I found $179.95 debit from my bank account on my Feb. Statement for Simple Escapes.
I've never heard of this company but luckily my bank statement includes a phone number so I called them. The rep told me $179.95 was a membership renewal fee and that I had been a member since 2003. Not only had they charged me in Feb. Of this year but they had taken $149.95 in 2004 and $139.95 in 2003. I must have missed these charges on my statements since I use my debit card often while traveling for work. The rep also said that I had received renewal notices which I'm sure I did not.
Simple Escapes further stated that I had joined through an AOL screen name which I set up for my son complete with parental controls. My son was three years old in 2003 making their assertion impossible.
The company has agreed to refund the $179.95 and $149.95 charges only after I told them I was calling my state Attorney General, but refused to refund the $139.00 charge. I'm not holding my breath on getting any of my money back.
I did follow through with a complaint to the Nebraska Attorney General, the home state for Simple Escapes and have requested a complaint form from the Illinois Attorney General, my home state.
Note* Simple Escapes is owned by Member Works located at 680 Washington Blvd., Stamford, CT 06901 Phone# (203) 324-7635.in October of Member Works changed its name to Vertrue Inc. (VTRU on Nasdaq). For the fiscal year Vertrue reported sales of over $488 million and with the number of complaints here, I'm assuming much of that money came out of the pockets of consumer complaints members. CEO of Vertrue is Gary A. Johnson
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