Complaint Review: Majestic Benefits

I was called in the middle of February 2005 by Majestic Benefits. I have been interested in building my credit so I listened to their offer. The woman said that thier company wanted to help customers build their credit by offering a Master Card 90 days secured (where you put money on the card to use it, like a debit card) to prove to the company you could handle the responseability of the card then after the 90 days the card would become an unsecured Master Card with a $5,000 or $10,000 limit. She told me there would be a one time application fee of $299.00 with no annual fees or any other hidden fees. I even repeated what she said to me and she confermed it. She told me that the APR would be something like 13% or 15% that I can't remember.

It sounded like a good way to build my credit at 19 with a baby on the way. So I proceeded to accept their offer over the phone and paid the $299.00 one time fee with my bank routing number and account number and gave my social securety number for identity confermation. I was given a confermation number for my account and was told I would be charged on the 1st of March and by the end of March I would recive my card and be able to start useing it and the 90 day probatory period would start. So the end of March came and nothing. Two weeks or so into April and I recive a package From Majestic Benefits containing; a vacation pamphlet, a credit repair guide, an internet shopping spree gift certificate for $1000 (that had catches to redemption), a securety system brochur, a dish network flyer, a grocery coupon internet address on flyer, a cell phone flyer, a letter telling me my super saver booklets are behind in the mail and should recive it within 5-7 days, a letter welcoming me to majestic benefits, a letter telling me to look in the mail for my pre-approved application for my master card within 10 days and instructions to fill it out and once recived the card will arrive in 2-3 days with no additional fees to pay.

As of today 2 weeks into May I have not recieved anything further from Majestic Benefits. I have called asking questions and their customer service said they could not help me. I could not understand why. So my mother called and tried to get them to reverse the charges because the services I paid for were never recived and nither was the card. They repeatedly hung up on her and me. She became inpatient, called again, straight up asked to speak to a supervisor and the woman told her that there was no supervisor and hung up again. My mother was pissed. My mother called one last time. She accused them of being a ripoff company, tricking people out of their money and not delivering any real services. The man on the phone agreed and said it was not his fault that people are stupid and fall for it and hung up again. She called me and told me everything. My bank said they can't help me amd to just report them to the better business bureau and to sites like this. So everyone beware.

Klorissa
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 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.