Simple Escapes unauthorized bank debit Omaha Nebraska

I found $179.95 debit from my bank account on my Feb. statement for Simple Escapes.

I've never heard of this company but luckily my bank statement includes a phone number so I called them. The rep told me $179.95 was a membership renewal fee and that I had been a member since 2003. Not only had they charged me in Feb. of this year but they had taken $149.95 in 2004 and $139.95 in 2003. I must have missed these charges on my statements since I use my debit card often while traveling for work. The rep also said that I had received renewal notices which I'm sure I did not.

Simple Escapes further stated that I had joined through an AOL screen name which I set up for my son complete with parental controls. My son was three years old in 2003 making their assertion impossible.

The company has agreed to refund the $179.95 and $149.95 charges only after I told them I was calling my state Attorney General, but refused to refund the $139.00 charge. I'm not holding my breath on getting any of my money back.

I did follow through with a complaint to the Nebraska Attorney General, the home state for Simple Escapes and have requested a complaint form from the Illinois Attorney General, my home state.

Note* Simple Escapes is owned by Member Works located at 680 Washington Blvd., Stamford, CT 06901 Phone# (203)324-7635. In October of 2004, Member Works changed its name to Vertrue Inc. (VTRU on Nasdaq). For the fiscal year 2004, Vertrue reported sales of over $488 million and with the number of complaints here, I'm assuming much of that money came out of the pockets of Rip-off Report members. CEO of Vertrue is Gary A. Johnson

Michelle
Chicago, Illinois
U.S.A.