PaymentOne Added unauthorized charges to my phone bill Internet *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account that someone wrongfully takes it from you!

Several months ago, I received a phone call that I thought was some type of survey. The rep was difficult to understand, and I tried to be polite and listen. I did give my address, but then the rep started talking really fast, and I got the gist I was being sold something.

So I said words to the effect "I don't understand what you are trying to sell me" and I finally hung up the phone. Someone else called back, and I told them I didn't want to buy anything from them, as I didn't understand what they were trying to sell me.

Today my husband noticed two charges on recent phone bills from PaymentOne for $40.47 each. I called and discovered that the billing occured because they said I had authorized billing for a website and that they had mailed a package to me. I had not authorized a website, as I'm in business and already have my own websites. Nor had I received any package in the mail from them.

They said they would play the recording of the conversation for me, but twice, I was put on hold for an extended period so I hung up. The third time, I was put on hold and finally listened to a recording of the call made to me. The recording had me saying 'yes' at the end, but this had to be edited in, as I had definitely stated I did not want to buy anything from them and actually hung up on the callers twice.

The person on the phone at Paymentone was rude and argumentative, but finally agreed to cancel 2 of the charges. There is a third charge that is being processed, we learned, and they would not agree to cancel that charge.

I asked that an email be sent to me, stating that two of the charges would be credited, and that they include an explanation for why the third charge would not be cancelled. As of yet, I have not received the email.

Embarq, our phone company, has now added a block on our account against third party vendors.

I think we are stuck with the third charge, and possibly the other two, if they don't issue the account a credit, as they stated.

Pat
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
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
RipoffReport.com
Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com

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