GSA, SBA Express, Grant Writer Pro Ripoff, dishonest and fraudulent billing Las Vegas Nevada
I searched out grant programs and came across Grant Writer Pro which was offering a free trial CD. I clicked on the free trial and paid my shipping fee and when it arrived, I promptly put it aside because it was year-end and a lot happening. I studied my bank statements the other day and discovered I was getting charged $5.95/month for GSA/SBA Express and another $29.95/month for Grant Writer Pro.
I'm not a rocket scientist, but that doesn't seem like "free" to me!
I promptly found your sight and found Ryan's email address and wrote the following:
"My name is Terry _____ and I just found out I have been getting billed by your company every month for something I had no idea I was going to be billed for! When I accepted the free CD and paid the original shipping charge, I thought that was it UNLESS I ASKED for something more.
Info was sketchy and I was led to believe I would only be billed for things I requested or services related to using the CD after using it for 14 days( which I have never even put in my computer). The way I understood it was that WHEN I began USING the program, at the end of the 14 days, IF I decided to continue with the program, I could then specify what services I would want and monthly charges would be assessed.
Because I feel I was mislead and fraudulent charges are being withdrawn from my account, I request a full refund be made to my account - I will gladly send the CD back, completely intact if you like.
I hope this will be resolved and I will not have to pursue other avenues of restitution. I would appreciate a quick reply and finalization to this issue."
This was about $5.95 charges every month. I have not received an answer back.
Since that time, my wife discovered we are also being charged $29.95/month for "Grant Writer Pro" membership which we never joined. Saying that because one doesn't respond we are going to start charging for services and memberships is fraud, plain and simple!
I sent another email to Ryan, but doubt I will get any response.
Terry
Lompoc, California
U.S.A.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Ryan
St. George,Utah,
U.S.A.
Resolution Offer
#2UPDATE Employee
Tue, May 08, 2007
First of all let me offer my apologies to Terry. There are no commitments with the free product. There is a bonus free trial period to the membership websites that accompanies the free CD and we do our best to disclose this as it is explained 3 times throughout the ordering process and then sent to the customer in the confirmation/thank you email. You can also see that it is disclosed in the Terms and Conditions of the offer. The trial period is free for 14 days and we would not have charged Terry had he canceled during the trial period. It is not our desire to bill clients who do not want the membership after the free trial offer.
I was able to locate an account for Terry and see that the refund he requested was processed.
We can now be reached 24/7 at 866-370-7270 if you'd like to cancel using the customer service line, you will be able to speak with a representative right away.
If you are another customer that is reading this and you feel that we have failed you in some way please call me directly at 435-773-1795 or email me at ryanr@wskc.org and I would be happy to address your concerns ASAP.
Sincerely,
Ryan R.