Complaint Review: AmeriPlan USA

I was looking online for a good at-home business opportunity, because my child is sick and I must stay at home. I found AmeriPlan USA online, and they promised to be the best opportunity for me, offer excellent benefits, and on their website says "United We Stand".

After speaking with a Independent Business Owner with this company, I decided to give it a shot. I agreed to let them take $50 out of my account to pay for my introductory package which was promised to be delivered the next day. I signed up on August 17, 2006 and did not receive my package until August 23, 2006.

However, my complaint does not lie with the latency of the package, but with the refusal to refund my money. I contacted AmeriPlan on Monday, August 21, 2006 and explained to them that my son had cancer, and that I would be making frequent trips to St. Jude's Research Hospital for treatments. I explained to them that because of this new factor in my life, it would not be wise to begin a new job such as the one they were offering. I asked nicely for a refund but was promptly refused.

After asking for the reason for the refusal, I was asked to fax a letter to the corporate office. When I went to fax my letter, the fax number was wrong. I called back and got the correct number and faxed the letter as well as sent a copy through the mail.

Another complaint is that they will not even allow AmeriPlan IBOs to cancel their personal benefits unless it's through fax or mail. In my opinion, this ensures that they will make more money while the faxes and letters get conveniently lost or set aside. I think this company is out for money and not to offer the consumers the wonderful benefits promised.

When a company cannot have a heart for a family in desperate need of a refund for financial reasons when their child is sick, why are they in this kind of business? I have by no means given up my quest for a refund. I feel that the sales speech that they spill to IBO prospects is grossly rehersed and completely without caring attitudes.

At this current time, I have not received any refund or even a phone call explaining why or why not. I have been forced to check my bank account every day in fear of them withdrawing money unauthorized.

One last complaint is the lack of courtesy that the phone customer service representatives display. They act like their time is lost by speaking with you, and that you are ignorant because you were never informed that this charge was nonrefundable. They use the excuse that their Independent Business Owners are on their own with signing up IBOs and members, but "Who's benefits are they selling"?

Jeannie Ringling, Oklahoma
U.S.A.