*Theft of $10, 000 Amex Travelers Cheques in Africa*

On July 14, 2008 I was robbed of $10, 000.00 in Amex Travelers Cheques in Africa. During the very short and violent struggle my companion was injured and the criminals ran off with my bag and its contents. Traumatized we picked ourselves up and went back to the hotel where I immediately made a call to the USA to my friend and asked him to contact Amex immediately to cancel the cheques. It is a matter of record that he did exactly as I had requested immediately. He provided to Amex the serial numbers of all the stolen checks and additional pertinent information. Please note that thereafter I also made contact with Amex, but due to the poor cellular network in Africa I was not able to complete the call and decided it was best to handle the matter in more precise detail upon my return to the USA. Upon my return this began the difficult task of obtaining a refund of my $10, 000. I submitted a mountain of documents..The following is a list of the documents and information provided to Amex

1)Claims reimbursement forms

2)Receipts of all Travelers cheques(all were signed at the time of purchase

3)USA valid passport

4)USA valid Drivers License

5)Bank statement showing withdrawl from checking account to purchase cheques

6)Legal document from Government in Africa showing business venture there

7)Airline tickets showing travel to and from Africa

8)2 Business references

9)Phone numbers to 3 cell phones that were stolen in the robbery

10)Numerous emails and probing phone interviews by the claims dept

11)MEETING IN MY PRIVATE RESIDENCE WITH AMEX SECURITY AGENT

12)5 page letter summarizing my meeting with the Amex Security Agent

When I purchased the American Express Travelers Cheques I did so with the understanding that in the case that they are lost or stolen that they would be refunded to me with 24 hours by contacting Amex immediately and provide the serial numbers to the stolen cheques and valid identification. Never did I think that I would be put on trial and I had to prove without any doubt in order to regain what is rightfully mine.

The refund of my $10, 000 came on December 08, 2008 after much work and the Amex Security Agent visit to my home..

****CONSUMER ALERT***

THE PRINT ADS AND TV ADVERTISEMENT PROMISES IF YOUR AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVELERS CHEQUES ARE LOST OR STOLEN YOU CAN OBTAIN A REFUND WITHIN 24 HOURS WORLD WIDE!!

**Is there a violation of FTC laws?

**Is this a case of exaggerated, false advertisement?

**Does cosumers have the right to know the truth about the refund process?

This should not have happened to me a good law abiding USA citizen who as a consumer trusted a product based on their consumer advertisement and learned a hard lesson and the truth in a time of need.