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American Marketing AKA Magazines AKA MARKETING CONSULTANTS ripoff Virginia Beach Virginia *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!
I received a call from a guy named albert from an 800 # on my cell phone a few months ago. He stated that because I was a "prefered" visa card holder, that I was automatically entered into a $25,000 sweepstakes and all I needed to do was verfiy some information. After that, he went into this deal regarding a magazine subscription and told me that i would be charged $51 a month for 9 magazines and that I would only have to pay that amount for 1 year, but my subscriptions would continue for the next 2 years after that.
I figured that sounds cool, so I gave him my debit card information and then he told me that i would also be receiving a free "diamond" encrusted watch as part of the deal. I thought like a dummy "hey, that sounds great." So then he asks me about my interests as far as magazines go, and I said I really like hip hop and that I make beats. Hhis reply was "i know someone who is interested in new people trying to make it in the music biz, here's my email (which I provided at the top) and you should email me and I can see if i can get in contact with him for you." And now that i think about it, that sounded kinda rehearsed, but anyways after the small talk was said and done, he said that his supervisor would be calling me to verfiy that everything was ok and that I gave them permission to bill me $51 a month for the next 12 months.
Well this lady gets on the line, and she is rude for no good reason. Sshe tells me that I don't get my watch until I sign a certificate and mail it back to them. I told her that albert said ya'll would be sending it off asap. She apologized and said that was not the case. I just dropped it and waited for my magazines and my watch. Well not only did I never get my "diamond" watch, but my magazines took 2 months to start coming to my house, and I am always a month behind. I only gave calling them up and trying to cancel a small thought until today when I checked my account balance online.
There is a pre authorization for $96 on my account which is making my balance in the negative. The company the debt is from is called marketing consultants of virginia, the same home state as american marketing. the only other direct debt I have comes from my car insurance company, so the only company that has access to my account is american marketing. I've tried their customer service and only got an automated menu that is hard to understand because the voice is unclear. I called my bank and they said I had to fill out a regulation e form and wait for the pre authorization to actually post before any action can be taken.
This is 5 days before christmas, I still have a few gifts I'd like to buy, and I need to keep gas in my car. American marketing has made it so I can do none of that. Any other suggestions on what i can do? Because I read in one guy's case on here that after his bank account closed, they kept billing him and sent him to collections. Is there anyway I can avoid them not letting me cancel and putting me in the same predicament?
Eric
Denver, Colorado
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.
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