Complaint Review: First Atlantic Savings

I received a phone call from solicitor who said his name was John Smith. He offered me an unsecured credit for with a credit limit between 2000-3000 for a fee of 249 which would be deducted from my bank account.

This was on Dec 11, 2003. I receieved a package with promotional offers but could not find the application for a credit card of the credit card itself (which I was expecting). I attempted to call First Atlantic Savings several times at 877-731-3456 but I was either cut-off after being on hold for 30 minutes or had to hang up because I was on hold too long.

After I finally got a hold through, I was told to fill out a green application with appeared to be for a secured debit card. I asked if this was for the unsecured credit card and they assured me it was. After filling out this form and sending it in I waited 2-3 weeks and received nothing. I called First Atlantic back and they sent me a new form. After receiving this new form, I realized it was for a pre-paid debit card or secured visa (whichever) and I asked for a refund. They would not honor this as they told me I had to return the package within 7 business days.

I'm fairly confident that even if I had sent this package back immediately upon receiving it, they would not have it in their office within the 7 business days as their office was closed for the christmas and New Years weeks.

I have been in contact with an attorney and they have sent a letter to First Atlantic Savings to request my money back. I received a phone call from Preston Langley who explained to me that I would not be able to receive a refund until I returned the packet with all the materials. At this point I was only keeping the packet material for reference to fight my case. I had sent most of the packet material to the attorney for reference, so I requested that she send it back to me so I can send it back to First Atlantic.

I sent the package back to First Atlantic Priority mail in March. After waiting 3 weeks, I called First Atlantic and they claimed they had not received my package yet. I waited another 2 weeks. Finally I requested to talk to Mr Langley on May 3 and explained that if I did not receive my refund that I would be forced to hire an attorney to recoup my losses including attorney fees. Later that day, Mr Langely called me back and said I would have the funds back in my account within 30 days. It is now June 21 and I still haven't been refunded.

I am currently contacting a lawyer to file a lawsuit, unfortunately the one I have selected (who specializes in these matters) is booked for 3 weeks in advance. In the meantime I am contacting First Atlantic on a daily basis and requesting to talk to Mr Preston. He has not since returned my phone calls.

Aaron.

Aaron
Portland, Oregon
U.S.A.