Complaint Review: Consumer Health Benefits Association

I am writing for help in dealing with my bank. I have disputed the charge with consumer health benefits association like everyone else on here. I was contacted by Toni, who explained that this was health insurance. It was a PPO that would enable me to visit anyone I wanted in their Network and that they used the same negotiator as Blue Cross to get their cheap rates. I said that I did not have the money to get a membership that day. So I said could I wait until friday of that week. She said ok, but already had my debit card information. She said that she could not guarantee that the price would be the same and suggested that I have a reservation to lock in the price. I said that would be ok, but DO NOT CHARGE MY ACCOUNT. I was not sure if or when I would have the money, so I could not agree to joining. She said ok and would contact me on friday. If I did not have the money I would not be charged.

I then ran a search on that company online. Saw the ripoff report and immediately called to cancel. I got a voicemail to Toni. Next thing, I know my bank account has a pending charge due on friday. My bank said that I could not dispute the charge until Friday. I got an email which bascially said that my membership was activated. I get a phone call the next day from a man named Robert. He asked why I wanted to cancel my plan. I was caught off guard since I did not mention this in my message. I told him that I would not have the money in the account. He said he would give me a number to contact corporate to cancel. He did not. Toni called me and when I asked her to cancel she put me on hold and then hung up. I called Robert the next day. He gave me a number to corporate. I got an answering machine that sounded like a house phone.

I disputed with my bank and originally they creditted the money back. I explained the problem and they took care of it. This was in March. In May they said that I did not tell them what they wanted and they had to take the money back. I was then told by Bill that I could still keep the money if I sent another letter by the next day. I did. Now they want to take it back again. WaMu is saying that my second letter was too late and since I received the item that I purchased that the merchant was not at fault. I told them that I NEVER PURCHASED the order. Now it is up for review.

Help me ripoffreport.
BTW they told me that they were a non-profit company. YEAH RIGHT!

Peter_gunz
San Pedro, California
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.