Complaint Review: Simple Choice Finacial Benefits - Champlain New York

I received a call on June 3, 2005 from an operator of Simple Choice Finacial Benefits offering a credit card with a guaranteed limit of $2,000. The only catch was an up front activation/processing fee of $249. I authorized the charges through a recorded conversation, and the $249 was taken out of my bank account on June 6, 2005 in the form of a paper check. The operator informed me that I would be receiving a package in the mail in 40 days. After the 40 days had expired, I did not receive a package. I started to get suspicious of this whole thing, and began to wonder if I had been ripped off ? So I called the customer service center for Simple Choice Finacial Benefits, and finally got through after calling about 5 times. The operator asked for my name and telephone number, and confirmed my address in the computer. He then gave an excuse for why my package had been delayed, and said that the 40 days delivery time actually meant up to 40 BUSINESS days ! He then apologized to me for the delay, but then re-assured me that he would key in another request for shipment, and that my package was definitely on the way.

So I waited another 2 weeks, and still no sign of a package from this company. At this time, I became very angry, and sick to my stomach, because I knew that I had somehow been ripped off. This is when I began to do some research online of this company. I was shocked when I could not find an actual website that was solely dedicated to Simple Choice Finacial Benefits. It was almost like this company did not even exist ! But then, I found this website, and read all of the negative reports of all the other victims who have been scammed by this very same company! I then immediately called my bank, to see if there was any way to get my money back. They had informed me that since the 60 days had already passed, there was NOTHING they could do to get my money back.

I then called back to Simple Choice Finacial Benefits and DEMANDED a refund ! The phone operator then informed me that the number I had reached was just a customer service center for 18 different companies, Simple Choice being one of those. I asked the operator if I could have a direct phone number or address to Simple Choice, and he said "No". He then tells me that he would be able to assist me in any way I needed. So I tell the guy that I demand a refund of my $249, and that I was aware of the numerous scams that this company had participated in. I also informed him that if I did not get a refund immediately that I would contact the New York Police and the FBI and also the Better Business Bureau. He then changed his tone and said my refund was on the way, and that it would be in the form of a paper check, and that it would be here by September 21 guaranteed ! I assured him that if I did not receive full refund by 9/21/2005 that I would take actions.

Well, I never received the refund. And I am mad as hell !

So, I have come to the realization that I will never get my $249 back. But, I refuse to let these criminals get away with this ! So this is what I found out. I went to my bank and asked for a copy of the actual paper check that was taken from my account by Simple Choice Finacial Benefits in the amount of $249. After investigating every single word and letter on this paper, I noticed something very strange! On the front of the check it says:

Pay To: Simple Choice Finacial Benefits $249

And then right below, it says:

EZ Pay Financial Services #445-597 #23918

I am not sure what this EZ Pay Financial Services company is ?

And what are these two seperate sets of number sequences that follow it ?

And then, on the BACK of the check, if you look closely, you can see that it has been stamped three seperate times ! This is what I can make out of the stampings on the back:

(1) First Citizens Bank

100 East Tryon Road

Raleigh, NC 27603

#62622618

(2) Bank of America,NA. CAR

#6600248317

(3) Bank of America

#9330004823

As you can see, with the first stamp I was able to make out a complete address plus a number. The second and third stampings did not have addresses, but I could plainly see the name of the bank plus the number that followed it. What these numbers mean, Im not sure, maybe the transaction number or something ?

But, the FIRST CITIZENS BANK address is what is very CONFUSING and PUZZLING to me ! If Simple Choice Finacial Benefits is based out of Champlain, New York, then WHY would this check be stamped with a RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA ADDRESS ?!??!??!??!?!?

Raleigh, NC is 850 MILES from Champlain, NY ! ! ! ! ! I am very baffled ! Maybe there is a simple explanation for all of this ?? But as of right now, I dont understand ?

If ANYONE has information or ideas that can help me,

Travis

Sweetwater, Texas
U.S.A.

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