The Market Plaza - MWI Member Works Plus - MWI Great Escapes
Fraudulent, unauthorized charges to credit card

Not having used this particular credit card in some months, I was a bit curious what this "The Market Plaza" charge for $149.95 was all about. A phone number was provided on the statement (1.877.636.6861) and after about half an hour of waiting, some "customer" rep finally answered. I was told that the computers were down, and to try back in a few hours. This person identified himself as "Jad" after I asked for his name. Somewhat amusingly, he had to think about it for a moment. This doesn't amount to much trust on my part. His ID number was 15232.

I have had charges from MemberWorks in the past, and on one occassion I got a refund. I was told that the second refund (a somewhat smaller one) would "go through" as well, but, that it would take longer. Complete BS, I'm sure, and I never followed up on it.

After I got the "computers down" story, I called the credit card company (Capital One). They were somewhat more helpful. I was transfered almost immediately after starting in on my story, and the second lady with whom I spoke was quite concerned that I was calling. Apparently The Market Plaza was a previous "business partner" with them... And Capital One is the company that gave MWI my information. So much for ever using that card again.

Capital One removed the charge without question, and were, overall, very helpful. But, I can't really credit this to them (no pun intended) as they are likely the cause of the problem in the first place. Just the same, at least they put things right.

I found some information about this company online. A lawsuit took place in California, which MemberWorks (along with Sears) thankfully lost. Http://caag. State.ca.Us/newsalerts/01-043.htm One of the more interesting things to be found there is a list of a lot of business names under which they operated. Many of those same business names, and some other information can be found on this BBB web page: http://www.heartlandbbb.org/Reliability_Report.Asp? Compid=7000028

I found quite a few mentions of this company from irate "customers". Most of the advice given out can be summed up nicely: demand your money back (that doesn't mean one can't be nice, though); don't forget to have them cancel your account; get the rep's name and id number; and, most importantly, find out how they got your info. Supposedly they'll always have that available. I'd like to add to this: take lots of notes. I went a step further after all of this, and filled out a nifty complaint form on the FTC web site: http://www.ftc. Gov/ftc/consumer.htm (there's a nifty file-a-complaint link on that page).

Some more random tidbits of information... While waiting for the rep to answer, the recorded voice mentioned their website, which isn't working at the moment: dealpath.com; and I was hoping for a nice arial shot, but no such luck: the GlobeExplorer site didn't let me down... If that's their building, then I'm betting that most people don't see any refunds.

Anyway, I hope some of this information is helpful. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Company: The Market Plaza - MWI Member Works Plus - MWI Great Escapes
Country: USA
State: Georgia
City: Omaha
Address: 9500 West Dodge Road
Phone: 8009552625

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