Complaint Review: American Financial

In July of 2006 i was contacted by this company for an offer for a credit card -- not a merchant shops card. the fee was 200.00. i agreed to pay the 200.00 and had it debited out of my husbands checking account.

From that point, I never recieved any further information in the mail or by email about my purchase. On Sept 1 2006, i contacted them requesting a refund -- they canceld my account and informed i had to write a letter of request to recieved my refund. i wrote them a letter for my request and at that time, i had to provide a copy of bank statement, nature of my dispute, and my signature.

they have now inturn refused my request stating that according to the verbal communication they found that they were not at fault and they find no reason to refund my money. it was explained that i would recieve 200.00 worth of "vouchers" to use -- which i never recieved!

On Sept 15, I recieved a letter of denial of my refund of 200.00 and they sent me an additional 100.00 in vouchers. nor did they explain that i had to put 35% down of what ever i purchase. Acccording to the sales rep. he said that packages were being delayed a week. If my account was canceled, why have i not recieved anything.

Again, i was told that i had to write another letter reqesting the refund. The customer service was very poor and they were very lax in giving me detailed information. I put a reqest in to listen to the verbal contract, and i will have to call back tomorrow in order to hear this. In my opinion, this company misrepresents itself

All i want is my 200.00 returned as well as my copy of my bank statement

Jennifer
gulfport, Mississippi
U.S.A.

Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on American Financial
Use the EDitor's suggestions addition if the victim's checking account had money taken out. The title should read as follows: *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account! Also, add the letter and links from Ed.
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.