Peoplemedia.com OurTime.com Potential unauthorized use of credit card; fraudulent business practices Internet

erI have been a client of the subject company for over a year.  They provide a fee membership service for people seeking to communicate with other members on the company website.  The stated fees range from monthly to annual periods, and the company policy is to automatically re-charge the client without notification for additional periods of membership upon the expiration of the existing period.   The client must notify the company in advance of the period expiration date if termination is desired, or the automatic charges occur.

The problem:  The subscription/membership period I elected was for one month (30 days) at a specified rate ($19.99)  Upon expiration of that period, the company unilaterally and without permission of the client resubscribed him for a period of six months at an elevated fee ($75.95).  The automatic "renewal" [note: The company argues the term "renewal" does not apply to their process, but by virtue of the unbroken period and re-charges, this qualifies as a "renewal" under definition.]

I advised my concern to the company initially via email, and was advised to call their customer service, which I did the following business day.  I challenged the company's action of the extended renewal period versus renewal of the one month period I had subscribed to.  I received no satisfaction, got an insistence from the representative that I chose the six month option, and I advised them I would take further action outside the company.

I will pursue this matter with the Texas BBB and State Attorney General's Office.  I am convinced this company may be in violation of law by charging fees for a period not elected by the client/customer.