Complaint Review: Centurion Financial Benefit Services

Was phoned 10/8/04 to say I was approved for a credit card with a limit of $2000, with 4% interest for life, no annual fees, for a ONE TIME PROCESS CHARGE OF $249. My checking account information was given and it was taken out of my account that same day. I was told to listen to the recording, if I had any questions, a service rep would come back on the line to answer it. When I interupted the recording to ask the rep what was meant by the term "this is a store value card", he said it simply means that it can be used in any store that mastercards are accepted.

So, I continued listening to the recording and at the end I said "I accept". The rep came back on the phone to say that I would be received my Centurion Mastercard no later than 11/15/04. When I didn't receive it, I called on 11/20/04 to find out if it had been mailed out. They said it had not but to give it another week. I asked about the $2000 limit, and the lady said that it's "up to $2000". I asked what did that mean? She said, "you have to put up the money before you could use the card, you know, like a secured card."

I told her that I wasn't informed that this was to be a secured card. She told me that I was informed that it was to be a store value card and that is what that means. And, if I didn't understand that I should have asked before I accepted. I told her I did ask and that I was simply told that it means it's taken at any store that mastercard is accepted. I asked what he couldn't have given me a more clear explanation and she said "we are not suppose to, Ma'am, this is a marketing tactic." I told her that since I still have not received the card, to cancel it and refund my money back into my account. "It's non-refundable" she stated and hung up the phone.

I called back on 11/24/04 and asked to speak to a manager, that person said if I had a complaint I could write to the CEO, Bryan Hill. I again asked for my money back since I was not told about it being a secured card, and, still as of today, not received it anyway. She tried to say that a box containing a benefits package had been mailed out to me that had a form in it that had to be filled out and mailed in along with a check, before any card would be sent. I have not received any box yet, I told her. And, I don't want it either. She said, too bad, and hung up the phone on me again today.

I am contacting my bank today for help. They said that there is only a 60 day window to work on a case like this to get my money back. They are willing to help me by filling out an affidavit of unauthorized or fraudulent activity on my account and there is a box to check on it in which "there has been no written authorization". Had I waited until 12/8/04, I couldn't have even done this much to help retrieve my $249. I still don't know if I'll get it back or not.

Angie
Powell, Tennessee
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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...the victims' advocate

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...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.