Scam - Report it to the FTC

Complaint

0
J
Country: United States
I receive a call from “account services”/”card member services”/”card holder services” EVERY DAY around noon. They refuse to remove my number, despite many requests.  They often are very rude & give bogus information when I try to get more company info. The only thing I know to do is file a complaint with the FTC & I suggest all you do the same, hopefully with enough complaints they will shut this horrible company down.  It is a quick & easy form.  https://complaints.donotcall.gov/complaint/complaintcheck.aspx please note that your phone number must be on the Do Not Call registry before your complaint is applicable – so if you have not registered your phone number on the National Do Not Call list, please do so : https://www.donotcall.gov/register/reg.aspx?panel=3

Comments

  • 0
    tj
    | 37 replies
    They are reported to be running some "lower your interest rates" scam.

    Keep filing complaints with FTC everytime they call.
    • 0
      Bryan replies to tj
      | 29 replies
      I too have received multiple calls from these scam artists. It starts out as a phone recording asking you to press one (1) to have your percentage rate reduced. Once you talk to anyone there they keep talking and talking to try and get you to give a credit card number, and if you don't or if you tell them that you are on the national do not call list they hang up on you and call again in a couple of days. After extensive research I have discovered that this scam is being run by this company in Arizona called Ambrosia Website Design.

      This is a link to their website:    
      http://www.ambrosiawebdesign.com/

      This is their contact information:
      Ambrosia Website Design LLC
      2906 S Revere Circle
      Mesa, AZ 85210
      (888) 583-1956

      I have called them repeatedly and was finally able to get someone to answer the phone and he admitted that they are Card Member Services, and once I threatened to report them, he promised to stop the calls.
      • 0
        a1amarillo replies to Bryan
        Bryan:  are you absolutely positive this is the company associated with card member services the people that call from bogus numbers?
      • 0
        chris replies to Bryan
        | 17 replies
        For Release: 12/19/2011
        FTC Charges Telemarketers with Illegal Robocalling
        Allegedly Violated the Do Not Call Registry, Disguised Caller ID
        The Federal Trade Commission is taking action against a telemarketing operation that allegedly made illegal robocalls, called phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry, and masked Caller ID information, in violation of the FTC's Telemarketing Sales Rule. The FTC's complaint seeks to make the defendants pay civil penalties and stop the illegal calls. The action is part of the Commission's ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal pre-recorded robocalls, which in this case generated tens of thousands of complaints from consumers.

        According to the FTC's complaint, Roy M. Cox, Jr. and several companies he controls made robocalls for clients selling credit card interest rate reduction programs, extended automobile warranties, and home security systems. Cox resides in California but runs his allegedly illegal operation through multiple foreign corporations purportedly in countries such as Panama, Hungary, Argentina, and the Republic of Seychelles. The complaint alleges that the defendants failed to transmit their name or the names of their clients on caller ID displays, as required by law. Instead, they allegedly sought to hide their identity by using generic, inaccurate names such as "CARD SERVICES," "CREDIT SERVICES," or "PRIVATE OFFICE."

        The FTC also alleged that Cox and his companies knew, or consciously avoided knowing, that they called phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry, and that they made pre-recorded marketing calls to consumers who had not provided their written consent. An FTC rule prohibits pre-recorded commercial telemarketing calls to consumers unless the telemarketer has obtained their written permission.

        Cox's co-defendants are Castle Rock Capital Management Inc., Castle Rock Capital Management S.A., Capital Solutions Group S.A., Transfers Argentina S.A., Public Service, and Marketing Strategy Group.

        The Department of Justice filed the complaint on behalf of the Commission in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on December 12, 2011. The Commission vote to refer the complaint to the DOJ for filing was 5-0.

        NOTE: The Commission refers a complaint to the DOJ for filing when it has "reason to believe" that the law has been or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. The complaint is not a finding or ruling that the defendants have actually violated the law. The case will be decided by the court.

        The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC's online Complaint Assistant or call
        1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC's website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics. Like the FTC on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

        MEDIA CONTACT:
        Frank Dorman
        Office of Public Affairs
        202-326-2674
        STAFF CONTACT:
        James Davis
        FTC's Midwest Region
        312-960-5611
        (FTC File Nos. 0923193, 1123060)
        • 0
          Stein replies to chris
          | 5 replies
          This is great Chris but, seeing the lawsuit was filed in December of 2011, it appears to have had no affect on Cox's "business" and his activities. People, including myself, are still getting calls. It's maddening.
          • 0
            Wayne Fogel replies to Stein
            | 4 replies
            I keep getting calls, today I got another from 501-960-7395 I am on the do not call list and they say they are " Card Member Services" the same company that sends me my credit card bills each month, then they say they will lower my interest rates on credit cards..
            I get 2 -3 calls per month todays call was from someone saying his name was Alan Jones and he worked for CMS Card Member Services ..
            • 0
              They always lie to Consumers replies to Wayne Fogel
              . .  saying they are Visa, MasterCard, Experian credit co.,   etc, etc.
              More Florida tele-scum lie to American Consumers after making illegal robocalls.
              https://youtu.be/kOeSMY26udg
              More “cardholder service” fronter, closer, qualifier youtube buffoons lie, and argue with soundboards.
              http://youtu.be/tYuRL0tinE8
            • 0
              Deborah M replies to Wayne Fogel
              | 2 replies
              I ask them how they are authorized to negotiate for whatever bank holds the card, since I am an employee of that bank. They cannot come up with a good answer.
              • 0
                Looking for replies to Deborah M
                Looking for “Rachel/Bridgett/Carmen at cardholder services“?
                Talk to James @  407-917-5556

                They’ll typically show up on cragslist from time to time advertising for “L.I.” (lower interest) “fronters, reps, closers , qualifiers, financial coach”;
                http://orlando.craigslist.org/sls/5420523331.html
              • 0
                Looking for Rachel . . . replies to Deborah M
                Looking for “Rachel/Bridgett/Carmen at cardholder services“?
                Talk to James @  407-917-5556

                They’ll typically show up on cragslist from time to time advertising for “L.I.” (lower interest) “fronters, reps, closers , qualifiers, financial coach”;
                http://orlando.craigslist.org/sls/5420523331.html
        • 0
          Faye replies to chris
          | 8 replies
          If they are charging these guys, it's not working.  I'm still getting calls.  I just got another one.  I get about one a week.  They change phone numbers.  They even change the recording.  But the message is the same over and over again.
          • 0
            Jen replies to Faye
            | 7 replies
            You get one once a week,I wish ,I get one once a day or two, and when I call the number back,it is not in service . I did press #1 and talked to the guy, I asked him when is the final offer final? he hung up on me.
            I also told them I do not have credit card and still nonstop calls, I know that number by heart. They must have people falling for this or they would not keep doing it, right? let me know how we could stop this. Thanks.Jen.
            • 0
              linda replies to Jen
              | 3 replies
              hi jen, i get the same calls same treatment and those that posted info on how to file complaint with FTA thanks alot. today they had my name, address, and said they pulled up my info but i needed to verify my master card no 16 no. starting with 5. that kind of scares me what else do they have. of course i didn't give the no. so i will go and file a complaint.
              thanks

              linda
              • 0
                Crystal replies to linda
                | 1 reply
                Card #'s that start with a 5 are all bank cards. They call me at least once a day, also. Have been for the last several years. I've turned them in I don't know how many times. I'm on both the National and Kansas no call list. Kansas list does not allow you to be anonymous. Thanks, Kansas! Like I want them knowing who's complaining.  

                Today, I just got a call that came up with my local prefix with no area code. I unwittingly took the bate. How in the world are we to ever receive normal phone calls? Quite a few legitimate incoming calls have no listed name on my ID.

                Again, CARD #'s THAT START WITH THE # 5 ARE LINKED TO YOUR BANKS. Please, give these fools NOTHING!
                • 0
                  Deborah M replies to Crystal
                  Actually, all card numbers beginning with '5' are more specifically MasterCard. Visa accounts will start with '4'
              • 0
                Jed replies to linda
                Every Master Card starts with the # 5.  They have nothing but that want you to believe that they have some of your information in order to sound more legitimate.  They are not legitimate.
            • 0
              mustang replies to Jen
              Just try to keep them on the line for a long as you can.    Start asking them questions about what their name is, where are they, who are they for in the NCAA tournament, If they are on Facebook.   You want to see their picture, what they do for fun.....anything...... then after about 15 minutes of wasting their time, they will get tired and hang up.   Make it be like a game to see how long you can keep them on the phone.
            • 0
              Arizona Patriot replies to Jen
              | 1 reply
              I have told them I will hunt them down & slit thier throat if they continue to call. Nothing stops them.
        • 0
          Faye replies to chris
          If they are charging these guys, it's not working.  I'm still getting calls.  I just got another one.  I get about one a week.  They change phone numbers.  They even change the recording.  But the message is the same over and over again.
        • 0
          Charles E Seraphine replies to chris
          I have the same problem with card member services. Three or four calls every mouth. What is the FTC  doing about it?
      • 0
        Jimmy The Fart replies to Bryan
        Readers: My solution is the following. Download IFART from the Apple App store. Call them repeatedly as I did this afternoon and when the young lady answers, play her a littany of various fart sounds from the App. It was a blast, literally.
      • 0
        Larry R replies to Bryan
        | 1 reply
        I just picked your complaint to get out some information.

        Now it would seem, ironically, that the Do Not Call registry web site has a problem of its own. It won't accept my complaint. I press the Continue button and nothing happens. I've filed enough complaints that I know all of the info is correctly formatted.

        My last call, about 10 minutes ago and have I've received 4 since Mon. and it is now Thurs., was the same. "Hi, this is Julie from CardMember Services," and of course there was an unrecognized entry on my caller ID. However, this time when I called the fictitious number back I was presented the option if pressing 1 and being promised I would be removed from their 'list.'

        Progress? Who knows. I am so annoyed by these calls that I would be willing to PAY to see this company fined and prosecuted. According to the Do Not Call Registry there is a possible fine of $11,000.00 per call for making these calls but has anyone ever heard of anyone being fined? Can you imagine the amounts of money that could be generated if just this 1 company could be taken down? Even if the fine was only collected for 1 day of fictitious calls?

        I'm going to look into "Ambrosia Website Design" but I fear that no matter how deep the research this is either a fictitious company or just some poor company we're being led to believe is running this operation. I think EVERYONE appreciates time put into researching and finding this company and maybe if enough of us keep digging maybe we'll find out some correct info.

        I am SO sick of this - as are we all.
        • 0
          Kostas replies to Larry R
          I do getting calls almost every day from this Rachel Girl, I press 1, if there is a girl I ask if we can exchange services, I am a panties and thongs salesman, are you prefer panties or thongs I ask and what size, please sent me one to make sure I send you the correct size, if there is a guy answer the phone I ask him for his wifes,sister or mothers size,I still getting 3-4 calls per week, they must like it.I have lots of fun with them I abuse the hell out of them. THEY DISERVE IT,so be criative.

          BaBBa
      • 0
        lparks replies to Bryan
        Did they stop?
      • 0
        annie replies to Bryan
        did they stop after this call?
      • 0
        sandy replies to Bryan
        I am getting this same call every day.. I tell them I know it is a scam and that I am reporting them,,, they hang up on me and continue to call.. I reported them to the federal trade commission 1 877 382 4357 I am also on the do not call list... but the trades commission explained to me that list is for telemarketers .. these calls we get are scams and the number is different every time they call....
      • 0
        Ray Elliott replies to Bryan
        thank you for the info I will start calling them till they stop calling me .
      • 0
        Lorraine replies to Bryan
        They harass and even curse at me. If you hang up on them they call you back and laugh. They use bogus phone numbers. Thanks for this post I'm going after tgem hard!
      • 0
        Christina replies to Bryan
        Woohoo! Thx for researching and posting - just answered after seeing daily missed calls - what a bunch of bubkus! Like Americans need anymore scams right now 😩🤯🙄
      • 0
        phil smith replies to Bryan
        get 4 or 5 calls every day they say take off that was 12 months ago like to know how to me
    • 0
      Ed replies to tj
      | 3 replies
      I got so sick of the calls that I began to waste as much time of theirs as I could. Id answer by pressing one and spoke very s.L o w l y to them in my best Conswela voice (the mail from Family Guy) "we need more lemon Pledge" they would ask for the card # and slowly I would rattel off the false #s but when id get to the last 4 I would begin saying letters,lol. But some of them would still suplement # for the letters I had said. So they will next ask for a ss #. I would begin to cry and wail into the phone saying "i no have one", I really wish that i'd recorded some of these calls as they were very funny. On vacation I would use soundboards on them. One lady spoke w\ Ms. CLEO FOR 10 MINS !
      • 0
        DAB replies to Ed
        | 2 replies
        Got my second call from Card Member Services today, telephone number 802 230-6357. When I asked to talked with his superviser he made a vulgar remark and hung up. I called Card Member Services. They are part of Chase and said they have nothing to do with the calls, that the abuser has illegally taken their name. They suggested complaining to Verizon Wireless. When I did that Verizon offered to block the number, but said there was no more they could do. They suggested contacting my local law enforcement authorities. I filed a complaint with the FTC, but doubt anything will come of that.
        • 0
          mimi4two replies to DAB
          | 1 reply
          I got a call from the same number and the young woman threatened me by telling me that refusing to allow them to lower my interest rates would put a bad rating on my credit.  I've filed complaints with FTC and got no response, and Verizon will only block this number.  They use varying numbers when they call.

          I would think the threat would be criminal wouldn't you?
          • 0
            Roy replies to mimi4two
            Verizon will NOT do anything about it but block calls....I have called my police department, and they won't either....FTC wont do anything without a company name, and GOOD LUCK getting that from them...
    • 0
      Charles Tompkins replies to tj
      Receuved a call fron Card Mebver Service.  I gat an agent and she said they were in Tennesse.  There numbeer was 423-855-2200.  Call this nubmer back..  Not Card Member Services.  I have requested several times to have my number removed with not results.  Keep getting a call from these peopler 3 times a week.
    • 0
      N S replies to tj
      I have been getting this call for a long time.  This is a terrible scam.
    • 0
      terry c replies to tj
      we fell for lower rates . for 60months . and withen 24 hrs they took$$ 1.300 we reported them to ftc . 60 yrs old and i thought i was smarter than that ...

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