Victim Location 91331
Type of a scam Credit Cards
On March 22, 2016 I purchased an "Insight" brand pre-paid Visa card from my local Western Union office and put $200.00 on the card. Some time later, but PRIOR to April 1, I went on the website and signed up for overdraft protection (for up to $100.00). After completing the information, the web site told me I met the criteria and had successfully signed up for overdraft protection.
On April 1, I had to rush my service dog to the veterinarian for an emergency visit. The total charges were $199.35. Since I had recently signed up for the overdraft protection, my assumption was that my card balance with $200.00 would cover the charges of:
$199.35 to Adler VCA animal hospital
$1.00 charge for using card as a "credit" card (instead of $2.00 charge to use as debit card)
I also understood that I would incur a charge of $15.00 if the overdraft was used.
When I tried to pay the charge for the vet visit with the Insight card, the cashier informed me the card had been DECLINED other than for a total of 35 cents. Embarrassed, I tried to explain it was a new pre-paid card; she commented "oh, this has happened to all of us before". I paid with another (regular) credit card.
After returning home I phoned Insight customer service to see what the problem was. There was a recording stating there would be a charge of $1.00 to speak with a customer service person and asked if I wanted to continue. Of course, I said yes.
I was told by the customer service rep that the vet had placed a $200.00 "hold" or pre-authorization on the card. After explaining that I had already paid with another card, I was informed that the only way the hold would be removed was to receive a fax from the veterinarian with the following:
Fax on company letterhead
Business telephone number on letterhead
My first/last name
The last 4 digits of the Insight card
The exact date of service
The exact charge
A sentence stating the company was not going to try and collect on the funds in question.
The Insight customer service rep (Jose) gave me a fax number for the request. It was different than the fax number on the company website.
I phoned the vet hospital and explained the situation to Janet, who had been the person informing me the Insight card had been declined, other than 35 cents. She assured me she would fax the statement immediately.
The following day I again checked my card balance on the phone, it was still "0"
AGAIN I had to phone customer service to inquire as to the problem, and was told the fax was never received. After checking the fax number on the company web site, I again phoned the vet, requesting they re-fax their letter to the 2nd fax number.
My dog required a follow-up visit to the vet and I desperately needed access to that $200 on the Insight card. On Thursday April 7, I AGAIN phoned insight customer service and after explaining the situation, was informed they did NOT receive the SECOND fax either.
By this time I was furious. They stated my funds would be accessible after 5 business days, which meant they would be available on Friday, April 8. At 6:30 p.m. on that day, I checked my balance which I HOPED was for the last time. The balance was STILL "0".
One more call to customer service. I was told the funds would only be available after 11:59 p.m. Central time.
What’s the deal here? Each time I spoke with a customer service rep, I got a scripted response. Each time. Automotrons.
The thought that they can hold my money hostage for 5 business days after I TWICE provided them the documentation they requested, is insane. Their business practices are questionable, at best. Please investigate this shady company and their unethical business practices.
To date, I still have not had my account credited. I want to withdraw ALL funds and end any association with this company.