Complaint Review: swipebids.com - Internet

A google or yahoo search on Swipebids.com scam will produce links to hundreds of people  like myself complaining to the BBB, FBI, FCC, and FTC, about having this $150.00 Unauthorized charge and more put on their cards and asking for help.  <b>Unlike MOST banks and credit card companies after being provide with the research that I did on this deceptive registration process that I am convinced is fraudulent my bank agree that the transaction was UNAUTHORIZED.</b>  But from the many complains that I have read from others I and one of only a few who have had their bank or credit card company come to there rescue.  I should mention that I recognized the charge immediately and never placed any bids or returned to the website after my online chat with support to have the unauthorized charge removed convinced me that I had stumbled onto a scam site.

They advertise across the internet as a penny auction and what draws generally web savy people like myself ( I'm a Web User Interface Designer and Web Developer, and then there is the CEO of a Tech company that I came across over the internet who had also had $150.00 scammed out of his account) is they very skillful place graphic logos of well respected companies like ABC, CBS, and NBC for example throughout their ads and along the bottom of their website.  This of course gives them the appearance of legitimacy.  In many cases along with these respected businesses logos are word of excitement and what can seem if you do look very closely as a ringing endorsement for swipebids. Upon closer examination what you will find is that the comments being made by these companies have nothing to do with Swipebids. I did a whois IP search of Swipebids.

I found for their IP Address:  174.143.21.150, Organization "Just Think Media".  You might remember this company and its owner Jesse Willms known for lawsuits entered against him and won by Microsoft, Symantec, and even Oprah Winfrey for deceptive practices.

<b>Below is the sort of argument (along with documented proof) that I supplied to my bank that convinced them that a dispute was needed and resulted in the money being put back into my account. Note: When I first contacted the bank I was sent a response that they had contacted Swipebids and found the transaction correct and they did not put the money back into my account.  I ask my bank to provide me with the research they did to come to that conclusion. I told them that I would provide them with the research that I did that drew a different conclusion.  After reviewing the documents and research that I provided they agreed with my conclusion</b>   That same day I received a pdf document stating the following:

Our research indicates that the transaction(s) was processed incorrectly or was not authorized.
Your account was credited $150.00 on 06/25/2010 to correct this error. Interest, overdraft charges, service fees, or other miscellaneous charges related to the transaction(s) have also been credited, as appropriate. If any fees have been charged to your account as a result of the disputed transaction(s) on the same day of the posting of this credit, please contact us at the number listed above for resolution

Don't give up without putting up a fight
 

Final point:  If Wipebids did not know exactly what they are doing and was a legitimate business after getting hundreds complaints from people about this $150.00 unauthorized charge in the short time that they have been in business they would have corrected it.  But instead they put together a script and screen capture that they give to their help desk people to try and convince you that you confirmed and authorized a charge that you know you did not.  And unfortunately I imagine it works on some of the senior who get caught in their web of deception.  You know immediately when you talk to the support people that this is something that they deal with everyday all day. They have already been instructed not to under any circumstances reverse the transaction.  It is obvious to me that they have carefully and skillfully designed a fraudulent scheme to steal money from innocent people.

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