SMC - Specialty Merchandise Corporation RIPOFF PROS Simi Valley California

In July 2006 I decided that I wanted to check this out. I made the mistake of ordering the the packet to check it out. I got it , checked it out, decided I didn't want it and sent it back within 1 week of recieving it. I have a small post office by my house that I always use, anyway I had it sent back and awhile later got a letter saying that they don't take hand written reciepts, not even partial hand written I guess, which is what my post office did. I wanted to find a way out of this, I called several times and got the same answers, and the manager was always out to lunch no matter what time I called. Meanwhile, I have no packet, and after a year I called and called again, with no results. They say they have no knowledge of it being sent back. I asked if they opened the returns and cataloged them, she said no! It doesn't make sense. Even after all this they are still charging my credit card for a membership and packet that I no longer have, I have made no orders, have emailed them once, and they promise to get back to you within 24 hours, I have recieved nothing. Since I emailed them, I can no longer even get into smc online, apparently they have cut off my authorization. Maybe they were upset that I asked if I had to change my address and cancel my credit card to keep them from stealing my money for things I don't have nor want. So far as I can tell, it's up to about 400.00 now. I just want my money back and this is a lesson learned. How can they get away with this and has anyone ever recieved anything back? I read that If you cut access off from your credit card they put you in collections, so what do I do? I have a very high credit rating, work hard to keep it that way, and am very disappointed in smc for not letting people out if thats what they wish. How can they make you pay for things you don't want nor have? Anyway I am at a loss as to what to do now. Help!

Laura godwin
Palmer, Alaska
U.S.A.