- Report: #185574
Complaint Review: Columbia House DVD Club -
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Columbia House DVD Club
U.S.A.
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Columbia House DVD Club Ripoff BIG TIME,takes money out of your bank WITHOUT OKAY FROM YOU!!!!! Terre Haute Indiana *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!
I, like a fool, rejoined Columbia House DVD Club. Forgetting WHY I quit using them last time. Now upon membership, I DID receive the 5 DVD's I ordered, but about a month later, a charge of $29.00 showed up on my bank account. I had used my debit card to join the club....WRONG, WRONG!!!
I had no idea what this charge was for, until I got the MONTHLY special in the mail. I HAD sent the card in stating I DID NOT WANT THIS, in more than enough time, to be sure and NOT receive it. They also, charged my account like they did on others I have read, 2, $10.00 charges for the "Shoppers Discount" special, and the "Travel Rewards: program. I called the 800#, and got a rep. that stated the $20.00 would be put back into my account, but to give them 5 to 10 working days!!!
Also, I sent the unopened DVD back to them over a month ago, and still no credit to my account. I wrote them yesterday, and the response today was to give them more time to process the credit. I stated, you TOOK my money fast enough, why the delay in giving me my refund? The email they send you, is one that cannot be replied to, as they state it is an automatic reply!
I told them I had ONE more movie to order to finish my membership, and when this was sent, to CANCEL MY MEMBERSHIP IMMEDIATELY!! I told them, NOW I remembered why I quit using them the FIRST TIME, and be assured that after this membership is fulfilled, I would NEVER use their services again. So, now it is a waiting game to see how long it takes them to credit my bank. I also stated upon joining that I would send in payment, to NOT AUTOMATICALLY CHARGE MY CREDIT CARD.
Well, that was like "spitting in the wind", once they get that credit card number, you are strictly at their mercy, and they do just whatever they want to. I was glad to see I am NOT THE ONLY ONE who has trouble with this company. How can they continue to keep operating like this. Why have they not been stopped yet!! Maybe if enough of us write, some action WILL be taken.
Becky
Bridge City, 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
[email protected]
badbusinessbureau.com
www.ripoffreport.com
Don't let them get away with it.
Make sure they make the Rip-off Report!
We are not lawyers.
We are not a collection agency.
We are Consumer Advocates.
...the victims' advocate
WE are Civil and Human Rights Activists
We are a Worldwide Consumer Reporting News Agency
...by consumers, for consumers
CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on Columbia House
I had no idea what this charge was for, until I got the MONTHLY special in the mail. I HAD sent the card in stating I DID NOT WANT THIS, in more than enough time, to be sure and NOT receive it. They also, charged my account like they did on others I have read, 2, $10.00 charges for the "Shoppers Discount" special, and the "Travel Rewards: program. I called the 800#, and got a rep. that stated the $20.00 would be put back into my account, but to give them 5 to 10 working days!!!
Also, I sent the unopened DVD back to them over a month ago, and still no credit to my account. I wrote them yesterday, and the response today was to give them more time to process the credit. I stated, you TOOK my money fast enough, why the delay in giving me my refund? The email they send you, is one that cannot be replied to, as they state it is an automatic reply!
I told them I had ONE more movie to order to finish my membership, and when this was sent, to CANCEL MY MEMBERSHIP IMMEDIATELY!! I told them, NOW I remembered why I quit using them the FIRST TIME, and be assured that after this membership is fulfilled, I would NEVER use their services again. So, now it is a waiting game to see how long it takes them to credit my bank. I also stated upon joining that I would send in payment, to NOT AUTOMATICALLY CHARGE MY CREDIT CARD.
Well, that was like "spitting in the wind", once they get that credit card number, you are strictly at their mercy, and they do just whatever they want to. I was glad to see I am NOT THE ONLY ONE who has trouble with this company. How can they continue to keep operating like this. Why have they not been stopped yet!! Maybe if enough of us write, some action WILL be taken.
Becky
Bridge City, 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
[email protected]
badbusinessbureau.com
www.ripoffreport.com
Don't let them get away with it.
Make sure they make the Rip-off Report!
We are not lawyers.
We are not a collection agency.
We are Consumer Advocates.
...the victims' advocate
WE are Civil and Human Rights Activists
We are a Worldwide Consumer Reporting News Agency
...by consumers, for consumers
CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on Columbia House
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Jim
Albuquerque,New Mexico,
U.S.A.
Me too,
#2Consumer Comment
Wed, April 26, 2006
I was a member for about 5 years. I had fulfilled my membership fees within the first 6 months. Then for a short time every thing went well. I used the internet to order or cancel the directors choice. It was quick, and you could print out the results. All of a sudden, they started sending me the directors choice, even though I had said no, and had printed proof from them, stating that no directors choice would be sent. Then they started calling me. They wanted me to cancel my current membership, and start a new one. I told them no,every week, every month for all most a year, NO. Then I just canceled the member ship outright. It had become a nightmare with the DVD's showing up, having to send them back. Answering the phone once a week to hear their new deal. They became as much of a pest as MCI. I think however, that since I can get the same DVD's at the local discount super center much cheaper. They must be hurting. The push to sell, and change membership, seems to indicate they are having problems. I do not know what happened to them, but it was not a change for the better. Oh, by the way. I maintain a small balance credit card. Purchase limit of $300.00 max. to purchase things over the internet. I never give anyone my check acc# or other credit cards. I can cancel the small card and end any auto charges that some companies may try to start up. It works like a dream. It took very little to get a small balance card. I recomend the practice to everyone who shops the net, or joins clubs that auto charge. You are right, this dvd club is getting real bad.
Kim
Niagara Falls,Ontario,
Canada
How to avoid problems with CH and maximise savings
#3UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, April 20, 2006
I used to sell for this company and have heard my share of complaints AND praise, by the thousands literally. It is important to understand "THE SYSTEM" when dealing with any mail order company, including CH. Simply put: 1. Stay on an INVOICING BASIS. 2. Pay by money order - ONLY. 3. You can have the Director's Selection switched off if you re-enroll over the phone when THEY CALL YOU. Just ask for it and they'll turn it off. Then you have to buy 4 movies over 1 year at the regular price, instead of over 2 years. If that's a problem, don't bother with it. 4. Don't wait for the year to be up. As soon as you have bought your four movies, cancel out and then wait for thenm to call you with the re-enrollment offer, which is typically 5 free movie certificates plus one discounted movie, meaning you're getting 10 new movies for about $110, depending on whether you buy one movie at a time and what your state sales tax is. If you just sit and wait after your 4 movies are bought and the year is up, the Director's Selection can automatically come back on again. Best avoid that! 5. If you have an address in Canada, buy from the Canadian club instead. Same prices but cheaper money. 6. Also, don't accept new enrollment packages unless and until your last "membership" at your house is spent and cancelled. Otherwise you will wind up with more than one membership at a time in the same house, for no real benefit. If you do this, you will re-obligate yourself regularly, going from one package to another, as offered by telephone from them (avoid the other offers by e-mail and snailmail, unless you enjoy the DS!), but if you collect movies, it's not such a bad bargain and when you keep the DS off, and don't ever pay any other way than money orders, you will always be in the driver's seat, forcing them to keep you at the lowest AVERAGE movie cost, when you consider all of it, the free movies, the first one and the obligation movies at full price. If you do it THIS way, you'll be the one winning. They'll always be after you to rejoin with better offers and you pick and choose as you see fit.
