When I recieved my American Express billing statement I, as always, began to review the charges made that month. Listed under a merchant named "HDI CONNECTIONS - HDI SIMPLE ESCAPES" was a charge for $99.95.
My AmEx statement included two phone numbers for HDI Connections, so I tried the first. The phone was answered by a woman who claimed to not be able to research the charge by the reference number listed on my statement, instead requiring my phone number, full address, and wife's name. After 20 minutes on hold, I was told that HDI Connections and HDI Simple Escapes were two different companies altogether, and that I would need to call a different phone number to pursue the matter.
Second phone number put me through exactly the same process as the first, however, this time they identified me as a customer who had purchased a "dining package" through "The Company Store" magazine. This is a publication that, when placing an order for a Christmas stocking last year, enrolled me in a subscription to "People" magazine with NO disclosure whatsoever. I was 1) never informed that I was getting the magazine or 2) that I would be billed for the subscription.
Nevertheless, I told HDI that I wanted an immediate refund of the amount of the unauthorized charge. After three ridiculous attempts to keep me from cancelling ("but wait, you'll recieve $40.00 in dining coupons!), the woman agreed to credit my account.
My next call will be to the "Company Store". After that, the Kansas Attorney General's office. Stay tuned.
Jeff
Overland Park, Kansas
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