subscriber is nolonger in service. If you think you've reached this message in error please try again later." message M50 something or other. I even reached two that were operators, saying I needed a "long distance carrier code"or "the # was dialed incorrectly". Each of these had th e same blatant pickup and hangup at the end, I could hear Myself on the other end.

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