Like so many others, I ordered the MagicJack to try it out. I received an email with all the Order details, including the fact that the $3.95 shipping was the only charge that would be immediate. The actual cost of the MagicJack and service I chose would be billed 30 days later. Two to three days later my bank account was overdrawn, and after I researched, sure enough, it was because of a MagicJack charge of $50.85 on May 29, 2008. Interestingly, when I re-checked my email details, it stated my account would be charged that amount on June 27, 2008, which is actually 30 days from the May 29th charge, not the day I ordered the product. I'm not a lawyer, but I believe this is fraudulent advertising.
I did try the MagicJack and I wouldn't say that it was awful, but I didn't find it to be great either. That's not the point. They are advertising a 30-day Free Trial and it is a big, fat lie. They immediately lost my trust, so I attempted to contact them. The key word here is "attempted." There is absolutely no way whatsoever to contact them except to have endless and futile conversations with their "live" chat people on their website.
Some of them have poor English skills and speak in gibberish, which leads me to believe they're in Bangladesh or somewhere like that. You cannot get any satisfaction; they have an answer for everything. Three people tried to explain what a "bank hold" is and how it is done. Little did they know I used to work at a bank, so I called their bluff. Suddenly, all I got was "Is there anything else I can help you with?" I physically went to my bank and had them research the MagicJack charge. There was absolutely no "hold." Codes are what distinguish various bank transactions, and the MagicJack charge was coded the same as any routine debit charge. (I had used my debit card, not a charge card.)
Well, I went back online and started another live chat. This time I was nasty. All I got was the same argument about a bank hold, and "it must be a problem with my bank, because all banks are different." When I mentioned that they've met their match this time (I've already filed a BBB complaint), suddenly it was decided that they would send me an email with all instructions on how to return MagicJack for a full refund, including an RMA number. I said no problem, and good riddance.
Two weeks went by and no email as was promised. Back to "live chat" I went. This time I threatened them with the FCC and Federal Trade Commission. Suddenly I was given a link to go to. It didn't work. I was told an email would be sent instead. So I checked my email and sure enough it was finally there, with an RMA, a bar code, etc. In big red letters on the top it said I had exactly two weeks to return the product or there will be no refund. How arrogant of this company to be so demanding when their so-called customer service is non-existent.
I will be returning the product this week, at my expense. (The person in Live Chat informed me that postage is my responsibility.) With everything I've been reading online, I can just imagine how long it will take for a refund, if I get my refund at all. What a rip-off this company is!
The BBB gives them a rating of F. I am filing complaints with the FCC, the FTC, and Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.
This company may feel they answer to no one, but they are sadly mistaken.
Shazam
Blue Ridge, Georgia
U.S.A.