I felt it important to pass along a telephone call that happened this afternoon.
A representative from WordSmart.com called stating my daughter had shown interest to study SAT Prep courses online in a recent test she had taken. Since she recently took a state test, I thought there was a box she may have checked.
First they asked to speak with my daughter (they knew her name) to confirm that she is still interested in studying for the SAT online. The rep congratulated her on signing up and confirmed her plans to go to college after high school. He was talking very fast and she became confused. She handed the phone back to me. He complimented her ambitions and stated that she is still interested in the program.
He said they would send out a software program with a 30 day free trial membership that is guaranteed to increase her SAT score by 200 points. If we chose to keep the program there is a one time fee of $169. He then said, "Take your time." To which I responded "For what?"
He needed a credit card to "keep on file" after the 30 days are up to charge the one time fee of $169. He volunteered if we need more than 30 days to review the program to call customer service to extend the trial offer.
Knowing nothing about the company or program, I wanted to do some research and talk with my daughter. He gave me the web site, "WordSmart.com" and told me to "Take my time". I told him I need to research the software and the company on my time. He started getting irritated with me and then explained that he works on commission. He said after we hang up, he has to check a "Yes they are interested" box or "No". Then he told me to take my time again and which credit cards they accept. I told him I will not be pressured to give out my credit card number. To which he stated he could not call me back, he doesn't have a phone (really?) and he could not guarantee the rate they are quoting me in the future since he is calling from the Learning Center and, yes, to "Take my time."
When I stated that I refused to be pressured, he hung up.
I went onto usacomplaints.com, I read a few complaints and found other complaints through a Google search.
It is important to be informed. If this was a reputable company, they would not have had an issue with me researching them before handing out my credit card number. Turns out, my daughter did not sign up for SAT online courses, or any course for that matter.
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