In early July I contacted American Tax Relief after seeing their ads on TV numerous times. I spoke with Robert Campbell who listened to my issue then asked for my checking account information. I told him I wanted a price estimate first but he refused to give me one until I gave hime my checking account information. Once I gave him my information, he gave me a cost estimate that I knew I could not afford and told him so. I thought that was the end of my dealings with ATR.
Within a few days a package of forms and a cover letter arrived at my apartment. The cover letter very clearly said that the first step I had to take was to complete the power of attorney forms for the IRS and a survey form and return them to ATR. Since I had no plans to do business with this company I simply did not complete the paperwork.
Much to my suprise, on August 4 American Tax Relief processed what looked like a check against my bank account for $1950 and the bank paid them. I contacted Robert Campbell on August 6 and informed him I wanted my money back because I had not authorized the withdrawal and there was no way they could provide service if I had not signed the power of attorney documents. He then informed me of a no refund policy (never mentioned before) and said there was no way I was getting my money back. I informed him that I would involve law enforcement and he laughed at me and swore.
I have since involved the FBI and would encourage others who have been swindled by this company to report it to the FBI as quickly as they can. Make sure the Los Angelos office knows about your complaint.
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