Universal Business Strategies ripoff, no refund, scam Phoenix Arizona

Almost every night last fall, I used to see the Don Lapre infomercial about his money making package. On 10/16/2002, I ordered the money making package for $39.95+rush delivery. When I got it a week later, I checked it out and looked through the booklets, CD, and video on how to get started. I was very excited about it.

Then a two weeks later, I was becoming unhappy about the program. I called the customer service number. A representative named Ryan answered and I told him that I want to return the package and get my money back. He then told me about the 1-900 business. He told me the 4 types and gave me a price of $1200. I said no and he was pretty convincing about it. I told him that I will try only one line.

I also asked him about the 30 day money back guarantee. He said that he'll give me an extension. I told him that I wanted to try it out first and only wanted the Sports/Entertainment line. I bought it for $395. Then another week later another person called and wanted me to buy the 1-900 lines. I told him, Gene, that I already bought a line already. He gave me a good price for the other 3 lines for $650. Since it was a great deal, I asked him about what if I don't want it. He said call me back and I'll be given instructions on how to return it.

It was mid November, I called them back and told them that I'm still unhappy about the program and with the 1-900 numbers. Who would want to pay $2.99 or $3.99 per minute? The representative told me to write "Return for Refund" on the 1-900 number sheets and said I can still get my refund. I sent it in the next day by 2 day delivery. I called the Quality Management number in early December and asked about my money. Since I paid using my Debit Card, the guy said he'll have to send in the paper work to my bank because the Merchant Account is shut down. He said it'll be a couple of weeks.

Late December, I called the number again, the same guy said that the new merchant system is being placed and it'll be more easier that way. He said mid January. Late January, I called again. A woman told me that they're backed up on refunds and they'll get to my as soon as possible. She told me to wait another two weeks. I'm a patient person so it wasn't a problem. Mid February, I called again, this time I was upset. A man answered and said to wait another two weeks. It was mid March and I was going to call again but was thinking that I should wait until the end of March. I called again in early April. A older lady picked up and said that a new crew has been placed to do the refunds and she guaranteed the first week of May. I believed her. I called the first week of May. This time there was no answered. They were shut down.

I search many sites to research Don Lapre and UBS. I found many phone numbers and they're all disconnected. I felt like a idiot for buying expensive upgrades to the program. I should've researched the company first. Instead I was obsessed about making money. I checked with the Better Business Bearu. I sent in my complaint in mid August. No reply yet.

10-04-2003
Last night I found another Don Lapre infomercial about the "The Greatest Vitamins in the World". I sent in a email to the customer service to get in contact with Don Lapre. Its worth a try. I have a phone number here 1-800-354-6850. I havent' called it yet. Since he is back in business, I'm going to see if all those past phone numbers still work. Its almost a year now since I bought that bloody scam.

Michael
Kirtland, New Mexico
U.S.A.