Complaint Review: AP9 Privacymatters123

I foolishly clicked on the link in an email I received about a free credit report. When they asked me for my social security number I decided not to provide it. Since the report was "free" I also did not supply my bank information.

I clicked on various links in their email to obtain the free credit report but was unsuccessful. A few days later I noticed that several $1.00 charges had been deducted from my bank account. I went back to read the emails AP9 Privacymatters123 had sent me where they detail how after 7 days ( which would be September 21,2008) that unless I called to cancel, they would start deducting the monthly membership fee from my bank for three different "clubs': Your Today Escapes + SM savings service, Your Privacy matters Identity membership and Food and Flix membership. I did not sign up for any memberships, I merely tried to obtain a free credit report.

They made unauthorized transactions to my bank account on September 17th, 2008 and would have deducted more money from my bank account on September 21st if I hadn't read the emails they sent back after clicking on their hyperlinks. I called them up to cancel these accounts but I never gave them my bank card information let alone give them permission to take my money.

AFC
Chicago, Illinois
U.S.A.
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 chargetruth.

If you have to, be loud (but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics still worshould k. The bank can easily fax or mail to you the Federal Regulation E dispute form.