- Report: #1033822
Complaint Review: Consumer Grant U.S.A. - Saint Petersberg Florida
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Consumer Grant U.S.A.
P 1021 51rst Ave N Saint Petersberg, 33703 Florida, U.S.A.
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Consumer Grant U.S.A. rip-off! No mention of cost until I gave them my account number. Saint Petersberg Florida *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!
Yesterday afternoon I received a call from a person who was very difficult to understand, especially since I have hearing problems. My husband and I had been discussing government grants earlier so when he talked about government grants I thought he might be someone getting back to him or I would have hung up on him right then. My husband was gone at the time.
He first said that I could get a grant for $3,000, a grant so I would not have to ever pay it back. He wanted to send me the information and needed to verify my address etc. He already had my address.
He then wanted to know if we had a bank account, what kind, and that he needed the number so that the money could be directly deposited into our account. That was the reason I gave him the info. It wasn't until after I gave him the information that he informed me that there would be a charge of $284.00 which he later amended to $244.00 in order for me to get the information and later the money.
During this time I was questioning whether this is a scam, and he assured me that I could speak with their security person and that of course I had to verify all my info with their security person. He promised that I would get a number to call if I had any questions and that I could opt out and say that I have changed my mind. They would also give me a tracking number which I would need to get the report when it arrived. It was supposed to get to me by September 30th.
He said that they would debit my account Sept. 23rd which he later changed to September 22nd, a fourth Wed. which is the day my SS Check is deposited. (He didn't say that - I later figgured that out) He later said that it would take 180 -190 days before I could get the money.
This morning, Sept. 10th I called the number he gave me, 1 800 551 7099 and told them that I wanted to opt out because I needed the money sooner that 6 months. The lady who answered informed me that she couldn't opt me out, that she could only put in a request that I be opted out. When asked how I could learn if they opted me out she said that I would have to call back and ask.
She was not the company, only an answering service of some kind. I had never fully understood who was calling as He kept insisting that he was calling for the government. I asked the lady for the name of the company that called me, which is where I learned that it was Consumer Grants USA. She either did not have an address or phone number for the company or was not allowed to give it out because she said she didn't know and that I could have to go to another department to learn that.
My husband went on the internet this morning and found this website which confirmed our fears. This is why I am writing this report and will take measures to keep my money.
Thank you,
Olive
Mexia, 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 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.
He first said that I could get a grant for $3,000, a grant so I would not have to ever pay it back. He wanted to send me the information and needed to verify my address etc. He already had my address.
He then wanted to know if we had a bank account, what kind, and that he needed the number so that the money could be directly deposited into our account. That was the reason I gave him the info. It wasn't until after I gave him the information that he informed me that there would be a charge of $284.00 which he later amended to $244.00 in order for me to get the information and later the money.
During this time I was questioning whether this is a scam, and he assured me that I could speak with their security person and that of course I had to verify all my info with their security person. He promised that I would get a number to call if I had any questions and that I could opt out and say that I have changed my mind. They would also give me a tracking number which I would need to get the report when it arrived. It was supposed to get to me by September 30th.
He said that they would debit my account Sept. 23rd which he later changed to September 22nd, a fourth Wed. which is the day my SS Check is deposited. (He didn't say that - I later figgured that out) He later said that it would take 180 -190 days before I could get the money.
This morning, Sept. 10th I called the number he gave me, 1 800 551 7099 and told them that I wanted to opt out because I needed the money sooner that 6 months. The lady who answered informed me that she couldn't opt me out, that she could only put in a request that I be opted out. When asked how I could learn if they opted me out she said that I would have to call back and ask.
She was not the company, only an answering service of some kind. I had never fully understood who was calling as He kept insisting that he was calling for the government. I asked the lady for the name of the company that called me, which is where I learned that it was Consumer Grants USA. She either did not have an address or phone number for the company or was not allowed to give it out because she said she didn't know and that I could have to go to another department to learn that.
My husband went on the internet this morning and found this website which confirmed our fears. This is why I am writing this report and will take measures to keep my money.
Thank you,
Olive
Mexia, 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 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.
