Complaint Review: Freedom Gold

This is the letter I wrote to Freedom Gold.

To Whom It May Concern:

I received a phone call on my cell phone on January 21, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. from someone at your office (727) 471-0420. I tried to inform the person calling and aggravating me, that I was having breakfast with some friends I have not seen in a long time and I was not interested in whatever she was offering.

She persisted on talking to me and told me the conversation would take less than one minute longer. Five minutes later, after telling her I did not want to give out my bank account number; she assured me the only reason for giving my bank account number and routing number to her was to ensure that I had an open and working checking account.

The call that was supposed to take a few minutes of my time ended up lasting 11 minutes and 30 seconds. I was told I would receive a package in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. The package was for my review of the program and then if I opted not to take the Freedom Gold card, I would have to call and cancel my membership? or a $199.00 fee would be taken from my account. (I never authorized this either) I never said I would become a member.

After never receiving anything from Freedom Gold, no package, no phone call, no anything, I was online checking my back account and saw there was a $199.00 withdrawal from my account I did not authorize. I called my bank and they said it was from Freedom Gold. They gave me the number to call or told me that I could file a police report and sign and affidavit of forgery.

I decided to call the number first. I spoke with someone one the telephone and they asked me to verify my name, address, and telephone number. I then told the woman that I wanted to know why there was a $199.00 withdrawal from my account which was not authorized by me. She said my package was sent to me on January 27, 2005, six days after the initial phone call. It is now February 9, 2005, twenty days after the initial phone call, and I have still received nothing from this company, so I could immediately cancel my membership that I never agreed to in the first place.

I am outraged with your poor customer service and annoyance to me. Then after frustrating me thoroughly, I never receive anything from your company. Your company then takes money out of my account without my consent and in essence forges a check with my name on it.

I want my money returned in one of two ways. By a check with my name and address on it, sent to my house in Lafayette, IN. One should write the check, put it in an envelope, and mail it with a stamp in case one does not know how to mail appropriately. The other way one could return my money is by returning it to my bank account on the day this letter of disgust is received. My money will be returned. I DO NOT want any of your services and I EXPECT to never receive a call from your company again.

It is now February 17 and I was promised the money back in my bank account by Jerry Phillips. No money has been put back in my account. I am infuriated. I filed with the BBB in West Florida. This is not acceptable.

Denee
Lafayette, Indiana
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 you 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/comptroller 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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CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.