Auravie You are not crazy... the fine print isn't on the web-site you ordered your product on. Internet, Internet
February 5, 2012, I saw an internet advertisement for two skin care products that when used in
conjunction were providing good results to consumers who had tried them. Auravie and Kollagen Intensiv were being marketed together. The advertisement stood out to me because it stated you could try both of the products as a trial by paying $0.00 + S/H.
The Auravie cost: $2.95. The Kollagen Intensiv cost: $2.95.
There were two different links that you clicked on. One for Auravie. One for Kollagen Intensiv.
You are given Promo Code "Save" for Auravie and Promo Code "Glow" for Kollagen Intensiv.
Once re-directed by each link, you need to input your personal information and credit card information.
Once I had filled in the blanks for the Kollagen Intensiv, I printed the screen (this website even suggests that this practice be done.) I performed the same function after filling in the blanks for the Auravie. When I checked the printer, there were two copies of the Kollagen Intensiv screen and zero copies of the Auravie screen. I tried to go back to find the page in order to print again, but was unable to do so, but shortly, thereafter, received separate e-mails from both companies that they had received my order.
On Feb. 7, 2011, I received simultaneous e-mails from Auravie and "Leading Edge Health" (Kollagen Intensiv) that both packages had been shipped. Auravie gave a USPS tracking number. Leading Edge Health was shipped via UPS and stated it would take 24 hours before tracking number would be activated.
Before I knew it, I received the Kollagen Intensiv, but the Auravie has yet to arrive as of Feb. 23, 2012. When I am writing this report.
Both packages were being shipped to an apartment complex where items sometimes get lost. I figured the Auravie would eventually turn up.
It wasn't until I checked my online bank account summary and saw a pending charge for $97.88 from an unknown company that I inquired about this matter. Luckily, there was a number on the summary that I could call that stated the company was Auravie Skin Care.
I waited through a long automated response system that explained that this company's business practices were on the up and up and if I happened to be calling regarding a charge on my bank statement in the amount of $97.88, it was most likely because I hadn't read the fine print located just to the left of the screen where I entered my credit card information.
I waited until a live customer service representative came on the phone. I told him I would disputing this charge if he couldn't credit my account today. He explained... once they [my bank] see the website where I had purchased the product from [he gives me the web address to go to as we are talking]... they will clearly see the terms that you agreed to when you accepted to purchase the product.
The website that he directed me to was similar to the screen where I entered my information except there was a glaringly obvious paragraph of terms just to the left of the screen. So obvious, in fact, that I know had I saw them at the time of purchase I would never have purchased the merchandise. I was actually expecting him to show me something in much finer print or with wording so obscure that I may have mistaken its meaning. I may not have complained and accepted the fact that I had not read carefully enough.
I have since tried to located the actual screen that I purchased the auravie product on for $0.00 + S/H by using the original website and link, but although the link is still there... it doesn't open up.
My bank will be able to dispute the charge and help me resolve the matter once the amount is not pending, but rather actually deducted from my account tomorrow, but in the meantime, advised me to complain to anyone who will listen.
6 Updates & Rebuttals
Diana
Seattle,Washington,
I wish I'd seen this site / these posts earlier
#7Consumer Comment
Thu, April 04, 2013
I just discovered this same scam happened to me today. So as not to be redundant, I won't share all the details. There's a clear pattern here with all the victims.
I always read the fine print and you're right, this information about the $97.88 charge was not there. Has anyone tried to do a fake new order and take a screen shot (rather than print the disclaimer as they suggest) of the fine print we all read?
I always investigate companies and products before I buy. You can bet I'll include the word "scam" in future research.
Has anyone been refunded their money from AuraVie (ha!) or their credit card company?
The AuraVie representative said I would be credited my account if the product arrives unopened in it's original packaging within 30 days of the original shipment ... two days from now. Ugh. If I'd agreed, she probably would have given me the wrong address.
I suspect this will turn out to be a $100 mistake.
Christy
Sanford,North Carolina,
United States of America
Thank You for posting
#7Consumer Comment
Fri, February 08, 2013
This is not a rebuttal. I just want to say thank you so much for taking the time to post this experience that happened to you. The same thing happened to me as well. When I saw the ad which explained it was a free trial with no strings attached, I will say I was a bit suspicious. There was no small print anywhere on the ad so I fell for the bait and filled out the order form. I received the "samples" which contained no paperwork other than the packing list that still claimed "Risk Free Trial" and the small price of s&h.
Soon, I saw the $97.88 pending charge on my credit card. I talked to customer service, who said I was mistaken and that there most definitely was an explanation on the ad about the 10 day trial and the charge that would come if not cancelled. Maybe he didn't know or maybe he was lying. But like you said, he directed me to their web site and, what do ya know? There were the terms glowing in fairly regular size print!
Not even the tiny mice-type...But, boy, there was no missing that! Hmm...was I nuts? Did I really miss seeing that?! No Way!! Anyway, it is being disputed by my credit card and I'm afraid if they don't read these many reports listed on web sites like these, they will think that I just didnt' bother paying attention to the "fine print" which is totally untrue....because there wasn't any to read.
I have gone to other freebie sites and so far have not been able to get a duplicate ad to pop back up. But when I read postings like yours, I KNOW for a fact, that I saw what I saw, and this company is taking advantage of many folks every day. Thanks again, I hope these matters are resolved in our favor, and the sooner these scammers can be caught and delt with, the better.
rocs
United States of AmericaThank you...
#7Consumer Comment
Sat, July 07, 2012
@Mari- Thanks for the heads up and info on this. As with most "free samples", I was expecting to be charged something if I did not cancel in the time frame that was given, but never would I expect to be charged right off the bat. You helped me save a great deal of money, thanks for taking the time to report here.
Mrs. M
USA`ok
#7General Comment
Fri, February 24, 2012
really?
Marci
Tucson,Arizona,
United States of America
Is that your rebuttal?
#7Author of original report
Fri, February 24, 2012
I waited 24 hours before replying. I don't want to insult your intelligence the way you insulted mine and multiple others'. I don't want to slander you either, but your commentary sounds more like what I would expect the customer service representative at Auravie to have said.
Possibly, if you would have taken a moment to lend information regarding your particular area of expertise, financial ethics, or past experiences. I may have gleaned your "rebuttal" more helpful.
While hind-sight is always 20/20 and while I wished that this circumstance hadn't happened, it is a great eye-opener for me. I don't agree with you when you say that we shouldn't contribute to the economy via the internet (paraphrasing). Integral, honest small businesses would suffer greatly.
Our information is "out there" whether we purchase using our credit cards on the internet or whether we purchase using our credit cards in a corner market. Your rational is the same as saying, "Don't patronize local businesses... you might get mugged." or "You got mugged... well, what did you expect? ... you WERE walking down the street with your purse on your shoulder."
I complained so that others would side step this business and invest their money in a different product. That IS the purpose... correct?
EnoughJerks
Tennessee,USA
Learn
#7General Comment
Thu, February 23, 2012
As soon as people stop being ignorant and STOP giving any bank info these companies will go out of business. Why does the public feel they can complain after they IN FACT gave their info freely. Doesn't matter what site , its bs. DO NOT give out any info..you giving info was in fact telling them its ok. Do people not understand the simple concept that if you do NOT give out your info from these fad websites then they fail. Yet people keep on then complain.