Print the value of index0
  • Report:  #109576

Complaint Review: Federal Government Processing Center

Federal Gov't Processing Center rip-off! Scam! Unauthorized debit of account! Saint Petersburg Florida *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

  • Reported By:
    Dumas Texas
  • Submitted:
    Wed, September 22, 2004
  • Updated:
    Wed, September 22, 2004
  • Federal Government Processing Center
    P.O. Box 41802
    St. Petersburg, Florida
    U.S.A.
  • Phone:
    800-551-7099
  • Category:

I recieved a call from a lady stating that I was guaranteed an $8000 dollar government grant. She already had my routing number for my bank and said that was because the government only dealt with FDIC insured banks. Well needless to say, she said she needed my account information in order to deposit this grant money. After gaining this information then she told me they would have to deduct $249.00 for document/legal fees. At that point I told her I was no longer interested. She kept trying to talk me into it but I kept telling her no. We ended the call after me persistently telling her no.

Well needless to say they took the money out of our account anyway. I went our bank the next day (money was taken out on a holiday weekend), and filled out an unauthorized activity form. I heard from our bank today. They said they were going to put the money back in but it wouldn't mean they would wouldn't have to take it out again.

Luckily I had read about another individuals problem with this same company on this site and had done some research. I informed the bank of regulation E. They kept putting me on hold and going back and forth about us not informing them in time.

I stuck to my guns and kept reading parts of the regulation to her and letting her know that in although they had the information they were not authorized to use it. Well, they are putting our money back into our account. We are closing that account and opening up a new one so that these scammers no longer will have access to our account. I want to thank Rip-off Report for the information they gave as it helped me greatly.

Although I realize how stupid I was in giving out my information,(which will never happen again), I'm thankful that with the information I was given I was informed and ready to fight to get our money back.

Thank You, Thank You!!!

Kay
San Antonio, Texas
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.
We are not a collection agency.

We are Consumer Advocates.
...the victims' advocate

WE are Civil and Human Rights Activists

We are a Worldwide Consumer Reporting News Agency
...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.

Click here to see Rip-off Reports filed where consumers say thank you Rip-off Report & badbusinessbureau.com, that we saved them money. Not included are the thousands of thank you e-mails we get every week.

Respond to this Report!