Complaint Review: Pacific WebWorks

While browsing e-Bay on February 7th, we clicked on a link about selling on e-Bay and DID authorize a charge of $1.95 for "handling charges" to view the report online. Only a few pages actually printed (despite multiple attempts) so we thought that was the end of that since we took no further action.

On February 29th (a Friday), a pending charge of $59.90 appeared on my online bank statement and the vendor information was shown as "IP EAuction 801-5789020 UT". Because of oddities in how my bank posts entries over a weekend, it disappeared until the following Tuesday, 3/4, when it posted and charged my account.

We called the number shown in the vendor information. They answered the phone as Pacific Webworks. When we inquired about the erroneous charge, they said it was for an online service we ordered. They verbally agreed to cancel the account, but refused to offer any refund for items already billed, stating we had already had and/or made use of their service. When we persisted never having ordered any service, they likewise refused any credit. We asked for the name of a manager, and was given only a first name of Sandra who was not available.

We called back asking for Sandra. She came to the phone, but proceeded to hang up without speaking with us. We then searched online for information on Pacific WebWorks, and immediately found multiple links to complaints on this site (www.ripoffreport.com), as well as several others showing similar activity.

Pacific Webworks is totally unscrupulous in how they conduct business. We never requested, authorized, or used any online service provided by them. I don't know how they are allowed to continue this practice of fraudulent charges. My guess is the dollar amounts involved to most people are not large enough to trigger aggressive pursuit by any law enforcement agency. Beyond that, I have no idea why they have not been forced to discontinue this activity.

Finally, I am amazed an organization like e-Bay would allow a link to their services to continue being displayed on their website. They should be ashamed.

Glennb
Woodstock, Georgia
U.S.A.
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 chargetruth.

If you have to, be loud (but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics s) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the Media if necessary so you are telling the EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back!

HERE IS WHAT RIP-OFF REPORT SUGGESTS YOU DO:

demand tion E.
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 orm.