- Report: #176149
Complaint Review: America Online - Internet
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America Online
aol.com Internet, U.S.A.
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AMERICA ONLINE RIPOFF DISHONEST FRAUDULENT BILLING. IMPOSSIBLE TO CANCEL SERVICE!!! Nationwide *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: AOL billing practices
*Author of original report: aol reimbursed me for the unauthorized charges to my credit card.
*Author of original report: aol reimbursed me for the unauthorized charges to my credit card.
*Author of original report: aol reimbursed me for the unauthorized charges to my credit card.
*Author of original report: aol reimbursed me for the unauthorized charges to my credit card.
I have tried to cancel my Aol account for aproximately a year now. Aol has continued to charge my credit card. I have spoken to their so-called representatives by phone and online many, many times during the time I first asked them to cancel my account. they promise me I will not be charged anymore and my account will be closed "this time".
They(AOL) also stated that I will be refunded for the charges on my card. But guess what? I am still being charged!!!! They have caused my credit card to go over my limit a few times. So I called my credit card company to get the charges removed and to refuse to let Aol charge my card. Well the credit card company tells me I can't refuse Aol charges because my account with them is still open!!!!!
Somebody please help me. I sat down and cried today because I am so very frustrated with this crooked company called AOL!!!!!
I feel financially raped and feel as though my hands are tied behind my back by AOL!!!
Mary
Phenix City, Alabama
U.S.A.
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on AOL
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.
They(AOL) also stated that I will be refunded for the charges on my card. But guess what? I am still being charged!!!! They have caused my credit card to go over my limit a few times. So I called my credit card company to get the charges removed and to refuse to let Aol charge my card. Well the credit card company tells me I can't refuse Aol charges because my account with them is still open!!!!!
Somebody please help me. I sat down and cried today because I am so very frustrated with this crooked company called AOL!!!!!
I feel financially raped and feel as though my hands are tied behind my back by AOL!!!
Mary
Phenix City, Alabama
U.S.A.
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on AOL
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
Mary
Phenix City,Alabama,
U.S.A.
aol reimbursed me for the unauthorized charges to my credit card.
#2Author of original report
Wed, March 29, 2006
aol reimbursed me for the unauthorized charges to my credit card. but they didn't give me the credit card over-the-limit charges, which is probably more than that.
Mary
Phenix City,Alabama,
U.S.A.
aol reimbursed me for the unauthorized charges to my credit card.
#3Author of original report
Wed, March 29, 2006
aol reimbursed me for the unauthorized charges to my credit card. but they didn't give me the credit card over-the-limit charges, which is probably more than that.
Mary
Phenix City,Alabama,
U.S.A.
aol reimbursed me for the unauthorized charges to my credit card.
#4Author of original report
Wed, March 29, 2006
aol reimbursed me for the unauthorized charges to my credit card. but they didn't give me the credit card over-the-limit charges, which is probably more than that.
Mary
Phenix City,Alabama,
U.S.A.
aol reimbursed me for the unauthorized charges to my credit card.
#5Author of original report
Wed, March 29, 2006
aol reimbursed me for the unauthorized charges to my credit card. but they didn't give me the credit card over-the-limit charges, which is probably more than that.
Virginia
Oklahoma City,Oklahoma,
U.S.A.
AOL billing practices
#6UPDATE EX-employee responds
Wed, February 22, 2006
I was an employee of AOL and quit due to their business practices. NEVER, NEVER get off the phone with AOL without a copy of your cancellation number. The sales/saves department is INFAMOUS for saying they've cancelled someone's account, and then they just tack a few free hours/months on it to earn their commission. The company is REQUIRED to send out that cancellation letter the very same night it is cancelled. You should get the letter within 5 days. GET THE EMPLOYEE'S NAME AND CALL CENTER LOCATION!!!!! This is very important. This way, when you do not recieve the letter in five days, you are getting it onlog that you called x center and talked to y. AOL is required by law to tape all calls. Write down the day and time you called. EVERYTHING done to your account is recorded on the computer by full legal name of the employee who last touched it! Be prepared for a runaround, and nip it in the bud as soon as it happens! The recorded message you hear first asks which department you wish to be forwarded to, but they will purposefully misdirect you to the sign-up-by-phone department every time. Count on it. Don't even let them get into another sales spiel - which they are required to do - just demand a supervisor. Three times in a row. Don't let them try to talk you down. After three requests, they are required to get you a manager. Make sure it is one of the department coaches. Do not let them forward you to the point of contact on the floor - they are NOT an authority and CANNOT do anything other than argue with you. DO NOT let them transfer you to the coaches' line. Make the coach come to the phone the ccc is on. Every coach at AOL is authorized to act within other jurusdictions. If they are a phone sales coach, they can still cancel your account. If they are a technical coach, they can still cancel your account. Once you have them on the line, explain when you last cancelled your account. They have to pull up the information - don't let them tell you they cannot access it; that's the FIRST thing every representative is taught. They can tell you the action taken on the account. Demand the cancellation. Three times. In a row. They will have to take the action. Tell them you want it terminated immediately. Do not let the account cycle out. This leaves the account vulnerable for reactivation. Immediate termination cancells everything out without possibility for reactivation. Get the first and last name of the coach, as well as the locale. Get the address for the legal department. Do not let them transfer you!!! You will get a recording with no address or return number. Every coach can access the directory. Send a formal termination letter with the cancellation number on the top of the letter, and mentioned several times throughout. Tell them you will file fraud charges if your account is touched again. Mention the FTC. Send the letter certified mail. If you do not recieve the cancellation letter within five days, you will have to contact them again. Use the same routine; it will save time. Never, ever threaten a lawsuit over the phone because you will be immediately transferred to the legal department to be greeted by their answering machine and a black mark will be left on your account, which means from that point on you will ONLY be directed to the legal department. They will never get back to you. It's a hassle and I'm sorry, but it's your only recourse. AOL does love its petty torments. The bottom line is to keep your account no matter what. A lot of the billing has also been shipped over to India, so many of these reps' English is broken at best. No disrespect intended, it's just the truth of the situation. (800) 827-6364 is the best number to try. Put in your zipcode as 73107. This will direct you to the Oklahoma City call center, or the Phoenix, AZ one. They are the most reasonable. Make them send you a printout of ALL activity on your account. Once again, they are required by law to disclose this to you. And never deal with AOl again. They know they are breaking the law. They simply do not care.
