Two weeks ago I researched companies that offer personal loans. I filled out an application with a company that was supposed to submit my loan request to several lending institutions. I received an email stating that my loan had been approved with a couple of companies but I changed my mind and never signed up for anything.
On January 28, 2011, I discovered that my bank had honored a EFT to a company called Unlimited Local Savings in the amount of $49.99. I immediately contacted my bank but even while they were researching this transaction, some other company did the same thing in the amount of $1.00. Both of these transactions are fraudulent and are coming out of a company or companies that are operated by Gary Thomas Vojtesak.
Vojtesak already has a shady history stemming from another company he founded called Exotics.com. In 2205 the Securities and Trade Commission filed fraud charges against him and 12 other people for stock manipulation and accounting fraud. Vojtesak was found guilty in 2007.
Every attempt to contact this company has been thwarted in some way... phone numbers don't work, emails are returned as undeliverable, refund applications require a customer ID#... which, of course, I don't have because I didn't sign up for this service.
My bank closed my account to stop any further fraudulent activity but their representative told me that I can not get my money back. Other 'Rip-off' reports against this company advise pushing the bank to geta reversal but the limits on customer liability for fraudulent EFT's is $50 if the action has been reported to the bank quickly.
I don't make much money. $50 is my grocery bill for the week. I was looking for a personal load to help me pay off all of my smaller loans. I thought the company I did this with was legitimate. I'm usually good about spotting scams and this didn't look like one until the phone started ringing off the hook and my email was flooded with spam.
I'm going to report this company to the New York State Banking Department and to the banking commission in Arizona. I'm also contacting the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission to see what the U.S. government can do about internet thieves like Gary Vojtesak. I've been doing a lot of internet research on this man including research on his family members. I will do what ever I can to get my money back from this scam artist. I just hope that Rip-Off will file this report in order to prevent other people from being taken.
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 CARDIf 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
RipoffReport.com
Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com
Rip-off Report
PO Box 310, Tempe, Arizona 85280