Q: They promised me five hundred dollars worth of gasoline. And two weeks free shopping. It sounded great. All I had to do was try this company called Distinct Advantage. If I didn't like it, it wouldn't cost me anything. The woman on the phone promised it would not cost me anything. She told me I got this because I was a great customer of my bank. She had my routing numbers from my bank and had me give my checking numbers. Without me knowing it, two weeks later, they took out $59.99 for a membership fee and then $19.99 for the first month dues. I didn't have that money and it bounced. Now I'm getting another $34 for an overdraft. I am out more than $113 dollars. I am getting overdraft fees. Please help me get this to stop.
SHIRLEY SMOREY,McKeesport

A: First things first, Shirley. You went to your bank, closed your checking account and opened a new one. That is the most important step to take after giving out your banking information to a telemarketer. The safest thing to do is close up shop and start over again.

Now that you don't have to worry about the company taking any more money out of your account, how can you get your money back?

Distinct Advantage is a travel and shopping club that promises consumers discounts on all kinds of products and services. Telemarketers call and offer a free 30-day trial. Distinct Advantage told me that it offers four $100 air vouchers and $100 worth of gas for consumers who try their product. The problem is that isn't how it worked for you and many other consumers.

The Better Business Bureau in Florida reports that Distinct Advantage of Largo, Fla., has an "unsatisfactory record due to a pattern of complaints concerning misrepresentation in selling practices, refund disputes, delivery issues and billing issues." Consumers have complained that the company debits funds from their accounts before the promised one-month free trial ends. That's just what happened to you. Also, the money was taken out before you ever got a free trial package in the mail.

You should tell the bank that this money was withdrawn without your permission and put these withdrawals in dispute.

I talked to your bank. National City's Bill Eiler said, "We have removed that overdraft fee and are working with the customer to get her money back."

I also talked to Distinct Advantage's Michael Wheeler, who apologized for any miscommunication and said that once he confirms that the bank has given his company the payment and will not take it back, he will make sure that you get your money back. Unless you get caught in red tape between the bank and Distinct Advantage, you should see your money back within a week or so.

These membership clubs were a big problem a few years ago. Consumers complained, states took action and many clubs changed the way they did business, or just quit doing business.

Be aware. These consumer clubs may be dialing for your dollars again. Don't give out your banking information unless you are prepared to part with your money.