Complaint Review: National Association For Professional Women (NAPW)

WARNING! This company is a rip-off! In February 2008, I received an invitation letter from NAPW (www.NAPW.com) informing me I was approved to become a member of this organization. I happened to be in the process of expanding my company and professional exposure, so I sent in an application. After several months, I received a phone call in November just before Thanksgiving. I was in the middle of getting ready to leave for vacation, so I was distracted from being fully focused on the situation. I had completely forgotten about my application and was pleased they had finally got back in touch with me. "Ginny" said she was my Account Manager and would handle my account, setting me up and assisting me with future benefits. She also interviewed me, collected vital identification information (which I deeply regret for being so stupid to be forthcoming), told me I was going to be on the main page of their website as one of their "bright new members" and have a special editorial under "Women in the Spotlight" AFTER I signed on to their website and completed my bio and other personal information. What I didn't like was that I was told in the February letter that membership was free, but when I talked to Ginny she said in order to participate in any of the benefits, I would have to pay an additional $500!!! I balked for awhile, but she kept adding more benefits and compliments about my professional background and what an asset to the organization I could be and so on. So like an egotistical DUMMY, I finally conceded, breaking my rule of giving out critical identification (that should have been the warning flag right there, when they asked me for credit card info and social security info) because I believed they were a reputable organization (the fancy website really had me fooled - I should have done more investigating in February when I got the initial letter!). I was told I would receive a packet in the mail and consequential emails, but I have NEVER been able to reach them by phone! I refused to log on (the packet did have a username and password enclosed) because that would only further substantiate my membership (which was I trying to cancel immediately after I received the packet because I was so uncomfortable after giving them vital indentification data). I have never seen a follow-up email as promised either! I have submitted a "Chargeback Disputed Item" letter to my credit card company and I am including some comments/letters regarding this crooked company and the founder (Matt Proman) I found on this site as well as other sites. I just hope the credit card company accepts this and gets my money back. That's the only way I see how I am going to get a response from this company! DO NOT SUCCUMB to their compliments, bribary or high-pressure selling! This company is a RIPOFF! AnonVictim Oregon City, Oregon
U.S.A.