Everest Consumer Services CC Scam! Not Given Nationwide
This evening I received a phone call from Everest Consumer Services. The rep's name is "Ricki Collins" ID#: 136. She called stating I had applied for a CC online about 6 months ago (I didn't) and MC had re-reviewed my file and has now deemed me eligible for a $2400 credit card (CC).
I asked her what the fees were and I was informed there were no annual fees, etc. I asked what the APR was and she informed me it would only be 8.9%. I asked her who the card was through and she told me it was directly from MC. Then she tells me to get a pen and paper to write some info down. So I do.
She gives me the name of the company: Everest Consumer Services (a credit enhancement service), her name and ID # and then she asked me to read my bank routing and checking acct number from my check. I asked her what that was for and she indicated that there would be a one-time $299 fee that would be taken from my checking acct and that my CC would be sent via courier w/ my PIN #. Once I receive my CC I can do a cash advance to replace the $299 back into my checking acct.
I told her I didn't like the idea of giving out my info over the phone and asked if the company had a website. Her response was to recite a federal law to me. I rebutted that I wouldn't be able to have the funds replaced in my checking acct in time to pay my rent IF the company is a fraud. She responded w/ another federal law and stated that she wouldn't be able to give me that info if she worked for a fraudulent company. (All the info she recited is available to the public... IF it was even accurate.)
I asked again for the company website, to which she replied that she's JUST a rep and doesn't know any of that info. I didn't tell her that I work in the sales dept for the world's 2nd largest CC company and it IS our job to know our website addy. She offered to call back tomorrow evening. I told her that would be fine. I'm just wondering where they got my info from.
If she calls back, I'll update my post. If anyone has any suggestions for something to say (besides what I've already got in mind) I'd be happy to hear from you.
Heather
Las Vegas, Nevada
U.S.A.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Heather
Las Vegas,Nevada,
U.S.A.
Everest Consumer Services CC Scam Update
#2Author of original report
Sun, July 18, 2004
Friday morning I called Wachovia Bank's 24hr customer service toll-free number. I had to explain the situation to the rep (who was quite friendly and professional) a couple times before she understood what was actually happening. The problem I see with my calling is that, I was not scammed and, therefore, have no grounds for filing complaints, etc.
The CSR was upfront with me and told me their Loss Management Dept wouldn't be able to help me as any losses would need to be reported to my financial institute and they would have to take steps from there. But she DID offer me the phone number for Loss Management, which is 800-359-8977.
I ONLY recommend calling this dept if you have personally been scammed by ECS through Wachovia's account and your financial institute is getting nowhere. And IF you do call them, please remember to stay professional and friendly. Do not get hostile or swear at them. They are only doing their job as instructed by their employer, Wachovia Bank. Kindness and calmness will get you much farther than rudeness or threats.
I waited for ECS to call me back Friday night, but it is now Sunday at 7:45am and I still haven't heard back from them. I attempted to call their toll-free number 866-276-1478, however, that office is only open M-F from 9am-5pm(?) EST. And the message makes NO reference to the name of the company (at least, none that I caught).
It seems from reading this bulletin board, that people who are accepting the ECS card are looking to rebuild their credit, so I did a little research for those to whom this may apply. May I recommend going to www.orchardbank.com? Their APR is 18.9% variable. They have an affordable annual fee and application fee that is based upon your current credit history. The initial credit line is only up to $1000, however, it's something and better than nothing. Especially if you can't get credit anywhere else.
So, if you apply and get approved, just focus on small purchases or using it to pay your monthly utilities and paying the balance IN FULL EVERY MONTH 10 days before the due date. This will re-establish a good credit history for you and you will be able to apply for a "better" card in 6-12 months.
Most importantly . . . you can turn down EVERY telephone solicitation for CC's and avoid being scammed altogether.