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Epiclear.com Hidden charges and conditions ripoff fraudulent deliberate deception Internet *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!
This company sells acne treatments, and as a promotion offered to send you a bottle to try if you simply pay shipping. I did this, and received the bottle not long after. A month later I was looking at my online bank statement and saw a $69.00 charge from them that I never authorized. I immediately suspected some kind of fraud, so I went to their website to see if I'd missed something. When you read the order form there is some small print below that says
"We are so confident that you will see great results with Epiclear, we are willing to let you try it before you buy it! All you pay for is shipping and handling. With your free bottle comes a complimentary enrollment into the Epiclear Skin Club, which will provide you with discounted prices on the continuity shipments."
Then there is a link below where you can read about the Epiclear Skin Club. On this page it says "When you see the great results you'll want to maintain your clear skin, so in 24 days we will send 2 bottles at a discounted rate of only $59.95 plus S+H for a total of $69.90. This will be billed to the card that you're using today under the name of Epiclear and every 55 days thereafter. If you want to customize your membership in the Epiclear Skin Club, or if you want cancel, simply call us between the hours of 9:00am and 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time Monday through Friday, and one of the Epiclear representatives will be happy to help."
When I called to complain and get my money back they of course told me "Well it tells you several places on the website and in the invoice we sent (by the way, they sent no invoice) that there would be another shipment in 24 days. I asked if he could refund my money regardless and he told me that they couldn't resell it and had to destroy it for liability reasons and so could not refund my money.
In my estimation this was a deliberate act of deception, and any company that employs said strategies to sell their product must have a worthless product in the first place.
Daniel
Lima, Ohio
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 to 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/controller 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.