I Fell For It!
Trina L.C. Sonnenberg
I've been scammed! Yep, me, who is always writing about how not to get scammed. I am the squeaky wheel that just got greased, and not in a good way. So, I am going to tell you what happened, and what to look out for, so that you don't fall for it too.
I went looking for information about becoming a grant writer. I have been asked a few times, by people in our school district, if I'd be interested in taking a stab at writing a grant or two (or as many as possible if I turn out to be proficient at it), and thought I'd look into it. I am a writer, and I have a child in school, so why not. Besides, it's and opportunity to learn a new skill.
I visited Google, to see what I could see. I found a web site for a company called Easy Grant Success. I read it over, and over... It appeared to me to be legitimate, and the offer was a good one. I pay shipping and get a CD tutorial on grant writing. The shipping charge was only $2.29, so what the heck, right? I figured that even if the product was a dud, I wouldn't be out that much.
Less than a week later I received a CD in the mail, and an additional charge to my PayPal debit card for $39.95! I got a receipt for the $2.29 CD, but nothing to explain the $39.95.
I went to my PayPal account and had a look. Sure enough, there was a charge that I did not authorize, and knew nothing about. Naturally, I went to the resolution center and filed a charge back.
Today, less than a week later, I've gotten a charge on my debit card from a company I've never heard of, (Business Funding Success) for $7.95. I called PayPal and filed another dispute, canceled my debit card, requested a new one, and learned that Easy Grant Success is a known scam. Known to PayPal, but not to me. I'm slipping, I guess. After all, my oldest son refers to me as the, 'Research Queen'; I should've known better.
My only excuse is that I've been very busy promoting my clients' legitimate business ventures, and have not spent much time looking over scams. Much to my dismay, I admit. I must also admit that I was in too big of a hurry and did not do my own due diligence before ordering the ultra-cheap CD. Which, by the way, I have not put into my machine to review; too afraid that it may be more junk, I guess.
I did not practice what I preach; lesson learned. Learn from my mistake too.
What really kills me is that if I had just Googled the company name BEFORE submitting my information to them, I would've seen SCAM right away. Like I said, they are a known scam, not just to PayPal, but to a lot of other people too. Many people have been ripped off by these guys. If I'd have only listened to my own advice, I'd not have to go through all the crap I'm having to go through now. Just go have a look at the Rip-Off Report. Really, this is not the only way this company has stolen money from people. They use the telephone too.
On the lighter side of things... I will say that at least I pay attention to my credit card statements and my PayPal account. To PayPal's credit, at least they take quick action, and I was assured that I will get my money back.
NEVER give any personal information to someone who calls you on the phone.
NEVER agree to do a check by phone, even with your legitimate creditors. If you want to do a check by phone transaction, you can call them.
NEVER give your information on a web form without knowing who you are giving it to. That means researching the company, if they are new to you. Hey, that's what search engines are for.
ALWAYS read your statements, not just the payment due part.
Keep an eye on your money accounts, or they may disappear on you.
Copyright © 2008
The Trii-Zine Ezine
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About the Author:
Trina L.C. Sonnenberg
Publisher - The Trii-Zine Ezine - Your Trusted Source for Internet Business and Marketing Information. Serving online professionals since 2001. ISSN# 1555-2276
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Author of: My Journey A Lifetime of Verse http://stores.lulu.com/triizine
Internet Marketing Mavens
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Keywords: scam, easy grant success
