A couple of weeks ago I was checking my bank statement and I saw a pending charge for some company called ShopDani.com. I had never heard of them and since the charge was for $79 I looked them up. It is a site for some membership for handmade jewelry that gets shipped to you once a month. Ugly jewelry, no less.
I immediately called my bank and told them this was a fraudulent charge. It was after hours but fortunately I do most of my banking online and was able to speak directly to a representative. She cancelled my card and reversed all the charges, but I had to wait almost a week for a new card. Annoying and inconvenient, yes, but better than being ripped off for who knows how much money!!
I tried to call the company several times but only got a voice mail. Since it was the Thanksgiving Day weekend I assumed they were out of the office and since the bank took care of it I put it out of my mind. End of story.
Imagine my surprise when I got home from work today and saw a large white envelope from someplace called Cafe Saporito with a big label thanking me for my order. I looked at the return address and I became suspicious when I saw that it was from a PO Box in Evanston IL--the same town that ShopDani.com was from.
I went online and tried to find this Cafe Saporito but found no reference to it. I opened the package and a 2 pound bag of coffee from Seattle Coffee Direct and a travel mug fell out. I remembered that I had ordered coffee from them quite some time ago--probably close to a year now--but had cancelled my order almost immediately because I decided it wasn't a good value. I talked with them on the phone and they cancelled my account but I was charged for two 1 pound bags because they had already been sent out.
I received the coffee in due time and used it and thought nothing more about it. I am curious now, however, about this current order. I cancelled the card and I cannot find any new charges relating to this particular order on my bank statement. I will be calling my bank--again--and letting them know about this. Hopefully I won't have to cancel another card!
Isn't there some way that these people can be stopped? I was going to call but realize that it will obviously be a waste of my time. This is infuriating and rather alarming. I do a lot of financial stuff online--now I may have to rethink that policy...
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 CARDIf 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 RipoffReport.com Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com
Rip-off Report PO Box 310, Tempe, Arizona 85280