Complaint Review: Berkeley Premium Nutraceuticals - Avlimil Brand

I recently ordered free samples of a product by Berkeley Premium Natraceuticals, Inc. called Avlimil for my fianc to try. She declined and so I threw the samples into the trash and thought that was the end of that until I received a package of the same product. I was perplexed as to why I was sent these since I did not order them but did not think too much after that for a few weeks. I did not receive an invoice with the sent product and did not realize that I might had been charged. I thought that they accidentally sent them and figured I would call them and let them know when I had the chance.

Soon afterward, though it did not connect in my head until later, that checks from my checking account started to bounce and I received numerous INSF notices from my bank and vendors that I had done buisiness with. I could not understand what I might had done wrong and looked at my bank statements to try to figure out the problem but without success until I called Berkeley to try to send them back their miss-shipment.

To my horror, when listening to the recorded message, I found that I might have unintentionally signed up for an account and to be sent occasional shipments being billed $70 a shot.

When connected with a customer representative I asked her for a refund and told her that I would send the product back. They did not want the product back nor were they willing to send me a refund even though I had been charged several hundred dollars in INSF charges. I did not know until after calling that were automatically charging me for un-ordered shipments of a product that was usless to me and only found the charges in an earlier bank statement that I overlooked.

The customer service representative said that during my internet order that there was an account option at the bottom of the free sample order page that I was somehow supposed to know to click on to see what account options there were. I did not know I was signing up for an account but instead responding to their add for "free samples." I don't even remember seeing such a link and would of not ordered if I had seen it.

I believe this is deceptive advertising through omission and clever placement of features at their internet site. The CS rep did mention that their lawyers help put together the website... now I know why>

This incident has not only cost me money but also cost me my reputation in my community and has humiliated me.

Later upon researching this company and product I found that I am not the only one that has had complaints about their practices and read that others have had similar results from them.

Can anyone help?

cd
rhinebeck, New York
U.S.A.

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 you 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/comptroller 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 CARD

If 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, Rip-off Report.com & Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com
EDitor@RipoffReport.com
badbusinessbureau.com
www.ripoffreport.com

Don't let them get away with it.
Make sure they make the Rip-off Report!

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CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.