AuraVie, Refresh, Skinish shoddy, deceptive business practices characterize these companies Encino, Calabasas California

Some time in late December I was in the middle of signing a petition for CREDO, an organizastion that generates petitions for various political and environmental causes.  A pop-up came on the screen, saying that I would receive a free gift for answering a few survey questions. Not reallyi thinking abouit it, I answered the few questions and was taken to a screen where I was told I had to pay shipping and handling to receive my "free" gift, and was given a choice of three different gifts; I had expected the shipping/handling charges, as many companies promote their products in such a manner.

I used my debit card to pay the $4.95, which was deducted from my account on January 2, 2014, and about a week later received a package via USPS, which contained small containers of three of their products: Renew, Revive and Replenish. There was no invoice with the products, but I did not expect one.

Nothing was mentioned, at any time, about this being a "trial" offer.

In checking my account with Bank of the West on 1/28/14, I noticed a debit of $97.88 from "Refresh" products. I immediatelyi called the number of the transaction entry and was informed that they received calls from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. As it was after 4, I called back the following day, 1/29/14.

I spent about an hour total on their phone line, after answering a simple "Press 1 for this" and so on.  I was able to cancel my account, but could get no further into the company than to be put on hold, where I listened to a very poor quality of "Take Five" for 13 minutes, then another 22 minutes when I called back (in hopes of getting other options). I called this number again this date and got the same recordings and the same "Take Five".

I checking over my account thoroughly, I found that they had taken the shipping/handling charges twice, the first time being $4.95 on 1/2/14; the second deduction was on 1/13 and was divided between $3.02 for Refresh and $1.93 for a company entitled Skinish in Calabasas, CA, phone number 855-674-6188. When I called the Calabasas number, I got the exact same menu choices (only 2), went through the same options and listened to the same "Take Five" recording, so I assume the two companies are one and the same.

I want my $97.88 returned to me, as I never authorized any such deductiion. This is fraudulent and shoddy business practices. I am 69 years and on social security retirement; needless to say, I cnnot afford what amounts to a month's grocery money to pay for this nonsence.  

I have not been to my bank yet, but will go there this afternoon and file fraud charges with them.