Complaint Review: Financial Advisors & Associates -Freedom Financial Card

Was called by telemarketer offering a credit card with low interest. I specifically asked if this was a major credit card or one that can only be used when purchasing their items. I was told this was not a merchant card, but a major credit card I could use anywhere. I agreed to the $200.00 initial deposit after I was told it would be credited to my account. The payments were made in 2 installments in May and June of 2005.

A month or so after last payment was debited from my account, I had received nothing, so I called and was told I had to sign a contract first. They sent one to me, which I received 2 days later. Upon reading the contract I discovered this was indeed a Merchant card. I called the company and told them this offer had been misrepresented and I would not sign their contract and wanted a full refund of my money. I was told the request for refund had to be in writing. I wrote them immediately. Last month I noticed they had debited another $35.00 from my checking account and put a stop payment on my account. I then filed a filed a complaint with Better Business Bureau.

David Burke contacted the BBB on 9/12/05 stating that he had been authorized to issue a refund, however since I had placed a stop payment on my account, he would be unable to issue the refund directly to my account. BBB sent me a copy of his response. I called his office immediately and requested a check be sent directly to me. He did not return my call. I called again today, 10/6/2005 and he was unavailable. He did call back however, 5 minutes later.

He was rude, argumentative and would not let me say anything. He continually tried to defend his companies actions, referring to a verification recording I had made during the initial agreement. The recording however, did not start until after the salesman had made his pitch and when I listen to the recording, there were things said by the representative on that recording that were never said when I had the discussion with her. Mr. Burke kept insisting that since I had placed a stop payment on my account, there was no way they could have taken the money, therefore they didn't owe me anything.

Everytime I tried to explain that the stop payment was not issued until after the money had been taken from my account, to protect myself from any more money being taken by them, he accused me of "talking over" him. He finally hung up without allowing me to explain my position to him.

I have sent the BBB form back to them expaining the I was dissatisfied and expained why.

Bottom line is this: Mr Burke never had any intention of issuing a refund. I have read the many complaints involving this company on your site as well as the BBB. In addition, I need to mention that the name of the company had been misrepresented to me as well. I was told the company was Freedom Financial. I looked them up on the BBB the day after the initial call and found they had a satisfactory rating. I didn't hear the name Financial Advisors & Assoc. until I received their contract.

Debra
Webb City, Missouri
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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...the victims' advocate

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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.