Complaint Review: MWI Simple Escapes

On 03/18/03 my checking account was debited 134.95, by a company called MWI Simple Escapes. Becouse this unexpected debit caused $202 dollars in nsf fees, I contacted the bank and they where able to give me a phone number to call Simple Escapes.

I called Simple Escapes and Spoke to rep 1661 who told me that they received my account information and authorization from American Online. He stated that he would cancel the membership and refund the 134.95 back to my account.

I called American Online to see why they would give my billing information to a outside company with out my permission. I was bounced around starting with customer rep Kyle, supervisor Rick to Shop Direct rep Simber only to tell me that this is a billing issue and sent me back to AOL customer service rep Magen who sent me to Cancelation rep Bill who sent me to fraud rep Misty. All the while none of these people where able to tell me how to get back to the form that was used to iniate this authorization so that I could read for myself the statement of authorization that allowed Simple Escape to have and then debit my checking account. AOL could only tell me that Simple Escape is a part of MemberWorks promotions.

Honest business is not conducted in this manner. I didnt even receive the so called 25 dollar gift card or the supposed membership pack that my hard earned 134.95 paid for. That is what makes Simple Escape a RIP OFF and shame on AOL for being involved with a company that is known to practice dishonest marketing methods over the internet to take consumers money.

Chuck
Aurora, Colorado
U.S.A.