Complaint Review: WORLD WIDE READERS SERVICE

When this company got me on the phone I thought that they were the magazine distributor that I am engaged in legitimate business with. I was told that they simply needed to confirm my information because thier records showed that I had been prematurely dropped by the publishers of some of my subscriptions. I was also told that it would be the last time they would be contacting me by phone - that all subsequent contact with me would be by mail only.

The young man I spoke with led me to believe it was going to be a short conversation. It was - with him. I was then transferred to his "supervisor" who proceeded with a lengthy list of questions about me - my name, address, occupation, place of employment, and my birthday(!!!) - and my financial information. She needed to hear all of this twice. I was annoyed by the length of what I was told would be a short conversation but I cooperated because I had also been led to believe that I would never have to this with them again on the phone and I was concerned about the status of my account.

A few days later they called again saying that due to a computer malfunction my information needed to be confirmed again. Okay - I played along thinking this would resolve a "problem" with my account. While I was talking with them I checked my credit card statement online. I discovered the first $49.98 charge to my card. I was alarmed by this because I had set up my payments to be sent by mail and it was supposed to be $20ish. The "supervisor" reached the "Do you have any questions?" stage of her "interrogation". I inquired about my discovery. She said that the information I was requesting was not available to her and having confirmed all my info twice, again, she started over FROM THE BEGINNING until I started asking questions again (this seemed to irritate her).

Now I was irritated and answered the endless questions just to make her go away (I thought).

A few days later, they call again. I checked my credit acount while on the phone with them again hoping I could get some anwers to MY questions. Every attempt to get information from them was ignored and seemed to be thier que to hit restart. It was during this conversation that I discovered my card had been charged $49.98 again but this time the phone nuimber for the company submitting hte charge was different. I told the person on the phone that I wasn't confirming anything until I figured out what was going on.

I called the number listed on the second charge and the woman I spoke with said that her company had not submitted the charge . She said that the company who had made the submission was giving the credit card company the wrong phone number. She said that i had been charged by World Wide Readers Service and gave me thier number.

I called the number she gave me and was told that they had my account was currently paid in full and that they had only "looked" at my account, not charged it. I told her that I had my current account info right in front of me on my computer and that was I was looking at was a charge not a "viewing". ( My account does not provide that information online ) She stuck to her guns trying to convince me that I was wrong and she was right despite proof to the contrary right in front of me.

I filed a dispute through the credit card compny on the second charge.

I then received a letter about new account with WWRS. Furious that I had been duped into a new account for the same mags I was already getting from a different company - that I had a new account at all - I called the number provided on the letter and cancelled the account. I was told that my money would be refunded within 7 days. The first charge was refunded a few days later. I had to wait until they tried to collect on the second charge I had disputed which took about six days.

Two days later my card was charged again and I couldn't get anyone by phone - just voicemail. I filed another dispute. That was two days ago and my money is still in limbo and I still can't get them on the phone when I call them. Mind you, they are calling me what seems to be daily while I am at work and unable to take the call.

In summary, World Wide Readers Service has charged my card $150.00 in the past two weeks for something that is only supposed to $49.98 a month , is something I never wanted to begin with, and an account that is supposed to be cancelled.

Paula
BURLESON, Texas
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!

We are not lawyers.
We are not a collection agency.

We are Consumer Advocates.
...the victims' advocate

WE are Civil and Human Rights Activists

We are a Worldwide Consumer Reporting News Agency
...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.