Shop America MWI Premier Health consumer fraud rip-off Elk Grove Village Illinois

In January 2003 I ordered a product from an infomercial "Bob Barefoot Coral Calcium". When I placed the order the woman offered MANY additional offers for various types of things. I responded NO to every single question.

Then in February when I was reviewing my bank account on-line I noticed a deduction for $139.95 paid to a company called "MWI Premierhealth". I knew I did not authorize any deduction from this company so I called their 877 number. I spoke to a gentlemen who said I enrolled in their program when I purchased a product through an infomercial back in January. I assured him that I never authorized this and wanted the money credited back to my account. He said he would cancel it but the money would be credited back in 2 separate transactions. I will give them ample time to process my credit (30 days) but if I don't get my money back I certainly will take my case further.

After speaking with Premierhealth I called Shop America and spoke with a woman who informed me that their company hires tele-marketers to take their orders. The only way my credit card information could have been passed along was if I agreed to accept one of their promotions they were offering. She suggested that I call the original 800 number that I called to place the order.

So I called the original 800 number and asked the woman if there was a way to track the person I talked to when I placed the order. I know they also say "this call may be monitored" so there was a slight chance that my call was recorded. She was very nice but had to pass my information on to a supervisor because she could not answer my questions. I am still waiting on that return call.

Basically, I want to warn honest consumers, that this could happen to them. I was totally unaware that they could pass along sensitive account information to anyone. If they are soliciting for other companies, as a minimum, they should only be able to pass along your "Name, Address and Phone" not your credit card information.

Although I am very satisfied with the product I ordered from Shop America, I will never place another order with them. If they are really concerned about their customers they should impose stricter rules on their tele-marketers. At no time should credit card information be passed to anyone for any reason.

Joyce
Groveport, Ohio
U.S.A.