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Report: #36507

Report: MWI Connections & MemberWorks, Inc.

Reported By: (Tempe Arizona)

Lawsuit Filed MWI Connections & MemberWorks, Inc. fraudulent ripoff business Unauthorized Credit Card Billings Connecticut, Nebraska, Nevada, Connecticut, Nationwide EDitor's NOTICE ..MWI Lawsuit filed Thank you ed magedson ripoffreport!

... Four State Cases Against MWI

1Author 13Consumer 1Employee

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MWI Connections & MemberWorks, Inc.

.
Stamford Connecticut & Omaha Nebraska Nationwide
U.S.A.
Phone:
Web Address:

Category: Credit & Debt Services

Submitted: Thursday, November 28, 2002

Last posting: Friday, January 21, 2005

This is a copy of a letter Rip-off Report.com sent to victms of MWI that filed their own Rip-off Report.

Subject: Your complaint on the Rip-Off about MWI false charges on Your credit card or bank account –

MWI Lawsuit being filed on behalf of California residents ..

Dear MWI Victim:

I am writing you about your complaint against MemberWorks, Inc. (MWI) which you posted on the Rip-Off Report website. I maintain that website and try to let consumers know when there are important developments related to a complaint they posted.

A case is being filed in California against MWI to stop the kind of wrongful charging that you complained of. In order to be sure the judge understands how bad MWI's practices are, the lawyers involved would like to present to the judge the stories of as many people as possible. They expect that MWI will claim that its unauthorized charges are rare and were just mistakes, and that the judge shouldn't prohibit the company from continuing to do business the same way in the future or order any money to be refunded to any other victims of the overcharging.

It is our opinion in cases like this, that the judge might believe MWI if there isn't enough evidence showing how many people have been wrongfully charged.

After a thorough investigation by Rip-off Report.com, I am urging all of the consumers who have been over-charged by this company to provide a “declaration” (a statement under oath explaining what happened) to support the case against MWI.

If you are willing to help, please contact the lawyers handling this case. They will explain the exact form to use so that it can be used in court. Or you can contact them if you just want more information. The lead lawyer is Robert M. Bramson of the firm of Farrow, Bramson & Plutzik, LLP in Walnut Creek, California.

The email address to use is MWI-victims@fbbp-law.com

It would be helpful if you include some information in your email to these lawyers. For example, explain what MWI did to you (like charging your credit card without your permission or whatever), say whether you have any idea how MWI got your financial information, say whether you received a refund (and, if so, what you had to go through to get it), and any other information you think the lawyers should know. Be sure to include the city that you live in. You may also want to send them a link, that's the specific web address to your filed Rip-off Report.

For victims of MWI outside the state of California, we are working on a solution for you as well. Hopefully we will be e-mailing you soon. You must file a detailed Rip-off Reporrt if you want us to contact you...

I urge you to help hold this company accountable. You helped make sure that MWI made the Rip-Off Report. Now… “Don't Let Them Get Away With It”™

ED Magedson - Founder
EDitor@RipoffReport.com
badbusinessbureau.com
www.ripoffreport.com

We are not lawyers.
We are not a collection agency.

We are Consumer Advocates.
...the victims' advocate

WE are Civil and Human Rights Activists

We are a Nationwide Consumer Reporting News Agency
...by consumers, for consumers

Remember.
Don't let them get away with it!
Make sure they make the Rip-off Report.

ED Magedson - Founder
www.ripoffreport.com
Tempe, Arizona

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REBUTTALS & REPLIES:

1Author 13Consumer 1Employee

Consumer Comment

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Working phone # for Premier Health

Jamey - Jacksonville (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, February 05, 2003 POSTED: Sunday, September 26, 2004

After many hours of searching and several phone calls I have aquired the phone number for the consumer complaint department for this company. It is 1-888-206-2321, the contact person is Sue Gardner. Live peolpe answer this phone. If anyones goal is to get a refund and not be a part of the lawsuit they simply need to call this number.

I must admit I agreed to a trial membership, however I could never get through to anyone to cancel it.

Hope this will be of some help to the others.

Consumer Suggestion

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Call the number that Jamey gave for refund!

Amanda - Westfield (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, March 05, 2003 POSTED: Sunday, September 26, 2004

Jamey from Jacksonville gave the following phone number: 1-888-206-2321. Call this number for a refund. I was told that I would be provided with a cancellation phone number before this company charged my account for the "Simple Escapes" package, and was charged before I received this number. However, I called the above number once I realized that my card had been charged, and it was quite simple to get a refund. You do not have to talk to Sue Gardner; this is the customer service line, and you can speak to whomever you reach.

A

Consumer Suggestion

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Easy to cancel Simple Escapes within the 30 day free trial

Tim - San Antonio (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, March 12, 2003 POSTED: Sunday, September 26, 2004

I signed up for this Simple Escapes shopping and/or travel program, had $1.00 charged to my credit card with my approval, but never got any program materials.

I had a 'tickler' reminder in Outlook to cancel within 30 days, just in case. I called today, and spoke to an operator who confirmed my ID and cancelled my 'account' with no trouble at all.

Call 877-836-6903, and be sure to get a confirmation number!!

Good luck! And ALWAYS keep track of deals, offers, and other memberships like this -- put a reminder to yourself on SOME kind of calendar within the 'trial' period!

Consumer Suggestion

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look at your online provider

Catherine - Brigantine (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, March 16, 2003 POSTED: Sunday, September 26, 2004

i had the same thing happened to me twice. i closed my account. i got my monies back. why i said online provider is because they were the only ones who had this imformation. i had concerns with them the 1st time it happened the 2nd time around, there was the proof i have not lived at my old address for some time now follow me now. when i called this company i got her id ,name, she had me under my old address my internet provider is the only one who had my old one if i sighned up for this my new address would have appeared besides the fact nothing was on the history of computer so no one sighned up for it here.i had no problem getting my money back the only problem i had they couldn't find my account information as i was screaming over the phone she said my old street name,this was a recent trans action i never sighned up for a gift card .i all ready knew it before she said it your internet provider sold us your info i live on a small island i know almost everyone we all carrie the same internet company i notice we all have money taken out the same time unauthorized withdraws it seems the people who subscribe to internet with check cards have money withdrew ones with credit cards don't. i never got the money back the first time but i know who is responsible for this act.you know i also found out my internet was provider was sued by 11 people for the same reason. when i bought the alligations up for the first time i was told my account was hacked into i was never notified this was going on for 3 months everyone i spoke to had a porno membership fees withdrew, one year later i spoke to some one this again was bought up she said she was notified that a hacking took place.i wrote and e-mail to my internet provider (at the time it happened) i wanted to know who the hackers were so i could bring my own charges against them because in my case the porno company just so happened to be teenage porno of little girls i have teenage girls and a husband that just so happens to be their step i just so happen to have a bad temper and a butcher knife if my oldest daughter did not enter the room i would have killed him this is what my e-mail read to the internet provider so i have no doubt after i wrote this e-mail to them they sent out notices of hackers being responsible i know it wasn't hackers.this time my situation is the same as yours some body just so happened to screw up this time and i caught them so if your e address ends ***.com keep your eyes open, please my e-mail address appears atop feel free.

Consumer Comment

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MWI more bull

Cory - Peekskill (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, April 30, 2003 POSTED: Sunday, September 26, 2004

I called their number, to cancel, and the lady who answered said "MWI connections, may I have your name and number please".

I told her that I was looking for "essentials".

The person replied "ok" and then proceeded to CHANGE HER VOICE (she couldn't POSSIBLY have connected me to another department THAT fast) and say "MWI essentials, may I have your name and number please".

Operators name was Cristina and her ID number was 16492.

Consumer Suggestion

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i was charged by mwi on two separate occassions.

Bobbi - Houston (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, June 22, 2003 POSTED: Sunday, September 26, 2004

i was not aware that they were from the same company at the time, but i the calls i made to the company were exactly the same. many people have complained that they cannot contact the costumer service at mwi, but the number should appear after the charge on your statement. i was told by the representative that i spoke to that my information was given to them by "focus factor".

i did recall focus factor telling me i must have a 30 day trial membership to a mwi program to recieve their product. a month later i was charged $139.00 and received an overdraft on my checking account. at the number i called, i was fortunate to speak to a kind lady who tried to make me keep the program with special offers, but eventually refunded all my money, including the overdraft. she explained to me what happened, because i thought that they just randomly got my credit card number.

i was told that most of the programs that mwi offers are given by bigger companies. it is true that mwi had no reason to charge my card, but those other companies had no reason to give them my number!

Employee

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try telling Citibank, AT&T Universal, etc not to sell your information

Lisa - Gulf Breeze (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, July 12, 2003 POSTED: Sunday, September 26, 2004

Here's a suggestion:

Try telling your credit card companies not to sell your information, such as your address and phone number to Memberworks and other companies. Memberworks does not just pluck your information out of thin air, your credit card companies give them permission to solicit you and then agree to let those companies charge your account!!! Of course, they cannot give out your account number or expiration date to the telemarketers that are calling, but if you have ever ordered anything online, over the phone, or from a television offer, your credit card companies categorize you into a group ready to be inundated with sales calls. Learn to accept it or go to them directly and DEMAND that they not share your information with anyone, you do NOT wish to receive sales calls or offers, or you WILL cancel their card, simple as that.

Consumer Suggestion

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No turned into yes

Jennifer - Metairie (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, July 17, 2003 POSTED: Sunday, September 26, 2004

I know exactly how they got my name and card information, but when I was asked if I wanted to try this "Free trial membership" I said no. Then, when I called she said MWI Housewares and asked for my name and phone number, I said I dont want to give you that, I want to speak with someone from MWI Connections (The name on my bill) who can refund the charge that was wrongly taken from my account and get what information you have on me taken out of your computer. she said "hold on one moment" and CHANGED HER VOICE and said MWI Connections, may I help you? ((I know she changed her voice because she had a german accent and she only lowered her pitch, she even said the prompt in the same exact way!)) I told her again I wanted a refund and out and she said we're having computer problems, but she'll see "What she can do" Then she said right as she was "giving me a refund" that her computer was messing up and she had to reboot and "She hoped it would go through" and told me it would take 7 to 10 business days or more. I said "But, your overdrafting my account and I don't have money for my childs day care now! and she said they would reimberse me for the late fee but that that's all they could do. If any one asks you to try a "Free trail" tell them No and make sure you click the one spelled NO!!

Consumer Suggestion

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MEMBERWORKS aka SCAMWORKS

Jeanne - Dracut (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, October 19, 2003 POSTED: Sunday, September 26, 2004

My boss received for the second time this year on her credit card statement charges unknown to her. First of all, her credit card is her business credit card, she doesn't use it for personal things. Her and I have been investigating this operation. Memberworks, the parent company has many different little companies under it. The list would boggle your mind. The first time my boss was hit it was MWI Galleria, The second time showed up on the credit card as MWI Connections, but when she called the phone number given to her by the credit card company, they identified themselves as Essentials. We have found many sites of people's complaints on the computer, We have found lawsuits against them from Attorney Generals, class action law suits, but yet they still continue this unlawful practice of ripping people off. Memberworks started in 1995 and in 1999 The attorney general of Minnesota sued them. Everyone needs to contact their attorney general's
office. And your local Better Business Bureau. My boss has contacted The Better Business Bureau and channel 7 here in Boston. If noone speaks up and lets it go, they will continue stealing people's money. I have been helping my boss investigate them because I live in fear that I will be the next victim. Now I'm obsessed with checking my bank account to make sure there are no bogus charges on it I didn't make.

Let us all put a stop to them, everyone stand up for your rights under the law. Call the attorney general in your area and the better business bureau. If they get flooded with calls, they will get sick of it and do something about it. I don't think they realize just how big and widespread this really is. Also contact FTC (Federal Trade Commission) and file a complaint with them.

The better business bureau here said if enough attorney generals get involved, the US Attorney General will be the next involved in this. Let's protect our rights and our money.

#10

Consumer Comment

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I have written several letters but no responce

Michael - Walled Lake (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, June 01, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, September 26, 2004

I have tried to contact Vista Print and Business Max to stop all transaction with my credit card, but there is no contact phone number or person whom I can speak with. I have written several letters but no responce. The better business does nothing to stop this abuse because they are paying customers. Economics seems to be the rule. We need help putting fraudulent and deceptive company's like vista print out of business that are willing to deal promote company's like business max.

#11

Individual Responds

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what a rip off they have never credited my account

Paula - Newton (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, June 06, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, September 26, 2004

i have been charged for 4 mos, i called and cancelled and asked where the "free" giftcards where I was suppose to get, they told me that i hadnt sent the vouchers back in, what vouchers, now a couple bounced check fees and 2 letters from my bank concerning them closing my account since it was overdrawn, i see that they have never credited my account and i want my money back, i had all 4, i am a single parent that at the moment cant work do to a disability with my back. 15.00 pays for gas, please help me get my money back, i can never get through to them.

#12

Consumer Suggestion

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Here's a way to track down who may sell your info to other companies~

Tammy - Marshalltown (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, June 10, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, September 26, 2004

Here's a little tip for ya if you want to keep track of which company out there happens to sell your name to other companies.

This will work if you purchase something over the phone, on the internet, etc.

When giving your name, or filling out a form, they always ask for your first name, last name, and middle initial.

Now, when you give your middle initial, don't give your real one. Give a totally different initial. Your name may be John A. Dinghead~ instead, use B. John B. Dinghead. And then just file it away somewhere in your head, and remember the company you did this with. You get the idea......

Then, when you start receiving mail under John B., you're going to know EXACTLY which company sold you out, and then you can contact them, ream them, and then take care of it from there, because when one company gets your name, before long, they'll tell two friends, and then they'll tell two friends, and so on, and so on, and so on......and before ya know it, people will be trying to sell you everything from jigsaw puzzle glue to hemmoroid extractors.

But always remember this first and foremost:

Always, always read any fine print, any asterisk footnotes, and see if there is any mention of them having permission to sell your name to other companies if you sign up with them, and if dealing over the phone, be sure and ask that before you agree to anything also. And if they don't sell your name, they'll usually be the first one to tell you. If they do sell them, they're not going to tell you squat about it~ you'll have to ask 'them'.

Your name is worth big bucks~

#13

Consumer Comment

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Caution with MyFico.com and SuzeOrman.com ..Internet fraud and identity theft

Alfred - Washington (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, July 21, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, September 26, 2004

Use caution when using Myfico.com and Suze Orman website, both websites make their business warning people of Internet fraud and identity theft. But when I used the services of MyFico, an affiliate of the Suze Orman site, for a credit reporting product, my credit card information ended up with MWI Homeworks Plus and now I'm trying to stop those monthly charges of $9.95 for an unknown product that I never ordered or agreed to try out.

#14

Consumer Comment

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Thank you ed magedson ripoffreport!

Jackie - New York (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, September 26, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, September 26, 2004

Dear Ed Magedson, I cannot express to ripoff report staff enough my deeps thanks for all the help this site has been and the support I received from your staff in the past with MWI ripoff. Rip-off Reports just assisted my family again and saved me from becoming a victim again. Ed Magedson you are a true hero in my book and others I have talked with on the Internet have the same feelings. Rip-off Report is more popular than you realize, or maybe you do. You are all to be commended.

No donation I could send would ever be big enough. Anyone reading this site knows of its true value. I'm sure those who are harassing you with lawsuits will keep on losing and those harassing you will end up with even more bad publicity than what is on this valuable and most popular informative consumer website. Recent publicity you received here on TV in New York was well deserved.

The company I work for is unfortunately listed on this site. The owner of this company chose to respond in a respectful way after receiving an informative e-mail from Ed Magedsonin that made sense. The owner of our company says the ripoffreport on his company has turned around the few complaints to be positive and has actually helped business. When I told my immediate boss about my experiences with rippff reports the owner of the company set up a meeting with me and we were both even more impressed with rip-off report. I can see how ripof report can help a business unlike the BBB because the consumer can see how the business handled the problem. If the business handled their situation with out making excuses as the owner of our company did then businesses would benefit from Rip-off Report.

I have posted here today because I realize (long overdue) I need to tell everyone about my experience and its the least I can do for a free service that demanded nothing from us. No lawyer, nor the BBB a poor excuse for a consumer organization or any government agency could have ever done for us as Rip-off Report has. Thank you, thank you thank you! Like anything else I am sure you cannot satisfy everyone all of the time!

I would also like to thank one of your staff members Frank Torrelli who helped my niece with a modeling ripoff. Ed Magedosn, your organization saved my sister's family several thousand dollars. She asked that I express her sincere and grateful appreciation.

I will pray for you and all your staff every night.

With warmest regards,

#15

Consumer Suggestion

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Four State Cases Against MWI

Tom - Dadeville (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, January 21, 2005 POSTED: Friday, January 21, 2005

It appears that victims in Minnesota, New York, California, and Florida should contact their state attorney General regarding unauthorized charges. Under conditions of settlements they may be due double reimbursement. Furthermore, I would imagine the state AsG would be interested in documented violations of the settlements.

For further information, see:

Minnesota - 2000
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND CONSENT ORDER FOR FINAL JUDGMENT
http://www.ag.state.mn.us/consumer/privacy/PR/pr_MWSettlement_42400.html

New York - 2000
NATIONAL TELEMARKETING FIRM TO REFORM PRACTICES
http://www.oag.state.ny.us/press/2000/sep/sep18b_00.html

California - 2001
Attorney General, District Attorneys Settle Consumer Protection Complaint Against Memberworks, Sears Over Discount Club Memberships
http://caag.state.ca.us/newsalerts/2001/01-043.htm

Florida - 2004
Attorney General Announces Settlement With MemberWorks
http://myfloridalegal.com/__852562220065EE67.nsf/0/EDBDA4A2F33E1EA585256EC3004498A8?Open&Highlight=2,MemberWorks