Grant Master CD - Network Agenda - BSM/SBA Express Bought disk off of ebay, wasn't aware of charges- even though I called to have them stopped charging for the service they continued charging! Stole over $200 from my account! Belize Internet *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

My husband purchased a grant master CD off of Ebay or something for $1. We were unaware of any membership fees that came with this, and never even viewed the disc. Soon after, we noticed charges from a charge from one of the companies and called the number and asked them to cancel the account. We assumed it was taken care of because the woman assured us it would be taken care of. Life got busy, and we forgot to follow up on it.

That brings me to current time (this all started around 10/07). We got charged again for $29.95. It overdrew our account because we were between paydays and had made a large purchase, the unexpected charge threw us under. We were trying to figure out how on earth we went under and looked at the month of charges to see where we miscalculated. That was when we discovered the charge from grantmaster. My husband called again, and they refunded us that $29.95.

The next day I went through our bank account to see if they had been charging us this whole time despite our call after the first charge, and sure enough they had been charging us $29.95 from 10/07 to current (3/08). Not only have they been charging us that, we have been getting charged $7.95 from one company and $9.95 from another. They are all part of grant master. I was unaware of this, and called network agenda today, and I asked them if they were affiliated with the other 2 companies that were charging me (and gave them the names of the companies as they appear on my account, BSM/SBA EXPRESS and BSM/GRANT SEARCH ASST) and the girl said they were not affiliated with them and that she knew nothing about them.

She also said she wouldn't be able to help me with the refund I was seeking (I had contacted network agenda seeking a refund for the $9.95 they had been charging me). SHe gave me the number for grant master. I contacted Grant Master, and through them found out that they run all 3 companies. All the lady did was offer to refund the charges from this month, despite the fact that we had called to cancel their service last year. They stole over $200 from us, and all they have offered to refund is about $47 total and all that from this month.

I asked to speak to a supervisor, and was placed on hold 3 seperate times, when the lady finally came back on the phone and said she would have to have a supervisor contact me at a later time. I am not holding my breath.

I plan on contacting my bank due to the unauthorized charges, I will also contact the lawyer I have on retainer and see what they can do for me. If it appears this company plans on stealing my money instead of offering a full refund for all charges, I will be contacting the media.

Kathleen
Turlock, California
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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...the victims' advocate

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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.