In reviewing my bank statement last Friday (3 Apr 09), I noticed odd charges to merchants I didn't recognize. Such as, "IDS*Grants, " for $94.89. The phone number on my statement for this merchant was: 866-702-6834 CA. I called the number and after two clicks and static, was automatically disconnected.
The next charge on my statement was for $68.13 - "New Grants Today" with a phone number: 888-224-5890. So I called that number and spoke to a woman who advised me that it would take at least 14 days to 'deactivate' my account. When I told her I never signed up for the product/service and didn't even know what it was, she repeated the 14-day deactivation. She also informed me that they needed to investigate for fraud before any refund would be given. She advised I would be contacted by a "Fraud Manager". She provided a 'deactivation' code and disconnected.
Yet another charge for $9.34, on the same statement, for "My Calender Wizzard. C" (if it's.com, only the. C appeared on my statement). 877-260-9415 I couldn't get the number to connect before being automatically disconnected.
The last charge for $13.42 was found for "The Best SBA Loans" with a phone number of: 877-624-3558. I called this number and without saying how much the charge was, simply said that I had fraud charges against my CC from this company. She asked my name, and I gave it to her - reluctantly. She said, "Hmmm." Asked my email address - I provided it, with a warning that it is not to be added to the system. She asked if I knew, "Marcus Gasper". I do not and said so. She said he is the person who opened the account. I went on a tangent about allowing someone to use a credit card with a name and address that doesn't match the person setting up the account.
The operator I spoke with immediately offered a full refund on ALL the charges. She put me on hold and came back to advise I would be receiving a refund/credit for the following amounts: $68.13, $9.34, $13.42 all the charges listed above save the biggest. Remember, I never not once told her what charge I was calling about.
I have canceled the credit card that was used and have filed fraud charges and fraud disputes with my bank. As this all took place on a Friday afternoon, I have not yet received the refund from the above company. I was advised it could take up to 3 working days to process. I have no idea how my CC number & info was obtained. I never signed up for any of the Grants or CDs - online or off.
For ease of reference, here is the list of phone numbers and company names.
IDS*Grants: 888-224-5890
New Grants Today: 888-224-5890
My Calender Wizzard. C: 877-260-9415
The Best SBA Loans: 877-624-3558
Best of luck to anyone dealing with the same issue.
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