Complaint Review: Sage Advice

Sage Advice Inc. is an herbal remedy business out of Conn. that I did business with once I found their web-site. Their brochure made it sound like they were reputable and had been on TV talkshows, on radio, and in magazines. I contacted them by phone and made an order, giving my credit card information to them on the phone. The owner explained to me that they send one auto-order to a customer per month.

I began business with them in June to test their products and service. I placed an order on June 7th for $251.93, then added another product later on the 7th for $51.98. She then said she'd send an auto order to me for July ahead of time. This order would be a repeat of the last two orders I made on June 7th.

I added a couple items to my order by email before she sent it out on the 20th. So she sent me my updated order on the 25th, totaling $331.91, after she charged me on the 20th for a repeat of June's order. In other words, she double charged me rather than replacing my original order with an updated one.

I gracefully paid her, thinking it was a mistake, but told her by email that this resulted in me having too much for one month.

I was laid off my job at the end of June, so I changed my order in July to 2 items only, and asked her to delay the August order to September. I made this change by phone and by email, her usual mode of correspondence with me. My order change was sent to her July 14th, before she sent the next order out or charged me. Her policy, stated on her website and invoices, says that these changes are to be made before the 15th before shipment, which I did.

She then sent me the order for $451.88, like the one I made in June, and she sent it on the 15th despite my change, in keeping with her policy. I had made that change to 2 items instead of 11 items, and asking her to postpone all other orders until September. She ignored this.

When I found out about this, I charged it back and sent back the merchandise, with an insured receipt. I also sent her a certified letter, canceling all auto orders. I reminded her of this cancellation by email.

She apparently received it on 7/27/06, in the form of a certified letter. She signed for the letter on the 27th.
She then proceeded to send out and charge me for a second order for $451.88, which I never ordered, on the same day she received my cancellation letter-the 27th. I returned this merchandise on 8/16/06. That's when I cancelled and changed my credit card number to prevent her from misusing it again.

She has since sent threatening and mean-spirited emails to harass me. She also kept the merchandise she's still charging me for.

Christina
Passaic, New Jersey
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.