On 11/27/07 I ordered a free trial product from Momentum Direct and paid by electronic check, the only method of payment they said they accepted. Terms and Conditions of the Free Trial Program states that if you feel the product is not for you, simply send the bottle back within the 2-week trial period and you will not be charged. If you liked it, then do nothing and you would be charged the member's price of $49.95 for the bottle.
When the product had not arrived in three weeks, I tried to contact the company at 281-356-1400. The phone would ring a couple of times and then disconnect.
On 1/18/08 I received the product in a 4X4X4 box via USPS first class mail, with no instructions for use or informative literature, etc.inside. The postage was generated from Stamps.com on 1/14/08. I tried calling the Company at the same number above. Again, the phone rang but disconnected. I tried it another 12 times and finally reached Nick, a male customer service rep who spoke with an distinctive accent.
I told "Nick" that I was returning the product and wanted him to cancel the account associated with my purchase. I also asked him that he verify the terms of the 2-week trial because I wanted to ensure that no further charges be made to my account. "Nick" stated that the 14 day trial began upon receipt of my product and that as long as returned it within the time frame there would be no charges whatsoever to my account. Meanwhile he assured me that he DID cancel the account. However, he told me that my account number would serve as my cancellation confirmation. I questioned him about this, but he tried to reassure me that I had nothing to worry about.
Today, while checking my bank accounts, I saw two electronic checks from Momentum Direct — in the amounts of $49.95 and 58.93 consecutively — had posted to my account. Because I use this account for specific purchases only, there were just enough funds to cover what I owed out. Therefore, the two Momentum charges overdrew my account, and I was charged $35.00 in overdraft fees.
I immediately phoned my bank and explained that I did not authorize those two electronic checks. My bank agreed to notify their Fraud Unit and is working on returning the unauthorized charges to my account. Meanwhile, it will take up to 72 hours to get the funds returned AND I have to close the account and notify the party that has my legitimate check to expect another. Furthermore, I have to cover the outstanding check until funds are replaced. What a mess!
Thank goodness for this site. The lesson for me is to never ever give my bank information to another online merchant that I have no history with and to be sure to keep this site ready to click!
Good luck to all who are fighting these scammers!
LadyC
Burlington, New Jersey
U.S.A.
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