- Report: #125210
Complaint Review: 1st Link Benefits - First Link Benefits - Champlain New York, Canada
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Author Confirmed
Why?
1st Link Benefits - First Link Benefits
100A Walnut St. #D15 Champlain, 12919 New York, Canada, U.S.A.
Phone:
800-315-0356
Web:
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First Link Benefits, 1st Link Benefits ripoff a Canadian ripoff scam to americans Champlain New York *EDitor's suggestion on how to get your money back for fraudulent charges to your bank account.
Thanks to Clark Howard's web-site I found this one. I too, like everyone else got ripped off by 1st Link Benefits. I had applied for a $5000.00 credit card to get a free computer. I did not qualify, so I forgot about it. I consider myself a reasonably intelligent person, so when they called saying I did not qualify for the 5000.00 MasterCard, but I did qualify for a 2500.00 one. I am a business owner in the process of possibly opening another, so this credit card would be perfect. I asked all the questions I thought were correct. They answered them the way I wanted them too. They sounded legit. When I was transferred to the confirmation operator, he went through it so fast and spoke Hindi or something, so I told him to wait he was talking to fast and I did not understand him. He then told me he would be glad to explain. He did, again it sounded legit, and I would be getting all these free things with the package, for the so called 354.90 processing fee. I agreed and the first guy told me I would get it in about a week, and with my CARD I would be getting a signature form that I only had to sign and send back so they would have it for their recoprds.
The other one told me a week or two. After 2 1/2 weeks I called to find out the status on the card. The woman told me after being on hold listening to Dust In The Wind 3 times, that it had not been shipped yet. I told her what the others said for time, and she told me that ALL the operators tell the people 14-21 business days, quite obviously not all of them do. I got my phony package, I called they said they had me on tape, no refund allowed. I told them I wanted to listen to the tape, they said fine we will call back after they get the tape. No call, I called back, and the woman said they listen to tapes between 3-4 EST. I was to call back. I did, another girl hesitated, put me on hold and told me someone would call me in 15 mins. sharp to listen to my tape. 48 hours went by still no call. I called them back, and the man pulled the tape up and I listened. If I listened real carefully, and knew what I was listening for after they told me then I barely heard him say stored mastercard, however, after that I heard myself on the tape saying no wait you are talking to fast I don't understand, and he said I would be glad to explain. He did, but that was not on the tape. The next thing was my confirmation. The man who played the tape said he plainly heard stored mastercard, I asked if he clearly understood me say I did not understand. He said yes, but you should have told him to explain it nthen, not later, I told him he did, but since it was not on tape what could I do but argue. He put in a request, suppossedly for a refund.
I called and they said to call back on Monday, it took 48 hours. I did and I got a woman again she pulled up my file and said that it was declined. She claims she too heard my tape, and he said "stored" card, I asked if she heard me say I did not understand? She did not answer, only to tell me that I should have insisted on talking to someone I could understand. Even If I did that, would they have been honest with me? Doubtful! I told her he must have turned the tape off during the 2nd explaination, she said that was impossible to be done. She then said no refund, have a good day and hung up.
Fortunately my husband listens to Clark Howard on the radio and told me of his web-site where I found out about this site. Reading everyone's story was like reliving the nightmare all over again. I called my bank this morning and the Federal Regulation E is being faxed to me. I did not anticipate problems with them, but now I was told they will try to process it, if she can't do it for me then I will go over her head, I am friends with owners of the bank. Sometimes it helps to live in a small town. Inorder to keep this shorter I did leave out all the times I called and listened to Dust In The Wind over and over again until I was cut off. I used to love that song! Anyway thank you for all the help and information posted on your web-site. I will keep you posted as to the out come. Don't anyone give up on this fraudulant company. They all deserve to rot in *#@@ for the immoral and illegal activities they took part in to scam hard working, honest people right before Christmas.
Laura
Neshkoro, Wisconsin
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 you 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/comptroller 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
[email protected]
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.
The other one told me a week or two. After 2 1/2 weeks I called to find out the status on the card. The woman told me after being on hold listening to Dust In The Wind 3 times, that it had not been shipped yet. I told her what the others said for time, and she told me that ALL the operators tell the people 14-21 business days, quite obviously not all of them do. I got my phony package, I called they said they had me on tape, no refund allowed. I told them I wanted to listen to the tape, they said fine we will call back after they get the tape. No call, I called back, and the woman said they listen to tapes between 3-4 EST. I was to call back. I did, another girl hesitated, put me on hold and told me someone would call me in 15 mins. sharp to listen to my tape. 48 hours went by still no call. I called them back, and the man pulled the tape up and I listened. If I listened real carefully, and knew what I was listening for after they told me then I barely heard him say stored mastercard, however, after that I heard myself on the tape saying no wait you are talking to fast I don't understand, and he said I would be glad to explain. He did, but that was not on the tape. The next thing was my confirmation. The man who played the tape said he plainly heard stored mastercard, I asked if he clearly understood me say I did not understand. He said yes, but you should have told him to explain it nthen, not later, I told him he did, but since it was not on tape what could I do but argue. He put in a request, suppossedly for a refund.
I called and they said to call back on Monday, it took 48 hours. I did and I got a woman again she pulled up my file and said that it was declined. She claims she too heard my tape, and he said "stored" card, I asked if she heard me say I did not understand? She did not answer, only to tell me that I should have insisted on talking to someone I could understand. Even If I did that, would they have been honest with me? Doubtful! I told her he must have turned the tape off during the 2nd explaination, she said that was impossible to be done. She then said no refund, have a good day and hung up.
Fortunately my husband listens to Clark Howard on the radio and told me of his web-site where I found out about this site. Reading everyone's story was like reliving the nightmare all over again. I called my bank this morning and the Federal Regulation E is being faxed to me. I did not anticipate problems with them, but now I was told they will try to process it, if she can't do it for me then I will go over her head, I am friends with owners of the bank. Sometimes it helps to live in a small town. Inorder to keep this shorter I did leave out all the times I called and listened to Dust In The Wind over and over again until I was cut off. I used to love that song! Anyway thank you for all the help and information posted on your web-site. I will keep you posted as to the out come. Don't anyone give up on this fraudulant company. They all deserve to rot in *#@@ for the immoral and illegal activities they took part in to scam hard working, honest people right before Christmas.
Laura
Neshkoro, Wisconsin
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 you 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/comptroller 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
[email protected]
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.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Laura
Neshkoro,Wisconsin,
U.S.A.
First Link Benefits, Champlain NY
#2Author of original report
Tue, January 04, 2005
Just wanted to let everyone know that it is not hard getting your money back. I filed the dispute according to Federal Regulation E on New Years Eve, and I found out today that it was credited back to my account yesterday. I lost money with overdraft fees, but I still got my money back. Thank You Ripoff Report.
