Complaint Review: Grant Instructor LLC Grant Guide Grant Everyday

I ordered the *FREE CD on 08-01-08 and gave my debit card # to pay shipping/handling of $2.95. On 08-08-08 I noticed a hold on my debit card for $49.50. I called my bank and they supplied me with the company name (Grant Guide) and a phone #. I told the rep at the bank what the problem was and I was informed that the money could not be released until 08-11-08 and that I should call the company to find out what this charge was for. I didn't know because at no time while I was filling out the request for the CD did I see stated anywhere that I was agreeing to a trial membership. If I would have, I would have immediately stopped before filing the request.

On 08-08-08 I called and found out from this un-helpful rep what this company was and how I had been scammed into a 7 day trial membership. I ordered on the 1st and cancelled on the 8th. Is that not within 7 days? I also informed the rep that I had not even received the CD which was the tool they used to get my info. This person was very rude and short with me, hanging up when I asked for a refund.

I then looked at my receipt from ordering the CD and got a web address and went there and had to login to even get a contact page, which is a web contact only. No address, email or phone #. I again cancelled and left a message asking that they release the hold since it was 7 days. Later that day I received an email confirming cancellation. That was all it said.

So, this morning bright and early I called my bank again and was told that the company had released the hold on my money. My account showed the full balance available. So, I did not persue any further with a dispute. This evening, since the bank has closed, I again checked my account online and the money is gone!! Apparently, they must have waited until afternoon to re-issue the hold and somehow my bank ended up releasing the money. I will be calling my bank again in the morning because they knew since 8-8-8 that I was going to dispute this charge, not to mention my calling 8-11-8 to check on my account.

However, this company has no ethics in regard to gaining membership. No-one wants to be tricked into a membership. I still have not received the CD, which is how they initially got my info. I am now out $52.45 and have nothing to show for it. Since I cancelled my membership I can't even use their site. It lets me login but will not let me go to any of the links.

G. Marie
Huffman, 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
EDitor@ripoffreport.com
badbusinessbureau.com
www.ripoffreport.com