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| Welcome Wagon Beware of Contract with Auto Renewal clause and authorization to withdraw from Banking account! Coral Springs, Florida *EDitor's Sugge |
| 3rd of Feb, 2013 by User622916 |
We entered into a contract with "Welcome Wagon" to reach out to new families moving into our area, the offer was a free Haircut and Style. Around Sept. 2012 we decided we were not getting that much of a response, and I called to cancel the account. I was informed by Ms. Linda Farley, that we had a legal, binding, contract which could not be canceled, and we would have to continue until Dec. 2012, when the contract would end. There was no mention that if I did not cancel in writing, and by what date..that the contract would Automatically Renew for another year. In Jan. 2013, I noticed they were still deducting from our checking account for their service, which I believed to have been canceled. Ms. Farley was adamant that I should have read the contract and should have been aware of the auto renew policy. I was adamant that if that was the case, I should have been told about the "Cancellation Policy" and the "Auto Renew" clause when I called in Sept. to cancel. She offered to deduct only half the charge and that I would continue to be billed until May 2013. I believe she did not disclose this information intentionally, so they could use this "Auto Renew" clause as a " Gotcha" clause to force you to continue with something you do not need, want, or that works in your interest. After contacting the "BBB" which was useless, I filed a complaint with "Consumer Affairs" and the "Attorney General's Office" in Florida...before I even got a response I called the Main Office in Florida when I noticed another deduction from my Banking Account for Feb. 2013. The Company Representative I spoke to at that time said the "Account" would be canceled as I had wished. The "Lesson" I learned here was to never give an authorization, to a Company with a Contract, to deduct money from my Account directly again..better to put it on a Credit Card, which you can cancel, if there is ever a dispute.
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 |
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