I was called, in April of 2001, and informed, "For a processing fee of $199.95, a $7, 500.00 line of credit can be yours, with three credit cards, totalling $2, 500.00 each, at a guaranteed to stay, low interest rate of 6.7%." At the time, I had two, high interest cards, around 20%, and it made me jump for this offer, because I was also told, I "could transfer my high interest cards and save money."
I spoke with a confirmation manager, who said my satisfaction was guaranteed or my money would be refunded, if I called before thirty days. This man thoroughly covered all my questions very professionally and seemingly, honestly.
The cards were supposed to arrive in 10 days; instead, all I ever received was a bunch of papers, with credit rules on them, stating: "This information is worth $1000! " I immediately knew I had been 'taken, ' at that point, and called Key Nation Benefits to cancel for a refund. I have as of yet to receive a refund. I called every day, to every other day, for a month, only to be told, on the last call, "I'm sorry; there is no record of an account in your name."
I immediately reported this company to FCC and FTC, online; but nothing has ever come of it, except a confirmed of receipt e-mail, from FCC and FTC. This company is only one of many, owned and operated by Key Corporation, which last April, paid our government over 14 Billion dollars in taxes, as per consumer rip offs! Maybe, that's why I've never heard from the FTC or the FCC; they are a division of our government, you know?
I have also been ripped off, by another company, (First Shield, $199.95) and had to pay a stop payment fee, to keep from being ripped off, by another; then had to change my account number, because this third company attempted, the second time, without my permission (Medical Shield, $199.95).
All of these companies are subsidiaries of Key Corporation. I did not give my account number to First Shield or to Medical Shield. This mother co,
Key Corporation, is becoming multi-billion dollar operated, as it is the new owner of Peziod Enterprizes (McDonalds).
So, my total consumer rip-offs, over the past year and a half is $399.90! I have a limited unearned income, and I'm a college student and mother of two underaged children.
I cannot afford such stealing. My bank has refused to do anything, except let me pay stop payments, and then, I was reprimanded for that, as well, when I never gave my account number to these last two companies; being wary, after the first scam. When I changed my account number, I was told, by the bank representative, "Oh, we never give out customers' account numbers;" as I asked for a form to sign, to prevent this, and was denied one. Then,
5-weeks later, I got an opt-out of personal information form, in the mail, from the bank!
I immediately filled it out and took it down to the bank. The banks and these companies are working together, hand in hand, ripping off consumers, in America! There are too many people, I know, who have went through this same thing, as myself. I know, this local bank sold my new account number, before I got that notice, because on the third day, after opening my new checking account, I received over 20 telemarketer calls! I have stopped answering my telephone, if it shows 'unavailable;' as I pay extra, to have Caller I.D. Oh, I might mention, the only thing the FTC and FCC ever did for me, (as I reported an identity theft, in Jan/2000), was block me from opening a new bank account, in my local area, when the incident itself (as I informed them) occured in Montgomery, AL!
I am red flagged, where I live, until Jan/2003 and cannot move to another bank; but according other people, I know, it's not making any difference, anyway. The bottom line is, telemarketers are making money, by stealing from consumers, who can't afford it, and in turn, banks are selling our account numbers, so they can do so!
That's all it is, when I don't give out my account number, and my bank account is zapped, and I can't pay my bills. Due to these rip-offs, I have been behind on my utilities and 'phone bill, since last April. These local companies have been very understanding and compassionate, in working with me.
PLEASE, STOP THESE CORPORATIONS FROM STEALING FROM THE POOR; THEY COULD CARE LESS IF SOMEONE GOES WITHOUT FOOD OR SHELTER, DUE TO THEIR THEFTS!
Sara
Phenix City, Alabama
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