- Report: #150822
Complaint Review: Simple Choice Financial Benefits - Nationwide
-
Author Confirmed
Why?
Simple Choice Financial Benefits
Unknown Nationwide, U.S.A.
Phone:
866-847-9287
Web:
N/A
Categories:
Business Rating:
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Simple Choice Financial Benefits ripoff credit card offer by phone smells fishy Nationwide *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!
I received a phone call on July 7th, 2005 soliciting a credit card with a limit of $2000 with 0% interest for the first three years and no more than 8% interest after that. They informed me that I was already approved and that no further approval would take place.
The catch was a $249 fee that would be taken directly from my checking account. They said I should receive my card in 40 days and to call 1-866-847-9287 to activate it when I received it. They proceeded to give me a verification code and a pin # that I could use when I got the card in the mail.
They transferred me to the "verification office" where they proceeded to have me say things that they were recording. Such as repeating my personal information and confirming the details that they had already explained to me.
They let me select the date I wanted the debit to take place from my account, which was supposed to be on July 17, 2005. They also informed me that I could not cancel this arrangement.
After that was complete they gave me additional information: There was some 14 day free trial of something or another that would cost me 14.97 or 39.95 - I was to call 800-796-2499 to activate my free trial and to call 800-834-2979 to cancel it.
I'm not sure what the trial thing was about, but I've tried both numbers and I'm not sure they amount to anything.
I went along with this offer thinking that because I had been recently applying for credit online that this was one of those companies. I made a point to ask them the name of the company, as they had thick Middle Eastern/Indian accents and I couldn't tell most of what they were saying.
I admit that it seemed too good to be true, but I was ready to rebuild my credit and thought this was a perfect solution. It was really creepy and fishy toward the end of the conversation during the part where they wanted me to repeat everything, but I figured it was a way to safeguard that I was ok with the processing.
However, when I asked them to send me the information via email, they promptly replied "yes of course, what is your email address." I have yet to get anything via email that has to do with this company.
I did a search online and have nothing that is related to this company name at all. I can't find anything even similar except in fraud reports, this website and others similar to it.
So I'm guessing that after reading some other reports that this is not a real deal, and that at some point my account will be horribly attacked and I will be rendered broke and helpless.
Luckily for me my account was not sufficient for the $249 "fee" and I walked away this week with only a bank fee. I'm guessing that this is the first of the attempts to get their money from my account.
I called their 800 number and left a voicemail that I knew my account didn't have the funds and to contact me to make arrangements. I'm hoping if they call I can get more information about them to provide here.
I did not get an address or website from them, but the company name was very clear. I hope what I have here will help others from getting into trouble with these insane deals.
Terra
Salem, Oregon
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.
The catch was a $249 fee that would be taken directly from my checking account. They said I should receive my card in 40 days and to call 1-866-847-9287 to activate it when I received it. They proceeded to give me a verification code and a pin # that I could use when I got the card in the mail.
They transferred me to the "verification office" where they proceeded to have me say things that they were recording. Such as repeating my personal information and confirming the details that they had already explained to me.
They let me select the date I wanted the debit to take place from my account, which was supposed to be on July 17, 2005. They also informed me that I could not cancel this arrangement.
After that was complete they gave me additional information: There was some 14 day free trial of something or another that would cost me 14.97 or 39.95 - I was to call 800-796-2499 to activate my free trial and to call 800-834-2979 to cancel it.
I'm not sure what the trial thing was about, but I've tried both numbers and I'm not sure they amount to anything.
I went along with this offer thinking that because I had been recently applying for credit online that this was one of those companies. I made a point to ask them the name of the company, as they had thick Middle Eastern/Indian accents and I couldn't tell most of what they were saying.
I admit that it seemed too good to be true, but I was ready to rebuild my credit and thought this was a perfect solution. It was really creepy and fishy toward the end of the conversation during the part where they wanted me to repeat everything, but I figured it was a way to safeguard that I was ok with the processing.
However, when I asked them to send me the information via email, they promptly replied "yes of course, what is your email address." I have yet to get anything via email that has to do with this company.
I did a search online and have nothing that is related to this company name at all. I can't find anything even similar except in fraud reports, this website and others similar to it.
So I'm guessing that after reading some other reports that this is not a real deal, and that at some point my account will be horribly attacked and I will be rendered broke and helpless.
Luckily for me my account was not sufficient for the $249 "fee" and I walked away this week with only a bank fee. I'm guessing that this is the first of the attempts to get their money from my account.
I called their 800 number and left a voicemail that I knew my account didn't have the funds and to contact me to make arrangements. I'm hoping if they call I can get more information about them to provide here.
I did not get an address or website from them, but the company name was very clear. I hope what I have here will help others from getting into trouble with these insane deals.
Terra
Salem, Oregon
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.
