Complaint / Review
Victoria Ring - 50statesnotary.com - ADBA The Columbus Notary
Ripoff, fraudulent lifetime membership purchase

I purchased a lifetime listing on 50statenotary.com in 2003. This month, I received an email asking for me to upgrade my listing or it would be removed. I told them I purchased a lifetime membership, and received the following explanation as to why my listing would be removed if I didn't "upgrade":

"We no longer offer Lifetime Listings for $14.95. Those were prices you paid in 2003 —TWO YEARS AGO. Lifetime means the lifetime of the program. 50 State Notary's website has grown considerably since then and you cannot expect to recieve a ride forever on only $14.95.

You need to upgrade or your listing will be removed. Future prices will put lifetime listings at $525.00 so you have the ability now to save money now. If you are recieving work from the Notary Directory you should be happy to upgrade. If you are not, let me know and I will remove you immediately so you receive no future email notices."

I then argued that a lifetime listing purchase should be just that - as long as the website is up, my listing should be there. Seems like Ms. Ring isn't exactly sure of what she's doing, as she then quoted me all these other prices in her next communication:

"When the price is increased to $249.00 per year, you may be able to realize the opportunity I have extended to you.

Bottom line — your listing has been removed! Any previous policies that were in effect in 2003 are null and void. If you value your web page you need to comply with the new standards. (Companies do change and update policies.) However, the automated software has removed your listing, so if you wish to renew now, you will need to pay the full price of $49.99 or $179.99 for a lifetime listing. The price will increase to $489.00 for a lifetime listing within the next 2 weeks."

Exactly What Is The Correct Price? As for my previous "lifetime listing purchase" my receipt doesn't say anything about policies being subject to change. When you purchase a lifetime membership, how is that subject to change, especially when it's not DISCLOSED that it was subject to change? A lifetime purchase should be that - for a lifetime.

Buyer of the Lifetime Membership Beware! According To This Policy, Membership Is NOT Really For A Lifetime.in My Eyes, This Is FRAUD.