As stated in my title this company was able to acquire my personal information as well as my AMEX account number. And helped themselves to 6 seperate charges totaling close to $200.
My very loving and trusting husband pays our monthly bills and never questions my purchases or charges. And since, he's never been late on a payment, has been regularly paying these "fraudulant" charges.
AND If I had not (against my better judgement) decided to open an email delivered in my "spam folder" there's no telling how much longer this would have continued. However, because this "spam email" used the words, "It's time to renew your account with "Fast Auction Profit and Auction Tax Saver", and I knew our Taxes were always prepared by a local firm, I felt compelled to risk the consequences of opening mail from a total stranger. And it's a good thing I did because, I learned what this company had been doing.
The first explaination for the charges implied I had been purchasing computer programs from these companies. And even though I knew for certain I hadn't, while I was on the phone with them, I reviewed the programs on my computer and assured them I had no such programs. During this part of the conversation "Christian" assured me that I had in fact ordered and downloaded these programs.
Regardless of my repeating myself no less than 5 times, he insisted I enrolled in this program online. Attempting to further prove my point, I explained their email was located in my "spam folder" a folder set to collect mail attempting to be delivered to me by people that I had absolutely no contact with! I assured him that if I had contacted this company or on previous occasions answered mail from them, their emails would not reside in my spam folder.
So, this indicates someone within their company had "bootlegged" my identity and credit card information and was using it to "steal" from my husband and me.
"Christian continued to insist I had authorized theses charges. He was patronizing and rude while talking over me as I insisted on knowing the name and location of the company.
I was finally allowed to talk to a supervisor named Melissa. Which proved to be as useless as talking to Christian. In the end I was given a number to the corporate office only after I was assured my purchases were legitimate and legally binding!
As a result of this situation, I am terrified that there's been many, many more of these "bogus" charges. The only consolation to this situation is that American Express will open an investigation of this company and during this process will credit the charges back to my card and pursue the recovery of theses fraudulant charges from the company that collected them.
Something everyone reading this should know, I don't ever put my credit card information on the internet. And for them to have been able to do this leads me to believe that someone within their company is illegally accumulating consumer information from a third party, someone that has access to consumer purchases made with credit cards in the real world and is turning that information over to someone who in turn uses it to make fraudulant pruchase on behalf of this company.
I've read a few reports about this company and they all have one thing in common. All the victims credit cards are being charged without their knowledge and the explaination is always the same. "You made this purchases online."
If there's someone out there that can tell us what to do in order to stop this company from raping other consumer, please don't hesitate to offer your help.
Patricia
Belton, Texas
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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...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.