Complaint Review: IC *FREESHIPPING.COM - Saint Louis Internet

           I noticed on my bank statement today an unauthorized charge (pending), the details of which read, "IC *FREESHIPPING.COM 866-326-0584 CT", in the amount of $12.97. I "Google'd" the string (in quotes), and came across this website (Thank Goodness!). I saw other reports of the same and similar, pointing to different companies as the co-culprits. One of said companies is ProFlowers, from whom I ordered Mother's Day flowers 2 months ago.

          This alerted me, so I went back to a few days before I made the order, and LO and BEHOLD! Another charge on 6/6/11! So, in other words, RECURRING monthly charges for the amount of their membership fees! I never joined, was informed, ever even knew and thus (obviously) DEFINITELY NOT authorized these charges! WHAT A SCAM!

          I am going to go out of my way to let anyone know about this! I work for a nationwide company, with hundreds of very large customers (one of whom is a big competitor of ProFlowers), who all rely on myself and one other colleague for Networking support issues and expertise---in other words, I KNOW how to get the word out! This sort of abuse happening to someone like me (with a lot of knowledge to solve issues like this) is one thing, but to do it to others who are on a fixed income, who may be oblivious to scams in general, etc.---if I were to truly speak my mind and let the words fly, it would defeat the purpose of my posting this right now, as it would not get posted!

         On a side note, and while I'm at it, I was COMPLETELY dissatisfied with their (ProFlowers) service, refusal of adherence to their OWN policy (money back or item of equal value) and condescending tone of all 4 "customer service rip-off-sentatives" with whom I spoke; I received flowers and a vase that looked NOTHING like what I ordered according to the picture (claims best match...REALLY?!?!?!) THREE TIMES!!! They kept failing to get it right, and after having called them every time (some poor little girl answered, a different one every time, offered me a $5 coupon but would not stick to their policy, and upon my refusal of this insulting, poor withering excuse for an attempt at compensation got offended, and in a very snide manner retrieved their manager, whom I am surprised they could MANAGE to tie their shoes), not only was everyone condescending, but their BEST offer at compensation (even saying that customer satisfaction is their main goal...HA! Injury to Insult!) was a $10.00 coupon for...what? Toward the purhase of something else for them to eff up (yes, they actually wanted me to pay $$$ for them to eff something up...but at a discount!

          Not-So-FreeShipping.ripoff.com, and ProFlowers, although you cannot fix your tainted record as it is, I wonder what YOU are willing to do to REALLY compensate not only me (yes, I will get the $$$ back, no problem) but all of the other defenseless victims of your SCAM! I want you to get your best lawyer, best writer and best sales associate/manager together, lock them in a room for a few hours (like a think-tank), and have them come out with one good reason why I or any other VICTIM of your CRIME should call the toll-free number you posted as a rebuttal to one of these reports (actually, the one onto which I tagged to report my own experience).


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 RipoffReport.com Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com

Rip-off Report PO Box 310, Tempe, Arizona 85280