Tree House Marketing ripoff - took my money and ran. Now all phones are disconnected. Provo Utah

I ordered "Ring Stop" with a free 30 day trial, online through Treehouse Marketing on 7/5/03.I used my "Debit Card" for the purchase. If I returned the unused product within 30 days I would not be charged other than shipping ( $9.95 )

After about two weeks I realized it wasn't working. I returned everything I had received on 7/24/03 via UPS. It was received at thier dock in Provo, UT on 7/30/03 by BASS at 9:22 am. I assumed that I would not be charged since I called and talked to someone that assured me if it was returned before the 30 days there would be no charge to my account.

When I received my bank statement the middle of August I noted a charge of $229.95 for Monterey Financial. I contacted Monterey Financial and was told they simply enter the charge at the direction of Treehouse Marketing.

I immediately contacted Tree House Marketing at (800)698-9997 and spoke to "Charmaigne" at extension 314.She said I needed the UPS tracking # so she could verify receipt of the product. I provided the tracking # and UPS printout to her via
FAX (801)426-6920 on 8/26/03 along with a cover letter requesting a full refund of the $229.95.

Two days later I called the 800 number but received no answer. This went on for a few days and then when I called I was told the number was no longer in service. Since then I went on line to Tree House Marketing and tried the numbers listed there. Again I was told the numbers, both the toll free # and the direct # were disconnected.

Obviously I shouldn't waste my time looking for a refund check.

Now I see the same product "Ring Stop" advertized, on line through another marketing firm, Nu-Concepts LLC. Of course, they are getting smarter, since there are NO Phone numbers or E-mail addresses, just SUBMITTAL forms.

I may never recover my money but if I can put a stop to others getting ripped like I did, then I suppose it was a small investment in humanity.

I offer just a few tips to anyone contemplating a "Free Trial" over the net.

1. Don't do it ! ! !
2. If you must, PRAY.
3. If you DO - Never use your "Debit Card".

I'm not sure if there is anywhere to go from here for me. But if someone out there reads this and can offer some advice or direction I would be most thankful.

Jim
Walton, Kentucky
U.S.A.