Complaint Review: First National Government Grant - Miami Florida

I have been getting calls from an "Unavailable Number" for several days now, so I finally decided to answer it. A woman with an accent that I could barely understand named "Sara Jones" told me that I was entitled to a $12,500 grant this year from the government.

Seeing as I could hardly decipher what she was saying, I went along until she wanted my routing number and checking account number. As a college student, any amount of free money seems great to me, ha ha. But, as I grew suspicious, I asked more questions and she only repeated the same information as before in a condescending tone, making me feel like I was stupid. So I gave her the numbers, then immediately my gut feeling that something was wrong got stronger.

So as she was giving me her name I looked up the company-First National Government Grant-on Google and was led to several rip-off reports about them and how similar they were to what I was encountering right then. I was, of course, scared because I had just given them my ACCOUNT number and ROUTING number and bank name and everything else. I immediately told "Sara" that I wanted to cancel the whole thing and she tried to make me look stupid for not taking my $12,500-HA HA HA. She told me I'd wasted hers and my time (in a 3 minute phone call?) and that the call had been recorded, confirmed that she'd erase my account (which I doubt), and hung up on me.

The fact that she called me on a Sunday was also a red flag. What legitimate business calls people on the weekend? In any case, I plan on contacting my bank first thing tomorrow morning and asking them what I can do about this--I'll close my account and open a new one if I have to. If you get a call from these people don't give them anything (I regret that I did!).

Meaghan

Sand Springs, Oklahoma
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.