The Reptile Masters, aka FL Reptiles... Bad Guys?

[Kingetula]

(The above post) Jim is right for the most part but the not true comment I made is that banks can assist you and it's not too bad so sad. It just depends on the bank. (Customer service) I guess in the end they can say NO to help you but many banks will help.

Sorry Jim I didn't mean to make my comment above sound like you were totally wrong, you're not but her bank can help her but as you said they don't have to.

 

[Jim O]

Sorry Jim I didn't mean to make my comment above sound like you were totally wrong, you're not but her bank can help her but as you said they don't have to.

If you bank refunds money to your checking account it is a refund to your account and it is based on their choice. My point was that with a debit card one is essentially writing a check. It isn't a credit card and the same protections do not apply. Some banks may offer some protections for debit card purchases as part of their package of services, but there is no "telling" the bank you are not going to pay what you have already paid.

 

[SPJ]

Some banks will assist you in retrieving your funds.
I use Naugatuck Savings Bank and have a Visa card tied to my checking account. They helped me get the money back but it takes a long time and there are tons of forms you need to go into the branch to fill out.
I got burnt for almost $300. According to bank policy I was liable for the first $50 but the bank did get the rest of the amount "charged" back for me. It took over 3 weeks but I did get money back.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Well, I got the word from my husband.. a 31-year employee of the bank. I am truly SOL. Using a debit card is the same as writing a check or paying cash, and the money is gone. Had I used an actual credit card, they would have charged it back, refunded my money, and gone after the the alledged scammer to collect.

At this point, my only recourse is to file a police report and notify whatever resources there are about a potential internet fraud.

Bummer.

 

[KNOBTAIL]

Apparently , your under the wrong impression.

I know the difference quite well ! Thank you for telling me what I know and dont know. For your information, we have our own terminals so I am quite familiar with both debit and credit card transactions. The answer is your relationship with your bank.

I have on several occasions CHARGED BACK funds that were used on our debit card. With no problem I may add. Here is the bottom line. Regardless of whether its a debit or credit card, both signers have to agree to the terms of either Mastercard or Visa. Its not a one way street. As much as I may have to pay, the receiver has to produce. If not then you have recourse. Secondly, you may also be convered under your homeowners policy for these kinds of theft.

Finally, allot may depend on your relationship with your bank. I use BankAmerica, and I have NEVER had a problem using the chargeback feature when something is listed that appears fraudulent.

What you may want to consider JIM O, is not to be so quick to assume that I "evidently do not know the difference" I know it all to well. You assume to much !

 

[Cat_72]

Jim, I agree that using your debit card is essentially the same as writing a check, but doesn't that mean that you can do the same as if you were putting a "stop payment" on a check?

As you said, I'm sure it varies from bank to bank, but I do know that my bank allows chargebacks if need be and with sufficient reaon, using my Visa/debit card.

It's just too bad Marcia's bank does not see it the same way.

 

[Jim O]

Jim, I agree that using your debit card is essentially the same as writing a check, but doesn't that mean that you can do the same as if you were putting a "stop payment" on a check?

Debit cards are paid automatically Cathy, so there is no time to "stop" payment. You can't stop a payment on a check that has already been paid (cleared). If your bank chooses to help you that is different. There is a bit of a loophole and that is if the endorser committed forgery and is not the original payee. Then your bank can go back to the cashing institution. But if you paid Jerry Tresser $2500 with your debit card (he has his own terminals as you recall) for a Ball Python and Jerry Tresser gets the money and then fails to deliver the animal that is not forgery. Now your bank may choose to make you whole with some sort of buyer's protection plan but that's not the same as a chargeback with a credit card where the protection is built into a credit card.

I know the difference quite well ! Thank you for telling me what I know and dont know. For your information, we have our own terminals so I am quite familiar with both debit and credit card transactions. The answer is your relationship with your bank.

I have on several occasions CHARGED BACK funds that were used on our debit card. With no problem I may add. Here is the bottom line. Regardless of whether its a debit or credit card, both signers have to agree to the terms of either Mastercard or Visa. Its not' a one way street. As much as I may have to pay, the receiver has to produce. If not then you have recourse. Secondly, you may also be convered under your homeowners policy for these kinds of theft.

Finally, allot may depend on your relationship with your bank. I use BankAmerica, and I have NEVER had a problem using the chargeback feature when something is listed that appears fraudulent.

What you may want to consider JIM O, is not to be so quick to assume that I "evidently do not know the difference" I know it all to well. You assume to much !

Jerry, once again you show your ignorance. Your original comment was that Marcia should "TELL" the bank the she isn't paying the charge. Your exact words were

TELL them that you will not pay the disputed amount. Anything disputed should have no effect on your credit worthyness.

Sorry, but as Marcia has plainly shown, the money is gone. You can "TELL" the bank anything you like but that does not mean that they will say "Yes Sir" or "Yes Ma'am". Your having terminals (as do I -- does that make me know more?) does not make the fact that you don't know how debit cards actually work for the consumer any less apparent.

It all comes down to which network actually processes the charge. Also, PIN based debit purchases are as good as cash and are not subject to chargebacks.

Bottom line is that there are many fewer legally required protections when using a debit card as opposed to a credit card. Some banks and networks fill that gap on their own but that is going above and beyond what is required of them. If there is a question consult your state's attorney general or banking commission.

 

[BlueBettaUSA.com]

WHOIS information for: flreptiles.com:

[whois.melbourneit.com]

Domain Name.......... flreptiles.com
Creation Date........ 2006-10-28
Registration Date.... 2006-10-28
Expiry Date.......... 2007-10-28
Organisation Name.... James Hillis
Organisation Address. P O Box 99800
Organisation Address.
Organisation Address. EmeryVille
Organisation Address. 94662
Organisation Address. CA
Organisation Address. US

Admin Name........... PrivateRegContact Admin
Admin Address........ P O Box 99800
Admin Address........
Admin Address........ EmeryVille
Admin Address........ 94662
Admin Address........ CA
Admin Address........ US
Admin Email.......... [email protected]
Admin Phone.......... +1.5105952002
Admin Fax............

Tech Name............ PrivateRegContact TECH
Tech Address......... P O Box 99800
Tech Address.........
Tech Address......... EmeryVille
Tech Address......... 94662
Tech Address......... CA
Tech Address......... US
Tech Email........... [email protected]
Tech Phone........... +1.5105952002
Tech Fax.............
Name Server.......... dns1.monstercommerce.com
Name Server.......... dns2.monstercommerce.com

 

[BlueBettaUSA.com]

As they say " You can run but you can't hide" LOL !

Registrant:
Pet Masters

4266 S. Hopkins Ave
Titusville, Florida 32780
United States

Registered through: Christian-Registry.com
Domain Name: THEPETMASTERS.COM
Created on: 16-Oct-03
Expires on: 16-Oct-08
Last Updated on: 22-Oct-06

Administrative Contact:
Hillis, James [email protected]
Pet Masters
4266 S. Hopkins Ave
Titusville, Florida 32780
United States
3212675955

Technical Contact:
Hillis, James [email protected]
Pet Masters
4266 S. Hopkins Ave
Titusville, Florida 32780
United States
3212675955

Domain servers in listed order:
YNS1.YAHOO.COM
YNS2.YAHOO.COM


Registry Status: clientRenewProhibited
Registry Status: clientTransferProhibited
Registry Status: clientUpdateProhibited
Registry Status: clientDeleteProhibited

 

[BlueBettaUSA.com]

And one more for good luck !

Hillis, James A & Tiffany J
Ages:40-44, 25-29

2632 Applewood Dr

Titusville, FL 32780-5902

(321) 269-7154

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

doesn't that mean that you can do the same as if you were putting a "stop payment" on a check?

You can't stop a payment on a check that has already been paid (cleared).

Jim is correct. By paying with a debit card instead of a credit card, the money comes directly from my bank account. Credit card companies are controlled by stricter laws, and the consumer has a right to dispute charges and refuse to pay those disputed charges until the issue is resolved. Unfortunately, I would rather pay for things from my bank account instead of having credit card debt, and have learned a valuable lesson... I will now only use my debit card for merchandise I immediately receive, ie: groceries, gas, clothing, household supplies, etc., and will use my credit card for everything else that needs to be mailed or shipped.

So, does anyone have any information on The Herp Masters/FL Reptiles?

 

[BlueBettaUSA.com]

So, does anyone have any information on The Herp Masters/FL Reptiles?

I just posted his home address and phone number which should be all you need !

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Bryan, you must have posted this information while I was making my last post. Thanks!!!

 

[BlueBettaUSA.com]

Bryan, you must have posted this information while I was making my last post. Thanks!!!

Your quite welcome. If it becomes an issue simply call the Titusville, PD and file a complaint and you will be amazed at how fast he takes care of the issue.

 

[ByRandom]

This is all the new information I could find, other than Mr. Hillis has filed bankruptcy once (which doesn't really mean all that much in today's society). However, the bankruptcy has been discharged.

Corporate Affiliations
Corporation Name: PET MASTERS, INC Affiliation: VP
Charter Number: P03000106294 State of Origin: FL Filing Date: Status: ACTIVE
4266 S HOPKINS AVE, TITUSVILLE FL 32780-6608Phone at address: (321) 267-4469

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=4266+S+Hopkins+Ave,+Titusville,+FL+32780,+USA&sa=X&oi=map&ct=image


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporation Name: PET MASTERS, INC Affiliation: VICEPRES
Charter Number: P03000106294 State of Origin: FL Filing Date: Status: ACTIVE
4266 S HOPKINS AVE, TITUSVILLE FL 32780-6608Phone at address: (321) 267-4469


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporation Name: PET MASTERS, INC Affiliation: REGISTERED AGENT
Charter Number: P03000106294 State of Origin: FL Filing Date: Status: ACTIVE
4266 S HOPKINS AVE, TITUSVILLE FL 32780-6608Phone at address: (321) 267-4469

Tiffany Juanita Hillis (Maiden name Kirk) has all of the same information, although she is the president of Pet Masters. Pet Masters, INC. is a registered business with the state of Florida, hence the charter number. A phone call to BBB and the local authorities might be in order..?

I also found the number for someone who seems to be her father, however I will not post that in a public forum. I will PM it to you, Marcia if you want.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Thanks, Josh. I called and left a message on their home phone, and will send a USPS Certified Letter demanding a refund within 24 hours of receipt of the demand letter. I will wait for that before I file a BBB conplaint or contacting the Titusville PD.

 

[Cat_72]

Debit cards are paid automatically Cathy, so there is no time to "stop" payment. You can't stop a payment on a check that has already been paid (cleared). If your bank chooses to help you that is different. There is a bit of a loophole and that is if the endorser committed forgery and is not the original payee. Then your bank can go back to the cashing institution. But if you paid Jerry Tresser $2500 with your debit card (he has his own terminals as you recall) for a Ball Python and Jerry Tresser gets the money and then fails to deliver the animal that is not forgery. Now your bank may choose to make you whole with some sort of buyer's protection plan but that's not the same as a chargeback with a credit card where the protection is built into a credit card.

I understand that it is not the same as a chargeback, and I understand how debit cards work. I also understand that it is indeed possible to stop payment on a check AFTER it has been paid, as I have had it happen to me. I deposited the check, a couple of days later, the people "stopped payment" and the money was DEDUCTED from my bank account. So it has nothing to do with what kind of protection plan my bank offers to me...unless my bank as well as the check writers bank were doing something illegal, as there was no "forgery" as the check was made out directly to me, it is possible.

 

[tville]

Hope this helps

You can reach his parents in Titusville as well (they'll see to it that your money is refunded). Jim & Earnestine Hillis are their names.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

tville, do you know these guys?

 

[Powderfinger]

I understand that it is not the same as a chargeback, and I understand how debit cards work. I also understand that it is indeed possible to stop payment on a check AFTER it has been paid, as I have had it happen to me. I deposited the check, a couple of days later, the people "stopped payment" and the money was DEDUCTED from my bank account. So it has nothing to do with what kind of protection plan my bank offers to me...unless my bank as well as the check writers bank were doing something illegal, as there was no "forgery" as the check was made out directly to me, it is possible.

This is a little off topic, but...

About a week before the Daytona Expo this year, my Bank of America debit card was used to make 2 cash withdraws in New York City - one for $500, and one for $200. The big problem for me is, I wasn't IN New York City at the time.

Whomever took the cash from the ATM had to have not only my debit card, but also my PIN number...but I still had my debit card in my wallet...

I called Bank of America, they cancelled the debit card, and put the $700 back in my account within 24 hours. They sent me an affidavit via mail, which basically said that I did not take the money from the ATM, nor did I know who did. I signed it, sent it back, and recieved a letter about a week later saying that the case was closed and I was not responsible for the missing funds.

If it is that easy to get funds replaced that were taken from an ATM machine, I can see know reason why a check card used over the internet would be a problem...unless that is just the policy of the specific bank.