Grant Research and OnLineBiz are ripoff companies that secure your debit/credit card info for shipping and handling, then later charge your card for unauthorized purchases and do not deliver either. The following is from my complaint to the consumer protection division at the Alabama Attorney General's office:
I received a charge to my bank account through my debit Visa card on the
above date by the above company (Grant Search) for $39.95. I sent off for
information from Grant Search and gave my debit Visa to cover shipping and
handling. There is a $1.29 charge to my account on 06/16 from Grant Search
followed by a $1.00 charge on 06/17/08. I have not received the information
requested as of this 06/30. On 06/23, my account was charged $39.85
with the listing of ONLINEBIZ 8007493304AZUS. I have had no known dealings with
this company but it would appear that they are associated with Grant Search.
On 06/24, My account was charged $39.95 by GrantSearch 8007490979NVUS.
I reported the above to America's First Credit Union and signed a dispute
form. On 06/30, I was contacted by America's First and was told to contact
the companies involved and report back to America's First (Jennifer). Attempting to contact the companies was futile as ONLINEBIZ
number was answered by "After Hours Services". The call was made at
11:34 AM central time. The "After Hours Services" could not help me
or give me a name. I then attempted to call Grant Search and was told that
"the service I requested was unavailable from my area" by an automated
voice. I reported this back to America's First and, on questioning Jennifer,
was told that because I gave my debit/Visa number for shipping and handling,
they can now charge my card at any time for any thing. I only authorized the
shipping and handling charge for information I have not received.
1) Is this correct that once I have made a purchase with my card, the
person/business is then free to charge my card for any amount at any time for
any thing from then on without my authorization?
2) Can I file a small claims court file against them?
3) Can I file a criminal inditment against the persons/businesses involved for
fraud and theft for this scam?
4) What other options are available to pursue this matter.
Thank you for your help.
Sincerely
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