Gryphon Holdings BAIT and SWITCH, deceptive offer, no small print explaining illicit billing New York City New York

I was promised a "rare invitation to a private deal normally reserved only to family and well connected clientele" "for the first 100, we can offer it to a select few of our readers."

The service was called "Pledge of Honor" the offer was for :

Once this offer is closed it's closed forever. Since this a premium service I have changed the $5,000 deposit just for administrative fees for the first 100 to join. I'm giving the services away at $49 administrative and this is for "Lifetime Membership".

Reasonably, I think, I believed that the offer was for $49. If I was not one of the first 100, the deal was closed.

I took the offer the day it was sent to me on 6/23/2008. On 6/24/2008 I was sent a request to activate the account and acknowledge that I was paying $999.00!!!!!

I called the company to decline the offer at that price and like so many others who have posted here was told "no refunds".

I called my credit card company and was told the item was charged and pending at $999.00. I instructed them that when it posted to my account I would be challenging the charge.

I filed a complaint with the BBB of NYC. I also filed a complaint with the SEC.

I called Gryphon and spoke with EVA, she again told me politely that I was wrong and that the company policy prevented refunds. I told her I would not activate the account by signing the form sent to me requesting my signature. She transferred me to a man. This man refused to give me his name. Then he said his name was "John". Then he told me I was dumb and my emails requesting to decline the offer I did not agree to were dumb. Then he said " look F@$% FACE don't ever call back here again"

To my surprise after "John" hung-up the phone on me "Eva" called me back. She politely explained that "John" was one of their traders. She said I had another account with Grypon. I requested that all my accounts be closed and that the $999.00 charge on my credit card be reversed. "Eva" said that she would do that. "Eva" informed me that Gryphon Financial was not under the review of the SEC ( how can a company have traders, request 20% profit sharing on trades, and not be under the review of the SEC?) Then "Eva" hungup on me.

I'm skeptical that "Eva" will complie with my request. Especially after reading other customers reviews on this site.

I would appreciate all and any advice from other "customers" of this company.

TB
Truckee, California
U.S.A.