Complaint Review: Simms Associates

I was contacted by Simms Associates to set up payments on an old credit card account. I had lost my job when I became pregnant and was only able to make them a one time payment. I told the person on the phone that and was willing to make other payments once back to work, so I gave her a check by phone and she said she would then send out a bill so I could pay later when on my feet finacialy.

Well I never got a bill later on that month but did get a statement from my bank that $100 had been drafted from my account. My bank gave me the who had taken it so I called Simms associates. Needless to say they were pissed that the money wasnt there but like I had told them I was only able to make one payment wich I did. But not another one till I was back to work.

That is when Kris Krane a associate of Simms got nasty saying she was going to press charges for bouncing a check over state line. Pregnant and upset having to argue with her about me not authorizing the draft she hangs up on me.

I call her back and state that she is not to take anymore drafts from my account she agree to if I make up the supposed bounced check fee and payment, but it needed to be sent western Union cause they would not accept payment via mail or money order. I told her that I would only mail a money order so she hangs up agin.

Again the next month 2 unauthorized payments come was sent back for insufficient funds. (Which with any bank insufficient funds are charged 30.00 depending on the bank) Simms had not only tried to take funds from my account agin but tried to break it into 2 payments hoping I assume to get something out of it. Of course I was contacted agin by Simms this time Kris Krane the associate if threating to take it to the authorities and says I am going to jail for writting another bad check.

Needless to say I am not dealing with them anymore and have started paying a third party to payoff my past creditors. This woman was very nasty to me and said alot of nasty things to me including during the biggest snow stom this year in ohio that I had to go make a payment western union When I told her I wouldn't go outside with a newborn infant who was 4 weeks premature that it was to dangerous on the roads she said she didnt care how dangerous it was to me or "that baby" I was to make a payment.

I went to my bank and put stop payments on all drafts from this company and had to close out my checking account to be sure they didnt have my info anymore. I hope somebody reads this before giving them any banking info. I wish I would have

Kristi
mcconnelsville, Ohio
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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...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.