U Talk - American Values Fraud took money out of my account and will not return it Las Vegas Nevada

As with everybody else who as dealt with these companies, they entice you with free gas vouchers. They offered me $500.00 in free gas. I specifically asked them how these vouchers worked. They told me that I pump my gas and take my voucher inside to pay. Then I asked them why I was chosen to receive this offer. They said because it was a reward for paying my federal taxes on time. They said all that I would have to do is pay $1.95 as shipping and handling. Once I agreed to that they put me on hold so that a supervisor could could confirm my acceptance of the offer.

I check my bank accounts daily and one morning a find that $1.95 was taken out twice along with about $250.00 more. I contacted my bank immediately to find out who was taking money out of my account. They told me American Values and U Talk unlimited. I informed them that only American Values was to take $1.95 out, and no more. As for U Talk I had never heard of them. I asked my bank to reverse the transaction but they said that they could not do that, because I gave them permission to take money out of my account. She said regardless of what you authorized they can take what ever when ever they want to. She said that even if I were to change my account number, they would still be required to give them the money. I asked the bank clerk, how can this be legal, she said she did not know, just that it is legal.

This all happened in Jan or Feb 2004, I call both companies 3 to 5 times a week. Every time they tell me that my refund has been sent, or they will resend it.

I have been trying to find out as much about these companies as possible. One thing that I have learned is that Oregon state filed a suit against these companies and won there case, but for some odd reason they are still able to steel money by lying and fraud.

If anybody has any more info on how to get my money back please let me know.

Jeremy
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
U.S.A.