I've been hit twice this week by internet credit card scams. Monday I checked my credit card statement to find a suspicious charge of $14.95 to Vista Print where I have previously ordered business cards. Having not placed an order in quite some time, I called the 1-800 # to find that a partner of Vista Print, Vista Print Rewards was charging me for their rewards program. With my first purchase at Vista Print I was prompted to click and claim my $10 reward. Eager to save money on my next purchase, I clicked only to find that it was a program that I would have to sign up for to save money. I didn't fill in any of my personal info and I didn't accept to any terms or agree to pay any amount for the rewards program.
When I called I was told that by clicking that $10 reward button I had signed up for Vista Print Rewards. I let the customer service rep know that while I did look at the rewards program I didn't sign up for it OR provide any of my personal info. The customer service rep said she issued a refund that I should see in 7-10 days on my statement. (That time has not passed yet so I'm still waiting).
Tuesday I checked my personal bank account info online to find a charge from Easy Savers in the amount of $14.95.in February I had received a charge from Easy Savers in the amount of $1.95 but thought nothing of it because this is my joint account with my husband and I was sure this was his expense. Seeing the name Easy Savers again this month, and with the event the day before, it triggered me to call this 1-800 #. As it turns out, my husband had ordered Valentine's flowers from Pro Flowers online.
After his purchase, he was sent an opportunity to get free shipping off his next order so of course, he clicked it. He then realized that it was a program (much like the Vista Print Rewards program) that he would have to pay for monthly to see any savings. Since we don't really order flowers very often, he decided not to sign up. He did not give Easy Savers any personal info, not an address, and definitely not any bank account info.
Upon calling Easy Savers, I explained to the customer service rep that we did not sign up for this program. He was very friendly and proceeded to credit my account for both amounts $14.95 & $1.95 (which I should see in 7-10 days, and believe me I'll be looking!) Before ending the call the rep asked me why I wanted to cancel my Easy Savers account. This was astonishing to me because I had already told him "I didn't sign up for this!"
The moral to this story... There is no such thing as a free lunch! Don't click anything on the net that is supposed to lead you to any sort of special savings, because even if you don't sign up, they're likely to charge your credit card!
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