Complaint Review: Chase Mastercard

Summary of events:

1) Obtained a Chase credit card in 1998. It was not a rewards card when they issued it, but these scam artists changed it to a rewards card and applied a $29.00 program fee WITHOUT my knowledge or consent!

2) Stopped using this card in 2003 and have had a zero balance for THREE years.

3) Upon contacting them for an explanation in July of 2006 I was told they sent me the notification of the card being changing to a rewards card in May of 2005, and since I did not refuse I was switched over !! OHH, so these con artists actually think everyone opens and reads all the garbage they send, even when you haven't had a card balance in TWO YEARS. Apparently these white collar criminals know how to game the system in their favor, and realize they have litte to fear from a pro-business republican administration.

4) For some inexplicable reason I opened up the Chase correspondence in July 2006 and much to my amazement I noticed this bogus $29 balance.

5) 99 percent of the time I simply rip up this crap to make sure the blank checks they keep on sending are destroyed, particularly when it comes from a card I haven't used in years.

6) They informed me the $29.00 charge was due to the fact this card magically morphed into a "rewards card". This $29.00 fee was the annual charge for the new format. It was not a rewards card when I obtained it. The chase representative claimed I got a notice in May of 2005 informing me of the change, and apparently I accepted the new card (and fee) by default. What a crock.

7) Fortunately I caught the problem before I defaulted on the payment, which was due by July 29. I instructed them where they could insert their cards before cancelling it. I was then transferred to the dispute department and had the bogus $29.00 charge negated.

8) If I had missed the payment date (for a unauthorized charge) this would have been the first (and only) late payment blemish in my entire credit history dating back over 25 years.

Needless to mention I believe any contract changes which implement an annual fee obgligate the bank to obtain a signature authorization/acknowledgement . How can someone be bumped to a new card with an annual fee card without their consent!

9) The most perverse aspect of this scam is the fact that 2 years ago I applied for an actual Chase rewards card and that card DOES NOT HAVE A FEE!

THIS IS FRAUD and abused consumers would be inclined to think it is ideally suited for class action remedy, but there is little doubt the 20 pages of fine print that accompanies every credit card nowadays mandates "arbitration" and prevents their victims from obtaining justice through the court system. Anyone familiar with these scenarios realizes this fact. In other words: big business has a blank check to screw and abuse their customers by simply introducing an arbitration clause.

Gregg
Ogden Dunes, Indiana
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.