I was contacted by The College Prep Center after my daughter checked a box on a form at her school which allowed them to call me. The CD program for preparing students to take the ACT/SAT sounded worthwhile. I was told that the first 30 days of the internet scholarship service was free and after that, would be $49.95 per month unless I called within 30 days to cancel it. I was advised to use the 30 days free trial period to log on and just take a look at how it works.
I did just as instructed. I looked at the internet site and called to cancel the service for now, since we are not currently researching scholarships. I could only get a recording when I called, but left a message on the answering machine within 15 days of receiving the CD. The message when I called said that someone would call me back. I never received a call and when my credit card bill came, there was a $49.95 charge!
I called The College Prep Center numerous times after receiving the bill and left messages about crediting my account since I followed instructions and called to cancel within the time limit. I continued to call and finally spoke to a live person. She was extremely rude, unprofessional and accused me of never calling because she had not received a message from me. I explained that I have my cell phone history and the call is listed there. I asked to speak to her manager, supervisor, president of the company or anyone else who would listen to me and be of some help. She talked over me and claimed there was no one else and that nothing could or would be done about the charge.
My next step was to be done with this mess and at least return the CD (another $119.99) since it had not been opened. I called (as directed on the package information) to be issued a return authorization number. I spoke to the same woman again who told me she would not issue a number because 30 days had passed and now I could not return the CD. I explained that NO WHERE is it written that there is a 30 day return policy, only that the CD be unopened and in resaleable condition. Mine is still in the bubble wrap! Again, she shouted over me that nothing could be done, told me I "knew" from the initial representative contact that I could only return it within 30 days. I again tried to be heard and requested to speak to anyone who would listen. She hung up on me. The last time I called back, I was immediately put on hold and after 20 minutes without any contact, I gave up.
My next avenue is to work with my credit card company, contact California's Attorney General and spread the word to every high school, guidance counselor and educator I know.
Linda
Milford, Ohio
U.S.A.
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