What steps should i take for my financial problem?

Question

There is a company that has been taking $49.95 every month out of one of my bank accounts (which I am in the process of closing). I had no idea and when i called to cancel it, I actually had to ask the company that they "sold"....which was phone cards. I have never used a phone card...ever. When I asked how I came to be signed up for this service, they told me that I got something in the mail that i was supposed to send back in so many days to cancell the service (which I probably quickly just threw away). Now, I know it's my fault for not being very observant of my own finances, but, again, I HAVE NEVER USED THIS COMPANY BEFORE! What should I do?

Answer 1

Contact the better business bureau. For them to deduct money from your bank account you had to sign something and file it with your bank. Make your bank produce that for you . You may also seek legal advice.

Answer 2

Sounds like a scam to me. I had something similar happen with magazine subscriptions. It must be linked to some purchase you made with your account or bank card, or they would not have access to this info. I would contact the company (by phone and in writing) ask them for copies of this this contract/agreement. Speak to supervisors get names and operator or employee numbers. Keep good notes, you will need them. Then I would work through your banks fraud department. It is easier to charge back a credit/debit card, hopefully that is the case, and that it is not a wire transfer from your account (that is a little tougher). I would also check the website "ripoff report" see if the company that is debiting you is listed. Use all of the info that you have gained to address this with your bank. Also make sure that you terminate this contract/agreement, ask them to confirm in writing, so that they don't claim that you have defaulted once you close your account and take you to collections later. Good Luck!

Answer 3

I agree with advice to ask your bank to produce the authorization for these withdrawals. If they can't, they ought to reverse all the withdrawals.

Also, contact your state attorney general's office. In most states that office has a department of consumer protection or consumer fraud that will help you to follow up and get a resolution. This will be much more effective than the Better Business Bureau. Unfortunately, the BBB is toothless. They can prod and they can publish negative reports, but a company like the one you're describing won't care.

Answer 4

You should send them a certified letter explaining you have never used the service and notify them that the payments need to stop coming out of your account. i would also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.
*just a side note, check your credit reports for any strange activity and you might want to call this company again and ask where they mailed this "supposed" phone card to.

Answer 5

Sounds like fraud to me. No one can push something down your throat without your consent. As them for refund and if they refuse, take them to court. Unbelievable!!!!