American Cash Awards - CCCI Inc - Gemini Subscriptions Inc - Coast To Coast Circulation Door to Door Magazine LIARS Told me they were the same company as Girl Scout Cookies. Printed substitution checks the bank couldnt protect me from. Evergreen Colorado

The setting: Just as I came home from work an unexpected knock from the entry door inside my garage. (I hadnt even closed the garage door yet) A high energy teenage kid with an Irish accent pamphlet in hand told me he was in the lead in a sales contest.

The pitch: Being a little uneasy now (this kid is actually inside the boundary of my home) I listen to how he stands to win a laptop and trip to attend college in another country. (I think Ireland but was so distracted I cant remember) He also mentioned the program is run by the same company that does Girl Scout Cookies. I simply put that money is tight and wouldnt mind if hed come back another time. His response was that it was against the programs rules and that first impressions were all that counted. Also that checks could not be deposited for at least two weeks which would give me time to get paid again. He even offered to dance a jig for me.

Hook line and intimidation: Now afraid that Id end up with a keyed car upon refusing the magazines I reluctantly looked at the catalog of magazines. I found one I wouldnt mind reading, and told him I would take that one. The listed price in the pamphlet for a 3 year subscription was $42.

Writing up the sale: He checks the catalog and looks to add up some numbers in his head then tells me the price is $55. In order to get rid of him without repercussion I tell him to come on in and write it up. I get my checkbook and he tells me I can write off the purchase on my taxes, again reiterating it was the same company as the Girl Scout Cookies. I write the check and sign the receipt.

After the sale: I quickly ushered the kid out of my house. Called my bank and put a stop payment on the check. They asked me why, I told them I felt intimidated by a pushy sales person. Live and learn??? Not quite yet!!!

Almost a month later: A Not Sufficient Fund fee on my account. The culprit? CCCI Inc. for $85. I view the check online, it is indeed NOT the check I wrote out but one that CCCI crafted similar to one you would see if you pay by check over the phone. Not sure what gave them the right to change the amount of the check but they did. I call the bank and the overdraft fee is removed however they tell me the company issued a substituted check and for this reason they could not protect me. CCCI Inc had my account number and could even issue future substitution checks with the same or new check numbers if they wanted to and there was nothing I could do except cancel my checking account.

Sick to my stomach: Alright now Im pissed. I drive to my bank and they advise me to not cancel the account until the NSF charges are credited and also a direct deposit I expected that night. Only thing they could do was put the account on limited status that would allow the direct deposit and credit but no withdraws. At this point Im glad CCCI didnt get their money and was happy they couldnt now.

The aftermath: I get home, find this website and begin writing an enraged report when I go find the receipt to list the company and address. Now I notice where it explains the cancellation procedure. You must date the back, sign, and mail to the company in Evergreen, CO (must be postmarked within 3 business days of the sale) to receive a refund. Also that checks are deposited immediately. (Contrary to what the participant said) I found other reports of this company turning people in to collections even when they followed the cancellation procedure and similarly cancelled the checks. (Even when sending the notice overnight requiring a signature) I find the website for American Cash Award www.americancashawards.com (based on other rip off reports) that states in their Non Competition section that The company does not sponsor any non-profit organizations, scholarships, tuition fees, or participate in any educational program in affiliation with any school or institution. The participant is not permitted to so state or imply such. So much for that, their participant clearly broke the rules and misrepresented their Company Policy. Its too bad a creditor wont understand that or how I was intimidated and quickly signed something to get a strange kid out of my house.

SOL: First time, shame on me. Never again. I will more than likely release the limited status on my checking account and contact the company. Ill allow them to take the funds only because Im scared to death they will report it to collections.

In conclusion: Slam the door on sales people. You cant trust who they are, or what they truly represent. More research pointed to how these sales groups of young people are assembled, and mistreated. I almost feel worse for the participants of these programs than myself. ALMOST!

Hector delgado
Cherry Hill, New Jersey
U.S.A.