I ordered the free trial for 14days on 2/15/06. Hoodia took $5.95 from my account about 14 days later I tried contacting the company to find out the status of my order. I emailed them @custmercareforfree and I also called the 9099303097 number but all you get is the answering machine.
I left numerous messages but no one returned my calls. Finally on 3/2/06 a representative answered the phone. She asked for my information and I gave it to her. She then told me that she cannot find me in her computer. She will have her manager try and call me back.
I told her to make sure that I get a call back. She called me back from this #9099472710 and told me that she found my information and she will ship out the order. I then told her that I would like to cancel membership but low and behold on 3/3/06 they put a hold of $99.90 on my account.
I was furious so I called back again on 3/3/06 and asked the REP why was there a hold on my account after I never received the free trial and I canceled before money was taken out of my account and I would like to have my money returned to my account. She told me that the money cannot be refunded when I told her that it should not have been taken out in the first place she hang the phone up in me.
I tried calling them back and I keep getting the answering machine. It is not yet over because now I have another company called ECURVES putting a hold on my account for $28 and change and when I called their #800 757 1279 they are telling me that my information was given to them by hoodia for some other fitness program and that it was part of the terms and condition from hoodias website.
I have copies of the terms and condition and nowhere is that company mentioned. I just got the free trial on 3/9/06, so I canceled way in advance where they should have never taken that $99.90 from my account. To prevent them from getting into your account I suggest that you cancel your debit and credit cards through your bank and get new ones and have your bank do an investigation on the company that is what I am doing now.
PLEASE BE CAREFUL OF HOODIA FOR FREE
Jacintha
brooklyn, New York
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!
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...by consumers, for consumersCLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.