Complaint Review: Speciality Merchandising

Great bunch of total jerks and liars at SMC.

I ordered the info package for $39.95 and read through it.

I was not impressed but my wife mis placed the package thinking it was just junk mail.

It was junk but $40.00 worth of junk.

I was called by "Chris" my so called appointed coach. I told Chris I was not interested and for him to please cancel any transactions they might have done for me.
He became quite angry and very rude with me. He told me I had a contract with them and that I couldn't cancel. OH YEAH, WATCH ME.

On my next American Express bill the $39.95 for the info package was there and there was a membership fee of another $39.95 with yet another $29.95 fee to set up a web page that I explicitly told Chris I do/did not want and you guessed it another $29.95 monthly service fee for the unwanted web page.

Now you are going to see why I never use any credit card but AMX except in emergencys on the road etc when I don't have cash or the merchant only takes MC or VISA.

They are almost as corrupt as SMC but are necessary these days as an emergency backup.

American Express agreed with me and after their investigation the charges were removed from my account.

Being a fair and honest person I asked AMX to allow the $39.95 info package charge.
I could have stuck it to them for that also but that's just not me.

To add another insult to the original attempts to defraud me of money from my credit card I found monthly charges for the membership and web site on the next month, '$39.95 and $29.95 respectiavly."

I called American Express again.
The AMX representative was astounded at the persistance of these people and took care of it once again. Another, $69.85 saved by AMX.

I then received a very threatening letter from a "OSL Corp." They represent themselves as a credit collection agency for SMC.
I ignored the letter and last Saturday I got a call from them.

The lady, oops JERK that called would not even attempt to engage in a conversation but just repeatedly told me how my credit was going to be ruined if I didn't pay this bill at once and in full. She also told me I was incorrect about not being in contract with SMC as they have a contract I signed and also she said by not returning the info package I had intered into a life time membership with SMC and would owe them $39.95 each and every month.

She asked for my Attorney's name, phone number and address. Yeah right! Want the size of my shorts too lady?
Not in this lifetime.

I told her that I contract as a commercial pilot and was standing by the plane to go and people are waiting for me but she wouldn't shut up for a breath so since there was no chance to carry on a conversation I just hung up, got in the plane and flew away.
I'm waiting for the next step from them.
My attorney has seen the communication from them and says if they file on my credit I may own a large piece of SMC.
If I do and there is any money I'll refund everyone who wants it. Grinnnn.
Contacting these people is a joke! They won't talk to you.
They think everyone out here is stupid enough to cave in to their threats.

Where is that Tom B. guy I'd like to take him out back for a little fist de cuffs.
It'd be a fair fight, I'm his age. Probably in better shape though.

P.S. For anyone who wants the phone number for the credit collection agency here ya are.

800-749-3002

How about we get together and file a class action for fraud?
I'll sign on.

Pete
Pearland, Texas
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!

We are not lawyers.
We are not a collection agency.

We are Consumer Advocates.
...the victims' advocate

WE are Civil and Human Rights Activists

We are a Worldwide Consumer Reporting News Agency
...by consumers, for consumers

CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.

Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on Specialty Merchandise Corp. SMC