I purchased the Advanced Cleanse product for a 14 day free trial. The confirmation email clearly stated that the last day of my trial was on March 3rd. So I called on March 3rd to cancel and I thought that was it. A few days later, there was a charge for $169.95.
I called customer service and the rep confirmed that I cancelled on March 3rd, but could not issue me a refund. He said I would have to email my request to another department. I asked him to transfer me there and he said they only accepted emails. I submitted the email and they replied stating that I did not cancel within 14 days and declined my request.
This is clearly a scam and I have already reported it to my Credit Card company. They have agreed to remove the charge and handle the dispute for me but I would gladly join a class action lawsuit against these people!
EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back! HERE IS WHAT RIP-OFF REPORT SUGGESTS YOU DO: Go to your bank within 60 days of the charge, or as soon as you know about the charge, don't delay, and tell them that there has been fraudulent activity within your account. Explain that you wish to file a dispute, and demand that they assist you in accordance with Federal Regulation E.
According to the majority of victims interviewed by Rip-off Report, those who immediately called their banks to dispute the charges did not get very far. Many victims got the following responses from their banks: we could not do anything for you or you waited too long; it has been more than 60 days.
If the bank is says that you have waited too long, explain to them how you called their 800 number as soon as the charges were found, and were told by the bank that nothing could be done. Remind the bank that they failed to assist you properly at the 800 #, and instead, provided you with an inadequate explanation of your right to dispute. Tell the bank that it's their fault time has expired, and since they gave you the wrong info to begin with, they will just have to deal with it, take the loss and reverse the charges.
Tell them the truth; this was unauthorized and your account was NOT to be charged! Keep emphasizing how you never authorized anything! Direct them to the hundreds of victims reports that were filed on Rip-off Report.com. And if you're at the bank, walk them over to their computer and make them go to this site! If you are on the phone with them, tell them you will wait while they access this site! Either way, be persistent!
DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER! Let them know nicely, that you were advised to Report them (the Bank) and this situation to the Banking Commission in your state. Since each state has a different name for the agency/controller over banks, find that name before you call or get to the bank so you can throw it in their face. The more knowledgeable you appear to be, the further you will get.
And just continue to demand the Federal Regulation E form! The bank CAN, MUST and WILL reverse the charge! But, you must be persistent; ask to speak to the supervisor or the area manager for all the branches in the state.
Let the bank personnel know you are meeting with the media later in the day, that you would much rather they do the right thing (as most other banks have) by looking at the complaints and immediately reversing the charge(s) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the Media if necessary so you are telling the truth.
If you have to, be loud (but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics should still work. The bank can easily fax or mail to you the Federal Regulation E dispute form.
CHARGES TO YOUR CREDIT CARDIf the charge was to your credit card (not debit card, check card, or checking account), contact the credit card company as soon as possible to request a dispute form. Consumers usually have a little longer to dispute fraudulent credit card charges (up to 6 months), but it is better to act right away. In this type of situation, credit card disputes are usually successful since fraudulent companies often won't contest the disputed charge. In rare cases, credit card companies will review disputes, but refuse to reverse the charges. If this occurs, complain to a manager and let them know you will be filing a report here.
Remember Don't let them get away with it! Make sure they make the Rip-off Report ..
The more Reports filed on a Company or individual, the more likely it is that the authorities, media and attorneys will want to take action. And good luck Let us know how you do!
ED Magedson Founder RipoffReport.com Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com
Rip-off Report PO Box 310, Tempe, Arizona 85280
2 Updates & Rebuttals
terryann
phx,Arizona,
United States of America
Rebutting the rebuttal
#3Consumer Comment
Thu, March 11, 2010
I am rebutting the employee rebuttal from March 10. I emailed the email address listed and they denied my refund. I called to cancel my subscription within 10 days of recieving the pills. The pills give me a stomch ache. I was told by an employee named Sherry that I would NOT be charged the membership fee. Yet, the next day, 151.14 was charged to my account. I called back and was given only an email address. She refused to give me a phone number. I emailed them and was told that I had violated the terms and conditions. It took the company almost 2 weeks to send my pills, regardless of the fact that the terms said they would be delivered in 2-7 days.
When I called the number listed on the email, a gentleman told me he could not help me. I asked to speak to a manager and he told me that the manager didn't accept calls. I asked his name and he hung up on me. I called back and asked for a manager, and the man who had answered the phone claimed to be one. He said his name was Don. He refused to acknowledge that my complaint was valid and said that his 'hands are tied.' He laughed at me when I told him that Sherry had told me that I would not be charged the membership fee.
I have filed a complaint with the BBB and will be sending a letter to the CEO of the company. I have also filed a fraud complaint with my bank.
So, employee, you are not telling the truth, you are not happy to take a phone call and your employees are rude when called.
kmedia
United States of AmericaRefund
#3UPDATE Employee
Wed, March 10, 2010
I work for Advanced Cleanse. I'm sorry that you are unsatisfied with our product. Please feel free to contact our customer support center by email or our toll free number at support@tryadvancedcleanse.com, Monday Friday 9:00AM - 9:00 PM EST and Saturday 9:00AM 5:00PM EST. We suggest email for a faster response. We will be happy to answer any questions or solve any issue that you may have.