I saw an offer for free Hoodia trial. I checked for the usual "unsubscribe" and found nothing. I signed up for the "free 14 day trial offer of Hoodie".
The Hoodia arrived and I checked the packing slip for a phone number or anything that might mention "unsubscibing" and found nothing listed. This happened in February 2006.
In March 2006, my account was billed for $28.97 from a place called escurves, South Jordan, Utah. Upon calling the company they told me that there was nothing I could do that this was a fitness membership and came along with the Hoodia I had ordered. Like most people, I argued with them and was told that it was in the "statement" and that they wouldn't be taking anymore money out of my account after April 1st. There was no statement of terms that said my checking account would be given out to another company to take what money they wanted out of it. In the end the woman basically told me too bad and hung up.
I then called the Hoodia people in Ontario, California and was told that their computer systems were down and they wouldn't be able to help me with my problem - that was after getting my name, phone number, zip code and "what" I wanted. I was told to call back the next day. I called the next day and was told the computer were down and they couldn't help me because they were "upgrading" their system. I asked them when would be a good time to call back and they indicated the "next day".
On the third day and my third call, the company's computer systems were still down. I was told this only after I gave them all my information again and what I wanted. I told them I was returning the order that I had received that I didn't order it and that I wanted "unsubscribed" from their system. Once again, I was told they were sorry and couldn't help me at that time, but go ahead and send the Hoodia back and my account would be credited in 7 business days from the date they received the return.
I left the Hoodia in it's original package and sent a letter with it, stating I wanted a full refund and that I did not want anyting more from them to "unsubscribe" me and that this was a confirmation of my conversation with the company customer service rep. When I went to the post office, I had a tracking number put on the package so I would know when the package arrived at Hoodia.
I got confirmation of my return on May 8, 2006 at 8:50am. I waited until yesterday 5/15/06 and called the company. I was once again told that their systems were "down" and I couldn't be helped. Gerald (customer service rep) would inform the corporate office and I was to wait for a call from them.
I am sick of company like this getting away with advertising and then stealing us blind. I was on the Yahoo website when I saw the button for the free Hoodia. I guess we can no longer trust our "secure" websites to keep from placing buttons of irreputable companies on their websites for the sake of a buck.
I plan on bugging these people until they are sick of me. I did not order anyting past the trial offer. There were no "numbers" or websites to call or visit to "unsubscribe". That is total bogus. No one should have to "unscubscribe" but rather "subscribe" if they want ripped-off.
Cheryl
Springville, Indiana
U.S.A.
EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back! HERE IS WHAT RIP-OFF REPORT SUGGESTS YOU DO: Go to your bank within 60 days of the charge, or as soon as you know about the charge, don't delay, and tell them that there has been fraudulent activity within your account. Explain that you wish to file a dispute, and demand that they assist you in accordance with Federal Regulation E.
According to the majority of victims interviewed by Rip-off Report, those who immediately called their banks to dispute the charges did not get very far. Many victims got the following responses from their banks: “we could not do anything for you” or “you waited too long; it has been more than 60 days”.
If the bank is says that you have waited too long, explain to them how you called their 800 number as soon as the charges were found, and were told by the bank that nothing could be done. Remind the bank that they failed to assist you properly at the 800 #, and instead, provided you with an inadequate explanation of your right to dispute. Tell the bank that it's their fault time has expired, and since they gave you the wrong info to begin with, they will just have to deal with it, take the loss and reverse the charges.
Tell them the truth; this was unauthorized and your account was NOT to be charged! Keep emphasizing how you never authorized anything! Direct them to the hundreds of victims reports that were filed on Rip-off Report.com. And if you're at the bank, walk them over to their computer and make them go to this site! If you are on the phone with them, tell them you will wait while they access this site! Either way, be persistent!
DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER! Let them know nicely, that you were advised to Report them (the Bank) and this situation to the Banking Commission in your state. Since each state has a different name for the agency/controller over banks, find that name before you call or get to the bank so you can throw it in their face. The more knowledgeable you appear to be, the further you will get.
And just continue to demand the Federal Regulation E form! The bank CAN, MUST and WILL reverse the charge! But, you must be persistent; ask to speak to the supervisor or the area manager for all the branches in the state.
Let the bank personnel know you are meeting with the media later in the day, that you would much rather they do the right thing (as most other banks have) by looking at the complaints and immediately reversing the charge(s) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the Media if necessary so you are telling the truth.
If you have to, be loud (but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics should still work. The bank can easily fax or mail to you the Federal Regulation E dispute form.
CHARGES TO YOUR CREDIT CARDIf the charge was to your credit card (not debit card, check card, or checking account), contact the credit card company as soon as possible to request a dispute form. Consumers usually have a little longer to dispute fraudulent credit card charges (up to 6 months), but it is better to act right away. In this type of situation, credit card disputes are usually successful since fraudulent companies often won't contest the disputed charge. In rare cases, credit card companies will review disputes, but refuse to reverse the charges. If this occurs, complain to a manager and let them know you will be filing a report here.
Remember… Don't let them get away with it! Make sure they make the Rip-off Report ..
The more Reports filed on a Company or individual, the more likely it is that the authorities, media and attorneys will want to take action. And good luck… Let us know how you do!
ED Magedson – Founder, Rip-off Report.com & Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com
EDitor@RipoffReport.com
badbusinessbureau.com
www.ripoffreport.com
Don't let them get away with it.™
Make sure they make the Rip-off Report!
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...by consumers, for consumersCLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.
