Complaint Review: Ultima Patch

I chose Ultima Patch as one of several "free samples" I was instructed to select in order to receive a free Microsoft Office 2003. I was told I only had to pay for shipping on the free sample in the amount of $7.95 and cancel within 12 days in order not to activate an autoship (and sizable charge to my debit card) of a 90-day supply. This shipping charge still seemed excessive to me and when I tried to back out another screen came up with a chat window offering me shipping and a free multivitamin sample in addition to the patch sample for $4.95.

The chat window represented itself as a live customer service chat but wasn't (I faked it out). I decided nonetheless that $4.95 was reasonable so long as I kept the 12 day window in mind and I agreed. When the required free offer selections to get Microsoft Office 2003 then began multiplying (in successive web pages) with no end in sight, I got a bad feeling about the whole thing and closed my browser without completing the qualifying offer.

I responded to Ultima Patch's confirmation email with a request to cancel my order and not ship as follows:

Please cancel my order immediately. I didn't realize that receiving a "free" Microsoft Office 2003 would require no end of Terms and Conditions that would in turn sign me up for an indeterminate number of expensive AutoShips (at least 3 by the time I decided this was quite possibly a scam) of products I have yet to try. Unless you have managed to ship them in the last ten minutes I don't expect to pay shipping on the free samples either. I don't want to try anything you have to offer.

I received no response from Ultima Patch, but I did receive subsequent emails about my order, one inviting inquiry to an 800 number that I called (thinking I would leave no stone unturned in my efforts to cancel). I waited twenty minutes without getting through to a customer service rep (and that is my limit for any customer service). I also responded to each email with unequivocal instructions to cancel my order and ship no product.

I then received undesired "free sample" and vitamins and decided rather than try to reverse a $4.95 charge I might as well try the product. The patch wouldn't even adhere to my skin. I emailed Ultima Patch again:

I requested that this order be cancelled before any product shipped. The other day I received a free sample that I said I did not want and would not pay postage to receive. As you sent it anyway I decided to try the patch and discovered that it doesn't even adhere to my skin. I would not object to the nominal postage charge if the product could even be sampled, but apparently it cannot.

Do not send me any more product. Do not charge my credit card for anything further. I do not authorize any charges whatsoever and if you send me anything further I will not pay shipping to return it (as some sort of "condition of refund" or otherwise) and will further dispute any charge on my credit card with copies of the several emails I have sent requesting that this order be cancelled.

Today I received another shipment from Ultima Patch. I did not open it, but immediately called my VISA debit and discovered that Ultima Patch had recently charged me for something like $129. I have received no response to any of my cancellation requests.

After I stopped payment on the Ultima Patch charges and discussed with my credit rep the procedure to dispute this and any future unauthorized Ultima Patch charge(s), I forwarded all the emails I had previously sent to both email addresses I had for Ultima Patch, each with this header:

I received a UPS shipment from Ultima Patch today. I have repeatedly cancelled this order and asked that you not ship me any product, and have received no response other than the shipments (free sample and now first autoship) I asked you not to send. I was supposed to have 12 days to cancel my autoship order and in fact cancelled it on February 13th, within 10 minutes of agreeing to receive the free sample, and also on February 14th and again on February 18th in response to an email from Ultima Patch suggesting I call a number (which I did, to cancel over the phone as well, until your phone hold exceeded my twenty minute wait rule). I further cancelled on March 4th after I had received the free sample and discovered that it doesn't even adhere to my skin. I have received no response to any of these emails. I am therefore sending anew all emails on the subject to both email addresses I have for Ultima Patch. I am also stopping payment on the autoship charge to my debit card and returning the product, after which I will call my VISA account with the tracking number and send copies of all these emails to my credit card representative and to anyone else who might help stop your abuse of consumers.

Sam
Roanoke, 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, 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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...the victims' advocate

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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.