I received my credit card statement in the mail today, and to my alarm, I was charged $44.82 from a company called Grant Masters.
I notified my bank immediately, and they suggested that I phone this company, with the number provided on my statement next to their name to try to resolve the issue. The number provided on my statement to reach Grant Masters, has a message, and I'm not able to ever get through to this line, as the message states "We are now closed". How do I resolve this is the 800 number is always closed?
I went online to look up Grant Masters, and I located them through Rip-Off reports with a letter of response from "Ryan R" who indicated he was from Grant Masters and he was trying to resolve an issue with another individual who was having the same issues as myself. This Ryan R stated in his letter that if there was any other customer who was reading his letter and had concerns to contact him directly via his email or direct line. I have sent him an email.
I then contacted the 24 hr customer service line that Ryan R left in his letter. Surprise, surprise... The gentleman helping me didn't have any records of me in their system. He took my full name, my phone number, and my email address to locate me in Grant Masters system - all he could say was "I am really sorry maam, but I cannt locate you in our system". WOULD THAT BE BECAUSE I'M NOT IN YOUR SYSTEM?????
I then asked this gentleman who was helping me, if I could speak to Ryan R, and he had no idea who I was talking about. This gentleman then asked me for my credit card number to try to locate my account in their system - which I did NOT reveal to him...
In the end, I was given 2 phone numbers to contact about my issues, as he still couldn't locate my account after being on the phone with him for near 15 minutes - again I stated to him, that he couldn't locate me, because I'm not in their system.
So now I have to phone 2 other numbers, to only be told that they can't find me in their system - but will I hear a resolution, that they will credit the charges on my credit card?????
I'm not impressed at all...
Canadian
St. Albert, Alberta
Canada
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
RipoffReport.com
Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com
Rip-off Report
PO Box 310, Tempe, Arizona 85280