Complaint Review: CallOne

I received a phone call the week of May 19th, 2005, from a representative of CallOne. She guaranteed that I would get a 200.00 gift certificate to spend "whatever way I wanted" in exchange for trying CallOne for 7 days. I was also guaranteed that, if I cancelled before the 7 days were up, I could keep the gift certificate. I was in a hurry. It sounded like a great deal. I gave her my information (word of advice. If it sounds too good to be true, hang up!).

I remember the date because we had to go out of town for a few days after the initial phone call for my boys to participate in the State Special Olympics. When we returned there was no trace of any information in our mail from CallOne. I was beginning to suspect a scam so I called them the following Monday (May 23rd0 and cancelled the account (note. I cancelled BEFORE I received their information packet). I was told that there would be no charges made against my bank account. (another word of advice: whenever you cancel an account like this, make the effort to physically go to your bank as soon as possible and sign whatever is needed to document your cancellation).

The information packet arrived the next day and there was no gift certificate for $200.00. There were only a number of small discounts off of very specific stores (that I neither deal with nor have easy access to) that would be payed out over a period of time (up to a year). I was not a 'happy camper' having been deceived by their lies. But I was content in the knowledge that I had cancelled the account.

On June 6th, 2005 CallOne extorted $149.90 from my checking account, an account with funds limited only to paying our bills. This caused a ripple effect with my account being billed for six $20.00 NSF charges before I could get to my bank and sign all of the propper paperwork. But the damage had already been done and it put a very strong financial strain on an already low income family of four, a strain that we are still feeling.

On returning home I immediately called CallOne and was told by a very apologetic sounding man (acting lessons I'm sure) that the funds would be returned within 8 to 10 business days. When that time period came and went I was sent out a form to fill that went into great detail as to how CallOne needed me to ensure them that I wouldn't cash a duplicate check if they accidentally sent one. Yeah right. I haven't seen one check yet! I have made many, many phone calls.

Most recently I spoke with Lace on August 10th who told me that she was going to initiate an internal investigation and to call back on August 18th. I spoke to Mack on August 18th and he stated that the check should be in the mail and if I didn't receive it in five working days that I should call back. I spoke to a Kathryn on August 30th and she started going on about needing more time. I hung up in her ear.

It doesn't matter if it's $5.00 or $5,000.00. CallOne is simply stealing from folks to further their own gain. They need to be stopped.

Linda
Batesville, Arkansas
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!

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CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.