Complaint Review: AdvantageCapital PMS Capital First

This company uses misleading tactics to get your business. They call stating that you've been approved for a credit card with a limit of $2500 and then state that if you pay a one time fee of $99.95,a MasterCard will be issued.

They drew the $99.95 from my account on 5/31/02. Then I waited. Then I called and they said it was still on temporary status and but they would rush it and issue the card. Then I could make deposits to the card (it is a pay-as-you-go card).

That was two weeks ago. Today the card arrived with a letter informing me that it is a temporary card. This is a card with a number, the MC symbol and my name, but not much else.

The letter informed me that I should call to activate the permanent card and they will instruct me on how to make my deposits and receive the rules for the card. When the permanent card arrives I am to pay them $4.95 per month maintenance fee. That's on top of the $99.95 annual fee.

I called to tell them that I was really not interested in their bait and switch tactics. They looked up my account and guess what!... no record of me or an account. Even though I have a card in my hand and a letter from them. Therefore, they refused to talk to me.

Here's what I need. My $99.95 that was withdrawn, plus the $59.95 they also took out of my account. This is a total of $159.90. I would also like the $25.00 they withdrew on 8/14/02 returned. I have no idea why this was drawn from my account. We are now up to $184.90.

The original call also offered a special package called Premium Megasaver Program (that's where the PMS comes in) for a flat rate of $59.95 which would provide airline discounts, hotel freebies, etc. They have now made two withdrawals from my account of $54.90 for this program - without my permission. WHen I called about this they said I was supposed to cancel within 7 days if I didn't want the program. Who knew?

This company has violated several laws but it is probably more expensive than I can handle to go after them. I have put a block on my account to prevent further withdrawals. I plan to change my account number tomorrow. THe block cost me another $28.

Totla of this fraud is now $220.70 . . .

Susan
Elm Mott, Texas