Teliflex Cancellation request not found in system, unauthorized checking account deduction Ripoff Holiday Florida *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

Like many others I found on this site, I thought I was being given a great deal for a vacation from Travel Agents Network, for the small process of trying a couple other free offers, no strings attached. Well, again like many other reports on this company, I was also scammed in to being billed for the $49.95 from my checking account, even though I used their convenient and easy to use automated system to cancel my orders. I received the same free vacation package, Travel Agents Network trial membership, and Teliflex trial membership. I was actually (and from the looks of reports previously) able to get the first two mentioned services canceled, so I avoided the $149 and $59.99 charges however, I went to go and balance my checking account online a day ago, and what did I find? A nice little over-drawn listing of my account, thanks to Teliflex. Although I had canceled my request on 6/18/05 @ 3:40 pm (my mobile phone bill verified the call made for me on this date and time) they still charged me. Understandably upset, I called Teliflex and advised them that I had requested the cancellation within their trial period and was to not be billed. The (dis-)service rep, who refused to give me his name, stated that in their service log, he scrolled through and only showed that I cancelled the first two services, but no listing of the Teliflex service.

Now, being in the communications business and working for a mobile phone company I find this hard to believe that if they have an automated system that call-ID's your phone number for your account when you call in, wouldn't they have a recorded log of calls inbound? I understand errors happen, but at the same time, if it verified my number, I'd assume it should've logged my calling in to their IVR system so why would it say I never called? I explained to the guy that I know when I called, I even reiterated the automated system message to him, as to what I heard when I requested the cancellation. All he told me was that he could cancel me effective today, and proceeded to do so. He did give me a confirmation code to show my cancellation, however when I asked about a refund, he told me to send a request in letter form, signed by me, to the address for the company and within 7-10 days from that time it's received I should receive a refund. In regards to the overdraft fees however, he said he couldn't promise I would be compensated for the $136.00 that the overdraft charges added up to (since it caused four transactions to overdraft at $33.00 a piece as well as a continuous overdraft charge of $4.00 my bank charges after 3 consecutive overdrafts). I sent off my letter, along with a copy of my bank statement showing the charges and overdrafts they caused, as well as a copy of my mobile phone bill showing when I originally called in to request the cancellation, as well as the second call that I made with the service rep that states they cancelled my subscription. I am currently awaiting for a refund from them, though from how others have posted a report on these guys, it looks like fighting them through my bank will be a safer bet.

My other concern though, is how did this company get my checking account information? They read the account number back to me, as I only had to say yes or no if it was correct, which when the original offer was extended to me, they read me the routing/transit number and account number digit for digit and was exactly as listed. My only guess may have been through a purchase online or such, since I do shop online a bit, but even still, this really sucks with what this company does to people! If they are to offer services, shouldn't they have reliable systems and easier access to a customer service rep, than to sit and press # multiple times and be on hold for 10-20 minutes at a time? Thanks to this company I'm almost out a few dollars shy of $200.00 I'm hoping my bank will reverse these charges, because I'll fight this any way possible! Companies like this should be shut-down for their unfair and fraudulent business practices.

For those consumers out there doing a search for a long-distance company, and come across this DO NOT use Teliflex! They are the WORST and most UNFAIR company and they WILL rip you off. You may not have a problem with them if you join, but if you do not cancel services with them with a live person, you will most likely be billed after your request is processed by their automated system, from the looks of how they are. In my opinion, NO ONE should ever use the service they offer!

Roy
Albuquerque, New Mexico
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.