As of last week (Feb. 18,2005) I was contacted by my bank and told that the re-fi on my house could not go through as Northern Leasing had a damaging report against me to the 3 major credit bureaus. This is the first I have heard of this, I was told by the bank I would have to pay the debt before they would re-finance my home.
I called Northern Leasing (Lamarr Johnson) & was told I would have to pay them $800.00 to get a release. I was told by the sales rep in 1999 that the agreement was on a "Trail Basis" and if it did not work they would pick up the equipment and the contract would be null& void. The equipment did not perform as I was told & the rep picked it up after about 3 months. We only used it about 5 times as it would not work.
They continued to deduct from my bank account and then started deducting an additional $15.00 a month for a company named TeleCheck; when I called to stop this they said it was a mistake. They had bought Telecheck and just started charging me for that service also which I did not have nor had ever heard of. They refunded one $15.00 debit & then continued to debit the $15.00 each month thereafter.
I finally had to close my business bank account as they had the routing numbers.
I mailed a check for $800.00 on 2/26/05 which I now intend to stop pay on this Monday (2/28/05).
My mistake was that I did not search the Internet on this company until today & it is the same story all over the country.
Although I knew I did not owe them any money I felt I had no choice as my bank said I would have to satisfy this debt before they cound prodeed to re-finance for me. After seeing all these negative reports via the Internet I have decided I, for one, will not help Northern Leasing continue to debunk the public. I told Mr. Lamarr Johnson all the untruths I was told by the sales rep and although they admit to having this sales rep he stated they were not responsibile for any lies I was told & that I had to pay the $800.00.
I have not seen or used their equipment for 6 years which they know there was no activity on as I do not have it. These people owe me money. I do not owe them. Tomorrow I will stop pay on the check & close this business acount as they will have routing number once they receive my check. I know they will move forward to deduct from my bank account again therefore I will have to close the account. It will be interesting to see the reaction from my bank when I present all these compalints I have printed off my computer. Will they still advise that I have to pay these crooks to clear my credit or will they stand behind me.
The way the world is going today I will not be suprised if the crooks win. I also noiced these people go after small businesses like myself; evidently it has made a gaint out of them. How can we fight this? I do not make my living beating my customers as they do therefore I do not have the funds to fight this legally.
Any suggestions?
Nancy j.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
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!
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