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Pleasure Time Readers ripoff contrived phone recording Massina New York *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!
ADVICE PLEASE!!!!!
Years ago I had ordered some magazines through a service called "United Readers Service". Years ago I had let this all run out.
On or about Nov 16 2004, I received a call from Pleasure Time Readers who said they were cleaning up their records and were terminating my account. I believe that the original readers service had changed names a few times so the fact that this company name was different didn't alert me to any issue yet. They also had all my information (check processing number etc) so it may actually be the same original company.
The first person that I talked to told me the part about terminating my account. That conversation was short and then she turned me over to a supervisor to confirm. She also claimed she was a new hire. The second person then read me all my info from their database. (I never gave him any info in this call. It was all read to me.) He said that in order to help make sure no one would contact me in the future, he would rearrange the last 4 digits of my phone number. He also changed the name of a secondary contact person to a random name in order to avoid anyone else being bothered.
Then he said that for their records, they needed to repeat this info while being recorded. So the recording began and he repeated all the info. As he spoke, he referenced an order for magazines. As I recall, he didn't really use words that said it was a new order. It was more generic and could be interpreted as my previous order. (Or a new order is what I'm afraid of.) At one point he referenced the cost. Then, I spoke up and said "And that's all paid in full. Correct?". At that point, he stopped the recording and said that the records couldn't include questions so he had to start again. Granted, this is where I am an idiot and should have hung up. But I had periodic calls from these people a while ago and I just wanted it to all end. So I let him start again.
After he was done, he said something would be mailed to my house that included a security code that I should ask for if anyone posing as them tried to call me. There would also be a magazine listing as well in case I wanted to get any.
Well, on Nov 20 2004, I received a mailing from them that looks like an order. So far, I haven't seen any charges to my bank. This letter says that will start to happen monthly on Dec 7 2004.
So here's what I plan on doing just in case I'm being scammed (which is what I'm suspecting) :
The back of the letter says that if I submit a written cancellation within 7 business days, the order will be cancelled without penalty. So I'm going to return the letter noting the cancellation and a letter spelling that out specifically. I will have both notarized (thanks to this site for that idea) and sent by certified mail. I will also note in the letter that I am on the "Do not call list" and that they are not to contact me and that I will contact a lawyer if I get charged or contacted.
I will also call my bank as soon as possible and notify them of what I suspect, let them know its not authorized, and try to get them to block the charge.
Is there anything else anyone can suggest? I will say, that in their defense, I have not yet given anyone any money that I didn't want to. Maybe this all goes well after I send in the cancellation notice. But after reading some of the other info in here, I'm not so sure it will.
Tim
Olney, Maryland
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.