Vinesse - American Cellars Wine Club Credit card charged without my knowledge, items shipped without knowledge, would not refund shipping charges Windsor California
As stated by other members, I have had the same problems with American Wine Cellars. I joined this club for the Amtrak points, and I cannot believe that Amtrak (or other trusted airline point clubs) would offer anything from a scam business like this.
I joined in June, and received my introductory package and enjoyed it. Within less than a month, I was shipped a 'Seasonal' package without my knowledge. I was lucky I checked their website to see if I was going to be charged every month, like other scam operations do, and I noticed that 'Seasonal' package was sent to me on 7/10. They were also asking me for my credit card number again online, so I called and canceled that day.
I noticed on my online banking statement that I was charged $99.97 on 7/13, the day I canceled my accont. I called on 7/20 to get my money refunded, and was told that they could only refund 78.97 to my card (not the $21.00 shipping). This was after being disconnected once while waiting for a supervisor. (I was told that a supervisor was not available, and one would call me back...yeah, right!)
I called back and did get a supervisor (Beverly), and after some very shrewd talking by me and mentioning the lawyer-word, she said she would refund the $21, but it would take a week-and-a-half.
I also filed a report with my bank. I am not holding my breath on getting any of that money back right away. I also mentioned the 2000 plus Amtrak points to the customer service agent, and I did not want another Odyssey in trying to get those. She said she credited them and they were 'uploaded' to Amtrak. I won't be holding my breath for those either.
This is another scam that people unfortunately get caught up in, and when I could not find a way to cancel online on their web page, it tipped me off. Avoid this company!
Mar-jean
Evans City, Pennsylvania
U.S.A.
3 Updates & Rebuttals
acameron@vinesse.com
westlake village,California,
U.S.A.
Credits and Points Credited to Customer
#4UPDATE Employee
Mon, November 02, 2009
The customer was contacted and all of the requested credits, including the shipping and handling, were refunded on 7/24/2009. The 2,000 Amtrak points for enrolling in the wine club were deposited into the customer's account on 7/10/2009. We apologize for any confusion on the offer and the shipments.
acameron@vinesse.com
westlake village,California,
U.S.A.
Credits and Points Credited to Customer
#4UPDATE Employee
Mon, November 02, 2009
The customer was contacted and all of the requested credits, including the shipping and handling, were refunded on 7/24/2009. The 2,000 Amtrak points for enrolling in the wine club were deposited into the customer's account on 7/10/2009. We apologize for any confusion on the offer.
Mar-jean
Evans City,Pennsylvania,
U.S.A.
UPDATE
#4Author of original report
Fri, July 24, 2009
Called on 7/20 and demanded a refund and my Amtrak points. I was told that my Amtrak points were 'uploaded', and that they would not refund all of my charge (99.97), and that they would not refund the remaining $21, because it was a shipping charge. I said that I wanted everything refunded.
I was put on hold to wait for a supervisor, and then the call was disconnected. I called again, and talked to a supervisor (Beverly), and she told me they would not refund the full amount. After talking to her for several minutes, she agreed to refund both amounts, but said that the $21 would take a week and a half to get back.
My Amtrak points did show up, but both of my refunds have not shown up in my bank account (the $78.97, which was supposed to be done right away, and the $21). I am calling them today to ask where my money is.
I also have to fill out paperwork from my bank to get the money back in case American Cellars does not.