Complaint Review: Websecret MasterCard

Websecretcard purports to allow you to remain anonymous when you shop on the Web. I purchased a card at Rite Aid on June 23, 2006. $20 to buy the card, $75 credit applied to the card. I tried to activate it on June 26, 2006. The expiration date I was given was 4/06 -- a date that had already passed. The card was useless. The rest is a nightmare. I called and explained the problem. I was given a new expiration date but not a new card number. I called again and was given a new authorization number. When I tried to use it, I was informed that the card had already been authorized. I called 877 434 3578 again, and they said since the card had already been authorized they couldn't help me, that I would have to call 877 434 3578 -- the same number. I called and was put on hold for 31 minutes. I gave up and called Global MasterCard who connected me immediately to someone at GreenDot, who owns Websecret. He transferred me to a busy signal. Days later, I called again and spoke to someone who kept repeating "Caller are you there?" about fifteen times. He wouldn't speak until I spoke in Spanish. Turns out his English was perfect, he was just playing. Tried calling Columbia Bank & Trust Company, the parent company. They didn't know anything about Websecret. On August 2nd I called demanding a refund. I was told the "terms of the agreement" did not allow this. I asked for my balance. They had decucted a $5.00 monthly maintenance fee. They were about to deduct another $5.00 in five more days. I still had not been able to use the card due to their incompetence. They simply don't care if you get your money, and if you persist, they transfer you to a busy signal. I just reviewed my cell phone bill. Over the course of six weeks, I made 22 calls to 877 434 3578. Twenty-two times I heard someone say "How may I provide you with excellent service?" Twenty-two times they failed -- miserably. Stay as far away from this product as you can get. I'm sure you can expect the same sort of abuse from the GreenDot Cards.

Jeff
Tucson, Arizona
U.S.A.