Complaint Review: Aaron's Sales & Lease

I opened an account with Aaron's in August 2005. The contract length was 24 months.

Initially, I put a credit card on file with them, with the instruction NOT to charge unless I call. This worked just fine until January 2007.

In December I closed the credit card that they had on file, and opened a different bank account (thus being issued a new card). I phoned in the December payment using the new card, but NEVER gave the store authorization to "store" the new number, nor did I sign anything for this new card.

January rolled around and without authorization of ANY kind, they first tried to charge the closed account. After this was declined, the next day they evidently looked back at the previous month's records and charged my new bank account.

I had to contact my bank, fill our Regulation E claim forms, and the bank refunded the unauthorized charges after a few days. I am now working with law enforcement to prosecute this act.

Calling Aaron's customer service number (404-231-0011) will get you what they call an "issue" number and the promise of a return call that never comes.

Keep calling! After enough calls, they will give you the number to the Vice President (Heather Holman - 863-967-0973).

As of this moment, I am awaiting her return call to resolove or will pursue criminal and civil charges against the company. (I will update as more information becomes available).

I hope this was helpful, as I see that I am not alone in this situation. I am thinking of filing a class action lawsuit in addition to the criminal and civil charges to send a message that they can NOT conduct business in this manner.

Ellen
Winter Springs, Florida
U.S.A.