Hey there folks, I just thought I would discuss my absolute shock and displeasure when I checked my Visa debit card account's last month of activity. I am in college, and recently moved into an apartment not far from Salt Lake City.
While doing so, I used an online free credit report that I had seen advertised on TV (freecreditreport.com) to ensure I had the credit to be qualified for the apartment. Everything worked fine online, and from what I had read you are entitled free credit reports at least once a year, right? Wrong.
At least according to this CIC Credit Svc - I had been billed on my checking account for $79.95 - how does something like this slip past? I immediately called them up today, followed the menu, chose "cancel my account" and spoke to someone in broken english to get my account closed and re-credited my $79.95 - She said that I would see a credit for that amount on my statement within 7-10 business days. Great, huh?
Here's the catch! I suppose I was lucky, because I was billed on August 23 (which actually was on August 25 - but I guess they somehow justify charging an extra 2 days in there) and then checked my statement on September 18! Do the math, that is almost 30 days.
According to what I have read with many people's disputes about this, they had cancelled after 30 days (which CIC deems as a free-trial period - damn right free, isn't that what you signed up for to begin with?) So was I just lucky that I found this before 30 days had lapsed? Perhaps I was - however, the best thing you can do to stop this from happening to you is to first of all, don't use a "free credit report" without reading ALL fine print EVERYWHERE - and even then, check your bank statement for the months following.
If you are unlucky enough to get scammed into this, upon seeing the charge IMMEDIATELY call them (888) 888-8553 or (877) 513-4175 and discuss your displeasure with your unauthorized charge. THIS IS THE SAME AS THEFT! Do whatever you can to dispute the charge with the company, if things do or don't go well, if you are or aren't recredited, or if you get some bullshit story from them and told there is nothing they can do to help you (I have read this is common with this company) GO DIRECTLY TO THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU! (www.bbb. Gov) These people will help you with all they can.
In light of this situation, I am extremely glad that I checked my bank statement. It is a critical and crucial thing to do, especially in today's society where everything is stolen from you - if your bank offers online account access, DO IT! It just may save you $79.95! As for my re-credit, I guess I will have to wait and see if I am truly refunded my robbed money. However, I have every shred of motivation to push my case until every cent is back in my account. If you have used a credit report service, go check your account!
Kind Regards
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