Complaint Review: ICard Services

On July 21, 2004 I filled out an application for a secured Visa card online. I didn't complete the application because I noticed there was a $59 application fee, a $90 processing fee & $10 to open the account. I erased my information (or so I thought) because I didn't want to spend that much to get a secured card.

This morning I logged into my checking account & saw that VIPCard had debited my account for $159 on 8/9/04. When I called the phone number next to the debit it was answered as 'ICard Services'. I asked the lady why they took $159 out of my account & was told it was for a secured Visa card. I told her there was no way I had authorized anyone to debit my account for that amount of money. She said they had my name, address & checking account number so I must have applied for it.

I asked her to tell me the last four digits of my social security number & she told me they didn't have it. At this point I was began to get angry. How could they take money out of my account without having my social security number? I told her I had started to fill out an application, however upon seeing the fees they charged, had gone back & deleted all information that I had entered.

When I asked how long it would take for them to return the money, she told me I had to file a fraud report with the police. I would then have to fax them a copy so they could do their own investigation to determine whether or not fraud had actually occurred. I was a bit baffled by that statement seeing as how they were the ones who had taken the money out of my account without my knowledge. I replied the police were the ones who would decide if fraud had been committed, not them.

Again I asked how long it would take for them to return the $159 to my account. She said it would take about two weeks but only $100 would be returned as they would keep the $59 application fee. I responded that wasn't right because I deleted my information so it wouldn't be processed. Her reply was "well, the application was processed therefore, you are responsible for the $59 application fee."

One thing I am still not clear on is the fact she claimed they could check the email IP# & if it originated from my home computer I would be responsible for the full amount. Of course it'll show the information was entered from my home...but it was also deleted there...by me.

I am going to file a police report & I will fax them a copy of the report. However, unless the police tell me otherwise, they will make the determination as to whether fraud was committed by ICard Services. I am also going to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. I am also thinking about calling the local newspaper & news channels to have them investigatie these crooks. How else do you describe a company that considers an application with all the information deleted a completed request for their secured card.

My last thought as I wrap this up? How many of my checks are going to bounce & how much will the NSF fees amount to? The $159 they debited from my account had already been designated as rent. Now I will be charged a $25 late fee as well as returned check charges amounting to $58. That means my $159 will actually put me in the hole $142, which I can ill afford, because of some shady business practices used by this company.

I need any and all help anyone is willing to give me. Thanks for letting me air my concerns regarding this very shady business. I hope there is something that can be done to stop them from doing this in the future.

David
Stockton, California
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.