Complaint Review: EDP Reporting- EDebitPay - EDP Tracking - Super Acclaim Card - EDP MasterCard EX - Valley Village California

After finding out that a few checks and monthly authorized bank drafts either bounced or were kicked back, I contacted my bank for further information. From there, I found out that this company by the name of EDP had deducted $159.95 from my account for what they referenced was a Visa Acclaim Card as a pre-authorized check on 07/20/2006. I was livid. I had no idea what this was and had not received any communication from this company in any way. No correspondence. No phone call. Nothing.

I immediately called the number shown on the check that they generated, several times in fact. Each time I tried, I was on hold for a period of time and then disconnected. A recording directed me to visit their website (www.edpreporting.com) and drop and email or to conduct a live chat with an operator. I tried to do a live chat, but, to no surprise there was a system error. I really didn't want to send a email as I was very angry and wanted this dealt with right away. Alas, for the next couple days I continued to try to reach someone by phone.

Someone finally answered on 08/11 only this guy was their backup answering service or something like that. He said that he had no information and he could only take a message and someone would call me back or email me if they couldn't reach me. No one did. I called them again on 08/24--no luck. So, I finally gave in a sent an email.

Someone responded (Camile D.)late in the evening-not really answering any of my questions. All she said was that she found my online order which proves that I placed this purchase and they take fraud very seriously that they recorded my IP address and if it wasn't me then I needed to go to my police station and fill out a fraud report. Blah, Blah, Blah. I replied that regardless, I wanted my money back that I am telling them as a consumer that this was not anything that I agreed to.

Here's what I believe happened. I was applying for a cash advance loan. Somewhere along the way, they had their information on getting one of their cards right in the same application for the cash advance application. Not knowing this, I proceeded along with the cash advance application, which by the way did not go through. So that was that. I didn't get the loan. I went about my business. Next thing you know, this company charged $159.95 from my account.

All I have about this company is this. They are unethical. Preying on people who are obviously financially distressed. Why would a company mingle in application for a card (this is a debit card apparently) with an outrageous fee and not make it clear and obvious to a consumer as to what's going on.

If I'm applying for a cash advance, does it seem reasonable that I would want or be able to afford a $160 debit card. This $160 is a maintenance fee, I believe, and is not added to the balance of the card. Like, I said I did not get any form of communication from them at all. This is like just giving away $160. I already have a debit card through my checking account so why would I just fork over $160 and not get anything out of it.

Furthermore, if this was any ethical, reputuable company why didn't they contact me in any manner to verify this transaction and to confirm that they were going to be deduction from my account and verify that funds were available? Also, when I explained all this saying that I wanted a refund, why wouldn't they just return my money to me. Why would they say that I don't qualify for a refund. They are a fraud. This company had caused me even more financial distress.

Any help that anyone could give me on getting my money back swiftly would be greatly appreciated. I also want them to pay my late charges as well as the late fee that I had to pay my landlord for not being able to pay my rent. I would like to take legal action, if necessary. If someone could direct to any state and government agencies that could help, I'd really appreciate it.

Note: I finally did get through to someone today. Her name was Jasmine Jones. I asked for the name, title, phone number and address for the head officer of the company and she told me that there wasn't one-just her. After doing a business search at California's Secretary of State website, I found that the Agent for Service of Process for the company is Dale Paul Cleveland.

Again, any help would be greatly appreciated. And I did go to my bank and filled out a fraud report. But, they have to do an investigation that may take several weeks.

M

Hartford, Connecticut
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!

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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.