I was contacted in May (at home during the day, and quite ill) by a telemarketing three-pronged attack that progressively worked toward brow-beating me into having $200 debited from my checking account. Having just recently purchased a home, I knew our credit wasn't stellar - but that we qualified for a loan and now had our dream of home ownership.
First I was told - that congratulations! - I had qualified for a credit card with a large credit amount. Then, second, I was transferred to someone to "take my information". He said there were "no strings" - I was getting TWO credit cards!
When he asked for my checking account number I became suspicious, so I questioned the need for my account number. He said that they would be transferring money from my account to my new card, and that I would get "immediate access" to that money. I questioned how this would be possible, and said then said I was not interested. He explained I would get $200 worth of credit on the merchant card - but could not tell what products it was for.
When I continued to voice negative concerns, I was then transferred to the third person - a quite aggressive man who told me my credit was horrible - that I had to do this to restore my credit rating. I told him that we had just purchased a home - he said it was "all on my husband's credit rating" - not mine - and that I played no part in getting the loan. Obviously, he does not know who the main breadwinner is! Regardless, I said no. He said they already had all my information. If I did not go ahead with the transaction, I was basically a big loser.
It has been a month. I am embarrassed to tell my husband that I was a victim of such scammers - I always get mad at him for falling for the lame pitches. After several hours on the phone today with my bank, the company that authorizes the transfers (Accelerated Payments Systems, Mesa, AZ 480-981-4000) I got the number for NACS.By the way, they cannot credit your account - only remove funds from it.
I was on hold for 10 minutes, listening to their recorded message saying I was "number 3 in line, number 2 in line" - finally, when I was number 1 in line - a message came on and said they were closed for the day. This would have been at 4:45pm Eastern time. All the while I was on hold - the recorded message was pitching the "$1000 cash advance, 50% discount, it will take up to 6 weeks for delivery" since we have a bad postal service.
I was almost enticed to wait and see what would show up - would it be like Christmas? Fortunately, I found your website while I was multitasking and found out I was not alone.
Boy, Am I Sorry! Don't fall for this! You can do much better with the $200 than give it to them!
I called my bank and they are researching this and will temporarily credit my account the $200 while they are figuring this out.
I know there are others out there too embarrassed to admit they fell for this by someone making them feel bad about paying their bills late every now and then.
Help put these people out of business!
Theresa
Oregon City, Oregon
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