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  • Report:  #252943

Complaint Review: Area Circulation - Virginia Beach Virginia

Reported By:
- Orlando, Florida,
Submitted:
Updated:

Area Circulation
5656 Shell Rd Virginia Beach, 23455-3725 Virginia, U.S.A.
Phone:
757-499-8330
Web:
N/A
Tell us has your experience with this business or person been good? What's this?
I recieved a phone call from this company on 5-29-07. I spoke with a woman who told me that I had won a contest! I thought how cool, I never win contests (The hook). She then told me that I was entered into an exclusive contest where the winner walks away with $1,000,000. And that the company she is with would provide to me a vaction package for a few days at some exclusive locations in 4 star hotels, I'd also be reciveing a couple of magazine subscriptions "free of charge" (line). WOOHOO!

The next step was to talk me out of my card information. EASY. As a confermation we'll need your name, address, phone number, and a valid credit card number (and sinker). I gave my information thinking how great it would be to take my pregnant wife to Cancun or Palm Springs after the baby is born to getaway.

This is when I was transfered to a fast-talking male who congratulated me again and repeated many of the great things to come saying that all I'd have to do is pay somewhere between two and three dollars, amongst a stream of words that I cannot for the life of me remember it was so fast, somehow adding up to twelve payments totaling $74.75. I agreed, you can't beat a vacation for $74.75. She congradulated me once more and told me I'd be recieving a call from a supervisor.

No more than two minutes later I recieved a phone call from a woman claiming to be a supervisor. She asked some of the same questions as the last guy and congradulated me. By this time I was in a Target Superstore and my cell phones battery life was coming to an end, which I informed her of. "We'll me this quick then" she said to me before she attacked my ear with a string of words and numbers repeating numbers and words, asking if I understood.

Confused I told her that'd I'd like to cancel and reminded her of my dieing phone. She told me to just bare with her and asked wether or not I remembered what she said. "Do you remember how many payments you'd be making?" she asks, "Umm... twelve?" Thats right! "Do you remember how much the payment was?" she asks, "Uhh....$74.75?" Thats great so I'll just confirm with you you'll be paying your first installment of $74.75 today... HOLD UP. I'm paying $74.75 a month? CANCEL. I'd like to cancel please. Shes says something about the cancellation and my phone dies.

Four days later a payment of $74.75 is taken out of my bank account.

That morning I call the customer service line after having to look it up online, I'm greeted by a man who had no idea what he was getting himself into.

I told him the problem I had with canceling and still paying.He told me he would see what he can do. Informed me that the compnay financally obligated itself when I "confirmed." I told him that I had spoke to three different people all of which siad I confirmed and that I had cacelled with the last one. I want my money back. He told me that he could not refund my money and that he could only zero out my account until I had a better "finanical situation." I told him that my situation was fine, that I would not pay anything, and that I wanted my money back.

Cancellation is cancellation where I'm from. After a few minutes of civilized debate with him he offered to discount the payments to about $33 a month. I, becoming vexed now, told him that I don't appreciate being fast talked to which he replied he was not and wouldn't think of doing so. Then I let him know that I've many friends in the telemarketing business what with living in ORLANDO FLORIDA and all. That he could find clearly stated on the RECORDED sales call that I had tried to cancel. That he would refund me money or the next morning bright and early I'd be going to the bank and disputing the fraudulent charge.

Finally peace. He agreed, told me that he'd cancelled my "account" and refunded me my $74.75.

I suggest to any and everyone to watch out for these scam-artists. And be aware that if you've been bamboozled by them, you can and will get your money back with a calm, civilized talkin' to and a threat to call the bank on a case of fraud.

Trevor

Orlando, Florida

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.


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