Complaint Review: Staples - Internet

I placed a large order with Staples.com. I received the package, found it sitting on my porch. When I opened the package, the items were damaged and broken. I contacted staples about it and was given the option of an exchange or refund. I still needed the items so I chose an exchange. They sent a courier to pick up the package of broken products and everything was good up until then.

Then I noticed that they charged my credit card for another $175.89 without my authorization. They didn't refund my original purchase and then charge me the $175.89. The original charge had already been paid to them.

When I contacted them, they informed me that although they charged the card right away, it would take them 3-5 days to refund the charges. They claim that they need to do that for an exchange. I was not informed of this and I have worked in many businesses and have never seen any business that needs to charge you again in order to do an exchange.

I use this card for business. I use it to help track my business income. All deposits are figured as income so if and when they do refund the money, it will show as $175.89 of income that I don't have the sales records to account for. It is really going to throw off my bookkeeping. I requested that they send a check for the refund instead of sending it back to my credit card. I was willing to work with them by coming up with a solution that would at least limit all the problems they were causing me. They said that they could only refund it to the credit card that they stole the money from, no matter how much it screwed up my bookkeeping.

You can not just take money out of someones bank account without authorization and without providing any products or services for the money (remember the items were already paid for). That is illegal!!

I am filing a dispute of the charges with my credit card company. I am also looking into what my other legal options are since they took money out of my bank account without approval. I don't know if I need to file a police report or just file a case with small claims court.

Logan

Manhattan, Kansas

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

RipoffReport.com

Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com

Rip-off Report

PO Box 310, Tempe, Arizona 85280

Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on Staples