On or about October 10, I received a telephone call from a representative from American Security Group by the name of Tom Thomson, or so he said. I do not recall the exact subtance of the conversation, but somehow he induced me to provide him with my bank account number and the routing number of my bank.
Something he said to me apparently caused me to panic into doing so. I know he was talking about identity theft or something like that. I do not recall authorizing him to take $349.00 from my account. It is not like me to agree to that kind of transaction with someone I do not know, but he did. I did not even recall what he was offering me until I received my bank statement and discovered a check issued by my bank to American Security Group for $349.00.
I called Netchex, who processed the check, and they played a tape recording of the alleged telephone conversation where I appear to be authorizing such a withdrawal. It seems to me that I would have recalled so doing. Either that telemarketer was talking so fast that I did not clearly follow what he was saying or that tape was somehow tampered with. I wonder if there are any such cases.
I called Advanced Security Group whose telephone number is on that check and spoke with someone who said his name is Darryl. I was informed that what I am being sent is $1000 in grocery coupons, $1000 in prescription drug coupons, some sort of anti-identity theft device for my computer, and who knows what else. I can buy ten copies of the Sunday paper and get $1000 worth of grocery coupons and I don't need to spend $349.00. I demanded my money back. What I was told is that they do not usually give refunds, but that I would have to receive the package first, go through it, and if I decide it is not for me, to call back and Darryl would have to speak to his supervisor and see what he can do.
I believe that this is a very underhanded way of doing business. I wish I could remember the substance of that telephone conversation, but debiting bank accounts before even giving someone a chance to see what you're sending is highway robbery. Anyway I can get my money back, if you can help me, will be much appreciated. Thank you.
Steve Lubetsky
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