Complaint Review: Supreme Brands

On Feb 11, 2009 I ordered a bottle of Colotrim from a website that stated "Free Trial" bottle of Colotrim for the price of shipping only - which was $4.95. Come to find out, my credit card was charged $79! I did not realize this had happened until my credit card company fraud dept called because they the company tried to debit my card again! I only authorized the $4.95, not the $79 nor any other debits from this company. My credit card company told me that I had to dispute this with the company and if I did not get resolution that I should call them back. I had to cancel my card because not only was this company trying to debit my card, so was another company and one I had never heard of before.
I called the company and talked to a representative who told me basically, too bad, you should have read the terms and conditions. He stated that the $79 was for two bottles automatically shipped to me because I did not cancel after my free trial period and that they could not refund me for that. I only received the one bottle from that initial supposedly free trial. I told him this and he said that maybe back then that they were only sending one bottle for $79, not the two that they now send out and that from what he saw on my account that they tried to debit my account $83 last week and it was declined. I was stunned. I told the rep that I wanted a supervisor and he put me on hold for so long that I hung up.
I just called again and talked to Jarred who also basically told me, "too bad, you should have read the fine print." I reported this to the Better Business Bureau and will call the credit card company tomorrow.
I am disgusted with this unscrupulous company and even more so with myself for falling for this scam! What can I do to get my money back? I assure you that if I ever saw that they would automatically bill me anything after the initial trial, I would never have ordered it. And I cannot help but wonder if this company had anything to do with my credit card info getting out there for these other fraudulent attempts to debit my card.
Obviously there is a problem with these people or there would not be so many of us online complaining about the same thing! They need to be stopped because they are in essence, stealing money from unsuspecting people! I cannot believe that they have gotten away with this for so long!

Sheila
Leesburg, Virginia
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
RipoffReport.com
Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com

Rip-off Report
PO Box 310, Tempe, Arizona 85280