BLOCKBUSTER INC overcharges and deceptive terms and conditions for Total Access Riverdale Georgia

I have been a customer of Blockbuster since 1999. With that said I have always enjoyed the ability to rent movies using Blockbuster and have been quite satisfied until the last few years.

I will not get into the boring details; however, I have been overcharged more than once, so when I was asked to renew my credit information in the store I refused. I was then solicited via email to join Blockbuster's Total Access Online program for two weeks free. This program allows you to get the movies delivered to your home and then swap them in store for movies. Thus the story begins.

Well needless to say I was charged after two days not the two weeks I was solicited for. The only reason I knew this is because I decided to pay using PayPal, which I felt was safer than simply giving my information straight forward. When I called and addressed this issue I was given a month free.

That would have been the end of things had I not been denied to swap my movies on three occasions in the store; Once because I had been charged too soon and secondly because the store did not have an "updated" credit card on file. Of course I contacted customer service again and was told that this is a security measure. Blockbuster's terms and conditions for Total Access members do not state this at all.

I was told by the Blockbuster Customer Service person I spoke with via phone that I would be charged for any movie I did not return to the store within the rental time frame designated by the store. This is not what the terms and conditions state.

Bottom line is this. Blockbuster is manipulating their customers with false information and charging customers outside if the terms and conditions and/or promotional offer period as advertised. Please read the information below.

The Terms and conditions on their website states:

"BLOCKBUSTER Total Access.

The BLOCKBUSTER Total Access program: The BLOCKBUSTER Total Access ("Total Access") program allows subscribers, up to each Total Access plan's limits, to return their BLOCKBUSTER Online rental(s) (each, an "Online Rental") to a participating BLOCKBUSTER store in exchange for either one (1) free or discounted in-store movie rental (as described below) or one (1) discounted game rental for each Online Rental exchanged at the store.

How free in-store movie exchanges work with Online Rentals: Previously, free movie in-store exchange rentals were in addition to the number of DVDs allowed out at-a-time under your Total Access membership plan. However, beginning in February 2009 (in some store locations) and over the course of the next few months (in the remaining corporate and participating franchise stores), this policy will change in two ways. First, all free movie in-store exchange rentals will count towards the number of DVDs you are allowed out under your Total Access plan at any one time. Second, your free in-store exchanges will have no due dates and will not be subject to in-store rental terms. You may keep your free in-store movie exchanges as long as you want, as long as you are a paying Total Access subscriber. If you cancel your Total Access subscription, your free in-store rentals are due back to the store within five (5) days, to avoid any additional in-store fees, if applicable."

Please be careful and watch your accounts closely or Blockbuster may bust your wallet!!!!

Tina
Riverdale, Georgia
U.S.A.