Complaint Review: Centurion Financial Benefits

I was contacted initally on December 14th, 2004 by a man with an accent unkown to me. Maybe asian, I'm not sure. I got the whole run down like you all did about getting an unsecured Mastercard with a $2000 credit line and that in 2 months, I would have the option to raise my limit to $6000. I was interested, but I could not continue with the process because I did not have a checking account. The guy then said he could call back in a couple weeks to give me time to aquire an account so that I would not miss out on this "opportunity". I said ok and he said someone would call me back on December 28th.

Well, I got an account within a few days after that and I received a phone call again from Centurion Financial Benefits on December 28th, 2004 and this time it was a woman and I asked her if I was correct in recalling that this credit card would have a $2000 credit limit to start with and if after 2 months I had kept the account in good standing, would I still have the option to increase the limit to $6000. She said "No, it will be 3 months and you can raise it to $10,000". Who would argue with a change in story like that?

We restarted the confirmation process that I couldn't compete with the previous call and I gave my account number, social security number, etc. etc. and she asked "When would be a good day for you to have this transactino authorized?" I asked "What is the latest date I can set it for?" She said "January 7th." I said, "ok, make it for the 7th". $249 isn't exactly extra money I can find in the couch, I needed some time to get that much available.

The transaction didn't clear my bank on the 7th, it cleared on the 10th, according to my statement online. It is now about 1am on the 16th, and I thought I would go online and see if I could find a website for this Centurion Financial Benefits and check the status of my new credit card that should be arriving any day now. Popped into trusty ole www.google.com and all I could find was this website. So you can add me to the list of burnt toast.

I would gladly pay $2500 to have 5 minutes alone with these people of Centurion Financian Benefits. You wouldn't believe how hard it is for me to not write this report in all caps and all profanity.

I too will be contacting my bank with a printout of the report before mine and I will insist that someone at that bank go to this website on the spot. I will be filing reports with the Better Business Bureau and I will be contacting the FBI. I will also be contacting an attorney. I will keep an eye on this website for any updates.

I'm not sure where this will go, but I want more than my $249 back. I want to see people brought up on criminal charges. This is rediculous and these people do not deserve their citizenship. If they cannot be deported, they deserve federal prison time at the very least. They have ripped people off all over the country and now its time for the country to bite them back on the a*s!

Mitchell
Rock Springs, Wyoming
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 you 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/comptroller 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.