I am upset that Virgin Mobile has continously been taking money off of my registered credit card. I bought a $15.00 phone and a $30.00 card for my phone at Walgreens in Avondale, Arizona....I set up a plan that would be $29.00 for 300 minutes. I also bought a $20.00 top off card because I would be texting and calling internationally for a week and a half. Virgin Mobile supposedly has good rates on it too. I registered my credit card because on their website it says it would give me additional minutes to my cash balance ( I never recieved this). Somehow my $20 cash balance ran low and I soon top offed with another $20 but that $20 went to nothing, it didnt even show on my account that I recently top offed again with another $20. So I called customer service and they told me this bullcrap that I made so many international calls, but I made two calls that lasted 7 minutes and 11 minutes. I checked all the calls I made on the website and saw they were charging me for local calls and charging me for calls I made to my voicemail. They also charged me for calls that did not go through, for instance calls that lasted 0 minutes and 0 seconds. I then, topped off with another $20 because I needed to call overseas. Keep in mind that Virgin Mobile is not supposed to subtract any cash balance for making local calls, local calls are charged with the monthly 300 minutes.... Seeing my balance low again I topped off $10 so this brings me to $80 in less than 2 weeks...I check my credit card balance and saw my balance went up on that and my credit card is maxed. I've had this phone and this plan for only 1 month and my money is going like crazy. I asked for unlimited text in mid May and they told me it would come out in June, so I waited and I waited June 2nd and never came, so I called and customer service told me it was pending and it will take effect June 6th. So June 6th comes and the text messaging will not work I cannot recieve texts. I am very irriated at this point because I have been very patient with this company and I want my money back. I am upset because I try to call customer service and I am hold for at least 15 minutes, until I can talk to a real person that is located in Asia. I want to resolve this issue now, I want my money back and my service disconneced NOW.
Ipaccia
Tacoma, Washington
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