On December 19th, I was searching online for grants to hopefully aid in purchasing a first home for my husband, our 4 month old son, and myself. While I was searching, a pop-up advertisement came through recommending I receive a free CD that could help me in my search. All I had to do was pay $1.98 for shipping and handling. Two bucks is definitely not a hard pill to swallow when it was to genuinely help to receive a government grant.
On December 27th, the CD arrives. Now it is after the holidays, bills have been paid, presents have been bought. December 28th comes and there is a withdrawal from Grant Funding Search for $69.95. On top of that, prior to their withdrawal I had about $50 remaining after Christmas. Well what happens when a charge for a higher amount than what is in your account oes through? That's right, overdraft!
I was slammed by my bank for $50 in addition to the $69.95. So my account is now at a negative. I called the number provided on this useless CD. After explaining that nowhere on the ad did I see anything about recurring charges, they refused a refund. They are trained to constantly repeat a "Terms & Conditions" chant.
They explain to me about a trial offer, but shouldn't the period begin when I receive the CD? How am I going to know if I like it if the CD arrives after the 7 day trial ends, on the 8th day?!
The first phone call elevated, and the representative "Catharine" hung up on me after 25 minutes. The second call to a "Kate" was just as pointless. Kate explained to me that they were a call center in the Phillipines and could not provide me with any further information about the company they work for, just kept saying under no circumstances were they allowed to refund money due to the "Terms & Conditions."
After at least 76 times of me saying there was no Terms & Conditions about recurring charges through where I signed up, they continued to tell me no. It did not matter that the pop-up was misrepresentation. Searching for federal grants is free from the government, why would anyone pay $70 for this company? Especially when I am struggling financially enough already as it is. I am not going to risk not having formula or diapers for my child for some ridiculous site.
I purchased the CD for $2 under the impression that this was going to give me tips on how to apply. After Kate hung up on me, I called and spoke to a "Hannah." She stated that my case has elevated and I would finally be allowed to speak to their supervisor "Kris Myers."
You would never believe; Kris Myers also gave me the "Terms & Conditions" bit. I cannot comprehend how they are not understanding what I am saying. They speak good English but are just taught to not give in whatsoever. I am trying my hardest to get this reversed, I cannot afford to just give away $120 right now at this point in my life. There is no one in America that I can speak to and no one who works directly for this company.
I cannot put it into easier terms - Where I signed up did NOT mention anything of a recurring charge whatsoever. That is the bottom line. And a rep will still say the "Terms & Conditions" speech.
I am against a wall, I do not know what the next move is.
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