A website with the URL of
www.rachelray.com automatically redirected me to another website with the URL of
surveypanel2012.com/rach.php, which was headed with a picture of Racheal Ray.
After taking a four-question survey, I was given the choice of one of three *FREE* prizes. I picked the first one on the list, and was redirected to the Auravie website. Throughout the process of ordering the "free" prize, the word "free" was featured repeatedly.
After completing the order, I received an email which noted that my *FREE* offer was actually only a 10-day trial, at the end of which I would be billed $97.88 unless I cancelled the order within ten days of submitting it...not after having the merchandise for a ten-day trial.
I immediately called and cancelled the order. I was told that it had not shipped, but that I would be charged for the mailing label because it was already printed. I was told that I would not receive the merchandise.
A few days later, the merchandise arrived in the mail. I called to verify that it had been cancelled, and the customer service representative confirmed that it had been cancelled before they shipped. However, he stated that they would still bill be for the merchandise even though it was unsolicitied having been shipped after cancellation. He told me to return it to avoid charges, which I did.
Fraudulent actions by Auravie Skincare:
- Their website at rachelray.com is an intentional misrepresentation.
- That website has a picture of Rachael Ray to reinforce the notion that it is genuine and affiliated with that celebrity.
- The *FREE* prize found on a several web pages is actually only a 10-day trial after which you are charged for the merchandise.
- Even after cancelling the order and the account, the company still ships the merchandise and states that they will bill you for it.
- The customer service representative threatened that the company would "turn you over for collection if you don't pay for the merchandise" unless it is returned within the ten-day trial period.
Summary: Considering theseries of scams and frauds perpetrated by this company, one cannot help but question the value or benefits of their products. If they are any good, why the subterfuge? In addition, one wonders why anyone would deal with dishonest, underhanded people even if their products are of some benefit.