I got a tannish colored envelope in the mail a few days ago. It was from NME, and I called earlier this evening. I was entered into a "sweepstakes" for $45,000, and then told about these great magazines that I could get at a discounted price. Some of which included: parenting, Rachel Ray, Hallmark, cosmogirl... Etc. Then I was told to pick my favorite 2. As soon as I replied I was switched to another line.
A woman was talking very very fast and I could only catch about every 3rd word. Then I was told that I could get 3 magazines for 48 months at 1.29 a week. I said I didn't want to use my card; that if anything a money order. Then I was told I hadn't even listened to the payment options and we would go over that later. Then she requested my debit card #, for verification for my order. I HAD NO IDEA she was going to run my card for 44.87 I thought if anything it would be the 1.29 for the week. (Talk about stupidity on my part!)
Anyway after she ran my card I asked her basically what was going on. What did she run my card for? Then she told me 44.87!!! After I already told her earlier I wanted to send a money order!!! (Also I had three kids runnung around yelling and playing so it was really hard to focus and pay close attention) Then I told her that I didn't say she could run my card for that amount and she just kept saying that I authorized her to run it. Finally I broke down and started to cry because I only had 50 bucks in my account FOR GROCERIES!!! So she very rudelt gave me the customer service line and promised to cancel the order. (but the money had already posted as a pending transaction so it's not available.) Thanks a freakin lot lady!
So I called customer service and they said the money would be refunded and gave me a fax number to fax a bank statement showing the money had posted to my account. I then called my bank, cancelled my card and was informed by my bank that I COULD press fraud charges and also file a police report if the money is not refunded in the next 3-5 days.
After that comforting call to my bank I called their customer service back and told them that I had called my bank cancelled my card, and if the money didn't get refunded I would be pressing fraud charges through my bank and with the police. (And yes I was rude and aggressive just like they were to me) I told them that I had not authourized this amount and this was completely ridiculous! I told them to take me out of their so-called sweepstakes and that I wanted my money and nothing more. I told them if they give my money back it will all be over and done no problems. I was then told I could call in the following day and do a 3 way call with them and my bank and they would tell the bank they will not take the money out and my money will be available a lot sooner.
If you experience this, pressing fraud charges, cancelling you card and taking no crap is the way to handle it. If they know you mean business they will cancel it and refund all your money. But the best piece of advice is NOT TO EVER give your card number to anyone or anything that you cant see in person. It's the only way to avoid situations like this. And remember when push comes to shove-SHOVE BACK!!!
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