Complaint Review: OXFORD FINANCIAL BENEFITS - Toronto Ontario

On July 03,2005 I received a call, on my personal cell phone {Number 6204809524}, from Oxford Financial Benefits, offering me an unsecured mastercard with a credit limit of $2,000.00. I was advised that there was a required confirmation/insurance deposit of $249.00 which would have to be collected before the Mastercard could be processed, authorized and issued. I advised the female caller that I was interested, however, would have to await my paycheck's automatic deposit which would occur on July 05. I asked her to please call be back sometime after July 05 so as to confirm her offer. NOTE: I figured that if she did retain my information and did return the call, as requested, then it probably was a valid offer.

A female caller did call me back on July 06 and again verified that she was with Oxford Financial Benefits and again confirmed the Mastercard credit card offer. At that time I did give her my personal and bank checking account information. After the exchange of my required information the female salesperson issued me a "validation code number" which she advised I should retain to memory/record so that I could check on the progress of this transaction. She likewise advised me that when my new Mastercard arrived this same code would be required for"Card Activation". The validation code she assigned me was 3428545.

During the time period from late July 2005 to mid September 2005 I did call Oxford Financial Benefits', contact phone number 1 866 333-7715, and did inquire as to the progress/status of my Mastercard. On every occassion a pleasent female requested my "Validation Code" number and after code number verification, I was advised as to the current status of my Mastercard.

What alerted me, that this was a possible Rip-Off, was the following:

A. I was advised that there would be a required 60 day waiting period so as to confirm my automatic bank account withdrawal.

B. Confirmation/Processing time elements were scheduled later and later.

C. Confusion, by the Oxford Financial Benefits representatives, as to exactly what I had ordered: {credit card, services, etc.} on a call per call basis.

The last contact I had with Oxford Financial Benefits was approximately September 15, 2005. I was advised at that time that my Mastercard had been processed and that it would be mailed to my on September 30, 2005 and I should receive it by October 10, 2005.

On October 04, 2005 I decided to call one last time to verify that my Mastercard had been forwarded. Upon attempting to call the 1 866 333-7715 phone number, as I done on numerous previous ocassions, I obtained a phone company recording that the phone number I had dialed was either no longer valid or that this number was unable to be called from my calling area.

NATURALLY, by this time I realized that I had been "RIPPED-OFF".

It is therefore my intention to relate my Rip-Off story, in exactness and to the best of my ability, so as to possibly assist other citizens in not becoming Victims of this type of "Rip-Off".

I will likewise assist any law enforcement agency or other interested parties, in any manner possible, so as to bring these Rip-Off artists to some resemblence of justice.

I would also like to be able to participate in any "class-action law suits", reference Oxford Financial Bebefits, if any such law suits do become available....

Gary

Russell, Kansas
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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CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.