- Report: #796600
Complaint Review: Monitronics Home Security - Internet
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Monitronics Home Security
Internet, United States of America
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Web:
www.monitronics.com
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Monitronics Home Security Rep scammed me to continue service. Promised no fees for 6 mo, 4 mo later money taken from my acct and they refuse to refund it! Internet *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account when someone wrongfully takes it from you!
I moved from my home with alarm in Dec 2010. I continued to pay for the alarm service through Monitronics until 6/2011 when my contract ended. I then send a cancellation letter asking to stop service, as I was paying for a service I was no longer using.
A rep called me and told me he would like to give me a special offer. He explained that my contract would be put 'on hold' for 6 months and after that 6 months should I be in a situation where I could use a new wireless alarm system, they would install for free and charge only $19.99 a month.
I explained that I was renting and was not sure that my situation would change in 6 months. He said that I was not obligated to anything, no money would ever be charged or taken from my acct. He just needed to put my acct "on hold status" so that he could extend this $19.99 deal to me later. I reiterated several times, NO MONEY WILL BE CHARGED RIGHT! I was reassured that I would not have to pay anything, which is the ONLY reason I decided to take his deal and not cancel at that time.
I should of know better, as 4 months later Monitronics took $47 from my acct. No notice. The first rep that I spoke to stated that it did appear to be an error. I explained that I did NOT want money taken from my account and I would just rather cancel this offer now. I sent a cancellation later.
I waited for a refund and got nothing. When I called to inquire, I was told by a rep (with a strong accent which made it difficult to understand all he was saying) that the supervisor was NOT going to refund my money because I was cancelling the service. Apparently I was given a credit for 6 months, not sure what I was being credited for as I no longer have an alarm service to even use! Apparently I was supposed to call back to tell Monitronics that I did want the offer in January before the money credited to my account ran out?? NEVER was this brought to my attention. Never did the rep tell me I would have to call anyone. Never was I sent anything via mail.
So basically I was charged $47 for considering to continue service with this company. I should of told the original rep to just cancel service, but no I allowed him to con me in to thinking they cared about my business and wanted to continue to serve me even it it meant putting my acct on hold until I was in a better place. I trusted this company would NOT take money without my knowledge!
I say to anyone considering this company (American Alarm was also somehow associated with Monitronics) to find another vendor. I say to anyone currently using Monitronics to cancel service with them as soon as you can and NEVER believe or trust their "special offers!" I have asked to hear the recording of my confirmation, as I know for certain I said "no money will be taken at anytime right" and will continue to fight this battle! Dont let Monitronics rip off anyone else!!!!
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
A rep called me and told me he would like to give me a special offer. He explained that my contract would be put 'on hold' for 6 months and after that 6 months should I be in a situation where I could use a new wireless alarm system, they would install for free and charge only $19.99 a month.
I explained that I was renting and was not sure that my situation would change in 6 months. He said that I was not obligated to anything, no money would ever be charged or taken from my acct. He just needed to put my acct "on hold status" so that he could extend this $19.99 deal to me later. I reiterated several times, NO MONEY WILL BE CHARGED RIGHT! I was reassured that I would not have to pay anything, which is the ONLY reason I decided to take his deal and not cancel at that time.
I should of know better, as 4 months later Monitronics took $47 from my acct. No notice. The first rep that I spoke to stated that it did appear to be an error. I explained that I did NOT want money taken from my account and I would just rather cancel this offer now. I sent a cancellation later.
I waited for a refund and got nothing. When I called to inquire, I was told by a rep (with a strong accent which made it difficult to understand all he was saying) that the supervisor was NOT going to refund my money because I was cancelling the service. Apparently I was given a credit for 6 months, not sure what I was being credited for as I no longer have an alarm service to even use! Apparently I was supposed to call back to tell Monitronics that I did want the offer in January before the money credited to my account ran out?? NEVER was this brought to my attention. Never did the rep tell me I would have to call anyone. Never was I sent anything via mail.
So basically I was charged $47 for considering to continue service with this company. I should of told the original rep to just cancel service, but no I allowed him to con me in to thinking they cared about my business and wanted to continue to serve me even it it meant putting my acct on hold until I was in a better place. I trusted this company would NOT take money without my knowledge!
I say to anyone considering this company (American Alarm was also somehow associated with Monitronics) to find another vendor. I say to anyone currently using Monitronics to cancel service with them as soon as you can and NEVER believe or trust their "special offers!" I have asked to hear the recording of my confirmation, as I know for certain I said "no money will be taken at anytime right" and will continue to fight this battle! Dont let Monitronics rip off anyone else!!!!
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
