I filled out their form for $1.95 CD and the CD arrived a week or so later. It does not play, but that is beside the point. They charged my account an additional $39.99 several days after it was received. I tried to call the 800 number listed on my bank statement for this company and was unable to reach anyone. No surprise there.
I finally tracked down the Selby Marketing Associates at that address who claim to know nothing about this client of theirs, except that they are sent a list of names/addresses and just package and ship the CDs for them. I mentioned what happened to my account etc and said it was fraudulent and asked for contact information. They did provide me with a phone # to try.
After several attempts and sitting on hold for 20 minutes each time I was finally able to reach "customer service" but no company name was mentioned. This customer service rep and I went back and forth and she kept saying it was non refundable, okay? No - it is NOT okay. I was not taking no for an answer. She finally got a supervisor on the line (he said his name was Mike) and we went back and forth as well. I informed him that 1) the CD does not play and I wanted my money back 2) the extra charges were unauthorized - that is internet fraud. I said it could also be international fraud as well, and I had filed a report with my bank and the FTC and will be filing with my state attorneys general office also. That got him very flustered - he put me on hold for a few minutes. When he came back he gave me a refund code and said that my money would be refunded in 3 to 5 business days.
Whether that actually happens or not remains to be seen. I just spoke with my bank by phone and they said no attempt has been made to refund it as of yet. Again, no surprise there. My bank said that they WILL pursue it on my behalf. I did notice a few moments ago, that the account was also charged a "conversion fee" which is used in currency exchange - so this is definitely an international scam - and the FTC complaint will also be pursued in my behalf as well.
Do NOT take no for an answer. Do NOT back down.
DO file complaints with your own bank, the FTC and your state attorneys general office.
Never, ever use your debit card online for any reason what so ever. At least with most credit cards your liability is capped at $50.00 but with your debit card information someone could literally wipe out your account before you realize it.
I am a much more savvy consumer because of this incident - but it still frosted my cookies so to speak and I will not take no for an answer. Nobody should.
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