Complaint Review: Buyers Union Premeire Benefits Of Home Depot Premiere Movie Passes - Orange California

I was contacted in early April from a man with an asian or indian accent calling on behalf of "Premiere Benefits of Home Depot". I was told that I was one out of 15 people who had won a 200 dollar gift card to home depot. He somehow knew that we had shopped at home depot the day before. I didnt want to get involved but he made it sound very legit and secure.

I asked if I could use my visa check card for the "one time fee of $3.95 and he said no, I had to give my checking account number because it was more secure. I would also be getting something from Premiere Movie Passes and something else but all I had to do was call and cancel when it came in the mail and I would still recieve the $200 dollar gift card.

I got some passes from Premiere Movie Passes a few days later and I called and cancled it. I also told the indian/asian woman, named Althea, to cancel EVERYTHING that had to do with Premeire Benefits of Home Depot and she said she would.

Last month $119.00 was taken out of my bank account by Buyers Union. I thought that I had paid a bill and forgot to record it so I let it slide. Then on May 17th I was billed again by Buyers Union for $119.00. I was also told by my bank that I was charged the "one time only fee" of $3.95 THREE times instead of just once.

I called and talked to another asian/indian woman and asked what was going on and was told that I had not cancled my account. Then was told that I had to call three seperate places to cancel with each even though they only gave me one number to call to cancel (but I found out they are all the same company) She told me I would not be getting my money back and that there was no way to get it back. I told her to let me listen to the recording of when I cancelled or agreed to $119.00 and the only thing she played back was my voice giving my checking account numbers to a recording. I told her that was very convienient that they only record that and not when we call to cancel or complain. While I was waiting for her to start said recording she started singing badly into the phone. I assured her that I didnt care to listen to her sing, so she stopped... and started humming.

After arguing with her for a half hour telling her to let me speak to her higher-up she finally put another accented woman on the phone, who told me her name was Kirsten Windree and that she was the only higher up I could talk to.

I gave her my cancellation number that I got when I called to cancel and she told me it wasnt even the right cancelation number, and that they had no records of me calling to cancel. I told her she was wrong and gave her the date I called to cancel and she then laughed,told me I was a liar and hung up on me.

My bank was able to bounce back the most recent $119.00 back into my account but I couldnt get the rest back. There is an investigator who will be calling me tomorrow and I have filed with the BBB in Orange, Ca and also with the Federal Trade Commission. And I joined the Do Not Call list.

Now I have to put a hold on my account and open a new one.

I should have gone with my gut instinct on this one..

Belinda Dawn

Leander, Texas
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 you 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/comptroller 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!

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CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.