Citibank Essentials Gold ripoff unsolicited charges no authorization they refused to refund Ripoff Omaha Nebraska *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!
Citibank has been charging a monthly fee of 10.95 since March 2003.
We did not authorize - never heard of Essentials or what they do.
I called Citibank and Essentials - they each said the other must be contacted. Essentials said they are in Omaha.
Citibank claimed Essentials is one of many vendors, with no connection to Citibank.
Don
little rock, 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!
We are not lawyers.
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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.
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1 Updates & Rebuttals
Jim
Mission Viejo,California,
U.S.A.
Unfortunately, Citibank and all banks are effectively above the Law
#2Consumer Comment
Mon, September 20, 2004
I appreciate your very astute response regarding the use of Regulation E. It is good advice. It will work, most of the time. However, in my experience with Citibank in litigation, I have found that banks know ways around regulations, when it comes down to litigation. They may respond to actions like you suggest, based on the judgment of the individuals you speak with. Banks have a LOT of power in the government, and the banking commission will appear to be helping you, but if there is any question as to the validity of your request - whether it is true or not - they will just give you the run around. Their true loyalty is to the government, who is heavily influenced by the banks. If you press to litigation, you will lose. It doesn't matter if you are right.
Bottom line is that it is more expensive to fight for your legal rights with the banks, than it is to walk away and let them get away with their injustice. They know that, and will go to lengths to make sure you don't set a precedent. Even judges in courts are concerned about the type of rulings that are made against banks. Justice is no longer blind. (see September 27, 2004 issue of Business Week.)
A collegue of mine was litigating a dispute with Citibank, and actually was about to corner a judge into making a decision against the bank. His argument was that he didn't owe the money because the bank had already credited his account. When the bank's attorneys were able to sidestep producing the account records, he made a strong argument based on general banking practices. The judge called them into his chambers and told my collegue that he could not allow him to win his case based on this argument because it would create a precedent that would cause mass lawsuits against the banking system and result in severe economic consequences. He admitted that his argument was solid, and if he allowed it to be admitted, he would win his case. So the end result is that the banks, regardless of what the law says, can continue their practices because the judicial system won't enforce the law against them.
The Federal Reserve Bank the core of our CENTRAL banking system, founded in 1913, is the biggest scam ever implemented in the history of the world. The ONLY way to minimize it's effect on your life is to stay away from the banks. As silly as that may sound, if you seriously think about the alternatives and deal with each challenge that creates on an individual basis, you can eventually figure out how to end your ADDICTION to the banking system. It's not easy, but it can be done. If we don't do this a citizens of this country, we will eventually lose our freedom and liberty, and be under the "governing" of the banks, as a country.
If we can educate the citizens of this country of the danger our current banking system presents to our way of life, we can make a difference. One way to start that education is to read "The Creature From Jekyl Island" which is a book written by Ed Griffin, who has done the most extensive honest research I've seen. There are many other books out on the subject, but again, they are shills written by people in the banking system to convince us that there is no other way. Please, think about what I've said, and take whatever action you feel is appropriate.