Complaint Review: GSI - GRANT SERVICES

I recently got ripped off by GSI GRANT SERVICES, INC. I received a phone call from my cell phone at about 7:00pm on Thursday. I could barely understand the man, he had a very think middle eastern accent. I was confused as to what he was selling or trying to get me to buy, then he explained that I was receiving a grant from the government due to my income from last year. He explained it was a free grant that I did not have to pay back. I thought, wow this is awesome. Then he asked me for my checking account number because their was a one time processing fee. I thought this was weird and was very hesistant to give him this number. He transfered me to someone else. The phone sounded like he was clicking over to another call but when the "supposed" new person came on the phone it was the same guy that I could not understand from before. I thought this was strange but I thought if they had my address and cell number it was a legit call and I gave them my account number.

They said October 1st 2005 they would withdrawl $298 for the processing fee. I was stupid and thought this was for real. They withdrew the $298 from my account on Cotober 4th 2005 and I have not seen a dime since. I called the number they gave me repeatedly and I get no answer. I went to my bank but have had no luck with getting my money back. Now I am out $298. I am a full time student(paying for my own education) and work 2 jobs. I can't afford to have even a single penny lost. I was stupid and thought i was getting a grant that i needed so badly and instead I got scammed and now I am set even further back financially.

I hope people will read this. Don't trust anyone as good as the offer may sound! I would hate to have this happen to anyone else. Being ripped off is no fun and I want to make people aware of these scams so they will not have to go through what I went through.

Heidi
Clinton Township, Michigan
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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CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.