I received a phone call from the Platinum Benefit Group while at work, and even though I told the man I was at work he insisted that it would only take a few minutes. The very first thing he asked for was my bank account number, etc. I was reluctant to give it so I refused, he said that they had to verify who I was before they could go any further with their presentation. So I went ahead and gave them my information.
I kept asking if there were any fees, and he kept putting me off for awhile, then he finally told me there was a $129.95 fee one time, lifetime processing fee and no others. I asked when that would be due and he said immediately. I told him I couldn't afford it right now and that I would have to get back to him about it.
Then a week later my account is charged the $129.95. I called their 1-800-331-7020 phone number that was listed on my bank account and the lady insisted that I enrolled because I had given him my account number and such. I told her I specifically told him I couldn't do that at this time. She continued to remind me of the roadside assistance, and the vision and a bunch of other stuff that I was eligible to use in this plan. When I insisted that I didn't want to enroll in this plan, she referred me to their website www.PlatinumBenefitGroup and then hung up on me. When I went to search for thier site, I found this with tons of other complaints.
Now, I am very scared and angry. I know I am not going to see that money again, however, I am going to my bank to file an affidavit for fraudulant withdrawal from my account and found also on this site something about the FTC to try to get my money back. The woman told me that I wouldn't receive anything in the mail on this program for a minimum of four weeks, but that I could use the benefits starting today..and how am I supposed to do that!...
Williamsburg, Iowa
Kathleen
Coralville, Iowa
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.
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...by consumers, for consumersCLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on Platinum Benefit