- Report: #166673
Complaint Review: Advantage America Benefits - Winter Park Florida
-
Author Confirmed
Why?
Advantage America Benefits
1900 Howell Branch Lane, #4-7 Winter Park, 32792 Florida, U.S.A.
Phone:
866-503-7345
Web:
N/A
Categories:
Business Rating:
(0)
Tell us has your experience with this business or person been good?
Advantage America Benefits SCAM/ RIPOFF/ FRAUD Winter Park Florida *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!
A customer service representative contacted me on 11/14/2005 telling me that I was selected to receive a government grant in the amount of $12,500 which would be transferred into my account within 4-5 business days. I asked them how this was possible and they said because I have paid my taxes on time for the last (5) five years.
I asked them how did they get my name and they said they got my name from the Research Department from the U.S. Government. They then proceeded to tell me that they were going to send a representative to my home the following day at 11/18/05 @ 5:30pm.
The gentlemen's name they said would be Larry King. They told me that Larry would have some legal papers for me to sign authorizing them to deposit money into my account.
Next, they told me that they would be patching me through to an automated survey with them still being on the line and that all I needed to do was give them my name, address, bank account information and just accept or decline the health benefits and the Easy One Rate long distance service offers.
I declined BOTH of them. When I was asked if I understood the health benefits I said that I understood them but that I DID NOT WANT them.
They told me to make sure I told that to Larry King when he comes to my house the following evening. They also said that when Larry King came to my house he would also have $500 in grocery coupons and $100 cash certificate that I was to deposit into my account and that would cover the one time fee of $49.95.
They said that I did not have to do anything else but give them my account information so that the $12,500 would be deposited into my account. The next evening Larry King never showed up to my home.
I also noticed that my account was debited $49.95. I called their customer service department that day and told them that they made a mistake and to please credit my money back because Larry King never showed up to my house.
They said that money was non-refundable. I asked to speak to a manager and they said they were all busy at the moment and to call back in one hour.
I called back in one hour and asked to speak to a manager again and this time they said that they stepped out for a minute and they would put me on hold.
I got extremely upset at this point and asked for at least a manager's name and phone number or an email address and they said they could not give out that type of information.
So, I wrote them a letter and mailed it Certified Return Receipt. That letter came back to me saying "Address Unknown". I called them again and told them that I was uncomfortable about the entire deal and to please cancel my account and they said they would cancel it as soon as I received their welcome letter. I received the welcome letter and the $500 in grocery receipts on Friday, Nov. 25, 2005.
I called them and they said they would cancel my account and gave me a cancellation conformation number. On Friday, December 2, 2005 I checked my checking account as I do everyday, religiously and I saw a check in the amount of $299.95 taken out of my account.
I called Advantage America and they told me that they have in their system that I did cancel my account but not until November 30th. That just so happened to be the same date as the check they wrote against my checking account. Then they told me that $299.95 was non-refundable as well.
I then called my bank's Check Fraud Department and they put a security hold on my account and reimbursed me the $299.95 and told me that Advantage America Benefits was already on their list of fraudulent companies.
I opened a brand new account with no problems. However, I am short of $49.95. I am glad that it wasn't any more than that. But I want people to be aware of this company.
My bank was unable to reimburse me the $49.95 to me since I willingly gave my account information to them; however they were able to reimburse me the $299.95 because I had already canceled my account with them and received a cancellation number from them.
Also, when I called Advantage America Benefits to try and find out why they took $299.95 out of my account, they told me that my account was cancelled but with a completely different cancellation number.
Staci
Dumfries, Virginia
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.
I asked them how did they get my name and they said they got my name from the Research Department from the U.S. Government. They then proceeded to tell me that they were going to send a representative to my home the following day at 11/18/05 @ 5:30pm.
The gentlemen's name they said would be Larry King. They told me that Larry would have some legal papers for me to sign authorizing them to deposit money into my account.
Next, they told me that they would be patching me through to an automated survey with them still being on the line and that all I needed to do was give them my name, address, bank account information and just accept or decline the health benefits and the Easy One Rate long distance service offers.
I declined BOTH of them. When I was asked if I understood the health benefits I said that I understood them but that I DID NOT WANT them.
They told me to make sure I told that to Larry King when he comes to my house the following evening. They also said that when Larry King came to my house he would also have $500 in grocery coupons and $100 cash certificate that I was to deposit into my account and that would cover the one time fee of $49.95.
They said that I did not have to do anything else but give them my account information so that the $12,500 would be deposited into my account. The next evening Larry King never showed up to my home.
I also noticed that my account was debited $49.95. I called their customer service department that day and told them that they made a mistake and to please credit my money back because Larry King never showed up to my house.
They said that money was non-refundable. I asked to speak to a manager and they said they were all busy at the moment and to call back in one hour.
I called back in one hour and asked to speak to a manager again and this time they said that they stepped out for a minute and they would put me on hold.
I got extremely upset at this point and asked for at least a manager's name and phone number or an email address and they said they could not give out that type of information.
So, I wrote them a letter and mailed it Certified Return Receipt. That letter came back to me saying "Address Unknown". I called them again and told them that I was uncomfortable about the entire deal and to please cancel my account and they said they would cancel it as soon as I received their welcome letter. I received the welcome letter and the $500 in grocery receipts on Friday, Nov. 25, 2005.
I called them and they said they would cancel my account and gave me a cancellation conformation number. On Friday, December 2, 2005 I checked my checking account as I do everyday, religiously and I saw a check in the amount of $299.95 taken out of my account.
I called Advantage America and they told me that they have in their system that I did cancel my account but not until November 30th. That just so happened to be the same date as the check they wrote against my checking account. Then they told me that $299.95 was non-refundable as well.
I then called my bank's Check Fraud Department and they put a security hold on my account and reimbursed me the $299.95 and told me that Advantage America Benefits was already on their list of fraudulent companies.
I opened a brand new account with no problems. However, I am short of $49.95. I am glad that it wasn't any more than that. But I want people to be aware of this company.
My bank was unable to reimburse me the $49.95 to me since I willingly gave my account information to them; however they were able to reimburse me the $299.95 because I had already canceled my account with them and received a cancellation number from them.
Also, when I called Advantage America Benefits to try and find out why they took $299.95 out of my account, they told me that my account was cancelled but with a completely different cancellation number.
Staci
Dumfries, Virginia
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.
