Complaint Review: Modern Skincare - Internet

I saw several ads online, obviously targeted to women, for a skincare cream that diminishes fine lines and wrinkles. I was skeptical and searched online under the product name, Ombia Derma. All I found was glowing reviews and a video showing how it "really worked." I even searched Ombia Derma scam and Ombia Derma legal. I now believe that they regularly "wipe" the internet of negative reports and alerts. I should've know better. 

I ordered a supposedly Risk-Free Trial to get a sample for $4.95 shipping and handling. The product arrived and I tried it a few times but didn't like the consistency, nor did it seem to be working. For all the claims that it was "natural" - which I know actually means nothing - it contained a synthetic ingredient that I believe caused mild itching. I stopped using it. 

About three weeks later, I was notified via email that they were charging my $94.57 for another bottle they were about to ship. I called right away to decline and was upset because I didn't see anything about auto-shipping new orders in the initial offer. The operator flatly told me that I could not stop the shipment, nor could I send the product back. They claimed that I agreed to this arrangement when I gave them my credit card info. Apparently, there is fine print hidden somewhere because I read the obvious. I read what they wanted me to read and they hid the rest. 

After much insistent arguing, I got 75% of the charge back. They had the nerve to say there was a "restocking fee" even though they won't take back the product, even if it hasn't been opened. 

But wait! There's more! When I checked my credit card statement, I realized that they had also charged me for the "free, risk-free sample." Apparently there is also fine print that allows them to charge you $94.57 for that sample if you don't call them within 14 days and stop them! I was livid and called the company again. This operator was even more rude, talking over me and refusing to listen. They have a prepared statement to read to you about your lack of legal rights and how you agreed in writing to their scam! I was not allowed to speak to a manager or anyone up the food chain. Ultimately, the operator just hung up on me. 

But wait - it gets worse. Two days after this rude incident, my credit card was hacked by what seems to be Chinese hackers. They charged $5,684.07 on my card before I saw the statement and alerted my CC company that I was not traveling in China and these were not my charges. Was it a coincidence that the Ombia Derma "customer service" operator that I argued with two days prior sounded like she had a Chinese accent? Perhaps. I have no way of proving that Ombia Derma gave my credit card info to hackers. You can draw your own conclusions. 

I believe this same product is being marketed under different names because I've seen almost identical ads, identical scams using the same photos, with these "risk free" trial offers. I've also seen reports here with identical circumstances to mine, but different product and company names. 

If you see Ombia Derma or any other product that's similar, please run - do not walk - but run away with your credit card number hidden in your hot little hand. These people are bad news and they seem to have it down. Apparently the hackers even created a physical card with my name and number to use. My credit card company will dispute all the charges from them and the fraud hackers, but who knows how long I'll be dealing with this. Be warned!