Complaint Review: Auravie

I was trying to access Toys R' Us Website when a customer survey kept popping up on my screen.  There was no way to X out of it and each time I left the page and returned, so did the survey.  Reluctantly, I did the three question survery and, as a "thank you", was offered serveral rewards to which I could choose one.  A risk FREE 30-day trial for Auravie Skin care products was the one I chose. 

The deal was you only had to pay S&H, and because of the survey I did I was given a Promotion Code so that I only had to pay half of the S&H.  My total charge was approx $2.95.  Not Bad!!  I was skeptical and scanned the page "the catch".  I found nothing.  I was shipped the products in several days and was surprised to find that they were not "sample" size, as I had expected.

I didn't think too much of it and went on the try the product, which I have actually enjoyed using.  Last night, however, I got a text message from my bank saying my account was overdrawn.  I was shocked to see that I had been charged $97.88.  I immediately called the company, which was closed.  Next I called my bank to report fraud.  Since the amount was still pending I could not yet dispute it. I also did research looking for others who had this same experience.  There are hundreds of shocked consumers, just like me!! 

My plan was to dispute it, get my money back and "SHOW THEM"! But, also in my research I found that Auravie typically wins these disputes because (looking back now I SEE IT) on their webpage where you enter your CC info, in ultra smal print, is all the info: after the 10-day trial you will be charged the full amount and entered into their regular subscription which you will be shipped more prodcuts and charged the $97.88 on a monthly basis!!!

I read of others who recieved their money back when they initually disputed the charges, but then were charged again because they LOST THE DISPUTE.  I Called the company.  They seeemd to know why I was calling before I EVER said ANYTHING about fraudulent charges.  I voiced my frustration and they offered to give me 50% back, totalling $48.94.  I took it because I knew that legally, I would lose the dispute and recieve NOTHING back.  They also explained to me the EVER SO CRITICAL DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRIAL AND SAMPLE.  If it is a TRIAL, it IS NOT FREE!

Be super cautious when signing up for "FREE TRIALS".  Look for the ultra fine print and just know, that if it is a TRIAL, there are Terms and Conditions that make it NOT SO FREE!!