Complaint Review: Great Fun/Trilegiant - Westerville Ohio

I was encouraged through Great Fun to join Columbia House for a $10.00 rebate which I did. It was written that I could cancel my membership any time during the 30 day trial. I did this after about ten days of joining because I lost my job and could not pay the monthly fees.

I understood it to be a discount company for dining out, etc., but I could no longer plan to utilizie this service.

When I called to cancel, the representative wanted to decrease the price or give me an extra thirty days. I declined and told her that I just wanted to cancel at the end of the trial. she said , "Well, I will cancel you right now then." I told her that was fine. That occurred at the end of March, 2008.

Today, on April 29, 2008, I find that my account has been billed. The charge is against my debit card and the bank told me that they cannot do anything until the money comes out, then they might be able to refund it. I explained to the bank that I did not authorize this payment, but they said there was nothing they could do at this point. I will see tomorrow, April 30, 2008 if I am able to remove or have this money refunded to me.

Evelyn

Davenport, Florida

U.S.A.

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 chargetruth.

If you have to, be loud (but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics s) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the Media if necessary so you are telling the EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back!

HERE IS WHAT RIP-OFF REPORT SUGGESTS YOU DO:

demand tion E.

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 orm.