I am yet another consumer feeling ripped off by HouseValues. My story will turn out a bit different.
As most consumers hare have stated, the leads supplied by house values were bogus and unproductive. I made sure to blow them back when the leads were obviously bad, such as [email protected], etc.
In the entire time I used housevalues, December through March they were able to only ONCE supply the represented number of leads agreed upon. No lead to date has led to a transaction, and thus, I am unhappy with them. I also felt that they were not taking adequite steps to insure the validity of the e-mail addresses supplied. I asked their rep if they used a double opt in method and the reply was less than what would be expected when industry norms are taken into consideration.in short, no. They email back to the "prospect"
Logic would tell you that they should at minimum detect bad e-mail addresses with a bounce back. I suspect that even this minimal amount of sceening is absent.
First, let me document what has happened so far. After complaining to housevalues in person on the phone, I followed up with e-mail to cancel authorization to charge my credit card. I received acknowledgement and confirmation of understanding on this issue from the service person in question.
In addition to the email confirmation I sent a fax and a return receipt requested snail mail informing them of the cancelation per their representations, notice that their authorization authority to charge my credit card had been revoked and my bill/demand for payment for the months they were in breach of their agreement with me.
I was informed there would be an early termination fee and that I would be liable for the remainder of 1 year. I informed the rep that I did not agree to those terms.
As expected, HouseValues did charge my card, but since authorization was terminated with due notice, I have filed a fraud complaint with my bank. That matter is now under investigation at the bank and I expect satisfactory resolution to the issue.
In addition, I am waiting for my demand notice to mature and receive payment. If payment is not forthcomming, a small claims action will be laid in Contra Costa County, California for the amount owed.
In the small claims action Ian Morris has been requested to appear, since he has critical and unique evidence to give which is crucial to my case. Mr. Morris is the President and CEO of HouseValues. I also ask for the production of all internal communications in regard to my account, all records which pertain to my account, the names and addresses of any personnel with whom I have had contact in reference to the account, and copies of all software which runs the housevalues systams, including subsidiaries.
I expect Housevalues to claim that California has no jurisdiction according to their terms of use. I hope they make this mistake, because I will then promote the case into real court and allege fraud, which I am sure any court in California will agree, when it comes to a California consumer, it does indeed have jurisdiction.
I will, at that time also lay complaints with the Attorneys General of California and Washington, as well as lodging a complaint with the FTC. I anticipate other federal entities may have an interest in the evidence uncovered in such an action and I will happily supply the documents to the FBI and the SEC.
I am profoundly interested in any parties who feel they have been defrauded by this company since my intention is to denude them of as many assets as I am legally able.
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