ConsumerInfo.com Aka CIC Credit Check Monitoring Service ripoff enticed me with a "free" Equifax credit report, charged $34 then stole $79.95 fm my checking account, CICs sneaky tactics especially frustrating. Internet
Since CIC really has a legitimate service to offer, it's unfortunate they think they have to resort to ripping off their consumers with the scheming tactics so many of you have already reported and I've just experienced myself.
When I was shopping for a car loan last month, I thought it wise to know how my credit looked to prospective creditors. I soon discoverd that the one free Equifax report without a credit score was insufficient and I really didn't mind paying the additional $34.00 for the Experian and TransUnion reports and all three agency credit scores. The information is still invaluble because I want to improve my credit rating and am using this info for that purpose. I also liked having the info so readily available online. What I didn't like is having $79.95 deducted from my checking account which caused a loan pmt to be returned for insufficient funds and costing me an extra $30.00 in ISF charges.
I can only thank GOD that it wasn't the first pmt on my new car that bounced! Being on a set budget , I deliberately DID NOT choose the offer for a year membership of $79.95 because I knew I wouldn't have it. Having been especially prudent with my finances, I am furious that a check that should/would have cleared has been returned and I'm out $30.00 I worked too hard to earn!
The company agrees to return the $79.95 within 7 to 10 days but they absolutely refuse to refund the INF charges their unauthorized action caused. This isn't the first time a company has helped themselves to money from my account and I'm sick about it. Up until recently, I was not a model of personal money management success.
Now determined to clean up my credit and manage my finances responsibly, I find CICs sneaky tactics especially frustrating. I told the person I spoke with tonight that I would be filing this report and I expected I would see others but I had no idea how many. It is SOME consolation that I'm not alone.
Brenda
Leesburg, Virginia
U.S.A.
6 Updates & Rebuttals
Jacqueline
Hammond,Indiana,
U.S.A.
The facts continued....Call 1-800-FTC-HELP!
#7Consumer Suggestion
Sat, August 30, 2003
You are still entitled to a free credit report, at worse if you had to pay, it would only be a $9 fee. You can make this request if you suspect you have been a victim of credit fraud, which MIGHT be the case with CIC Monitor.
The States mentioned in the previous Rebuttal are entitled to free Reports "unconditionally" and do not require a reason to qualify. If you believe you have been subject to fraud in your dealings with CIC Monitor/Consumerinfo.com, by all means get your free credit report. There are a number of other reasons for why you would be entitled to a free credit report anyway. ONE FREE CREDIT REPORT A YEAR.
Review the facts for yourself by accessing: http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cgi-bin/pf.cgi It this link does not work for you, access the Federal Citizen Information Center or www.ftc.gov. The ftc.gov site is for the Federal Trade Commission who wrote the article FAIR CREDIT REPORTING. They know what they are talking about and will not subject you to half-truths and biased opinions.
Let me give you two addresses to get your free credit report or at worse for a minimal charge of $9 not $79.95 or $34:
Equifax
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA, 30374-0241
1-800-685-1111
Trans Union
P.O. Box 1000
Chester, PA, 19022
1-800-916-8800
I will NOT list Experian as they have recently (possibly) merged with CIC Monitor/Consumerinfo.com, and may now be linked to the alleged corruption. It is never my intention to misslead a consumer. Correct me any time you want, if it means you are providing assistance, and have something to offer.
Not just anyone is allowed to access your credit report. "Only people with a legitimate business need, as recognized by the FCRA. For example, a company is allowed to get your report if you apply for credit, insurance, employment or to rent an apartment." Federal Trade Commission quoted--notice it states nothing about "security". Deceptive selling practices DO NOT CONSTITUTE A LEGITAMATE NEED, just food for thought to consider.
"YOU ALSO HAVE THE RIGHT TO SUE A CREDIT REPORTING AGENCY, A USER-IN SOME CASES A PROVIDER OF THE DATA." Quoting--The Federal Trade Commission Put me down all you want, but the Federal Trade Commission staff knows what they are talking about.
Report violations to:
Consumer Responce Center-FCRA
Federal Trade Commission
Washington D.C., 20580
"The Federal Trade Commission cannot act as your lawyer in private disputes...information about your experience and concerns are vital to the enforcement of the Fair Credit Reporting Act." This is why it is important that you send your questions and complaints to the address just posted above.
If you're pressed for time or had other questions call: 1-877-382-4357 for more information. This is a help-line which connects you to the Federal Trade Commission directly, and you can get more facts.
I hope this matter is resolved. Get back to us if you still have problems researching the necessary information.
Thank you,
Consumer Advocate
Volunteer
Jacqueline
Hammond,Indiana,
U.S.A.
The facts continued....Call 1-800-FTC-HELP!
#7Consumer Suggestion
Sat, August 30, 2003
You are still entitled to a free credit report, at worse if you had to pay, it would only be a $9 fee. You can make this request if you suspect you have been a victim of credit fraud, which MIGHT be the case with CIC Monitor.
The States mentioned in the previous Rebuttal are entitled to free Reports "unconditionally" and do not require a reason to qualify. If you believe you have been subject to fraud in your dealings with CIC Monitor/Consumerinfo.com, by all means get your free credit report. There are a number of other reasons for why you would be entitled to a free credit report anyway. ONE FREE CREDIT REPORT A YEAR.
Review the facts for yourself by accessing: http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cgi-bin/pf.cgi It this link does not work for you, access the Federal Citizen Information Center or www.ftc.gov. The ftc.gov site is for the Federal Trade Commission who wrote the article FAIR CREDIT REPORTING. They know what they are talking about and will not subject you to half-truths and biased opinions.
Let me give you two addresses to get your free credit report or at worse for a minimal charge of $9 not $79.95 or $34:
Equifax
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA, 30374-0241
1-800-685-1111
Trans Union
P.O. Box 1000
Chester, PA, 19022
1-800-916-8800
I will NOT list Experian as they have recently (possibly) merged with CIC Monitor/Consumerinfo.com, and may now be linked to the alleged corruption. It is never my intention to misslead a consumer. Correct me any time you want, if it means you are providing assistance, and have something to offer.
Not just anyone is allowed to access your credit report. "Only people with a legitimate business need, as recognized by the FCRA. For example, a company is allowed to get your report if you apply for credit, insurance, employment or to rent an apartment." Federal Trade Commission quoted--notice it states nothing about "security". Deceptive selling practices DO NOT CONSTITUTE A LEGITAMATE NEED, just food for thought to consider.
"YOU ALSO HAVE THE RIGHT TO SUE A CREDIT REPORTING AGENCY, A USER-IN SOME CASES A PROVIDER OF THE DATA." Quoting--The Federal Trade Commission Put me down all you want, but the Federal Trade Commission staff knows what they are talking about.
Report violations to:
Consumer Responce Center-FCRA
Federal Trade Commission
Washington D.C., 20580
"The Federal Trade Commission cannot act as your lawyer in private disputes...information about your experience and concerns are vital to the enforcement of the Fair Credit Reporting Act." This is why it is important that you send your questions and complaints to the address just posted above.
If you're pressed for time or had other questions call: 1-877-382-4357 for more information. This is a help-line which connects you to the Federal Trade Commission directly, and you can get more facts.
I hope this matter is resolved. Get back to us if you still have problems researching the necessary information.
Thank you,
Consumer Advocate
Volunteer
Jacqueline
Hammond,Indiana,
U.S.A.
The facts continued....Call 1-800-FTC-HELP!
#7Consumer Suggestion
Sat, August 30, 2003
You are still entitled to a free credit report, at worse if you had to pay, it would only be a $9 fee. You can make this request if you suspect you have been a victim of credit fraud, which MIGHT be the case with CIC Monitor.
The States mentioned in the previous Rebuttal are entitled to free Reports "unconditionally" and do not require a reason to qualify. If you believe you have been subject to fraud in your dealings with CIC Monitor/Consumerinfo.com, by all means get your free credit report. There are a number of other reasons for why you would be entitled to a free credit report anyway. ONE FREE CREDIT REPORT A YEAR.
Review the facts for yourself by accessing: http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cgi-bin/pf.cgi It this link does not work for you, access the Federal Citizen Information Center or www.ftc.gov. The ftc.gov site is for the Federal Trade Commission who wrote the article FAIR CREDIT REPORTING. They know what they are talking about and will not subject you to half-truths and biased opinions.
Let me give you two addresses to get your free credit report or at worse for a minimal charge of $9 not $79.95 or $34:
Equifax
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA, 30374-0241
1-800-685-1111
Trans Union
P.O. Box 1000
Chester, PA, 19022
1-800-916-8800
I will NOT list Experian as they have recently (possibly) merged with CIC Monitor/Consumerinfo.com, and may now be linked to the alleged corruption. It is never my intention to misslead a consumer. Correct me any time you want, if it means you are providing assistance, and have something to offer.
Not just anyone is allowed to access your credit report. "Only people with a legitimate business need, as recognized by the FCRA. For example, a company is allowed to get your report if you apply for credit, insurance, employment or to rent an apartment." Federal Trade Commission quoted--notice it states nothing about "security". Deceptive selling practices DO NOT CONSTITUTE A LEGITAMATE NEED, just food for thought to consider.
"YOU ALSO HAVE THE RIGHT TO SUE A CREDIT REPORTING AGENCY, A USER-IN SOME CASES A PROVIDER OF THE DATA." Quoting--The Federal Trade Commission Put me down all you want, but the Federal Trade Commission staff knows what they are talking about.
Report violations to:
Consumer Responce Center-FCRA
Federal Trade Commission
Washington D.C., 20580
"The Federal Trade Commission cannot act as your lawyer in private disputes...information about your experience and concerns are vital to the enforcement of the Fair Credit Reporting Act." This is why it is important that you send your questions and complaints to the address just posted above.
If you're pressed for time or had other questions call: 1-877-382-4357 for more information. This is a help-line which connects you to the Federal Trade Commission directly, and you can get more facts.
I hope this matter is resolved. Get back to us if you still have problems researching the necessary information.
Thank you,
Consumer Advocate
Volunteer
Jacqueline
Hammond,Indiana,
U.S.A.
The facts continued....Call 1-800-FTC-HELP!
#7Consumer Suggestion
Sat, August 30, 2003
You are still entitled to a free credit report, at worse if you had to pay, it would only be a $9 fee. You can make this request if you suspect you have been a victim of credit fraud, which MIGHT be the case with CIC Monitor.
The States mentioned in the previous Rebuttal are entitled to free Reports "unconditionally" and do not require a reason to qualify. If you believe you have been subject to fraud in your dealings with CIC Monitor/Consumerinfo.com, by all means get your free credit report. There are a number of other reasons for why you would be entitled to a free credit report anyway. ONE FREE CREDIT REPORT A YEAR.
Review the facts for yourself by accessing: http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cgi-bin/pf.cgi It this link does not work for you, access the Federal Citizen Information Center or www.ftc.gov. The ftc.gov site is for the Federal Trade Commission who wrote the article FAIR CREDIT REPORTING. They know what they are talking about and will not subject you to half-truths and biased opinions.
Let me give you two addresses to get your free credit report or at worse for a minimal charge of $9 not $79.95 or $34:
Equifax
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA, 30374-0241
1-800-685-1111
Trans Union
P.O. Box 1000
Chester, PA, 19022
1-800-916-8800
I will NOT list Experian as they have recently (possibly) merged with CIC Monitor/Consumerinfo.com, and may now be linked to the alleged corruption. It is never my intention to misslead a consumer. Correct me any time you want, if it means you are providing assistance, and have something to offer.
Not just anyone is allowed to access your credit report. "Only people with a legitimate business need, as recognized by the FCRA. For example, a company is allowed to get your report if you apply for credit, insurance, employment or to rent an apartment." Federal Trade Commission quoted--notice it states nothing about "security". Deceptive selling practices DO NOT CONSTITUTE A LEGITAMATE NEED, just food for thought to consider.
"YOU ALSO HAVE THE RIGHT TO SUE A CREDIT REPORTING AGENCY, A USER-IN SOME CASES A PROVIDER OF THE DATA." Quoting--The Federal Trade Commission Put me down all you want, but the Federal Trade Commission staff knows what they are talking about.
Report violations to:
Consumer Responce Center-FCRA
Federal Trade Commission
Washington D.C., 20580
"The Federal Trade Commission cannot act as your lawyer in private disputes...information about your experience and concerns are vital to the enforcement of the Fair Credit Reporting Act." This is why it is important that you send your questions and complaints to the address just posted above.
If you're pressed for time or had other questions call: 1-877-382-4357 for more information. This is a help-line which connects you to the Federal Trade Commission directly, and you can get more facts.
I hope this matter is resolved. Get back to us if you still have problems researching the necessary information.
Thank you,
Consumer Advocate
Volunteer
Colleen
Anaheim,California,
U.S.A.
Please dont listen to people who dont know what they are talking about, Get the Facts
#7UPDATE Employee
Sat, August 30, 2003
Here it the FCRA ( Fair Credit Reporting Act)
right off the ftc website.
Your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act:
You have the right to receive a copy of your credit report. The copy of your report must contain all of the information in your file at the time of your request.
You have the right to know the name of anyone who received your credit report in the last year for most purposes or in the last two years for employment purposes.
Any company that denies your application must supply the name and address of the CRA they contacted, provided the denial was based on information given by the CRA.
You have the right to a free copy of your credit report when your application is denied because of information supplied by the CRA. Your request must be made within 60 days of receiving your denial notice.
If you contest the completeness or accuracy of information in your report, you should file a dispute with the CRA and with the company that furnished the information to the CRA. Both the CRA and the furnisher of information are legally obligated to reinvestigate your dispute.
You have a right to add a summary explanation to your credit report if your dispute is not resolved to your satisfaction.
the states that can recieve a Free credit report are the following:
Consumers residing in the States of Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Colorado, New Jersey, and Vermont may also receive a free copy of their credit report once per year and residents of the State of Georgia may receive two (2) copies per year.
To get your free credit report, you must go directly to a credit reporting bureau and have proof of the criteria that entitles you to receive your free credit report.
Jacqueline - Consumer Advocate
Hammond,Indiana,
U.S.A.
Just use your credit card for purchasing this type of service
#7Consumer Suggestion
Sun, August 24, 2003
Use your credit card for the Internet and for businesses you are unfamiliar with, so that if you have a problem, your Dispute Department can handle it. Your credit card might have a different term, but this department is usually connected through your "Theft Hotline".
DO NOT shop using your Debit card, because this provides open access to your personal checking account. The new ACH (ATM or Account Clearing House) technology arrives with NO security. In addition, banks can be inflexible when it concerns disputes of this nature. They wont investigate the same as credit card companies.
Now that they invited themselves to your account, I would suggest having those account numbers changed. They might invite themselves again, and call it a "computer error". Why take the risk? I would change it for peace of mind.
As far as the $34 is concerned, you might be entitled to a lower amount. Check Virginia State laws. Just about all of us are entitled to a FREE credit report annually, in nearly every State of the Union. Some States even allow for 2 free credit reports. This is why it is not an honest bargain. They CAN'T charge you for the first. This is why I would imagine it might be lower than $34, not sure.
Well, I hope you get that refund.