I was approached, on the phone by a 'credit (card) company'; I was told that I applied previously for a credit from them and now, lucky me, I could have 2500$ in less than a month! I was in a lunch break at that time, had to go back to work, but, as long as I was told that wouldn't take long and it's an Opportunity to apply right away, and needing that cash pretty much, I said ok, go ahead.
I surely tried to pay attention on everything I was told; each time when I stopped her reading to me their terms, it was like I was bothering her and answer back vaguely. When she asked me about my bank account numbers I was very close to just hang up: I said "why would you need my numbers while YOU are going to lend me money, not vice versa"; "this is for verification purposes, to see if you have a valid account, blah blah; I surely was suspicious but my need for the credit line made me more stupid. I asked specifically though NOT TO CHARGE MY BANK ACCOUNT for any reasons: I SURELY WANT TO LISTEN TO THAT TAPE they should have recorded with my "approval".
I mentioned several times the notion of "credit card" from them, and nobody said anything else... Sounded like they played dummy.
Well, I surely WOKE UP, not as much when I saw how they charged my account in few days only, VERY QUICK, BUT WHEN I RECEIVED THE WRITTEN STATEMENT that I was suppose to sign it and sent it back so that I could take "advantage" of their credit!
That was, as I've read someone's else statement worse than a stupid joke: the credit card I've been expected (and that's how I mentioned on the phone each time I called back to see my status) was actually a way for THEM to make ME BUY from THEIR SITE some expensive useless stuff, good for nothing but trash - check it out and you'll see for yourself!
Practically it was/is ME who was LENDING THEM 200$ (which, they say, would be give back to me, as vouchers!) and, more than that, 'forced' to buy junk for 2500$!
As soon as I read that statement, the "Guaranteed Acceptance Letter" (i have the confirmation number for whoever needs it) I was very clear about the scam:
A quick brief fast spoken recorded (as I was told later on the phone - because I asked about the one to whom I talked to), to which you'll say a "yes" (call me foolish, I agree!), they charge you the 200$ RIGHT AWAY; wait for weeks to come this letter you are suppose to sign and send back EVEN, actually, it says
"Signature is not required for the pre-authorized electronic debit (?!?!) to take place from your checking account under E.F.T.A. Regulation E (EFTA) (15 USC 1693 et Seq.) Enacted on 11/10/1978, and is implemented by Federal Reserve Regulation E (12efr205)"
Well, well... They need my recorded YES to take back my money, but 1. To open up the account they would need my signature, 2. To give back my money, the refund, they weren't even able to put me through, on the phone, with somebody who could take my request! I was told each time to write a letter to the "refund department".
Ever since, from the beginning of this year, i kept on calling, WAY TOO MANY TIMES: they pretended that don't know what I am talking about. I am an immigrant (LEGALLY, from Europe), and you could tell by my accent, but you can't say you don't understand one single word of what I am talking about! Nor about my writing!
Last time when I called, i found somebody who sounded more understandable, not so arrogant as the others (especially a woman, i might recognize her name!), and as I explained AGAIN about all these, he said that I should just try again and, most likely, it will be taking care of it.
As every time i wrote and letter to them, after FEW WEEKS OF WAITING, and receive the same neutral respond:
"... After careful (here is where I smile, largely!) review of your account... We regret to inform you that you are not eligible for a refund on your account"
they give me a number where to call regarding this, but actually nobody is "entitled" to give support about the matter, just they can tell you to... WRITE TO THE REFUND DEPARTMENT.
What I also believe about all these is also that, as indirectly the last man i talked to told me so, 200$ is not a fortune. (he emphasized this as being an "American point of you" besides a 200$ - to an 'outsider').
Dear readers, isn't a fortune, i know; they know too - and know it's more of a hassle to take it back than let it go away... (specific for frauds); BUT AT LEAST to be an aware: THIS IS NOT A CREDIT CARD OF 2500$ WORTH: it's a line of credit that you MUST USE IT WITHIN THEIR SYSTEM: you buy cheap stuff from them at a higher price! Check it out and see: BTW: they won't let you see their price UNLESS YOU ALREADY ARE caught into their... System.
Know I'll won't stop this until the 200$ will go back in my pocket: is not a fortune, but it is mine: and of my kids and wife that I taking care of. I worked hardly and honest for each penny. Hope my voice will be heard at least by some who might get into this expensive joke!
Best regards!
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