I found this company's website via a Google search and decided to try an offer they advertised for a Free Trial of their Optionetics software. I signed up for the software and received an instruction manual (20 pieces of copier paper labeled Instruction Manual) in the mail about a week later.
I called and canceled my free trial before the deadline and was told everything was cancelled and there would be no charges to my credit card. A couple of weeks later, July 5, my Visa was charged $75.
I called their customer service line (650.232.1137) and talked to a representative named Jacinta Turner. Mrs. Turner told me that I was charged $75 because I did not return the instruction manual. I asked if I could still return it and she said I could and gave me an address. I returned it the very next day with a tracking number in order to ensure receipt of the delivery. The booklet, according to the U.S. Postal Service, arrived on July 11.
I emailed Mrs. Turner again on July 15 and asked about it. She said I should have already received the refund and asked for time to research it.
Two days later, I emailed Mrs. Turner again because I had not heard back from her. I told her I would like to resolve the matter that day and asked for her quick response. She responded by saying that I would receive the refund on Aug. 1 (this was on the 19th... I own a business and I process credit cards. I happen to know that it takes about two seconds to click the button and refund a payment. Why did she need two more weeks? They certainly didn't need two weeks to charge my card).
They are advertising a product and hiding, or at the very least burying, the fact that they are going to charge you a ridiculous price for the instructions.
I complained to the Better Business Bureau. An Optionetics employee named Jeanette Patton responded and attacked me saying it was my fault. Mrs. Patton then proceeded to threaten legal action if I told the public about this fraudulent system.
I have now filed complaints with the Federal Trade Commission and several other Federal and State agencies. I have also contacted local newspapers in California and nearly every business publication I can find.
These unauthorized charges to consumer credit cards are illegal and need to be stopped immediately.
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