Complaint Review: American Advantage National Government Grant Dept. - Winter Park Florida

At 8:46 pm EST on 9/23/05, I was sitting in my truck waiting for my husband to come from the store. When I received a call on my cell phone. It was a man asking if I was indeed,Dawn ******** and lived at 3618 W. **** ****** in ****** ****,PA. I told him yes it was. Again he repeated the same information to me.With that being said, I again confirmed that indeed I was the above mentioned person.At which time I was bewildered as to how he got my information, being the fact that I was on my cell phone at the time. He went on to tell me, that he was calling for the US Government Grant Dept. And that the US Government has all my information in their database. I told him ok, continue. He then asked me if I had filed my 2003 tax return . I informed him ,that indeed we did.He then stated how 6000 people across the USA have been chosen to receive grant money from the US Government. I then asked why was I chosen. He told me the US Government was giving grants to those in need of assistance, whether it was to assist personal finances or to begin a business. They are not there to inquire as to what the money is needed for,just to give it . And at no time now or in the future would I be required to pay this money back.As he continued the conversation,he went on to tell me that a United States Processor would be arriving at my home with in 24 hours to deliver a Welcome Package, that was to include; legal documents,$500. and information of our recorded conversation, a long with, my grant ID#.He went on to tell me the steps and procedures that would follow next.He then told me of how our check for $12,500. would be electronically transferred to our bank within 4 days. Through out the entire conversation,I questioned him repeatedly, and with every question he had an answer. He then went on to ask me for my bank routing number and account number. At this time my heart stopped beating. I told him I will not give that information to any one over the phone. He told me if its a matter of me not trusting him, he completely understands. He said if I want that he can transfer me to his supervisor to verify its legitimacy.I then told him yes. He supposedly attempted 3x to avail his supervisor to me. To no avail. He felt my doubts and went on to tell me if I didnt trust him ,then I should freeze the bank account or empty the account til I saw that indeed the money was there.He again went on to ask for my account information. I told him that I am in my truck and the info.is not with me. That he would need to allow me 5-7 minutes to arrive home. He agreed. As we were on our way home I called my bank to ask if they had heard of this before. They said they had not heard of it.As I arrived home,I was waiting for him to call. It allowed me time to check the beautiful internet. Which is where I found this site, that informed me of this scam! THANK YOU VERY MUCH ! From there the man called back, but he was too late, I informed him of my newly informed info. and told him I was aware of the scam.Ithen hung up. I called the fraud dept. of my bank and alerted the m also. They had already been aware and took further steps to protect all.

Dawn

Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania
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]

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Don't let them get away with it.

Make sure they make the Rip-off Report!

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