About 2 months ago, I wanted to purchase "wildcoins", or online coins which I could use to play video games. I dont play that much, in fact I have not used any since I made the first purchase.
In order to purchase these coins, you must go through a 'game console', or a little window that pops up on your computer - most common on HP systems. (HP JUST LOST SOME MAJOR POINTS WITH ME) I entered my info with the intent of it being a one-time charge. I cannot go back to the page to prove what I saw, because the type of transaction it is, you cannot go back to the window, it closes. If they are claiming that if I didnt read the fine print, but I cannot retrieve what was there. If you are going to do that, have an extra warning message or something (I think its intentional because of how difficult reverse the action) But what about customer satisfaction and cancellation of a service that you are not using? If I cancel the service, they say they will charge ME 62.00! For a service I do not use! I am a graduate student, tight on money, and I NEVER sign up for services with a recurring charge. (THAT CAN BE PROVEN)
I noticed a charge on my Banking statement on 4/14/09 for 6.99 (I immediately emailed them to cancel my account with no response), and another on 5/14/99 FOR 6.99 (I sent another email with a stern warning) I do not even use the game anymore. I have read on a few forums that this is normal business routine for them. I want to say that this practice is illegal, but Im not sure. The facts are, I DO NOT want their service, I DO NOT sign up for recurring services. I contacted my bank's fraud department, they tried to contact the company, but noone answered-surprise. I am appalled at their business practices. All they have to do is take care of their customers, respect their wishes, instead they will definitively lose a customer, and many more because I am going to post my experiences on as many consumer rights forums as I can.
I can see Im not the only one with this problem, I just filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, please everybody do the same! Its easy, took me 10 minutes... The tragic part about this is that these game consoles are automatically installed on many machines, and I saw one woman wanted to get her kid the game but the same thing happened to her (The majority of these games are for kids-shameful). While the games are pretty good, it is disturbing how they lock you into a contract in which they raise the improbability of proving that you didnt sign it.
I know it seems petty to complain about 14 bucks, but its the principle. If 100,000 people (which is likely considering how many laptopss and computers HP sells) did what me and the other complainers did, then the company deceitfully made 1,400, 000 dollars.
By the way-the company knows this is too common, on their FAQ's:
"Why am I being charged again for WildCoins - I thought I only bought them once?
When you sign up for a plan, such as the Super Saver Pack, you receive 50 WildCoins every month at a significant discount and agree to receive WildCoins each month for a predetermined number of months. This information is very clearly included in the terms of use document and displayed on screen when you purchase the plan."
Nice disclaimer, but why did they post this? Because it is not clearly indicated - this statement would not be necessary if it was!!!
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