On 1/14/03 an ATM charge of $199.95 from MWI Premier Health appeared on my bank statement. On 1/24/03, after getting the Company's phone number from my bank, I called MWI Premier Health to get the charge removed. At first the representative asked me for my membership number to which I responded, "I don't have a membership number... Only a charge for 199.95. When I asked what the charge was for, the representative stated that their records indicated that I enrolled online at their website. I told her that I had never visited their website and that I wanted MY money back. She said the money would be returned withing 10 business days.
After hanging up, I conducted an internet search for the company and found some very disturbing information... On this website. On Friday, 1/24 there were 497 consumer complaintss against MWI and its various membership programs. Today is Wednesday, 1/29 and there are now 515 reports not counting mine... This company is very busy!
I also visited the company's corporate and program websites, which triggered my memory to recall exactly how they got my credit card info.in December I received a telemarketing call about a health plan that could save me money. Usually I say "NOT INTERESTED" and hang up... But since I don't have health insurance I decided to listen. As with any GOOD telemarketer, the plan sounded great & included a free month of service to look over the benifits and see if it was something I would want. Of course they needed my credit card info to which I reluctantly agreed. BIG MISTAKE!
I never received any information, billing, membership info or account number. Just the charge to my credit card. Thankfully, it took MWI only 3 days to return my money but the BAD TASTE OF ATTEMPTED RIP-OFF STILL HAUNTS ME!
This is a huge company with revenues of almost half a billion dollars. When you realize that the 500 complaints filed against them on this website is only the "tip of the iceburg" it is possible that their policy may be to charge anyone and everyone they can... But to return the money immediately when someone complains. The big question is... How much do they make on those who don't complain and pay the charges without being aware they are paying for NOTHING!
Coincidently, MWI lost tens of millions of dollars in but returned to profitability in 2002... The same year the complaints to usacomplaints.com began... I wonder if there is a MEMO somewhere...
BOTTOM LINE - Just as drugs may be hazardous to your physical health... Listening to telemarketers may be hazardous to your financial health! The best thing to do in either instance is to: JUST SAY NO!!!
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