Vitacost And "parent Company" Shopping Essentials Fraudulent, unautorized monthly charges to checking account! Boynton Beach Florida *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

I have ordered name brand vitamins at Vitacost.com because I liked the $4.99 shipping. After one order I was asked to fill out an on-line survey which I did. Shortly afterward an unexplained $14.95 charge appeared on my checking account statement listed as "Shopping Essentials" with a phone of 888-999-0564. It was December 2007 so I thought this was an online Christmas purchase that I couldn't remember. Then the same $14.95 charge appeared in January in February!

I finally woke up and checked the company out online and found Rip Off Report.com which talked about the bank fraud going on by this Shopping Essentials. I called the listed 888-999-0564, and firmly demanded to know how they got my bank account number. Apparently Vitacost gave it to them. They said the companies were related in some way but I never understood how. They tried to put me off by saying "I should read the fine print" when I fill out online surveys.

I stayed firm and said I neither authorized a "membership" of any kind or received any products or services for the monthly charges, and I wanted them reversed immediately.

I got an email which said they would be gradually credited to my account over the next several months. I called and emailed back saying I would contact the banking commission in my state if they were not credited immediately. The 3 $14.95 withdrawals were back in my account within hours.

It takes persistance and I think it is good to contact these fraudulent companies by phone and email so there will be a paper trail which they are afraid of. From now on, I will only use my credit card for online purchases and will be MUCH more careful who I buy from.

Do NOT us Vitacost or Shopping Essential for anything:
Web sites to beware of are:www.vitacost.com and www.shopping-esentials.com

Susan
Ashland, Oregon
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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...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.