Grant Master,Express Business Funding And Network Agenda And On Point Media Solutions Ordered a "free" CD for $2.29shipping. 8 days later they took $39.95 UNAUTHORIZED, Businessfund took $7.95, 7 days later Network Agenda ripped off $9.95.Las Vegas Internet--nationwide

I sent for a $2.29 CD (shipping chg. only) from Grant Master, about federal grants. I'm a senior on very low income and thought I might get help to keep my house from falling down around my ears.

I recieved no phone calls, but had informed them over the net that I did not want a membership. I did not know until I recieved my bank statement yesterday that they had made a completely unauthorized withdrawal of $39.95. And that Express Business Funding had taken $7.95, as well as Network Agenda making off with $9.95! (I don't know WHERE they came from. They were nowhere mentioned in Grant Master.)

The address I gave came from the return address on the CD, which is On Point Media Solutions. They made no withdrawal, of course, but they must know something about Grant Master, or have an address for them? The return address being Las Vegas not wihstanding, the CD was metered mail, and the meter stamp is St. George, Uth, zip 84770, and meter permit no. 1129. This may not be important, but I figure every tiny bit of information might help.

I sent an e-mail to the www.center4grants.com anyway, and did recieve one back from Buiness Funding, that they would refund their $7.95 but it might take 4 to 6 weeks. Network Agenda has a site where you can fill out a cancellation request, but I've heard nothing about a refund yet.

Being no way to get an e-mail to Grant Master, they do (and they're the onlly one) have a phone number listed--1 800 479 0979--so I called. I recognize the accent, as from the subcontinent. India,Pakistan, in that area. A good command of English in absolute literal textbook form, but not his first language.

I was told that I had requested membership (I did not, absolutely), and that there was nothing I could do about it, and that this was a monthly fee they would continue to take. I gave "em 24 hours to get me a refund back in my account or they'd hear from a lawyer. I'm sure they knew it was a bluff---if I could afford a lawyer, why would I be wanting to find out about grants?

I put in a search for Grant Master's web page alone, and my Internet Explorer browser found it. But the message came up: "Internet Explorer has located the page you request, but Grant Master refuses to let it be viewed."

I had used a debit card for the CD, not a credit card (I don't have any), so I immediately called my bank and had it cancelled. They'll issue me another one with a different number. The thieves can't get the money if they don't have the number. HA. But I sure wish I could get that $39.95 back, and the $9.95. That constitutes nearly half of my monthly grocery budget.

I hope somebody,somewhere,can do something about the people.

Thank you.

Doodlebug
Pauls Valley, Oklahoma
U.S.A.
*EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account that someone wrongfully takes it from you!

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.