Gem Shopping Network GSN Credit Card Fraud Deluth, Georgia

Like other consumers are complaining about Gem Shopping Network, via the Internet, I too am a victim of their credit card fraud scam.

I called to inquire about a piece of jewelry after seeing them present it on television.

After taking my credit card information, the male order taker tried to quickly get off the phone. I stopped him by asking why he hadn't taken my shipping address, only my billing address. He responded by saying that they can only ship to billing addresses. I told him that wouldn't work and to cancel the order. He agreed.

The next day I noticed Gem Shopping Network had charged my debit card, despite the fact that I hadn't placed the order.

I called their customer service number and spoke to a woman named Clarice. She said she was opening an investigation and would refund my money. Days later...no refund.

Again, I called customer service. This time I spoke to an unhelpful, rude male. He read Clarice's notes on his computer and informed me that they had listened to the taped phone conversation between their sales agent and me. He said that Clarice noted that I had, indeed, told the salesman not to place the order.

I asked the male customer service representative when my debit card would be refunded. He informed me that it would not be, because they had shipped the item. I explained that not only is there US code that makes it illegal to mail unsolicited goods to a consumer, but also that I do not reside at my billing address and, therefore, never received the item. He then told me that a man had signed for the package, so they had to recover it.

After reading myriad complaints about GSN on the Internet, including 39 on the BBB's Web site, I realized that I am yet another victim of their pattern of credit card fraud and refund issues.

In addition to submitting my complaint here, I am also filing complaints with the FTC, BBB, my local postal inspector, the Georgia State office of consumer affairs, and many online review sites and complaint boards.

My hope is that word gets out, so other people don't fall victim to Gem Shopping Network's fraudulent business practices.