Privacy Matters Ripoff Unauthorized billing will not issue refund FRAUD Des Plaines Illinois *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

On March 16, 2005 I proceeded to call Privacy Matters regarding charges that appeared on Winona (Triple A) AAA credit card. Each charge was for $14.95 and on three (3) separate dates. After going through an annoyance of automated menus I was greeted by Eva (Employee #7266). I explained that I had not used the services and did not know I was even being charged on a monthly basis. Eva told me that $14.95 (most recently billed) will be credited back but the other charges would remain because of the terms and conditions that should have been read when you signed up. I asked to speak with a manager or supervisor and was transferred after an attempt by Eva (Employee #7266) to rudely dismiss my call.

The manager whom I was transferred to quickly put me on hold without greeting me or asking if I wanted to be put on hold. After holding for about 10 minutes I was disconnected. I immediately called back and asked to speak with a manager and was then transferred by Antoinette (no Employee # given). I held for about 5 minutes while being transferred and was greeted by a manager with the name of Gloria (Employee # 4789). I explained that I had no knowledge of being billed and had not used their services and requested that I be credited back in full for three (3) separate charges of $14.95. Gloria insisted that I was not entitled to a refund and tried to dismiss my call. I asked if there was any way I could be credited for the three charges that I incurred. Again, she snapped and with an angry tone expressed how I was not going to be refunded because of the terms and conditions I should have previously read. She then said Have a good day Mr. McGinnis which I quickly replied to by asking her if Privacy Matters was a member of the Better Business Bureau. Her response was I'm sure a lot of businesses are a member of the Better Business Bureau. I told her that did not answer my question.

Gloria quickly snapped Well what are you trying to say Mr. ******? I then told her that if I was not credited for three (3) charges of $14.95 that I would file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, the Bad Business Bureau, and the involved credit card company (AAA Triple A), and that further legal action will be taken until credits had been issued. Gloria then agreed to credit three (3) charges of $14.95 back to me and told me they would appear within 3-4 business days and proceeded to disconnect me from the line.

FOLLOW-UP:

On March 21, 2005 I noticed there were two credits of $14.95 on my credit card. However there is still another charge of $14.95 that had not been issued. I also found a charge for $1.00 that had not been credited. I called back and spoke with manager/supervisor Kristina (ID# 5766) who told me that those are non-refundable charges and I would not be refunded. Watch out for this scam. These people are frauds and say thier services are free or free trials and then they keep charging your credit card. They are also VERY rude and unprofessional.

Winona
South Bend, Indiana
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.