- Report: #304187
Complaint Review: Intelius - Internet
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Intelius
www.Intelius.com Internet, U.S.A.
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Intelius Complete Scam!! They will charge you for not doing anything!! Internet *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!
I went online to try to determine to whom a cell phone number belonged. I had received a threatening phone call and was trying to find out further info on the caller. I performed by online search with Intelius on December 13, 2007.
It took 3 or 4 days for the report to come back inconclusive. Intelius had stated that I would not be charged for my search if no information was retrieved. That was not the case. On January 20, 2008, my credit/debit card was charged $14.95. This had been over a month, since my search.
I e-mailed Intelius, when I actually deteremined that they were the ones responsible for the charge to my card with the following code AP9*PMIDENTITY.COM-V.
BEWARE!!! This is a bogus company and a complete scam. They will take your money for nothing. They are affiliated with Yahoo, so BEWARE. Tell everyone you know.
Ripoff in camden
Camden, 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 consumers
CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.
It took 3 or 4 days for the report to come back inconclusive. Intelius had stated that I would not be charged for my search if no information was retrieved. That was not the case. On January 20, 2008, my credit/debit card was charged $14.95. This had been over a month, since my search.
I e-mailed Intelius, when I actually deteremined that they were the ones responsible for the charge to my card with the following code AP9*PMIDENTITY.COM-V.
BEWARE!!! This is a bogus company and a complete scam. They will take your money for nothing. They are affiliated with Yahoo, so BEWARE. Tell everyone you know.
Ripoff in camden
Camden, 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 consumers
CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.
3 Updates & Rebuttals
Tagurit
Plano,Texas,
USA
Success in getting 17 months of charges refunded from Intelius
#2Consumer Comment
Sat, October 01, 2011
Just in case no one got the update. Intelius refunded all my money - even after telling me they wouldn't. What were the magic words? Well I filed an actual compliant with the Attorney General of my State citing other class action lawsuits for this same deceptive practice that had been filed against Intelius where Intelius had lost. As the poster "ex employee" states filing a compliant with the BBB and your State Attorney General is the best avenue and should be done regardless. Additionally follow the helpful suggestions of Rip Off Report on how to deal with your bank/credit card company - put them on the hook for recovering these funds from Intelius.
John P
bothell,Washington,
United States of America
How to get your money back from Intelius
#3UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sun, November 14, 2010
I used to work for Intelius, and they are well aware that they are scamming people. The easy way to get your money back is to call them up, even if it's been a year or more, and say you want to be refunded all of your membership fees or you will contact the attorney general and report them to the better business bureau. They will give you all your money back. I recommend you still report them to the attorney general of your state even if they give you your money back, so they won't do this to other people.
Tagurit
Plano,Texas,
USA
How to get your money back from Intelius
#4Consumer Suggestion
Mon, October 25, 2010
I got taken for $339.15 because I didnt' get the monthly receipts via email and I use their services for other background checks so the $19.95 went unnoticed I'm sorry to say for 17 months. I've never used the Identity Protect service as I'm already a customer of a much more robust ID service. I contacted customer service and was only able to get 3 of the 17 payments credited back. My credit card company Chase, is telling me they can't help me - will go to one of their branch offices face to face as a next step. Here is what else I'm doing and I would highly suggest others do the same as it may help drive the point hope with these guys.
Contact the executives of the company directly both by voice and email - I've listed their names and titles below. Here is how you do it. Email address format is typically first initial last name @intelius.com ie. CFO Paul Cook is [email protected] To get them on the phone you cannot use the main # as this goes to an automated attendant with no way to dial out. To get an executive directly use their main phone number of (425) 974-6100 and substitute the last 4 numbers with extensions 6101 through 6115 (may be others beyond that but this is a start). Don't bother with x6105 as this goes to EVP John K. Arnold who is now spending 45 days in Federal prison for lying to a Grand Jury about having sex at one of Frank Colacurcio's strip clubs. Article here http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailyweekly/2010/02/intelius_co-founder_john_arnol.php
Bill Owens, Chairman, Age 69
Naveen Jain, President & CEO, Age 49, $276,250 annual salary
Paul T. Cook, CFO, Age 46, $174,984 annual salary
Kevin R. Marcus, CTO, Age 34
Jim Adler, Chief Privacy Officer
William R. Kerr, Chief Corporate Officer and Director, Age 54, $100,000 annual salary
Susan K. Koehler, Chief Marketing Officer
John K. Arnold, EVP Business Development, Age 45 in Federal prison for lying about having sex at strip club
Edward O. Petersen, EVP Sales and Marketing, Age 37, $167,500 annual salary
Niraj A. Shah, EVP Engineering, Age 38
Chandan S. Chauhan, SVP Product Marketing, Age 51 (one of the key individuals responsible for this nonsense free trial)
William H. Beaver Jr., VP and General Counsel, Age 54, $200,000 salary (note the attorney is one of the highest paid execs here!)
Irina Z. Leversee, Controller
Needless to say, I will be taking my background check work elsewhere as clearly this company is a sleazy business. On a separate note, their paperwork regarding filing for an IPO states they are aware of the numerous BBB complaints about their "free Identity Protect trial" issue.
