unauthorized bank withdrawals

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Question

Country: United States of America
State: Ohio

On July 21 of this year, I responded to a help wanted ad in our local paper for postal jobs. I called the 1-800 number and was told that I could obtain a postal test packet with practice tests and a scheduled testing date and site. I had to pay a fee of $179.00 in order to receive the information. I gave them the information for one check in that amount over the phone. They said it would be between 4-6 weeks before I received my packet. I didn't hear anything from this company for at least 2 months. My mother and I called the company back to ask for our money back as I had found a job, and there was no packet received. The woman was very rude on the phone and we were told a new packet would be sent out and that I had to return it once I got it in order to receive a refund. No packet ever came. On December 21, another check from this company went through my account for $139.00. It said that the check was verified over the phone. I never authorized this company to take additional money from my account. The check bounced and I had the transaction investigated. Why is this company running checks through my account when the never had authorization to do so beyond the first check? How do I go about getting my money back? I am unemployed and I don't have the money to cover this potential theft.

Answer

Tell your bank the withdrawal was not authorized and the bank must credit you back--you could even file a police report as this is theft...