In May I was contacted by the First National Government Grants based out of Miami. By the time they talked to me about a 10,000 grant and had all my info gave me Anna as the person I should get in touch with if I had a problemand the same number; before I knew what was going on they had taken 330.00 from my account and another company 1Rate.com which was to be a unlimited long distance company had taken upon themselves to take $59.90 out as well. I recieved my money back from the 1 rate.com after 7 days, and really getting ugly with them on the phone, and of course going to my bank to report this fraud.
Well, tonight, 7/6/2005 recieved a call from the same company only this time they called themselves Government Grant Department, and explained that since they had taken $330 out of my account and this Anna person had not responded to any of my calls, that they were going to refund my $330 back into my account on 7/7/2005 this was done by a Mark Martin who was supposedly the manager of this company. They then wanted me to turn around and tell them it was okay for them to take $99.95 out of my account to cover processing and paper work fees.
I told them that they could put my money back into my account but tht I was not interested in their services, because, I had found the fraud listings on them. They wanted to verify my info but when it came down to the ok to take money from my account I kept telling them that they could put my $330 back in my account only!
He kept insisting that he had made a tape of himself telling the account office that they were to replace my money tomorrow, but, that all he needed was a yes or no from me nothing more. Which I kept refusing to give.
He then told me that a debt consolidation person would personally come to my house on Friday to help me pay all my bills off, as the 10,000 would be in my account then. I still refused. He told me that because of the confussion that theywould wait til 6/8/2005 to take any money from my account. I explained to him that I had not given my okay for them to do this.
The first time it happened in May they did not even have my name right on the transaction, and yet my bank let it go thru. I am sure that the only reason I was contacted is because they have recieved the fraud papers from my bank, and are trying to cover their a*s.
I am so glad that I found you because their are so many people who seem to think it's alright to screw other people to make their living! I hope that someone catches up to them quickly, I would be more than glad to see them fry for what they are doing to the public. They need to get a real job and stop trying to take advantage of everyone. I'm just curious to see what actually transpires with this situation.
Jimmie
Daviston, Alabama
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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...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.