Todays Escapes is A RIP—OFF!
I was at the USAF site looking at the F-22 Raptor, and saw an add for a free model of the Raptor, providing I complete 2 offers.
I did so. I completed 2 offers from companies I have done business with before, both of which are listed on NYSE.
They are Columbia house DVD club, and a credit card application to Discover.
Just as I read on your site as a result of my google search, I was fraudently charged by today's escapes for some sort of membership-a $1.00 trial membership, twice. Once for each offer I completed.
I called today's escapes, and was told this $1.00 charge was non-refundable, but that they wouldn't charge me the regular monthly fee, and that my membership-the one I never asked for-would be canceled.
I was told no further charges would appear. However, I was NOT told they had charged me for 2 memberships.
It was not untill I was at the bank that I found this out.
Imagine my surprise when today, 3 days after I did this, I find 3 new charges to my checkin g account.
I'd used my Visa check card to make the DVD club purchase of 5 DVDs for 1 cent each plus S&H.
In addition, there were two returned check charges resulting from this. I googled the company name listed on my online statement, Today's Escapes, and was also directed to consumer complaintss.
I called the bank's 800 number, was told that I'd have to go in to my branch and resolve this issue.
I printed all the statement pages, and the information from this site, and the heading from the Vermont Banking Commission's web site.
I did what your articles suggested, and as fars as I can tell, it worked.
The name of my bank is TD Banknorth Vermont. The branch is in Woodstok VT.
I do regret that I allowed my frustration to get the better of me, but when the bank supervisor tried to get off the issue, I was not going to allow that.
I restated the issue, she looked at my statement, gave me a claim form to fill out, and apparently, I will prevail and be refunded both returned check charges, as well as the $2.00.
I did have to play the VT Banking Commission card - I told here that I'd called them, and they directed me to your site and advised me about Federal regulation E, and advised me of my rights. Whether or not it had any effect is hard to tell. She had an expression like a rabbit-empty of all feeling.
Thanks to your site and your advice I have learned many things.
Aa I wrote this, I realized that Today's Escapes unlawfully charged me twice-one for each offer, apparently, so I called them back.
I spoke with a different person this time.
His name was Micheal, ID # 26323, and he was polite as he refunded my $1.00, and canceled my membership.
I was surprised, since the first person I spoke with this morning, Rebecca, ID # 25715, told me the $1.00 trial membership fee was not refundable. I also told my bank this. This company is truly criminal.
When I was finished with Micheal I asked to be transfered to a supervisor, whose name was Bill-No ID # given.
His way of answering my question regarding this inconsistancy vis-a-vis non refundable fees, was to harp on the fact that "Let me get this straight. Your card was charged twice?"
Whatever happens, I won't give up!
Todays Escapes is A RIP—OFF!!
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