I received a phone call today 4-24-05 from First National Government Grant stating that I am receiving $12,500, 110% guaranteed, within 2 weeks. The number the lady called from was 206-415-9327 showing GUARDIAN as the caller and the number she gave me to call is 1-800-410-1682 with a pin #1038888.
She also stated that I would receive a letter that would include a package that I could review (health care plan for the family) and receive 100 dollars cash just for reviewing it.
She also stated that I was getting an unlimited long distance service called Easy One Rate for $9.95 the first month and then $49.95 each month thereafter.
I stated I was getting that already from SBC for a flat 20 dollar fee unlimited nationwide long distance calling plan. She gave me this number, 1-800-923-8939 to call and cancel the Easy One Rate plan as soon as I get the letter in 4-5 days with that offer inside. She said their office is open M-F 9 am to 5 pm Eastern time so I could call in with my pin # to check status of grant on its way to my bank (got my routing # and account #) all for just $29.95 processing fee to get it direct deposited into my account within 2 weeks.
She said I would also receive an offer of how to receive money every year for an exorbitant price, I forgot, several hundred, but I said I wasn't interested. She said I would have to call in to cancel that offer soon as I get the letter.
She said the $29.95 will come out of my account on 4-26-05 (Tuesday) and that the bank would receive a 'recording' on how to prepare for the $12,500 direct deposit that was coming withing 2 weeks. She said I would receive the $100 cash for trying the additional offer that would be included in the letter/package I will receive in 4-5 days and it would only cost a one-time fee of $19.95 to keep it.
She stated I must call the Customer Service # asap after getting the letter to cancel any offer I do not want to keep. At the end of our conversation I asked her again the name of her company....First National Government Grant...then I asked for the website...she said "ww.firstnationalgovernmentgrant" that's it....not WWW like normal and she never said "dot com" at the end of it and it did not have an "s" on the end either implying more than one type of grant.
At one point I thought she said that I would receive info on how to get that grant and I asked what did she say??? And she stated then that I could get info on how to continue to get grants every year, if I so desired, for several hundred dollars.
Well, stupid me, I'm in a bind, I truly believed every word she said because I have been surfing the web for work at home offers and also refinancing my home, etc. I have suddenly become a single mom again and have a very sick teenager and have prayed for a miracle and I truly thought this was it....now I am just devastated about the so called 110% guaranteed $12,500 that is "being direct deposited into my account withing 2 weeks" may very well be just a scam. I really needed to keep that $29.95 but the comparison to the 'grant' was minusicle. Please help me stop them taking more money out of my account and get my $29.95 back. I will call my bank Monday morning to try to stop the withdrawal on Tuesday, even if I have to close the account and start all over, I will. But they will leave any amount in the account that is sitting in the preauthorization line, ready to come out of my account. Now I am really scared of what has happened to me today....believe me, if I really get this money, I'll be back on this site to let everyone know!
Sheila
Plumerville, Arkansas
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 consumersCLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.