Star Communications 2 unauthorized debits from our checking account. WE NEVER SPOKE TO ANYONE UNTIL AFTER THESE CHARGES WERE MADE ON OUR ACCOUNT. ripoff Nationwide *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

Approximately 3 weeks ago my husband noticed an unknown charge on our checking account in the amount of $149.90. Due to time constraints, we had not yet gotten the time to contact the bank about it, but had not forgotten about it either. Monday morning he notices another charge for the same amount.

We went to the bank that afternoon and was told that the ACH withdrawls were from a Star Communications. The was done by a computer check stating that authorization was approved by account holder and that no signature was required. This was unfamiliar to us both and stated as much to the bank.

So, we told the bank that we wanted to dispute both charges. The bank gave us an 800 number that came with the charges and we attempted to call the company from the bank without success. We filled out the required dispute paperwork from the bank and was directed by them to attempt contact with the company again.

The next day I attempted to contact Star Communications again and finally made it thru. I was then told that they could not talk to me because I was not the person whom authorized the membership. I said "What membership??" They refused to tell me. I asked what the company was and what services they offered. I was told that they offer unlimited international calling services. That right there told me that we were being ripped off. Neither myself or my husband make any international phone calls and would never join any such membership club for that service.

That is when I googled their company name in an attempt to gain more information on them. I found no company match. So I did a reverse search on the 800 number and was directed to Rip-off Report.com. When I saw that this place has been at this scheme in the recent and distant past, I called out banker and forwarded her the link to your website.

Today, we went back to the bank to make a stop payment on the account yo prevent them from attempting another withdrawl and my husband then tried once again to contact the company himself. When he finally got through, he was told that he did in fact authorize the account withdrawl, and refused to authorize not just a refund, but ALSO REFUSED TO CANCEL THE ACCOUNT!!! He then informed them that he was sitting in the bank at that moment and was signing a dispute against them and filing a complaint against them. That is when they finally gave him a cancellation number but still refused a refund.

Thankfully, our bank has been very helpful and co-operative with us in this matter and said we will be refunded our money after they have investigated the matter themselves. But, this happening a month before Christmas and with it a loss of over $300 dollars with overdraft charges resulting from the first withdrawl, our children are not going to have much of a Christmas this year. I hope these people have Insomnia for the rest of their lives for working for a company that preys on innocent hard working individuals like us.

Joel
Del City, Oklahoma
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.