Complaint Review: Great Expectations of Portland

I  stopped by for an introduction to this company services in January 2008. I found it very difficult to leave without signing a contract with a prepayment; but I insisted that the membership would start in March 2008 because I wanted to be able to cancel and be entitled to a refund. The contract states that 'members' are not entitled to refunds.A few weeks into February, I tried reaching the GE office manager/director by email and by phone in order to indicate that i decided not to join. I expected a refund; and experienced exactly what some other people have experienced...No refund. I could not get the corporate address or phone number.

I complained to my credit card company and they investigated. For several months I thought the issue was closed because my bank refused to honor GE's initial charge against my credit card. Then in July, I was surpised to learn that GE resubmitted its charge against my credit card by sending my bank a copy of my contract. the contract had been doctored. I did not initial any of the handwritten changes to the contract, nor was I aware of them. But, the added information stated my membership began in January, but services would not begin until March. I tried to reach GE by phone and registered mail in order to ask for mediation; but no one was answering phones when I called several times. I left voice messages and no one returned my phone calls. I sent a registered letter and it was returned.

So basically, GE ofPortland resubmitted a claim against my credt card in May or June of 2008, knowing that it was not available to provide any services. I decided this behavior was unacceptable and filed a small claim lawsuit agianst GE. The summons to appear in court was served on National Registered Agents,Inc.; and the has awarded me a judgement against this GE of Portland.  

The judgment is unpaid because GE of Portland apparently has mutiple bank accounts. I was suprised to hear that Lucy Librizzi is still operating in Portland because i have hire two attorneys and one of them pulled a public record that lists employees, owners etc. It just does not give bank accounts. If I had known GE resumed activities in Portland, I probably should have filed the small claim lawsuit against the company and its  employees.

Unfortunately, I think the only way to change a company's practices is to publicize them.If enough people step forward, the Attorney General's Office may investigate and attempt to regain funds for clients. I read that the AG's in three states have already filed class action suits and owner settled for $215,000. 

Since a few people have been charged fees by GE of Portland as recently as February 2010, I would appreciate hearing from anyone who can track down the company's current bank and account number. (It is easy to do, ....just call your own bank or credit card number and ask for the information) I can not collect on a judgement against this company because it changes its bank account.  

for several months and even served the company a summans to appear in small claims court 

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