- Report: #159162
Complaint Review: Advance America Benefits - Florida
-
Author Confirmed
Why?
Advance America Benefits
www.advanceamericabenefits.com Florida, U.S.A.
Phone:
866-5037345
Web:
N/A
Categories:
Business Rating:
(0)
Tell us has your experience with this business or person been good?
Advance America Benefits ripoff scam idiots said they represented the federal government. Read a transcript of our conversation with these scammers! Winter Park Florida *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account if they were able to trick you!
Yeah I got the same call tonight as many others did on this site. The guy, whose accent made me want to stick a ice pick into my ear, advised me that he represented the federal government (loans dept), and that I had been selected to receive 12,500 in FREE grant money that I would never have to pay back. LOL...
Then he goes on to ask me if my address was __________and if I had been a good citizen and had paid my taxes.
He then said that within a day or two the paperwork with instructions would arrive at my door and he wanted to double check my checking/savings info in order to make sure they had the right numbers to make the 12,500 deposit...at this the exchange went something like this;
Me: Oh you ALREADY have my checking/saving account #? How did you obtain that info?
SCAMMER: No...that's why we're calling...as soon as you give me the info to your bank account and fill out the paperwork and fax it back we will deposit the 12,500 into your account.
ME:I'm sorry, do you have a web site or an customer service number that I can contact, I don't give out my personal info over the phone, especially at 8 at night...btw, I didnt know the federal government worked weekends?
SCAMMER: Sir I can assure you we are representing the federal government and this call is being recorded and in fact a copy will be sent to a 3rd part verification office as well as too the FBI...we're being recorded now.
ME: well that's not really gonna give me any more comfort and persuade me to give you my info over the phone...(the whole time I've been looking up info on them and found a report HERE first!)
ME: Hey why is your website so bare bones? There are no explanations as to how your plan works and no REAL discription of your company?
SCAMMER: Well I have to give you your own unigue pin and password to access the info online...in fact even if you call the customer service # they can't give out any info without those numbers.
ME: And those numbers you're going to give me once I give you my checking/savings account numbers right?
SCAMMER: Yes, and then we will go through a verification process and a processing fee of 49.99 will only be charged to your account if you decide to take the free grant of 12,500...we'll even give you 500 in free groceries and 100 in free gasoline...
ME: Dude, what are you doing? You guys are on the Ripoff report.com...this is a scam...you dont work for the government and I will be contacting the Florida Attoney Generals office...maybe he can stop by and pick up his free grant money!
SCAMMER: Well if you dont want the free money I have other people to take care of...
ME" you mean rip off! How do sleep at night?
SCAMMER: I sleep fine! I'm not doing anything wrong...
ME: YOU ARE TRYING TO SCAM PEOPLE, YOU TAKE 49.99 PLUS GOD KNOWS WHAT ELSE AND YOU NEVER GET ANYONE 12,500 IN FREE MONEY DO YOU?
SCAMMER: Yes the money is free sir I dont know what to tell you.
ME: Let me talk to your supervisor.
SUPERVISOR: Hi my name is Jack, how can I help you?
ME: Jack, what are you guys trying to pull on people? You dont work for the government and noones getting free money.
Jack: Yes sir we do work for the government.
ME: Really...what branch?
Jack: The IRS...
ME: The IRS huh, your bro said it was the loan department...so which one is it?
Jack: Sir we work for the IRS and everything is being recorded and it will be sent to the FBI...
ME: Oh I have no doubt what-so-ever that one day your voice will be on a tape that's being sent to the FBI or the Florida Attorney General's office for prosecution...you guys are on the internet listed as a scam, the word is out.
Jack: Oh really where?
ME: ripoffreport.com and grant scams 2005, and coming soon the Florida Attorney Generals Consumer Alert web page.
Jack:OH..huh...I'm gonna go and look this up right now and I'll get back to you...click...
Trust me, I wont be holding my breath...DO NOT GIVE THESE GUYS ANY INFO...DRILL THEM AND PUT THEM ON THE RUN!!!
Kevin
Hanford, California
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
[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.
Then he goes on to ask me if my address was __________and if I had been a good citizen and had paid my taxes.
He then said that within a day or two the paperwork with instructions would arrive at my door and he wanted to double check my checking/savings info in order to make sure they had the right numbers to make the 12,500 deposit...at this the exchange went something like this;
Me: Oh you ALREADY have my checking/saving account #? How did you obtain that info?
SCAMMER: No...that's why we're calling...as soon as you give me the info to your bank account and fill out the paperwork and fax it back we will deposit the 12,500 into your account.
ME:I'm sorry, do you have a web site or an customer service number that I can contact, I don't give out my personal info over the phone, especially at 8 at night...btw, I didnt know the federal government worked weekends?
SCAMMER: Sir I can assure you we are representing the federal government and this call is being recorded and in fact a copy will be sent to a 3rd part verification office as well as too the FBI...we're being recorded now.
ME: well that's not really gonna give me any more comfort and persuade me to give you my info over the phone...(the whole time I've been looking up info on them and found a report HERE first!)
ME: Hey why is your website so bare bones? There are no explanations as to how your plan works and no REAL discription of your company?
SCAMMER: Well I have to give you your own unigue pin and password to access the info online...in fact even if you call the customer service # they can't give out any info without those numbers.
ME: And those numbers you're going to give me once I give you my checking/savings account numbers right?
SCAMMER: Yes, and then we will go through a verification process and a processing fee of 49.99 will only be charged to your account if you decide to take the free grant of 12,500...we'll even give you 500 in free groceries and 100 in free gasoline...
ME: Dude, what are you doing? You guys are on the Ripoff report.com...this is a scam...you dont work for the government and I will be contacting the Florida Attoney Generals office...maybe he can stop by and pick up his free grant money!
SCAMMER: Well if you dont want the free money I have other people to take care of...
ME" you mean rip off! How do sleep at night?
SCAMMER: I sleep fine! I'm not doing anything wrong...
ME: YOU ARE TRYING TO SCAM PEOPLE, YOU TAKE 49.99 PLUS GOD KNOWS WHAT ELSE AND YOU NEVER GET ANYONE 12,500 IN FREE MONEY DO YOU?
SCAMMER: Yes the money is free sir I dont know what to tell you.
ME: Let me talk to your supervisor.
SUPERVISOR: Hi my name is Jack, how can I help you?
ME: Jack, what are you guys trying to pull on people? You dont work for the government and noones getting free money.
Jack: Yes sir we do work for the government.
ME: Really...what branch?
Jack: The IRS...
ME: The IRS huh, your bro said it was the loan department...so which one is it?
Jack: Sir we work for the IRS and everything is being recorded and it will be sent to the FBI...
ME: Oh I have no doubt what-so-ever that one day your voice will be on a tape that's being sent to the FBI or the Florida Attorney General's office for prosecution...you guys are on the internet listed as a scam, the word is out.
Jack: Oh really where?
ME: ripoffreport.com and grant scams 2005, and coming soon the Florida Attorney Generals Consumer Alert web page.
Jack:OH..huh...I'm gonna go and look this up right now and I'll get back to you...click...
Trust me, I wont be holding my breath...DO NOT GIVE THESE GUYS ANY INFO...DRILL THEM AND PUT THEM ON THE RUN!!!
Kevin
Hanford, California
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
[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.
