Simple Escapes, MWI Ripoff Unauthorized debit account charge Lancaster Pennsylvania *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

After reading the postings on this site I am quite upset by this company. My wife and I generally use a platinum visa account for online purchases, not our debit card. On 1/21/05, I noted an unauthorized charge of $149.95 to my checking account and called my bank to protest the next day.

They informed me that we needed to call the company, which had an 800 number listed with the transaction. My wife called, and was given an account number and a referral to dealpass.com, where we found out we had been enrolled in simple escapes, which is evidently supposed to be like a "diners club" sorta thing with discounts for movies, restaurants, etc. We DID NOT order this, and have no idea how they got our debit card number.

After speaking with people at their 800 number for nearly 45 minutes, we finally were able to get them to return our money, which they did in 2 business days. We have since asked out bank to change our number for our debit card.

In speaking with people at my bank, they stated that there were at least 3-4 other people that had been in my specific branch of the local credit union in the last several months with similar complaints, although none for as high a dollar amount as mine. They were surprised that my money had been returned so quickly. I was alarmed that they weren't more upset about this fact.

I asked them to find an address for the transaction, and it was evidently routed through Lancaster, PA. In calling the Pennsylvania better business bureau, it seems that there is a listing for "simple escapes", but no existing complaints about them. I have tried to start one, but I've been impressed with how difficult it is to actually file a complaint with the better business bureau, especially against a company that appears to take your money and not actually exist in any one location - from reading the postings on this site, they are located in Canada, Illinois, Nebraska, and now Pennsylvania.

I have contacted the local police to inform them of this scam, and have also started complaints with the state consumer credit fraud agency. I am livid regarding this theft, and I hope to see these people rot in hell.

Our initial charge was posted from HDI*SIMPLE ESCAPES, and I see that others have found out that the HDI may stand for hanover direct, meaning that they perhaps got my information from a magazine order.

If anyone is pursuing this in a legal venue, I would be happy to cooperate. This is a huge scam operation and this company is stealing thousands of dollars from American consumers on a daily basis.

Jonathan
Iowa City, Iowa
U.S.A.

Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on Simple Escapes

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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...by consumers, for consumers

CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.