I received numerous calls on my cell phone from telemarketers soliciting a Credit Card with a limit "up to" $2500. I asked what is the usual minimum limit offered - the telemarketer responded, "Most people who have a bad credit history should receive as least $250". She also explained if I kept a good payment history, I would receive increases on my credit limit. Also, not to worry about the $299 because I could simply get a cash advance on the card once I received my card from their company in the mail. This sounded reasonable, pay $299 today for a $250 - $2500 credit card with 6 month limit increases in three weeks. So I signed up in order to help build my credit again.
I was told I would have the card in three weeks. After three weeks, I called the 800 number and then discovered they routinely do not mail out the cards until three weeks after they collect the $299.
By the fourth week, I received an extremely generic package filled with advertisements. It included slicks for grocery coupons online, a 16 page Credit Repair Guide, a trip to Cancun for $129, $1000 gift certificate for online purchases which requires approx. A $50 processing fee, computer and internet service for $19.95 but subject to additional charges, free satellite TV system if you order Dish Network at $29.99 a month, free wireless phone and accessories after rebates and when you sign up for a one year contract, long distance savings, a medical and prescription program offered at $29.95 and finally, a "Stored Value Card" offer with the MasterCard logo for $24.95 which stated on the application "The Card is not a credit card." But no credit card.
I called the "800" number again and asked for a refund because I was expecting a credit card with at least a $250 limit - not a pre-paid card. I was told to call back in a week. I called back one week later and was told I was denied a refund. When I asked why, their responses where not clear and seemed to become more and more vague. I asked to speak to a supervisor and his exact words where, "I will not explain anything to you unless you call with an attorney. This is company policy." He continued to say cruel things to me and provoked a very disturbing conversation. He called me "stupid" and said I should take an English class before calling them again.
My concerns are:
1. They do not mail the materials until three weeks to prolong refund request requirements.
2. They only recorded the payment approval process and not the telemarketer solicitation because the product verbiage is camouflaged during payment process.
3. The MasterCard name is on the pre-paid/Stored value card application to make is appear as a credit card offer. Although, the application indicates "The Card is not a credit card."
4. How come they couldn't answer any of my questions unless I had an attorney on the phone with me?
All in all, to charge vulnerable consumers $299 for offers which can be found anywhere from store counters to newspaper clippings to the internet, by saying you will receive a credit card with a $2500 limit and not providing it, is dishonest and immoral. If companies like Central Support and Savings continue to false advertise and deny refunds when requested, this will only continue to ruin our economy and Fair Practice Acts in the United States.
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