Equator formerly known as REO Trans Unauthorized Increase in Zip Code Advertising Rates Internet
I have used zip code advertising with Equator, formerly REO Trans for attracting Banks and REO Companies to get foreclosure property listings. The advertising rates slowly increased and I paid $55.99 per month during the past year. I just looked at my Credit Card Statement for the month of June and the amount charged ws $420.49. My first assumption was that maybe they went to a yearly billing and then I looked at my Equator account. I then saw a charge for June for $420.49 and another charge for $420.49 for the month of July 2015. I was horrified and my first thought was this is a mistake. There are no numbers on their web site to call to inquire about charges, only a Chat button. So, I began a chat.
The person that I chatted with was named Brenda. She only said that I received an email in May stating that the rates would be going up. I never received an email about this increase. A 751% increase in the rate per month is outrageous and was never authorized by me. Brenda was very evasive that this was the new monthly charge and only offered to decrease the bill by 25% for the past 2 months. I stated that I would dispute the entire unauthorized charges with my Credit Card Company and she ended the Chat abruptly.
I will also be looking at other legal options and filing complaints with the Arizona Attorney General.
Realtors need to be made aware of this scam and stop Equator from ripping off unsuspecting Realtors. The company must be facing financial difficulties as the REO and Bank Owned properties are dramatically reduced than in years past. This is not a way to stay in business.