- Report: #98155
Complaint Review: First Atlantic Savings - Champlain New York
-
Author Not Confirmed
Why?
First Atlantic Savings
P.O. Box 3028 Champlain, 12919-3028 New York, U.S.A.
Phone:
866-731-3456
Web:
N/A
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First Atlantic Savings credit card scam Champlain New York
I was originally contacted about April 5th-7th. The draft date of my funds was April 16th. Details of all calls below.
Better Business Bureau Online Link:
http://search.buffalo.bbb.org/nis/newsearch2.asp?ID=1&ComID=0041000017001872
Original Call:
-I was told that due to an application I'd submitted online, I'd been approved for an unsecured line of credit in the amount of $3,000.00
-I was told that the credit card was a Visa or Mastercard. (to be determined)
-I was told that due to bad credit or no credit that the agency contacting me would handle the process and already had secured a third party bank to issue the credit card.
-I was told that I'd receive the Mastercard or Visa via mail about 2 weeks from draft date of my funds. (I was also told that due to legal issues they have to say it's approximately a month from draft date, but it would really arrive in about 2 weeks from draft date)
-I was told the fee was $299.00. That there were no yearly fees involved and the card carried a 10-13% finance charge/interest rate.
-I was told the monthly minimum payment was 3% of balance.
-I was told that once I received the card I was welcome to take a cash advance of $300 to replace the money I'd had drafted from my account by First Atlantic Savings.
My questions included:
-Is this really an unsecured credit card line of credit? Answer: yes.
-This is not a secured line or loadable' credit card? (meaning secured only by the funds I deposited to my credit account to be used against charges at a later time. A loadable credit card is only good for the amount held for me on the account ). Answer: no
-This is not a merchant card, good only for online purchase or catalog purchases through one company's website or catalog? Answer: no.
-This is an unsecured credit card good to be used at any retail store or website (accepting visa or mastercard purchases) and is backed by Visa or Mastercard? Answer: yes
-This is guaranteed to carry a $3000 unsecured line of credit? Answer: yes, that's the only amount this department handles and you've been approved for that amount.
-So I can pay my bills or consolidate my debt onto this one credit card and pay off the accrued debt as I am able? Answer: yes, the minimum payment due monthly is 3% of total balance, that's only $30 a month per $1000 owed. Your minimum payment on the full $3000, if the credit line is at maximum balance, would be as little as $90 a month.
Recording Call:
-I was again assured that this was an unsecured line of credit in the amount of $3000.00
I was told that a package containing my visa or mastercard would arrive in approximately 2 weeks from draft date even though the recording had to state approximately 30 days legally.
The recording contained the use of the word credit card' instead of any language referring to visa or mastercard and never used the word unsecured. I was asked my banking information as well to withdraw the $299.00 necessary to receive the package containing the card.
After Recording call I viewed the Better Business Bureau site and became very worried. I called the First Atlantic customer service number and asked about the number of complaints listed with BBB. I was told that other people, people who'd misrepresented themselves and their financial background by not admitting to bounced checks in the past, had received a merchant card (good for purchases by catalog and online for one company only) and because they were unhappy, they complained but really it was their own fault and that I do not fall into that category. I'd been approved for a different program and would be getting an unsecured credit card through mastercard or visa and a third party bank. That First Atlantic just finds the third party and acts as a middleman."
I was then assured once again that the card being sent in the package due to arrive was in fact an unsecured visa or mastercard credit card carrying a $3000.00 available line of credit and not a merchant card. I asked specifically about the loadable' credit card and was a third time assured that I had nothing to worry about and I would not be receiving any merchant card or loadable' credit card.
Next Call: To double check on package arrival date.
I was told all packages for the draft date April 16th (this included me) were set to go out on Friday, April 30th and that I should call back on the following Monday (May 3rd) for a package tracking number.
Call May 3rd: The story changes a bit..
I asked for my tracking number and was told that not only has the package not gone out, but that those packages are not tracked and are sent via United States Postal Service. I was told that packages are sent out approximately a month from the date of bank draft. I again asked about the visa or mastercard unsecured credit card I'd be receiving and was then told that no packages contain actual credit cards as a signature card is included in the package for me to then sign and send out to receive my credit card. I was also assured again that this was in fact an unsecured visa or mastercard carrying a $3000 line of credit.
Call May 11th:
I called to once again be assured that this was in fact an unsecured credit card coming to me. To confirm that there was a signature card to be sent out after the package arrived and that what I'd been told was approximately 2 weeks after receipt of the signature card I'd receive my unsecured visa or mastercard carrying a $3000.00 credit line. I was rudely told that I was wrong. That First Atlantic Savings handles loadable' credit cards in order to establish or correct past credit issues.
I asked to cancel my order and asked for an immediate refund and was again rudely told that there is a cancellation slip to fill out in the package being sent. That IF I were to receive a refund, I'd have to go through a board of people deciding on this.
I questioned the IF part of the statement and was told that a refund was not always given. That I'd have to prove that what I'd been told was not what had been delivered to me. I was asked to review the recorded call I'd made and knew that there was (conveniently for First Atlantic) no language referring to unsecured credit card or to Visa or Mastercard.
I asked about the other calls I'd made to the customer service number at First Atlantic and questioned why I'd been told many lies outside of the recording. I had inferred from the calls previous to the recording call, and even before and after the recording call (by the person handling the recording) all of the information I'd been told was truthful. That I was in fact receiving an unsecured mastercard or visa credit card carrying a $3000.00 line of credit. I'd been assured that there was no merchant card or loadable card involved. I was told to take it up with the board.
Receipt of package: May 14th.
Contents:
Page 1: Welcome Note
Back of Page 1: Right of cancellation and refund policy:
1. You may cancel this order without any penalty or obligation within seven (7) days from the delivery of our First Atlantic Savings Package.
2. If you cancel within this seven (7) business day period, the entire payment made by you, less the non-refundable shipping & handling charges of $29.99 will be returned after receipt by First Atlantic Savings of your returned package.
3. To cancel this transaction, you must mail or deliver (by fax) a signed and dated copy of your cancellation notice or send a telegram to First Atlantic Savings c/o shipping at P.O. Box 3028, Champlain, NY 12919-3028
Not withstanding the above, in order to receive your refund, you must return the entire First Atlantic Savings Benefit Package to First Atlantic Savings P.O. Box 3028, Champlain, NY, 12919-3028. Failure to do so may void your right to receive a refund as per applicable laws.
(please take notice: no fax number is provided) After calling the customer service number I verified with 3 calls that the fax number is #(866) 824-7272.
-Additional Information Form: Merchant Card Terms and Conditions.
-Preferred Customer Order Form: (Global Media)
-First Processing: Global Cash Card (ATM, Phone Card stored value card')
-Foundmoney.com Advertisement
-www.truecredit.com Advertisement
-Free Information: List of Banks offering Unsecured & Secured Credit Cards with toll free contact numbers.
-Pre-Approved Up to $500 cash loan form.
-Computer and Internet Package: www.peoplepc.com offering internet services and computers.
-Low Cost Legal Coverage: no reference to attorney or legal firm's name, just a number to call for a 3 minute information call: (212) 796-7262
-Auto Loans Nationwide Form: www.autoyes.com
-Approval Notice: $5,000.00 loadable mastercard credit card.
-First Premier Bank: (800) 672-7747 to call for your risk free application for an unsecured Visa credit card.
-Cross Country Bank: (800) 252-1159 to call for your risk free application for an unsecured Visa credit card. (same wording as First Premier Form, name changed)
-First USA Bank: (800) 347-7887 to call for your risk free application for an unsecured Visa credit card. (same wording as First Premier and Cross Country Form, name changed)
-Merchant Card
-Medical and Prescription Program Information and Application Form:
-Fast Loan$ Subsequent Loan & Line of Credit Advance Request Form. Form states third party is allowed to apply for credit on his or her behalf.
-Cash and Check Card Application: Visa loadable card.
-FAQ sheet: regards merchandise and catalog orders
-(4) $50 Merchandise Vouchers: benefits provider to cover expense.
-Free Security System Brochure: (800) 870-0678
-Free Dish Network 500 Satellite System Brochure: (800) 870-0678
-Identity Theft Prevention Guide
-Mandrell Sisters Catalog: no corporate logo. Just a caption on the front cover saying Something for Everyone! Even busy Entertainers like the Mandrell Sisters!
Call May 17th:
I confirmed that I was canceling and asked to confirm the fax number.
I made mention of the First Atlantic Savings phone systems. They have caller ID so my account is on screen before I introduce myself. My question was whether or not each call I've made to them was logged along with a rep's name as to whom I'd spoken to. The answer was yes.
I reviewed my reasoning for canceling my package, that I'd been lied to about the contents of the package and services, as they'd been described to me, had not at all been what I'd received.
I was told that it'd be unwise to say I'd been lied to as the recorded call would (in it's clever wording) prove that wrong.
I was told to say that I'd not understood the program and the contents of the package and I'd be given my refund.
I asked why and was told that the customer service reps hear the same story everyday and people who claim they've been lied to don't get their money refunded. The recording is scripted in such a way that the language used is deceptive. By saying I did not understand the product being sold to me I'd be fine and would be refunded my money.
--------------------------------------
FAX to First Atlantic Bank:
To: First Atlantic Savings
P.O. Box 3028
Champlain, NY 12919-3028
Fax: (866) 824-7272
From: Kirsten xxxxxx
Winter Park, FL 32789
RE: Notice of Cancellation
Date: May 18, 2004
To whom it may concern,
I received my package by mail on Friday, May 14th. At the time of my sales call and bank draft I did not understand the product. I would like a refund and am following your policy by notifying you by fax within 7 business days of receipt of my package. I sent the package back to you today (May 18th) by USPS. Please take this fax as a formal notice of cancellation and refund the $269.01 to my bank account as soon as possible. You may contact me by phone at (407) xxx-xxxx.
Thank you for your time,
Kirsten xxxxxx
5/18/04
-------------------------------------------
Faxed from and confirmed at: Kinko's, Aloma Avenue, Winter Park, FL. 1:53pmEST May 18th. Cost: $1.06
Package sent by USPS May 18th: Certified and Priority mail (due to arrive in NY P.O. Box no later than Friday, May 21st). Cost $9.10.
Tracking number:70040750000351922672
Signed for by: Alan Grill on May 20th.
Call to First Atlantic Savings: Confirmed Receipt of Fax and re-confirmed cancellation. I was told that refunds are processed 1-30 days from receipt of original fax and package.
Mid June: Called to ask why, after 30 days, I'd not heard from the company. Was told that there was a 30 business day refund policy.
June 30th: Called to demand that I speak with someone other than customer service and was told that this 866 customer service hotline was a hired 3rd party customer service company who wasn't directly affiliated with First Atlantic Savings, but that they would send a message to the main office for my immediate call back.
July 5th: Called again to demand another message be sent to the main office for my immediate refund.
My calls have been ignored and I have not heard from anyone at First Atlantic Directly. It's interesting how the story changed from customer service representative to representative.
I'm sorry to have taken up so much space, but I figured that by being extremely detailed, it could only help others in their own pursuit. I do not have bad credit, just a lack of credit history and given my questions to the various representatives in my calls, I felt confident everything was working out. I was very much lied to. This company uses very deceptive sales pitches to draw money from people and deliver information instead of the mastercard or visa unsecured credit card that had been promised and offered. The information provided at a cost of $299.00 is all free information anyone can obtain online or via 800 numbers for any banking establishment.
Thank you for any help you can give me in this matter. I feel stupid for being so trusting and now have put myself in more debt waiting for the 'unsecured credit card' that never arrived and First Atlantic Savings had no intention of sending.
Kirsten
Winter Park, Florida
U.S.A.
Better Business Bureau Online Link:
http://search.buffalo.bbb.org/nis/newsearch2.asp?ID=1&ComID=0041000017001872
Original Call:
-I was told that due to an application I'd submitted online, I'd been approved for an unsecured line of credit in the amount of $3,000.00
-I was told that the credit card was a Visa or Mastercard. (to be determined)
-I was told that due to bad credit or no credit that the agency contacting me would handle the process and already had secured a third party bank to issue the credit card.
-I was told that I'd receive the Mastercard or Visa via mail about 2 weeks from draft date of my funds. (I was also told that due to legal issues they have to say it's approximately a month from draft date, but it would really arrive in about 2 weeks from draft date)
-I was told the fee was $299.00. That there were no yearly fees involved and the card carried a 10-13% finance charge/interest rate.
-I was told the monthly minimum payment was 3% of balance.
-I was told that once I received the card I was welcome to take a cash advance of $300 to replace the money I'd had drafted from my account by First Atlantic Savings.
My questions included:
-Is this really an unsecured credit card line of credit? Answer: yes.
-This is not a secured line or loadable' credit card? (meaning secured only by the funds I deposited to my credit account to be used against charges at a later time. A loadable credit card is only good for the amount held for me on the account ). Answer: no
-This is not a merchant card, good only for online purchase or catalog purchases through one company's website or catalog? Answer: no.
-This is an unsecured credit card good to be used at any retail store or website (accepting visa or mastercard purchases) and is backed by Visa or Mastercard? Answer: yes
-This is guaranteed to carry a $3000 unsecured line of credit? Answer: yes, that's the only amount this department handles and you've been approved for that amount.
-So I can pay my bills or consolidate my debt onto this one credit card and pay off the accrued debt as I am able? Answer: yes, the minimum payment due monthly is 3% of total balance, that's only $30 a month per $1000 owed. Your minimum payment on the full $3000, if the credit line is at maximum balance, would be as little as $90 a month.
Recording Call:
-I was again assured that this was an unsecured line of credit in the amount of $3000.00
I was told that a package containing my visa or mastercard would arrive in approximately 2 weeks from draft date even though the recording had to state approximately 30 days legally.
The recording contained the use of the word credit card' instead of any language referring to visa or mastercard and never used the word unsecured. I was asked my banking information as well to withdraw the $299.00 necessary to receive the package containing the card.
After Recording call I viewed the Better Business Bureau site and became very worried. I called the First Atlantic customer service number and asked about the number of complaints listed with BBB. I was told that other people, people who'd misrepresented themselves and their financial background by not admitting to bounced checks in the past, had received a merchant card (good for purchases by catalog and online for one company only) and because they were unhappy, they complained but really it was their own fault and that I do not fall into that category. I'd been approved for a different program and would be getting an unsecured credit card through mastercard or visa and a third party bank. That First Atlantic just finds the third party and acts as a middleman."
I was then assured once again that the card being sent in the package due to arrive was in fact an unsecured visa or mastercard credit card carrying a $3000.00 available line of credit and not a merchant card. I asked specifically about the loadable' credit card and was a third time assured that I had nothing to worry about and I would not be receiving any merchant card or loadable' credit card.
Next Call: To double check on package arrival date.
I was told all packages for the draft date April 16th (this included me) were set to go out on Friday, April 30th and that I should call back on the following Monday (May 3rd) for a package tracking number.
Call May 3rd: The story changes a bit..
I asked for my tracking number and was told that not only has the package not gone out, but that those packages are not tracked and are sent via United States Postal Service. I was told that packages are sent out approximately a month from the date of bank draft. I again asked about the visa or mastercard unsecured credit card I'd be receiving and was then told that no packages contain actual credit cards as a signature card is included in the package for me to then sign and send out to receive my credit card. I was also assured again that this was in fact an unsecured visa or mastercard carrying a $3000 line of credit.
Call May 11th:
I called to once again be assured that this was in fact an unsecured credit card coming to me. To confirm that there was a signature card to be sent out after the package arrived and that what I'd been told was approximately 2 weeks after receipt of the signature card I'd receive my unsecured visa or mastercard carrying a $3000.00 credit line. I was rudely told that I was wrong. That First Atlantic Savings handles loadable' credit cards in order to establish or correct past credit issues.
I asked to cancel my order and asked for an immediate refund and was again rudely told that there is a cancellation slip to fill out in the package being sent. That IF I were to receive a refund, I'd have to go through a board of people deciding on this.
I questioned the IF part of the statement and was told that a refund was not always given. That I'd have to prove that what I'd been told was not what had been delivered to me. I was asked to review the recorded call I'd made and knew that there was (conveniently for First Atlantic) no language referring to unsecured credit card or to Visa or Mastercard.
I asked about the other calls I'd made to the customer service number at First Atlantic and questioned why I'd been told many lies outside of the recording. I had inferred from the calls previous to the recording call, and even before and after the recording call (by the person handling the recording) all of the information I'd been told was truthful. That I was in fact receiving an unsecured mastercard or visa credit card carrying a $3000.00 line of credit. I'd been assured that there was no merchant card or loadable card involved. I was told to take it up with the board.
Receipt of package: May 14th.
Contents:
Page 1: Welcome Note
Back of Page 1: Right of cancellation and refund policy:
1. You may cancel this order without any penalty or obligation within seven (7) days from the delivery of our First Atlantic Savings Package.
2. If you cancel within this seven (7) business day period, the entire payment made by you, less the non-refundable shipping & handling charges of $29.99 will be returned after receipt by First Atlantic Savings of your returned package.
3. To cancel this transaction, you must mail or deliver (by fax) a signed and dated copy of your cancellation notice or send a telegram to First Atlantic Savings c/o shipping at P.O. Box 3028, Champlain, NY 12919-3028
Not withstanding the above, in order to receive your refund, you must return the entire First Atlantic Savings Benefit Package to First Atlantic Savings P.O. Box 3028, Champlain, NY, 12919-3028. Failure to do so may void your right to receive a refund as per applicable laws.
(please take notice: no fax number is provided) After calling the customer service number I verified with 3 calls that the fax number is #(866) 824-7272.
-Additional Information Form: Merchant Card Terms and Conditions.
-Preferred Customer Order Form: (Global Media)
-First Processing: Global Cash Card (ATM, Phone Card stored value card')
-Foundmoney.com Advertisement
-www.truecredit.com Advertisement
-Free Information: List of Banks offering Unsecured & Secured Credit Cards with toll free contact numbers.
-Pre-Approved Up to $500 cash loan form.
-Computer and Internet Package: www.peoplepc.com offering internet services and computers.
-Low Cost Legal Coverage: no reference to attorney or legal firm's name, just a number to call for a 3 minute information call: (212) 796-7262
-Auto Loans Nationwide Form: www.autoyes.com
-Approval Notice: $5,000.00 loadable mastercard credit card.
-First Premier Bank: (800) 672-7747 to call for your risk free application for an unsecured Visa credit card.
-Cross Country Bank: (800) 252-1159 to call for your risk free application for an unsecured Visa credit card. (same wording as First Premier Form, name changed)
-First USA Bank: (800) 347-7887 to call for your risk free application for an unsecured Visa credit card. (same wording as First Premier and Cross Country Form, name changed)
-Merchant Card
-Medical and Prescription Program Information and Application Form:
-Fast Loan$ Subsequent Loan & Line of Credit Advance Request Form. Form states third party is allowed to apply for credit on his or her behalf.
-Cash and Check Card Application: Visa loadable card.
-FAQ sheet: regards merchandise and catalog orders
-(4) $50 Merchandise Vouchers: benefits provider to cover expense.
-Free Security System Brochure: (800) 870-0678
-Free Dish Network 500 Satellite System Brochure: (800) 870-0678
-Identity Theft Prevention Guide
-Mandrell Sisters Catalog: no corporate logo. Just a caption on the front cover saying Something for Everyone! Even busy Entertainers like the Mandrell Sisters!
Call May 17th:
I confirmed that I was canceling and asked to confirm the fax number.
I made mention of the First Atlantic Savings phone systems. They have caller ID so my account is on screen before I introduce myself. My question was whether or not each call I've made to them was logged along with a rep's name as to whom I'd spoken to. The answer was yes.
I reviewed my reasoning for canceling my package, that I'd been lied to about the contents of the package and services, as they'd been described to me, had not at all been what I'd received.
I was told that it'd be unwise to say I'd been lied to as the recorded call would (in it's clever wording) prove that wrong.
I was told to say that I'd not understood the program and the contents of the package and I'd be given my refund.
I asked why and was told that the customer service reps hear the same story everyday and people who claim they've been lied to don't get their money refunded. The recording is scripted in such a way that the language used is deceptive. By saying I did not understand the product being sold to me I'd be fine and would be refunded my money.
--------------------------------------
FAX to First Atlantic Bank:
To: First Atlantic Savings
P.O. Box 3028
Champlain, NY 12919-3028
Fax: (866) 824-7272
From: Kirsten xxxxxx
Winter Park, FL 32789
RE: Notice of Cancellation
Date: May 18, 2004
To whom it may concern,
I received my package by mail on Friday, May 14th. At the time of my sales call and bank draft I did not understand the product. I would like a refund and am following your policy by notifying you by fax within 7 business days of receipt of my package. I sent the package back to you today (May 18th) by USPS. Please take this fax as a formal notice of cancellation and refund the $269.01 to my bank account as soon as possible. You may contact me by phone at (407) xxx-xxxx.
Thank you for your time,
Kirsten xxxxxx
5/18/04
-------------------------------------------
Faxed from and confirmed at: Kinko's, Aloma Avenue, Winter Park, FL. 1:53pmEST May 18th. Cost: $1.06
Package sent by USPS May 18th: Certified and Priority mail (due to arrive in NY P.O. Box no later than Friday, May 21st). Cost $9.10.
Tracking number:70040750000351922672
Signed for by: Alan Grill on May 20th.
Call to First Atlantic Savings: Confirmed Receipt of Fax and re-confirmed cancellation. I was told that refunds are processed 1-30 days from receipt of original fax and package.
Mid June: Called to ask why, after 30 days, I'd not heard from the company. Was told that there was a 30 business day refund policy.
June 30th: Called to demand that I speak with someone other than customer service and was told that this 866 customer service hotline was a hired 3rd party customer service company who wasn't directly affiliated with First Atlantic Savings, but that they would send a message to the main office for my immediate call back.
July 5th: Called again to demand another message be sent to the main office for my immediate refund.
My calls have been ignored and I have not heard from anyone at First Atlantic Directly. It's interesting how the story changed from customer service representative to representative.
I'm sorry to have taken up so much space, but I figured that by being extremely detailed, it could only help others in their own pursuit. I do not have bad credit, just a lack of credit history and given my questions to the various representatives in my calls, I felt confident everything was working out. I was very much lied to. This company uses very deceptive sales pitches to draw money from people and deliver information instead of the mastercard or visa unsecured credit card that had been promised and offered. The information provided at a cost of $299.00 is all free information anyone can obtain online or via 800 numbers for any banking establishment.
Thank you for any help you can give me in this matter. I feel stupid for being so trusting and now have put myself in more debt waiting for the 'unsecured credit card' that never arrived and First Atlantic Savings had no intention of sending.
Kirsten
Winter Park, Florida
U.S.A.
