Columbia House attempts to bill anyone they can. Slamming Dishonest extortionists ripoff swindlers I have no contract with these people, have received nothing from them, and owe them nothing. Terre Haute Illinois
I will begin by saying that 13 years ago I signed up for their services and purchased several cassette tapes. I also fulfilled my contract and bid them farewell.
I have since moved across the country and never considered using their services again. Until 6-11-03 when I received a "statement" stating I need to fulfill my contract with them by either purchasing several DVD's or just sending them a check for 30.01.
Now upon closer examination, the invoice states I owe for 3 out of 5 selections and there is a credit for the other 2. This leads me to believe nothing was ever shipped, and they are just looking for a handout. Like I said, I never signed up for anything remotely close to a columbia house "membership".
I went to the corporate website and sent an email requesting information on this so called contract. Suprise, no response. I called the number on the statement, and after 30 minutes of being put on hold, was greeted by "Robby" who would not provide a last name or employee ID (suprise there too right?) I explained that I do not know how they got my new address, or how they came to the conclusion that we have a "contract". I explained that I would file a report with the attorney general, the BBB (I know, they suck) and this site unless we resolved the issue. He promptly sent me to an automated machine telling me to visit the website.
I called back, another 30 minutes later "Carolyn" answers, same story. The third time I call back, the auto attendant tells me it cannot connect my call, suprise there too.
I have no contract with these people, have received nothing from them, and owe them nothing. I am waiting for them to send this to a collection or credit agency so I can dispute this ridiculous claim and force them to prove this nonsense, but am not sure that is the best way to handle this issue. Any assistance in helping to resolve this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Dave
Euless, Texas
U.S.A.
4 Updates & Rebuttals
Jacqueline
Hammond,Indiana,
U.S.A.
They have to prove it., billing statement they mailed you is not enough
#5Consumer Suggestion
Fri, June 20, 2003
The billing statement they mailed you is not enough evidence, to prove anything. Did they assign you a Member ID? Can they provide dates when the orders were placed? What method of payment did you select? Do they have a signed contractual aggreement to show? This may be a case of mistaken identity, or someone may very well have stolen information from you. I don't want to make you paranoid, but at this point, anything is possible.
Years ago, they hassled me for not fulfilling my commitment, when they quit mailing me catalogs to order from. I ended up arguing with a collection agency, and then got them out of my hair.
You want to make sure this will not go on your credit report for obvious reasons. It's a good thing you plan on contacting the Attorney General of your State.
In addition, make them tell you how they got your address. I don't think they used "standard mail forwarding".
They do not have the right to just bill everyone indescrimately, they have to provide legistic evidence. You should also write them a letter containing the same information discussed by phone. In the letter, make it clear you never renewed any membership. Send it, and make them sign for it, just for the record.
Hope it works out.
Jacqueline
Hammond,Indiana,
U.S.A.
They have to prove it., billing statement they mailed you is not enough
#5Consumer Suggestion
Fri, June 20, 2003
The billing statement they mailed you is not enough evidence, to prove anything. Did they assign you a Member ID? Can they provide dates when the orders were placed? What method of payment did you select? Do they have a signed contractual aggreement to show? This may be a case of mistaken identity, or someone may very well have stolen information from you. I don't want to make you paranoid, but at this point, anything is possible.
Years ago, they hassled me for not fulfilling my commitment, when they quit mailing me catalogs to order from. I ended up arguing with a collection agency, and then got them out of my hair.
You want to make sure this will not go on your credit report for obvious reasons. It's a good thing you plan on contacting the Attorney General of your State.
In addition, make them tell you how they got your address. I don't think they used "standard mail forwarding".
They do not have the right to just bill everyone indescrimately, they have to provide legistic evidence. You should also write them a letter containing the same information discussed by phone. In the letter, make it clear you never renewed any membership. Send it, and make them sign for it, just for the record.
Hope it works out.
Jacqueline
Hammond,Indiana,
U.S.A.
They have to prove it., billing statement they mailed you is not enough
#5Consumer Suggestion
Fri, June 20, 2003
The billing statement they mailed you is not enough evidence, to prove anything. Did they assign you a Member ID? Can they provide dates when the orders were placed? What method of payment did you select? Do they have a signed contractual aggreement to show? This may be a case of mistaken identity, or someone may very well have stolen information from you. I don't want to make you paranoid, but at this point, anything is possible.
Years ago, they hassled me for not fulfilling my commitment, when they quit mailing me catalogs to order from. I ended up arguing with a collection agency, and then got them out of my hair.
You want to make sure this will not go on your credit report for obvious reasons. It's a good thing you plan on contacting the Attorney General of your State.
In addition, make them tell you how they got your address. I don't think they used "standard mail forwarding".
They do not have the right to just bill everyone indescrimately, they have to provide legistic evidence. You should also write them a letter containing the same information discussed by phone. In the letter, make it clear you never renewed any membership. Send it, and make them sign for it, just for the record.
Hope it works out.
Jacqueline
Hammond,Indiana,
U.S.A.
They have to prove it., billing statement they mailed you is not enough
#5Consumer Suggestion
Fri, June 20, 2003
The billing statement they mailed you is not enough evidence, to prove anything. Did they assign you a Member ID? Can they provide dates when the orders were placed? What method of payment did you select? Do they have a signed contractual aggreement to show? This may be a case of mistaken identity, or someone may very well have stolen information from you. I don't want to make you paranoid, but at this point, anything is possible.
Years ago, they hassled me for not fulfilling my commitment, when they quit mailing me catalogs to order from. I ended up arguing with a collection agency, and then got them out of my hair.
You want to make sure this will not go on your credit report for obvious reasons. It's a good thing you plan on contacting the Attorney General of your State.
In addition, make them tell you how they got your address. I don't think they used "standard mail forwarding".
They do not have the right to just bill everyone indescrimately, they have to provide legistic evidence. You should also write them a letter containing the same information discussed by phone. In the letter, make it clear you never renewed any membership. Send it, and make them sign for it, just for the record.
Hope it works out.