Complaint Review: Freelance Work Exchange - Ccbill

On March 28, 2006, I signed up for a 7-day trial of the Freelance Work Exchange, a website that claims to provide freelance business/work opportunities. The website is: http://freelanceworkexchange.com and the cost of the trial is $2.95. Freelance Work Exchange made it perfectly clear that Try it today, there is no risk and you can cancel anytime for a full refund. Payment for services provided by Freelance Work Exchange is done through http://www.ccbill.com, a billing company.

Two days after the 7-day period, I canceled my subscription to Freelance Work Exchange but observed that $29.95 was still charged to my credit card for a full month's subscription. When I contacted Freelance Work Exchange, I was referred to http://www.ccbill.com, who went on to inform me that I should have canceled 24 hours before the rebill date, which contradicts the Freelance Work Exchange promise that There is no risk and you can cancel anytime for a full refund.

In addition, the above precondition was not stated during my subscription for trial. I canceled after my 7-day trail period was up, and do not require the services either of http://www.ccbill.com or Freelance Work Exchange. That I am now being coerced to pay for and subscribe to a service that I don't want is fraudulent.

What is most disturbing is mail I received from one Matt Corke of Freelance Work Exchange on 11 April 2006, who claimed that We offer refunds at the discretion of management. Management has reviewed your case and rendered your case unsatisfactory. First, Matt Corke does not state why my case is unsatisfactory and, second, refunds should be based on company principles and NOT the discretion of management.

I am requesting that steps should be taken to ensure that Freelance Work Exchange refunds my $29.95, and that Freelance Work Exchange and http://www.ccbill.com are prevented from coercing people into paying for services they don't want.

Philip
Fairfax, Virginia
U.S.A.