It took me years to realize the scam. I first leased a credit card machine from Golden Eagle in 1995, which was sold to Northern Leasing Systems/MBF Leasing in 2003, which is turn has several affiliates and aliases, and endless complaints of fraud plus a Class Action suit pending in New York. I tried at various points to contact Golden Eagle to terminate the contract no avail and they kept charging my business checking account year after year. I searched the companies in the internet and learnt of their scams but couldn't get help from my banker to stop payments.
I finally got to formally terminate the agreement with Golden Eagle in December 2010 and returned their equipment to their processing center in New York. It took much time to locate the company and talk to a representative, who eventually realized that I was being coached by an attorney and gave me the information I needed. The final letter sent to Golden Eagle clearly stipulated that they were to contact me promptly if they had any questions or require further information. Otherwise, I will consider this matter to be concluded with no further action required on either partys part.
Nonetheless, they charged my business account in January alleging that the equipment had not arrived on time. By the same token, I discovered today that my business checking account was charged $195.00 by SKS Associates on March 29. When we contacted SKS (866-286-8841) they stated that they had acquired the lease I had with Golden Eagle and argued that I owed "certain taxes and related fees due that were either not collected or under collected". The person that answered the phone couldn't clarify the nature of alleged debit.
When I searched SKS Associates in the internet it became apparent that this is another part of the scam. We identified it because of the diligent monitoring of our office manager. I wonder how many businesses are being hit and they do not even realize it.
It is apparent to me that these people change identities to continue their fraud. All they have to do is morph to continue preying upon old customers. I have learnt that many victims had ordered their banks to stop payments and had only later realized that charges continued under the name of an affiliate company. This is a corporate bacteria that has grown more and more virulent. This is FRAUD with capital letters. A stealthy form of identity theft!
If you need support go to Facebook: SKS Associates Raided My Bank Account and notify authorities.
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