This type of scam, ripping of normal law-abiding Americans, causing huge amounts of grief and stress, and going unpunished and unstopped, is a real disgrace. MWI is exactly what is wrong with this country. I thought we had the best justice system in the world. This is Identity Theft, pure and simple. It is the job of the government to protect the public and address this type of illegal activity. The fact that MWI are still in existence using this con is a real discredit to our legal and justice system.
This negative-option scheme, where MWI enrolls unsuspecting people into their plans without authorization and bill them for memberships' in advance, has been proven time and again in court (California, Ohio, Minnesota, Connecticut, Nebraska, Nevada, Connecticut, among others) to be deceptive marketing and business practices. The Minnesota settlement forced MWI to change their Telephone Solicitation Script to make it very clear what MWI was trying to do, as well as providing renewing notifications in advance of upcoming charges for services'.
This settlement forces MWI to tell customers on the first page of MWI's membership enrollment kit that their account will be charged in 30 days unless they cancel and that their account will be re-charged each year thereafter unless they cancel.in addition, MemberWorks must send a letter and envelope with 14 point font saying "Upcoming Charge for Membership Renewal, " before each annual renewal. The letter also must say, " if you take no action your account will be charged to automatically renew your membership."
All of these things MWI did not do in our case (or probably yours). It also provides damages for double the amount charge if MWI fail to produce a tape showing the consumer's specific consent. Unfortunately, many states have taken MWI to court yet, so the public is still subject to MWI's deceptive practices, as is much of the nation. MWI entire business revolves around deceptive business practices.
Taken from the Hardin County, Kentucky New-Enterprise News Agency:
The BBB Website states: On April 27, the California Attorney General announced that MWI had settled charges of misleading telemarketing practices. The sale of a 30-day free trial membership with a negative option' cancellation resulted in complaints from consumers who were upset to find charges of $49 and $89 on their credit card accounts.
Without admitting liability, MWI agreed to pay $1.5 million in civil penalties and costs. The firm also agreed to change its business practices and improve notice to purchasers.
MWI has reached agreements with Attorney General Offices in California and Nebraska, as well as reaching a settlement with the state of Minnesota.
As of Oct. 24, MWI has a civil complaint filed against it by the Florida Attorney General.
Ben
Severn, Maryland
U.S.A.
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