Complaint Review: UOL JUNO ONLINE - Internet

The other day I noticed that there has been a recurring monthly charge for Juno online for 9.95 on my account.  Upon further checking, I was appalled to learn that I had been charging me for a year and a half!  Yes, I realize I should have checked my statements closer... hindsight being 20/20! but being a low fee, it was easily overlooked.  I have read numerous reports of others who have overlooked these charges as well for several months (so I don't feel quite as stupid anymore). I have NEVER HEARD OF THIS COMPANY before, nor visited their website (excpet to investigate these charges) and already had internet service through Qwest. ... These were UNAUTHORIZED CHARGES.  Initially I thought that someone stole my info & used it to pay for their own internet, but after reading so many reports, I now believe the COMPANY ITSELF IS FRAUDULENT and is creating these accounts using personal information that they somehow obtain.  it is scary.  what I really don't understand is WHY HAVEN'T THEY BEEN SHUT DOWN???  I WILL BE REPORTING THIS TO THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU and I encourage others to as well.  My experience dealing with the company itself so far is as follows: first phone call-the customer service rep didn't believe me that I didn't set this account up.  He asked for the answer to my 'security question'-what is the name of my pet?  I told him the three names of pets that I had at the time the account was set up.  He said, ok & proceeded on with the phone call.  It wasn't until later in the call when I asked him again, what was the answer to my 'security question' and he gave a different name than what I had listed-maybe he didn't understand me the first time as he was foreign, but I am beginning to think he was just outright lying.  He said he could re-imburse the last two months & cancel the account and that I would have to dispute the rest of the charges through the credit company.  I called my Capital one card & thus far they have been very helpful.  But then I researched it & found out how many others had trouble, so I called Juno back.  During the second call, I discovered they had an email address on the account that I didn't create or use-more evidence that this is fraud.  When I asked to speak to the fraud department, he gave me an email address.  When I sent an email, I was given a regular mailing address.  what a run around!  Well, I've sent a letter to the mailing address, but don't expect to hear anything back from them.  When I checked my credit card account today, it does look like they re-imbursed 5 additional months, but I am not satisfied with this, I shouldn't be responsible for ANY of the FRAUDULENT CHARGES for an account that I DID NOT CREATE AND NEVER RECEIVED ANY SERVICES FROM.  Good luck to everyone else who is having problems with this company.  I truly hope that they get SHUT DOWN SOON!!!!

 

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