LearnSmart, LLC Preplogic, Online Training Scam, Unauthorized charges, terrible quality training, Internet

My name is Jeff.  I had searched in Dec 2010, and Jan 2011 for online computer training and certifications.  On or about 20 Jan 2011, after repeated phone calls from "Justin" (they never gave last names), a very persistent salesperson, we discussed as an alternative to a full purchase a 30 day $100 (or close) trial.  So for $99, I had unlimited access for one month to evaluate the software modules and decide if I wanted to purchase the entire package for (I believe we were talking $2200 for 24 months access).

"Justin" assured me that if I tried it, and did not like it, I just had to let him know, and that would be the end.  No further obligation.  I thought that was very reasonable, so I agreed.

I accessed the site ONE time, found the video (which was online by the way) totally unsatisfactory, plus then found that I would have to setup a system with W2008 Server to simulate the training.

I (within days) repeatedly attempted to reach "Justin" both by telephone and email.  I never received a reply.  I also searched their website in an attempt.  I THOUGHT I found a link to cancel, but never got an acknowledgement, either email or telephone.

Fast forward to Feb, I had to move a sister across country, and my laptop died.  Total hardddrive failure - with Carbonite backups failed.  In April I believe, I was checking my credit card statements and found two $100 charges for monthly access fees from Preplogic.  I called my credit card company (Citi bank BTW, they are TERRIFFIC!).  And disputed the charges.  Long story short, CIT reversed them, Preplogic called me, and informed me the Terms of Use agreement specified (fine print, a paragraph on the 8th page!!) that I had to notify them in writing, VIA Registered US Mail that I did not want to continue the serivce back in February.  Technically, they got me I suppose.  FWIW, I filed complaints with the FTC, the Florida AG, and a few others.  Good luck with that.

BE WARY, when an internet company spends more time on accts receivable and billing then they do on product quality, know then IT IS A SCAM.

Still not working, in June and July I was in AZ and several different ladies at Preplogic called me, and I worked out an agreement with them (verbally agreed to superceed all previous agreements), pay them $10 in each of July and August, and then pay them $89/ month until I paid them $2000, with two years of access.  I paid the July $10.  Citi let me know that Preplogic had charged my card also $1990 without my permission, and an additional $700 (later stated that was a penalty for contesting the original $99 charges).  As it also turned out, CitiBank had found and reversed THREE of the $99 charges.

I contested the additional $2700, and eventually, by Sept CitiBank found in my favor permanantly that Preplogic was not authorized to charge my acct.  (I had also sent them a copy of all the records I could recover from the earlier failed diskdrive, including what I think was the original terms of use).

In Nov 2011, I got an email CLAIMING they had been trying to call and email me without success.  I (next day) called this person (Michelle NolastName), and informed them that they had not (my cell was never off until I upgraded to a smartphone in Dec).  We worked out an agreement, for $1450, superceeding all previous agreements, and with still one year of access, which I don't intend to use, just to resolve this issue.  But I told Michelle I want this agreement in writing, not email which is subject to custody issues.  I did not recieve any contact so I called and wrote email the following week.  They had also changed their name to LearnSmart sometime in the previous months.

At which point one Jenna A (the only person EVER at the company to give a last name) emailed me "Be advised that this is a very time-sensitive issue as a conference date has already been set for November 28, 2011 in Hillsborough County, FL."  Whatever that means.

Now it is Jan 2012, my exwife was at our daughters house in Ft Worth, TX, told me that I had gotten a letter from some court in Florida.  She had opened it and delighted to let me know that apparently I had been sued, and found in default judgement.  Although she did send it back to the court letting them know I had not lived at her address since July 2008.

So now I guess I need to find a lawyer, because I have a court judgement (what about proper Summons Service??).

BOTTOM line.  Preplogic, AKA LearnSmart are a store front sales/ collection agency masking as an internet training company.  Their products absolutely suck, and aside from a few people there that obviously can't make any statement the company is bound to abide by, the management are apparently nothing but unscrupulous.