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Unimed International fraudulent billing, non-cancellation after request, fraudulent shipping dates ripoff Edison New Jersey *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!
In January 2007 I ordered a free sample of Unimed's facial products and paid $6.95 for shipping and handling. This was billed to my credit card on January 31, 2007. I received the product mid-February. One of the products I thought was horrible and the other 2 I knew could not be used up in the 30 day trial period. Within 3 weeks of receiving the product I called the company and told the representative that (1) I thought their eye cream was akin to using nail polish on my face and (2) the facial and neck moisturizers had enough in the sample pack to last me many months so I would not be needing any more product at this time. I made it clear that I would contact them if I wished to place another order.
Unbeknownst to me, on March 1, 2007 I was charged $84.90 for another shipment which did not arrive until March 19, 2007. This was sent by Priority Mail (which has a 2 to 3-day delivery), yet it took 17 days to reach me? Please note that the bar-coded mailing label was not issued by the USPS but by endicia.com, which is a private concern in the realm of Pitney Bowes. While the bar-coded label might have been printed on March 2, the package certainly wasn't mailed at that time. There is no USPS postmark to show the date of actual shipment.
I immediately called the 800 number on the packing slip which was enclosed in the box (there was no packing slip on the outside of the box, thus necessitating my opening it). I asked why I was shipped another package when I previously informed the company I did not wish to be on any automatic shipping program. The representative said that he would have someone call me back within 48 hours. This, of course, never happened.
After I waited said 48 hours I called the company again. This time a representative said that I didn't cancel until March 19. I challenged this statement and they asked for my cancellation number. Curiously, I have never been given any cancellation number even after my third call. I then told the representative that I was going to return their product and they said that they would not refund the shipping charges that were included in the charge to my credit card. I told them that this was not acceptable and proceeded to send an email in which I requested a senior official of the organization to respond.
I received a canned response which was not from any senior official of the organization and this response basically tells me - too bad, you are stuck with the product and charges. No one will give me any type of RMA number or cancellation number. I believe that this organization operates on a scam basis by reeling people in with their free samples and then refuses to cancel any future shipments, ships a product at least 2 weeks after billing a consumer's credit card, and refuses to give cancellation or RMA numbers.
Marianne
Bellville, 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!
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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.