Complaint Review: SIRIUS XM SATELLITE RADIO - New York New York

So I received a tri-fold in the mail in November that said I was going to be renewed on a debit card that I no longer have on 12/1/09. So I figure I shouldn't have to call to cancel because my time will run out, the card will decline and they will cancel my subscription. After all its just a radio subscription in which I hold as equivalent to a magazine subscription.

I recently received a notice in the mail that said they couldn't process my account. Neither the tri-fold or the notice has a date on it. How convenient for them. Well, today I find a charge on my bank account in the amount of $86.00 and so I call sirius up. After being placed on hold for 30 minutes after my initial communication with the rep, I find that they happen to have my new card on file somehow. I didn't give it to them and they claim that they've had it since 10/31. That is funny too because I canceled my other card on 10/26 and so apparently I felt like Sirius was important enough to update it with them 5 days later. I asked the lady if that's the case why they had a hard time processing and why I received a notice saying they were going to charge my old CC #. I also asked that if I was to be charged on the 1st, why they waited to the 15th if they had my card. Another thing is that Sirius charged my card on the 14th of December in the amount of $1.00 as well. I asked if this was a test to see if they had acquired my new card. She couldn't answer any of these things. I proceeded to cancel my account and she said that I would receive a refund in the amount of $81. I am fine with this because I did have access to the radio past the paid time. I also believe that I was in the wrong for not calling to cancel. I was not trying to get out of payment in any way shape or form and am more than happy to pay the prorated cost of time used. What I am upset about is how Sirius was able to acquire my new card number without my authorization, charge it without my authorization and lie about me giving it to them. I do not believe this is legal business practice and I hope something comes to light. Even if I change my card number, they have proven they can acquire the numbers somehow so what's the point? I spoke to my bank fraud department and showed them the letters I had received. They were very curious as to how they got my number as well. If I don't receive my refund I will be calling my bank again.

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 RipoffReport.com Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com

Rip-off Report PO Box 310, Tempe, Arizona 85280