Consumer complaint received 2024-04-15
Product: Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service — Domestic (US) money transfer
Issue: Fraud or scam — 
Company: AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY (MI)

I am a victim of a scam and I used credit cards : On XX/XX/XXXX, I engaged with XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, a XXXX company, for automated credit repair services after seeing an online advertisement promising passive income opportunities. Initial interactions with XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ) were informative and without sales pressure, leading to my decision to proceed with their services. 

I signed a consulting agreement with XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Monday XXXX XX/XX/XXXX ( no money was exchanged ). He recommended funding with XXXX XXXX of the XXXX XXXX to explore financing options for the program. XXXX XXXX facilitated the funding process, and I was introduced to XXXX XXXX by XXXX XXXX from XXXX XXXX ( part of XXXX XXXX ), who assisted in setting up credit card accounts and the XXXX XXXX. XXXX assured me that the fees and program costs would be covered by the credit pulled through the financing. To be clear, there was no out-of-pocket money on my end to start this done-for-you automated agency, just 0 % funding through the credit cards. XXXX XXXX helped me fill out credit card applications for the business/investment funding service. After the fact, I learned about complaints on the XXXX XXXX XXXX website regarding coaching people on how to get these loans and credit cards. 

XXXX proposed branding my investment as XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ), which I financed and he manages. I questioned the project 's legitimacy when I discovered the business address listed for XXXX XXXX was a residential property in XXXX, MI. XXXX reassured me but mentioned he was in the process of moving and currently living in XXXX XXXX, MI. 

Numerous promised payout dates were missed, with various excuses given, including issues with Stripe and personal struggles. On XX/XX/XXXX, I sent over an IRS EIN form, that XXXX emailed to me, to my CPA to prepare taxes, and my CPA alerted me that this is a scam, prompting my decision to seek assistance from the FBI, local law enforcement, and the FTC regarding this fraudulent scheme involving XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX 

I disputed all amounts on the credit cards and loan, notifying that I was involved in a scam which are still pending. I received a letter from American Express on XX/XX/XXXX, informing me that my dispute of {$23000.00} was denied because " the transaction represents a purchase for investment purposes, which is a prohibited use of the credit card. The use of the Card in these instances is not permitted by American Express. '' Despite being a victim of a scam and the scammer, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX using a 3rd party to finance this service, and American Express and XXXX XXXX saying I agreed to the transaction. I want to appeal this decision, but American Express will not allow me to do so. I can not afford any payments of this or any of the cards and loan opened. 

I have extensive documentation, including emails, text messages, bank records, and social media links, supporting my claim. I am requesting a refund of the {$23000.00} credited back on the American Express card.