I was contacted on 12/31/03 by a telemarketer offering $200 in free gas coupons. All I had to do was pay 1.95 to sample a risk free phone package for seven days. They required my account information, like a trusting consumer, I gave them my account information, so they could charge my account for the initial $1.95.

After I received the package, I called the company on 1/14/2004 and notified the company that I did not want the service. I was told by a representative by the name of Kim that the system was down and that I would need to call back. After checking my account on 1/15/2004, I noticed that I was charged $1.95 three times. I called the company first thing the next morning. I was told that the charges were for U-talk, WellNet, and American Values. I immediately told them that I had called on 14th and that I did not want any of the services. I was giving cancellation numbers for all three services and told that I would not be charged anything else.

I checked my bank account on 1/21/2003 and found that my account had been debited for $139.90 and $119.90. I called the 1800 number for U-talk and spoke with a customer service rep by the name of Patrick (ID # 0250) and he told me that I canceled the service on 1/14/2004, he argued with me that I had canceled on 1/16/2004. I informed him that regardless of what day I had cancelld, they had no right to withdraw money from my account. I was then told that paperwork had been submitted and that I would receive my check within 7 to 14 business days from 1/16/2004, which meant that I would receive my check by 2/6/2004.

I called both companies on 2/3/2004 and asked the status on my reimbursement. I was told that because I had filed a complaint with the Nevada BBC, they were reviewing my account and that I would get my reimbursements no later than 2/1/2004.

Today, is 2/6/2004, I called both companies again to check the status on my reimbursement. I was told that my checks were cut on 2/5/004. This incident has really taught me a lesson. I will no longer subject myself to Telemarketing companies and will no longer give out my account information. Take it from me, Ella, Lisa, Leah, NEVER give out your account information to anyone you don't know.

Mary
Houston, Texas
U.S.A.