- Report: #142430
Complaint Review: Consumer Reward Network - Woodland Hills California
-
Author Confirmed
Why?
Consumer Reward Network
P.O. Box 4172 Woodland Hills, 91365-4172 California, U.S.A.
Phone:
800-357-7518
Web:
N/A
Categories:
Business Rating:
(0)
Tell us has your experience with this business or person been good?
Consumer Reward Network ripoff and unauthorized charges Woodland Hills California *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!
I was contacted by a telemarketer on Thursday April 26,2005, who claimed that WAL-Mart Corporation had choose me as a winner for $ 500.00 worth of shopping vouchers at their stores. He told me to claim this prize I would need to pay a $4.95 fee. He then offered me a membership to " Health Network Unlimited and Auto Gold ", and explained the terms, cost of the memberships and their respective risk free review period's.
He claimed that I would receive substanial savings in medical / medicines services as well as automobile services. He clearly stated that I was under no obligation, other than the one time membership activation fee of $4.95 for signing up for a membership with Health Network Unlimited and Auto Gold. He stated I would be sent a membership kit's that explained the terms of both offers. He then asked me for my checking account number to charge the $4.95 fee to, stating that is all I would be charged, and that the bank would call me to authorize this expense prior to the withdrawal of funds from my checking account. He asked for permission to tape this part of our phone conversation, authorization of the $4.95 fee. On Monday May 2, 2005 I received a time sensitive Health Network Unlimited membership kit and the Auto Gold membership kit. I reviewed both of the membership kits that evening.
The following day at 0930 AM PST I called Health Network Unlimited toll free phone number(800)357-7518 listed in their package and spoke to a representative named Candice. I explained to her that I received their membership package on May 2,2005 reviewed it and wanted to cancel my membership effective May 3,2005. I was assigned a confirmation number and was told that my checking account was billed $4.95 and $129.90 on Thursday April 28, 2005 and that my membership would be cancelled, I was also told that I would be sent a refund request form to fill out and have my checking account reimbursed the amount of $129.90 which would be sent out in seven to ten working days.
I also wrote and sent them a letter of my request to cancel my membership that same day, May 3, 2005. On Monday May 9, 2005 my checking account had been charged the amounts of $129.90 and $4.95 respectively. I called that evening and spoke to a representative named Christin asking her why I was charged the first month's set up fee installment of $99.95 and the first month's membership fee of $29.95, for a total of $129.90. Christin told me that my call on May 3, 2005 to cancel my membership had been noted. She stated the charges were the policy, I explained I authorized $4.95, nothing more.
I also explained to her that their membership package states that no charges would other than the $4.95 would be charged and that after the risk free review period ( ten days after receipt of the membership kit )I would then be billed for the membership fee's. I spoke to my bank about my problem. I have been charged unauthorized fee's. On May 3,2005 at 1000 AM PST I also spoke to a Auto Gold representative named Alex, requested to cancel my membership in Auto Gold. Was told the same story. I also sent them a cancellation letter the same day. I was also charged the Auto Gold initial set-up fee installment of $99.95 plus $4.95 for the annual maintenance fee, for a total of $104.90 on May 9,2005 to my checking account. I was promised the same refund request form for reimbusement. I am out a total of $ 234.80 money that I really need. I will also contact WAL-MART and inform them of this scam.
I thought this was a legitimate deal, because my internet provider is through WAL-MART and that part of their internet administative operations are based in India.
Francis
Port Orchard, 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, 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!
We are not lawyers.
We are not a collection agency.
We are Consumer Advocates.
...the victims' advocate
WE are Civil and Human Rights Activists
We are a Worldwide Consumer Reporting News Agency
...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.
He claimed that I would receive substanial savings in medical / medicines services as well as automobile services. He clearly stated that I was under no obligation, other than the one time membership activation fee of $4.95 for signing up for a membership with Health Network Unlimited and Auto Gold. He stated I would be sent a membership kit's that explained the terms of both offers. He then asked me for my checking account number to charge the $4.95 fee to, stating that is all I would be charged, and that the bank would call me to authorize this expense prior to the withdrawal of funds from my checking account. He asked for permission to tape this part of our phone conversation, authorization of the $4.95 fee. On Monday May 2, 2005 I received a time sensitive Health Network Unlimited membership kit and the Auto Gold membership kit. I reviewed both of the membership kits that evening.
The following day at 0930 AM PST I called Health Network Unlimited toll free phone number(800)357-7518 listed in their package and spoke to a representative named Candice. I explained to her that I received their membership package on May 2,2005 reviewed it and wanted to cancel my membership effective May 3,2005. I was assigned a confirmation number and was told that my checking account was billed $4.95 and $129.90 on Thursday April 28, 2005 and that my membership would be cancelled, I was also told that I would be sent a refund request form to fill out and have my checking account reimbursed the amount of $129.90 which would be sent out in seven to ten working days.
I also wrote and sent them a letter of my request to cancel my membership that same day, May 3, 2005. On Monday May 9, 2005 my checking account had been charged the amounts of $129.90 and $4.95 respectively. I called that evening and spoke to a representative named Christin asking her why I was charged the first month's set up fee installment of $99.95 and the first month's membership fee of $29.95, for a total of $129.90. Christin told me that my call on May 3, 2005 to cancel my membership had been noted. She stated the charges were the policy, I explained I authorized $4.95, nothing more.
I also explained to her that their membership package states that no charges would other than the $4.95 would be charged and that after the risk free review period ( ten days after receipt of the membership kit )I would then be billed for the membership fee's. I spoke to my bank about my problem. I have been charged unauthorized fee's. On May 3,2005 at 1000 AM PST I also spoke to a Auto Gold representative named Alex, requested to cancel my membership in Auto Gold. Was told the same story. I also sent them a cancellation letter the same day. I was also charged the Auto Gold initial set-up fee installment of $99.95 plus $4.95 for the annual maintenance fee, for a total of $104.90 on May 9,2005 to my checking account. I was promised the same refund request form for reimbusement. I am out a total of $ 234.80 money that I really need. I will also contact WAL-MART and inform them of this scam.
I thought this was a legitimate deal, because my internet provider is through WAL-MART and that part of their internet administative operations are based in India.
Francis
Port Orchard, 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, 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!
We are not lawyers.
We are not a collection agency.
We are Consumer Advocates.
...the victims' advocate
WE are Civil and Human Rights Activists
We are a Worldwide Consumer Reporting News Agency
...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.
