Complaint Review: Ediets.com - Nationwide

Ediets.com offered a risk free trial of their diet menus. The trial required that information was provided about age, weight, food preferences, as well as credit card information. The free offer was to try it for a week, and cancel if you do not want to continue.

After one week, ediets sent an email soliciting continued membership. I followed the links, and found choices for a 3 month plan, a 6 month plan and an annual plan and a "no thank you" option. The longer the time committment, the larger the savings. I selected the "Menus only" option, deselected all of the extras that they had available for additional charges, and continued on with the 3 month plan. It clearly stated that I could cancel the membership at anytime, and would only be charged for the time used.

Approximately one month later (July 2003), they sent another email, again asking that I renew my membership. I followed the link and this time I selected the "No thank you" option. I followed the diretions on the page to cancel my membership. The ediets website did not let me laeave the site easily, several popups invaded my screen asking me to reconsider my choice. I did not. I cancelled.

I have not been back to the site since 6/2003, but they are still billing me $78.90 on a regular basis. I only went to the site 2 or 3 times in total, and this includes the visit to cancel.

They deny that I cancelled the account. They insist that they do not have any "Risk free trial offers." They deny that membership can be cancelled online. They state that the burden is on me to provide the name of a customer service rep who took the order to cancel membership. I cancelled online, per the email that they sent, and followed their directions, now they deny that this is even possible. They deny that they send emails to renew.

They do not deny the fact that the membership has been innactive since 6/03. They do not deny that the credit card was charged without my permission. They excuse their fraud stating that when I completed the original form to try the product (that they say does have a trial, but acknowledge that I filled out a form for the trial -- go figure)that I implicitly gave them permission to continue charging my account indefinately.

They called me a liar, and indicated that they would cancel the account NOW, but the other $600+ is not their problem because I can't prove I cancelled. I do not know if the cancellation will "stick" this time, but I should not pay for their mistake. There is no dispute on these two points:

1 - no services have been accessed or provided by ediets.com since June 2003.

2 - Initial visit to site inquiring about free trial offer was April 2003. Only "service" requested and agreed to was a menu

Less than 5 visits to the site were made. One was the initial visit, one was the result of following the link in an email to the site to select the plan -- and deselect all the extras they where pushing, one was to view a menu, and the last was to cancel the membership. These 4 visits, have now cost me over $600 and all I have is a menu. Want to see it?

The "Risk Free Trial" needs to be called "Scam to get your credit card number and continue to bill you forever, whatever amount we want, regardless of your authorization or not"

Deborah

Birmingham, Alabama
U.S.A.

Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on ediets.com

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!

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...the victims' advocate

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...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.