VistaPrint - AP9*PASSPORTVISTA - AP9*PASSPORT TO FUN - SHOPPING ESSENTIALS - Vertrue RIP OFF SCAMS And CREDIT CARD FRAUD ripoff, scam, credit, card, fraud Stamford Internet *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

I recently purchased some magnets through a company called "VistaPrint". They advertise free business cards and discounted prices on otherwise pricey printed materials. Being a graphic artist I thought - what a great deal!

Being a graphic artist who runs their own freelance business - figured out - too great to be true deal.

I went through the process of ordering via vistaprint - I even phoned their customer service for some ordering help. Upon completion I entered in my VISA check card information and submitted my order. Thereafter I was taken to a screen that held a coupon for 10% off my next purchase.

Because of the way the quantities worked, I opted not to use this coupon and just close everything out.

I received an email about a week after receiving my magnets that my membership to PASSPORT TO FUN was ready to be billed. I thought it was junk mail and deleted it unread.

WRONG! Two days later going through my ledger online I see a charge for $14.95 for AP9*PASSPORTVISTA - Who are they? I call my bank and we just dispute it no questions asked.

Two days after that - there is another charge pending from a company called SHOPPINGESSENTIALS - Who are they? This time I do my research.

Turns out - VistaPrint is very flexible with their customers credit card information and sold it to Vertrue, Inc. Who in turn uses it in all of their departments - each with a different name ie - PASSPORT TO FUN, PASSPORTVISTA, SHOPPING ESSENTIALS and BUSINESS MAX.

Vertrue, Inc. signs you up for a membership - whether your coupon has been filled out or whether you wan a membership or not and gives you 30 days to try it out for free - not informing you of this until they are ready to bill your credit card.

Now, I have to wonder, how many company/department names does Vertrue, Inc. have - how many $15 charges will I be receiving for something I didn't want, didn't know about, and didn't give my information for.

Buyer beware - DO NOT shop at VistaPrint! If you have charges to your credit card, or check card from any suspicious vender report it immediately as fraud and get a new card with a new number.

While my magnets were worth it - my draining bank account is NOT!

Sara
Seseme, Georgia
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!

We are not lawyers.
We are not a collection agency.

We are Consumer Advocates.
...the victims' advocate

WE are Civil and Human Rights Activists

We are a Worldwide Consumer Reporting News Agency
...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.