I had an open balance of $495.83 with banana republic. I lost my job and was unemployed and for the first time couldn't make monthly payments on time. Which lead this company "Valentin & Kebartas" to take over my account. I spoke to a representative named "Ronda" female mid Feb about making a $50 payment for the month of February. I authorized that transaction. She kept telling me to pay off the entire balance off
by next month which was $425.83. I told her if I can arrange some type of monthly payment plan and she told me the only offer they can do would be $158.61 for 3 months. I told her that's too much per month and that I would call back next month with another payment. She said ok, and we hung up. The next month I look in my checking account and they have made an unauthorized transaction of $425.83 on March 24.
First instinct was to call Valentine & Kebartas, inc. And spoke to 2 reps, 2 different supervisors before being on hold for another 5 minutes to speak to their "supervisor". A man started off by bluntly accusing me of forgetting about this payment transaction, and that they would NEVER make an unauthorized transaction with out my consent. I sat there and listened to him telling me to "grow up as an adult and take responsibility
for my actions". Proceeded to tell me they have me on recording and that he would be sure to listen tomorrow. I told him I need this money now to make my rent today... And he responded to tell me "OH THIS IS WHAT IT WAS ABOUT! You need money! YOU'RE CALLING NOT BECAUSE WE MADE AN MISTAKE BUT BECAUSE YOUR SHORT OF MONEY THIS MONTH!" I honestly could have used my Army tactics on him if I was near Lawrence, MA.
How can any representative act and speak to anyone in that matter this way? I drove to my bank and filed a "fraud unauthorized transaction" and they told me they would investigate. Which takes up to 10 days. I looked up this company online to see if possibly they would have some reviews. But WOW, I was in shock. They have more "rip off" stories then any company should have. How are they able to still be in business? Why would Dell company
hire these guys to represent/collect money for them. I called the company again, to see if I would be lucky this time to speak to a professional supervisor. But of course I didn't get that. This time he told me "If we did make an mistake we still would never be able to give you the money back. You owe a debt which never allows a company to refund your money! I agree that maybe one of our representatives may have made a mistake
and charged you without authorization. But I can't reverse any charges." Wow, guess it's time for me to start writing to the Better Business Bureau and find myself a good lawyer to sue them! I get that we owe money to certain companies, but how is it legal for them to withdraw MY MONEY illegally?!!? What are my options here?!? They won't be the ones living out on the street with out rent money... I will!
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