Complaint Review: First Link Benefits

I am sorry that you are having to read this, it probably mean that you have become a victim of First Link Benefits. I recieved a call on October 20th, 2004 from First Link Benefits. A very nice man called me and told me that I have been approved for a $2500 dollar mastercard with no interest rate. I was very excited about this becasue I wanted to rebuild my credit.

I am sorry to say that I was gulliable enough to believe this man. Maybe these people working for them don't even know about this scam, but the fact is, they probably do. There is a man by the name of Andy Reynolds that is one of the supervisors. That is what he calls himself.

I listened to their sales pitch and agreed to get a FREE computer and a Mastercard. I gave them my social security number, birthdate, checking account number, address, mother's madien name, emergency contact and my hubands'name.

They drafted my account on November 2, 2004 and said I would recieve the card within 21 business days. I went through the verification process, talked with a supervisor to get their information and a 1-800 number for customer service issues.

I called every day after the first week I did not recieve my computer and mastercard. I called everyday and recorded the conversations. I have had a feeling all along that they were a scam. Finally two weeks ago, I called and they said that my stuff had been shipped. They said they could not get a tracking number because the shipping department has been short handed. I told them they should have that in their system when they ship the merchandise.

They have been telling me lie after lie and when I told them that they were being recorded, they hung up. They ran away like the cowards that they are. They don't care that they took food off of our table and Christmas presents out from under our tree.

I hate them for ruining our Christmas. We were depending upon this credit card for Christmas and now our kids will not have Christmas. I hope there is someone out there that can help us get our money back. We will find a way to do this.

(email address removed by ripoffreport.com - to reply to this reporter, please post a rebuttal) They tell us to not include this in our report, but I would like to know if there is anyone out there that can help us. Our children are depending upon us to provide for them, and because of this company, we cannot. Please do not become a victum of this scam.

Jennifer
Chattanooga, Tennessee
U.S.A.

CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

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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...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.