Complaint Review: Usa Platinum

Upon receiving an unsolicited email from from usaplatinumcard.com for a credit card, i made an application for $7,500 of credit. At the end of the two page application was an authorization to debit my account for $149.95. I discontinued the application, but received a phone call from the company about a week later. The rep stated the debit would only be $79.95 and would be immediately credited back to my account. They also upgraded my limit to $12,500, added roadside assistance and some other perks for an extra $19.95. I spoke with three different reps, who increasingly began to speak of "online" shopping. Thinking of some vast internet organization, I reluctantly agreed and was given an account number.

A day later I accessed the USA Shopping Club to find a very dissappointing home page and lackluster menu of items. The club boasts 21,000 items, however, they include each size of an item in that total. For example, a diamond ring is listed as a 14k solitaire size 7. The next item available is the same ring in a size 7.5. Additionally I checked the prices at as much as 50% higher than the highest price available from other online suppliers for the exact same item. Nearly every item is listed as a bargain basement blowout price which is designated by a double red asterisk. This means those items must be paid for at the time of purchase. This includes everything from over a $1000 to $10. Basically your purchasing online using your checking account or credit card, and usa boasts this is to improve your credit score.

I called customer service and advised I would be rescinding my contract according to the "cooling off" clauses, afforded to most persons entered into a contract. Of course, the rep was unaware of any such clause, but did manage to tell me i had provided her an incorrect routing number. After convincing her (Michelle #2096) that I would provide the correct number she read off the number that they had looked up online during the first phone conversation. I told her I would not give her the routing number and had just hung up with my bank to advise them of the possible fraudulent transaction. Michelle politely stated she would cancel my account as requested.

I made an error in judgement by not checking into this further initially and almost got burned. The idea of improving my credit rating was very appealing. I got lucky with the no longer existing routing number, the bank assures me any further action on behalf of this company will be halted. I beg you to look up www.usashoppingclub.com and and see exactly how you would spend $12,500. It would be quite impossible unless you had a Visa with that much on it. I will update this if any further action by usaplatinumcard is taken. Thank you Rip Off Report!

Kevin
toledo, 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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