Momentum Direct Attn: Contact Your Bank's Fraud Unit Immediately Concerning Momentum Direct Magnolia Texas *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

On 11/27/07 I ordered a free trial product from Momentum Direct and paid by electronic check, the only method of payment they said they accepted. Terms and Conditions of the Free Trial Program states that if you feel the product is not for you, simply send the bottle back within the 2-week trial period and you will not be charged. If you liked it, then do nothing and you would be charged the member's price of $49.95 for the bottle.

When the product had not arrived in three weeks, I tried to contact the company at 281-356-1400. The phone would ring a couple of times and then disconnect.

On 1/18/08 I received the product in a 4X4X4 box via USPS first class mail, with no instructions for use or informative literature, etc. inside. The postage was generated from Stamps.com on 1/14/08. I tried calling the Company at the same number above. Again, the phone rang but disconnected. I tried it another 12 times and finally reached Nick, a male customer service rep who spoke with an distinctive accent.

I told "Nick" that I was returning the product and wanted him to cancel the account associated with my purchase. I also asked him that he verify the terms of the 2-week trial because I wanted to ensure that no further charges be made to my account. "Nick" stated that the 14 day trial began upon receipt of my product and that as long as returned it within the time frame there would be no charges whatsoever to my account. Meanwhile he assured me that he DID cancel the account. However, he told me that my account number would serve as my cancellation confirmation. I questioned him about this, but he tried to reassure me that I had nothing to worry about.

Today, while checking my bank accounts, I saw two electronic checks from Momentum Direct -- in the amounts of $49.95 and 58.93 consecutively -- had posted to my account. Because I use this account for specific purchases only, there were just enough funds to cover what I owed out. Therefore, the two Momentum charges overdrew my account, and I was charged $35.00 in overdraft fees.

I immediately phoned my bank and explained that I did not authorize those two electronic checks. My bank agreed to notify their Fraud Unit and is working on returning the unauthorized charges to my account. Meanwhile, it will take up to 72 hours to get the funds returned AND I have to close the account and notify the party that has my legitimate check to expect another. Furthermore, I have to cover the outstanding check until funds are replaced. What a mess!

Thank goodness for this site. The lesson for me is to never ever give my bank information to another online merchant that I have no history with and to be sure to keep this site ready to click!

Good luck to all who are fighting these scammers!

LadyC
Burlington, New Jersey
U.S.A.

EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back!

HERE IS WHAT RIP-OFF REPORT SUGGESTS YOU DO:

Go to your bank within 60 days of the charge, or as soon as you know about the charge, don't delay, and tell them that there has been fraudulent activity within your account. Explain that you wish to file a dispute, and demand that they assist you in accordance with Federal Regulation E.

According to the majority of victims interviewed by Rip-off Report, those who immediately called their banks to dispute the charges did not get very far. Many victims got the following responses from their banks: we could not do anything for you or you waited too long; it has been more than 60 days.

If the bank is says that you have waited too long, explain to them how you called their 800 number as soon as the charges were found, and were told by the bank that nothing could be done. Remind the bank that they failed to assist you properly at the 800 #, and instead, provided you with an inadequate explanation of your right to dispute. Tell the bank that it's their fault time has expired, and since they gave you the wrong info to begin with, they will just have to deal with it, take the loss and reverse the charges.

Tell them the truth; this was unauthorized and your account was NOT to be charged! Keep emphasizing how you never authorized anything! Direct them to the hundreds of victims reports that were filed on Rip-off Report.com. And if you're at the bank, walk them over to their computer and make them go to this site! If you are on the phone with them, tell them you will wait while they access this site! Either way, be persistent!

DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER!

Let them know nicely, that you were advised to Report them (the Bank) and this situation to the Banking Commission in your state. Since each state has a different name for the agency/controller over banks, find that name before you call or get to the bank so you can throw it in their face. The more knowledgeable you appear to be, the further you will get.

And just continue to demand the Federal Regulation E form! The bank CAN, MUST and WILL reverse the charge! But, you must be persistent; ask to speak to the supervisor or the area manager for all the branches in the state.

Let the bank personnel know you are meeting with the media later in the day, that you would much rather they do the right thing (as most other banks have) by looking at the complaints and immediately reversing the charge(s) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the Media if necessary so you are telling the truth.

If you have to, be loud (but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics should still work. The bank can easily fax or mail to you the Federal Regulation E dispute form.

CHARGES TO YOUR CREDIT CARD

If the charge was to your credit card (not debit card, check card, or checking account), contact the credit card company as soon as possible to request a dispute form. Consumers usually have a little longer to dispute fraudulent credit card charges (up to 6 months), but it is better to act right away. In this type of situation, credit card disputes are usually successful since fraudulent companies often won't contest the disputed charge. In rare cases, credit card companies will review disputes, but refuse to reverse the charges. If this occurs, complain to a manager and let them know you will be filing a report here.

Remember Don't let them get away with it! Make sure they make the Rip-off Report .. The more Reports filed on a Company or individual, the more likely it is that the authorities, media and attorneys will want to take action.

And good luck Let us know how you do!

ED Magedson Founder, Rip-off Report.com & Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com
EDitor@RipoffReport.com
badbusinessbureau.com
www.ripoffreport.com

Don't let them get away with it.
Make sure they make the Rip-off Report!

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CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.