Complaint Review: Stectra Financial - Champlain New York

I received a call Saturday evening Feb.19 at about 5 pm EST, from a lady with a heavy accent, and she said she was calling because she represents a company who already has all my personal information; all she needed was my okay in order to send me a MasterCard. She proceeded to quote to me my social security number, my mom's maiden name, and even my date of birth. She also already knew where I banked, but she said she needed my account number in order to pay them for a one-time small fee of 249 dollars. I said I was surprised she had all that info, and she said she had been forwarded the information from a credit application I submitted.

I told her I was not going to give her my account number, and she kept insisting she and her company could be trusted. She was persistent. I told her I never ever gave my information to an unsolicited call, and that I was surprised about the information she already possessed. I told her that I did not even give my checking account numbers to our local police when they are doing fundraisers; rather, they always understand and simply send me the info in the mail and then I write a check.

I asked her for her address and phone number, and to remit me information in the mail, and that I would look it over and then reply.

She was not happy with my response, and she gave me the information, the useless toll-free number and the address I listed here. I then got on the net and found this website.

You can imagine my surprise. So I called the bank. Of course there is no answer on the weekends, so I emailed them.

I then emailed the NY State Attorney General, the Credit Bureaus (placing a fraud alert), and emailed the credit union where my checking account is, telling them to place my account on a fraud alert.

This spectra caller never did get my checking account number, but I am concerned.

This morning I also complained to the FTC and I emailed a complaint to the FBI Fraud Unit. It was excellent, as the FBI called me IMMEDIATELY from Washington. The agent said he called the toll-free number, and he told me I was protected by my bank if they did anything illegal. He said I had done everything right, and most likely it was too soon for them to do anything.

I sure hope and pray he is right.

And I learned my lesson. Even though, in this case, I actually did nothing.

She already had all my personal information (which I never gave her), and all she needed(she said) was my okay and my checking account number. So, they were/are close.

I am hoping I nipped this in the bud pre-emptively with everything I've done so far.

I was so upset this morning, the FBI guy who telephoned me was trying to calm me down.

This is just terrible, and they use some gentle-sounding lady with an accent, in order to appear/sound so harmless and to get to you.

I already know they have violated something, by getting all my personal info. I am just waiting to see what damage they will do.

Many many complaints are here, regarding Spectra.

Richard

Lexington, Kentucky
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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...the victims' advocate

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...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.