Complaint Review: MWI Connections

In January of 2002 I called Lillian Vernon to place an order. Apparently they gave my information to MWI Connections (aka-dealpass.com) to enroll me in a program that was supposed to give me deals on entertainment. First of all, I always so NO when they ask me if I want these "special offers" and secondly, I never received anything reguarding this "special offer" in the first place.

I was looking at my bank statement and noticed a recurring $12.95 charge on my account. I called to inquire and that is when I was told this information. I spoke with Winonoa (#4464) and she was very rude and told me they no longer had the recording of me excepting the offer and that I was out of luck because of that.

I tried to explain to her the situation and she offered to give me last months $12.95 fee back, but she couldn't do anything else. I continued to press the issue and she hung up on me. I called Lillian Vernon and they are looking into it. Basically my card has been charged for over $400 through this company that I have never heard of before now.

Winona told me they sent me a "welcome" packet in October of 2002--a full 10 months from the time I was enrolled that explained the benefits. I asked if the packet explained that I had already been enrolled and she said no. Winona also said they sent out an invoice every month explaining the fee, and I told her I never got one of those either, then she asked, "well, you get a bank statement, don't you?!"--that's the invoice she was talking about--a bank statement! When we get our bank statement we look for larger charges. A $12.95 charge isn't going to make us look twice, until now.

MWI refuses to anything about it so I am contacting you. I also noticed there are tens of thousands of others out there in my situation because of MWI as well! What do I do now??

Laura
23185, Virginia
U.S.A.

Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on MWI Connections / MWI Homeswork / MWI Essentials

CLICK HERE ...*EDitor's NOTICE ..MWI Lawsuit filed

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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...the victims' advocate

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...by consumers, for consumers

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