Complaint Review: Distinct Advantage - Freedom Gold - TelFlex - Teliflex - Saint Petersburg Florida

I got a call from a woman about a plan that would help me get my credit back on track. It sounded really good, I could look it over for 2 weeks and if I did not like it I could cancel with no charge. I knew it was stupid to give them my checking account number but I did it anyway. I asked her why and she said it was part of the plan to get my credit back in black and beside they would not use it if I did not agree the plan was a good one. I knew it was a bad mistake to give it out but I did. I tried calling them back as soon as I hung up and really realized how stupid it was but I got some recording but I could talk to no one. Then about 6 weeks went by and my bank account was slammed with an $149.00 charge.

I called Freedom Gold again (this made it 6 calls) and told them they made a mistake and I wanted my money back and to cancel the thing because I had not recieved anything in the mail from them, the woman had promised a full disclosure and break down of how the system worked. What I got was a nasty man threatening me and telling me they had a recording of my voice giving them my bank account information. The next day I conviently got the package from them. It was the full break down of the plan alright a rip off plan, that had also inrolled me in a free trial with a company called Distinct Advantage.

I called both companies phone numbers and Freedom Gold said they could cancel the plan over the phone but I would have to write a letter to there address to get my money back. What a rip off I did not get a 2 week free trial I just got ripped off! I called Distinct Advantage and all I got was an automated voice system letting me discontinue my contract and if I had any more questions I had to write them at their address. Well I wrote both companies and I have heard nothing back. I told my bank that I did authorize Freedom Gold but no other companies. I explained that I was supposed to get a 2 week free trial but they charged me before I got the paper work. They said sorry but we can't help. Then out of the blue I get a charge from Distinct Advantage for $79.95 I called again a canceled it.

At the end of the month I was hit with a charge from a company called TelFlex some long distance service for $49.95. I had never heard of the company but I have since found they are affliated with Freedom Gold and Distinct Advantage. I called them and got their automated system that would only allow me to cancel my plan which I had none with them, or get a phone card. Finally they granted me permission to write their company with any questions I had. Well I wrote them that day. Now it is January and I get hit again by TelFlex with another charge of $49.95. I am at my boiling point. So I have written them all another letter and I have called them everyday to cancel my unauthorized memberships!

William

Harleysville, 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]

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.