- Report: #159779
Complaint Review: Advantage America - Winter Park Florida
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Advantage America
Www.advantageamericabenefits.com Winter Park, Florida, U.S.A.
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Advantage America rip off scam of desperate people THIS MUST STOP Winter Park Florida *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!
I had received a phone call in late August. A woman with a russian or armenian accent had informed me that I qualified for a $12,500 grant along with $500 in grocery coupons. She also informed me of health benefits I could apply for as well as long distance. I had been applying for college grants as I had just turned 18 in late June and moved out on the same day of my birthday.
I was hoping to get the grant as I was supposed to receive $5,000 once I turned 18 because my great grandfather died a long time ago, but I never received that money. So, I was very excited about this grant, and was hoping I would have the funds that I wanted to go to school. I was informed of the $49.95 processing fee, and the $299.95 membership fee if I wanted to receive grants every year. I just figured I would be okay with the one year grant.
So, I stupidly gave her my account # but did not provide a routing number. Then she transferred me to another woman who had recorded me.
They told me to expect the coupons in 4-5 days. Only a couple of days after the call, the $49.95 was deducted from my account. I had waited a couple more days, but still received nothing.
I invested a day of calling the company, and my bank to find any more numbers that I could get to see if I could reach someone. They gave me the number to the payroll company that Advantage America worked with, along with a customer service number, which I already had, and another number for First Beneficial. (I will issue the phone numbers, and confirm the name of the last company mentioned, as I am unsure.) I had called all three numbers given to me.
The payroll company told me they had nothing to do with the company, and just gave me the same customer service number.
I had then called the customer service phone line and had been on hold for 11-12 minutes each time I called before I got through to someone.
The first time, I asked why I did not receive my grant, or my coupons. The woman verified my address and just told me to wait a couple of more days. Then she asked me if I was aware that the company would pull the $299.95 from my account so, she told me to put a payment stopper if I did not want that.
I was infuriated! Why should I fork out money to stop a payment? Why could you not cancel my membership?
I was very persistent on calling Advantage America. I had called a second time, and this time a bit more attitude, trying to figure out why I had to put a stopper. The woman who I spoke with hung up on me, leaving me more angry as I was sick of waiting 12 minutes each time to get through to someone.
So I called First Benificial, and was on hold for 12 minutes as well, and I was trying to figure out about the $299.95 fee and what was going on with the mailing. The woman told me that they did not associate with that company, yet she was able to play back the recorded message to me.
I gave up on talking to anyone, and fortunately, I closed out my account and got a new one. A few days later, I got my grocery coupons.
What they failed to mention is that you have to pay another $50 to receive those coupons! So, I just ignored everything, and went on about my life.
On Saturday, October 1, 2005, I had received a phone call. A man named "Ronnie", who had a very thick asian accent had asked me if I had received my $12,500 dollars. I told him I did not.
He then proceeded and asked me for my account number, and I told him I was not comfortable giving out my information as someone had stolen my money. He then asked me, Who? How much? and he continued to ask, so I hung up.
He then called back, and my boyfriend asked him for his full name. He gave us "Ronnie Williams". My boyfriend asked for his I.D. number to verify that he is who he says he is, and "Ronnie" started whining and asking why he had to give his I.D. #. My boyfriend came back and asked him why we should give my account number, and "Ronnie" hung up on us.
I had then searched up Advantage America on google, and found this site. Which made me so upset because I searched Advantage America on yahoo after I had received the first phone call, and I did not see a single thing that showed that Advantage America Scams.
I have been checking up on this site, and reading all the reports. I cannot believe I was scammed! Everyone should change their account number instantly!
I received my papers from the long distance company and they charge you 20 bucks a month including a 49.95 start up fee. But it gets charged to your account! Don't go throught the hassle of stop payments. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU DO THIS.
I could have lost a lot more money than the $49.95 that was taken from me. I will be updating with the mailing address given to me and those phone numbers!
I HOPE WE CAN BRING THEM DOWN! I found some scam reports on various sites on this company dated in 2000 and 2002. This has gone on way too long!
Amber
Eagle Rock, 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.
I was hoping to get the grant as I was supposed to receive $5,000 once I turned 18 because my great grandfather died a long time ago, but I never received that money. So, I was very excited about this grant, and was hoping I would have the funds that I wanted to go to school. I was informed of the $49.95 processing fee, and the $299.95 membership fee if I wanted to receive grants every year. I just figured I would be okay with the one year grant.
So, I stupidly gave her my account # but did not provide a routing number. Then she transferred me to another woman who had recorded me.
They told me to expect the coupons in 4-5 days. Only a couple of days after the call, the $49.95 was deducted from my account. I had waited a couple more days, but still received nothing.
I invested a day of calling the company, and my bank to find any more numbers that I could get to see if I could reach someone. They gave me the number to the payroll company that Advantage America worked with, along with a customer service number, which I already had, and another number for First Beneficial. (I will issue the phone numbers, and confirm the name of the last company mentioned, as I am unsure.) I had called all three numbers given to me.
The payroll company told me they had nothing to do with the company, and just gave me the same customer service number.
I had then called the customer service phone line and had been on hold for 11-12 minutes each time I called before I got through to someone.
The first time, I asked why I did not receive my grant, or my coupons. The woman verified my address and just told me to wait a couple of more days. Then she asked me if I was aware that the company would pull the $299.95 from my account so, she told me to put a payment stopper if I did not want that.
I was infuriated! Why should I fork out money to stop a payment? Why could you not cancel my membership?
I was very persistent on calling Advantage America. I had called a second time, and this time a bit more attitude, trying to figure out why I had to put a stopper. The woman who I spoke with hung up on me, leaving me more angry as I was sick of waiting 12 minutes each time to get through to someone.
So I called First Benificial, and was on hold for 12 minutes as well, and I was trying to figure out about the $299.95 fee and what was going on with the mailing. The woman told me that they did not associate with that company, yet she was able to play back the recorded message to me.
I gave up on talking to anyone, and fortunately, I closed out my account and got a new one. A few days later, I got my grocery coupons.
What they failed to mention is that you have to pay another $50 to receive those coupons! So, I just ignored everything, and went on about my life.
On Saturday, October 1, 2005, I had received a phone call. A man named "Ronnie", who had a very thick asian accent had asked me if I had received my $12,500 dollars. I told him I did not.
He then proceeded and asked me for my account number, and I told him I was not comfortable giving out my information as someone had stolen my money. He then asked me, Who? How much? and he continued to ask, so I hung up.
He then called back, and my boyfriend asked him for his full name. He gave us "Ronnie Williams". My boyfriend asked for his I.D. number to verify that he is who he says he is, and "Ronnie" started whining and asking why he had to give his I.D. #. My boyfriend came back and asked him why we should give my account number, and "Ronnie" hung up on us.
I had then searched up Advantage America on google, and found this site. Which made me so upset because I searched Advantage America on yahoo after I had received the first phone call, and I did not see a single thing that showed that Advantage America Scams.
I have been checking up on this site, and reading all the reports. I cannot believe I was scammed! Everyone should change their account number instantly!
I received my papers from the long distance company and they charge you 20 bucks a month including a 49.95 start up fee. But it gets charged to your account! Don't go throught the hassle of stop payments. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU DO THIS.
I could have lost a lot more money than the $49.95 that was taken from me. I will be updating with the mailing address given to me and those phone numbers!
I HOPE WE CAN BRING THEM DOWN! I found some scam reports on various sites on this company dated in 2000 and 2002. This has gone on way too long!
Amber
Eagle Rock, 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.
5 Updates & Rebuttals
Amy
Falls City,,Oregon,
U.S.A.
CALL CANADIAN PHONE BUSTERS
#2Consumer Suggestion
Wed, October 19, 2005
Call Canadian Phone busters. 1-888-495-8501.They will then contact canadian police and local police in your area.In doing this some eventually may get their money back.
Amber
Eagle Rock,California,
U.S.A.
stop with the phone calls
#3Author of original report
Tue, October 18, 2005
Advantage America contacted me again last night. I had answered the call and as soon as I heard "12,500", I already knew they were trying to do it again. I don't think I can ever hear or see that amount of money without getting angry. I told the man that I knew this was a scam. I know they go by other company names like GSI and I told him to stop calling. He then proceeded to tell me "No, ma'am this is not a scam!" and I told him not to lie, and he told me I could think whatever I want. I hung up. Then he called back again, and I hung up as soon as I heard the background noises. This is outrageous, and I really am not sure of who is behind this. First there's someone located in Montreal, Quebec, but then there's the owner of the site from the Bahamas. They are probably branched out in many countries, as they are smart enough! I encourage you to read all the reports and the updates and rebuttals. This really needs to stop.
Amber
Eagle Rock,California,
U.S.A.
FOUND MASTERMIND.!
#4Author of original report
Fri, October 07, 2005
Thank you John for your information. I have been spending everyday, checking the status and seeing how many people this company has hit.
EVERYONE PLEASE - i will repost what John has said.
"After doing a lot of digging, and with help of other posters on ripoffreport.com, I have tracked down the contact information of the person running this scam!
Here it is:
N Bertrand
4900 Chdela Cote St Luc
Montreal, Quebec H3W 2H3
(514) 369-4374
TO REPORT HIM, CONTACT The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, COLT Project. Their phone # is 514-939-8304.
Here is some information they provide on telemarketing out of Montreal:
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/qc/pro_ser/delits_e.htm#tlmarketing
As for the cheesey "advantageamericabenefits.com" website, I found that it was sold through the reseller iwebreservation.com (also iweb.ca). Apparently, their ph # is 514-286-1292, although there is a toll free # on that website which seems to work better. THEY have the power to shut down the scam artist's website, so don't be shy about calling them after the Canadian police.
These people either know that I am on to them, or they are emboldened by how tough I am on when they call. I get threatening calls literally around the clock. I don't care. Let's get them back ASAP!!
Jon
Thousand Oaks,California,
U.S.A.
I FOUND THE OWNER!! CONTACT AUTHORITIES IN CANADA!!
#5Consumer Suggestion
Fri, October 07, 2005
After doing a lot of digging, and with help of other posters on ripoffreport.com, I have tracked down the contact information of the person running this scam!
Here it is:
N Bertrand
4900 Chdela Cote St Luc
Montreal, Quebec H3W 2H3
(514) 369-4374
TO REPORT HIM, CONTACT The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, COLT Project. Their phone # is 514-939-8304.
Here is some information they provide on telemarketing out of Montreal:
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/qc/pro_ser/delits_e.htm#tlmarketing
As for the cheesey "advantageamericabenefits.com" website, I found that it was sold through the reseller iwebreservation.com (also iweb.ca). Apparently, their ph # is 514-286-1292, although there is a toll free # on that website which seems to work better. THEY have the power to shut down the scam artist's website, so don't be shy about calling them after the Canadian police.
These people either know that I am on to them, or they are emboldened by how tough I am on when they call. I get threatening calls literally around the clock. I don't care. Let's get them back ASAP!!
Amber
Eagle Rock,California,
U.S.A.
Advantage America = GSI ?
#6Author of original report
Thu, October 06, 2005
I had been searching the latest scam reports and came across a government grant scam under the company name of GSI. A woman had experienced a very similar call of someone with a foreign accent but not the whole $500 dollars in coupons deal.
I had suspicions that the same people were scamming her. I called the phone number that was issued for GSI. (1-866-999-1896) Then I called one of the customer service numbers for Advantage America. (1-866-503-7345)
It's the same exact voice greeting!
This is what I am lead to believe that the same people are starting to use different names, as I am sure that have realized we are getting close to busting Advantage America. Please review this report.
http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/ripoff159778.htm
