- Report: #149844
Complaint Review: National Small Business Alliance - Catherdral City California
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National Small Business Alliance
1201 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Catherdral City, 92235 California, U.S.A.
Phone:
800-506-6722
Web:
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National Small Business Alliance Ripoff Failure to Return my Membership Fee after I cancelled within the required time period. Catherdral City California *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!
The National Small Business Alliance contacted my business offering many services including a 0% credit card with Advanta. In fact, I thought it was a promotion for Advanta. After a very lengthy introduction and explanation, I provided my bank account info so that the membership fee installments could be withdrawn.
Shortly after, the entire amount was withdrawn from my account. I also received the membership a package that was useless to me as I already was aware of everything they were offering.
I faxed NSBA my cancellation request. I also returned the package. They confirmed my actions with a letter dated 4/22/05, which confirmed my cancellation and how it would be handled.
After several weeks, my membership fee was not yet refunded. I attempted to call several times, and there was no answer. On 6/26/05, I faxed them and someone called me back and said they had received my fax and that my cancellation will be processed.
On 6/28/05 I called and faxed again. Someone returned my call and said that I had cancelled on 4/21/05 and that she would forward my refund request to another office (I don't remember if she said accounting or accounts or something along that line).
As of the end of the first week of July still no refund; second week, no refund; as of 7/15/05 no refund. I have called and faxed. No reply. I have emailed from the beginning. NSBA sent out an email promising that a rep will contact me in 24 to 48hours. It doesn't happen.
I have faxed, phoned, and email countless times. These folks do not respond. Clearly it is a scam. They are criminals and need to be prosecuted.
Not only do they owe me my membership fee, they also owe me for the use of my money, the cost of my phone calls, faxes, and Internet service. They also owe me for my time, which is very expensive. I hold an MBA; a full-time job as an operations accountant for SKF; I run several businesses including a gym, spray tanning salon, and apparel store. I also have many other responsibilites, frin which this problem has taken me away from.
Maria
Warren, Pennsylvania
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.
Shortly after, the entire amount was withdrawn from my account. I also received the membership a package that was useless to me as I already was aware of everything they were offering.
I faxed NSBA my cancellation request. I also returned the package. They confirmed my actions with a letter dated 4/22/05, which confirmed my cancellation and how it would be handled.
After several weeks, my membership fee was not yet refunded. I attempted to call several times, and there was no answer. On 6/26/05, I faxed them and someone called me back and said they had received my fax and that my cancellation will be processed.
On 6/28/05 I called and faxed again. Someone returned my call and said that I had cancelled on 4/21/05 and that she would forward my refund request to another office (I don't remember if she said accounting or accounts or something along that line).
As of the end of the first week of July still no refund; second week, no refund; as of 7/15/05 no refund. I have called and faxed. No reply. I have emailed from the beginning. NSBA sent out an email promising that a rep will contact me in 24 to 48hours. It doesn't happen.
I have faxed, phoned, and email countless times. These folks do not respond. Clearly it is a scam. They are criminals and need to be prosecuted.
Not only do they owe me my membership fee, they also owe me for the use of my money, the cost of my phone calls, faxes, and Internet service. They also owe me for my time, which is very expensive. I hold an MBA; a full-time job as an operations accountant for SKF; I run several businesses including a gym, spray tanning salon, and apparel store. I also have many other responsibilites, frin which this problem has taken me away from.
Maria
Warren, Pennsylvania
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.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Dennis
Washington,District of Columbia,
U.S.A.
YOUR REFUND WILL BE SENT THIS WEEK
#2REBUTTAL Owner of company
Wed, July 20, 2005
Maria, Your refund will be going out this week. I do sincerely apologize for the delay. Please feel free to call me directly for an update. Dennis Mario NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS ALLIANCE, INC. 760-322-5572 Main 760-406-6035 eFax [email protected]
