Refinery 29, a US based fashion website, runs promotions with other brands. Having never used their promotions before I purchased Olivia Harris handbag using their promotional code. To receive their promotional code I was asked to include my credit card details. I, wrongly, assumed this would be so they could pass on the information to the Olivia Harris website where I could make my purchase. My suspicion was raised when, having been redirected to the Olivia Harris website I was asked to enter my credit card information and billing details again. After I placed my order I checked my credit card details, alongside the Olivia Harris transaction report, $469.45 (the advertisement for the discount suggested I would receive $250 of the $550 dollar price tag leading me to think the handbag would cost only $300, of course the "shipping" cost was about $170) there was a statement from the refinery29 reserve website for $121.21. This means my credit card had been charged a total of $590.66, more than the total price of the handbag without the discount. I was not made aware at any point that I would be required to PURCHASE my discount. Whilst this is a relatively small "rip off" it is one of many ways that internet companies take advantage of the good will and trust of their customers, it is highly unethical for a well respected website like refinery29 to take advantage of its client base in such a misleading way. I have emailed refinery29 requesting a explanation and they have not yet responded, this leaves me with only one conclusion; that they are scamming their readership.
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