Time - Life
Time / Life (AOL) billed me for MORE than what was authorized. Consumer rip-off fraud

Watched infomercial about the "singers and songwriters collection" of 11 cd's... On the infomercial, they stated THREE payments of $29.99. So, I called, I used my mastercard CHECK card (not a credit card)... I clarified everything with the person that answered the toll free number and only authorized $29.99 to be withdrawn from my checking account. One week later, I received the 11 cd's and the bill states, "no need to pay any money now, we have already billed your credit card for $41.98"

$41.98? The authorized amount was $29.99. I called customer service who told me that THEY authorized themselves to charge more for shipping and handling. I explained that I verified the charges before giving authorization, and the person who took my order stated that the amount would be billed would be $29.99. I further explained that had the person informed me that it would be over $40, I would not have agreed, as I have a limited income! The bill also states that is FOUR payments of $29.99, not three, and NO mention of s/h fees!

I then inquired (very snooty customer service representative) how to get my money back, that I was not interested as the infomercial and their bad faith billing did not match, the lady told me, to send the cd's back... At my expense! When I asked how long it would be before I saw my money she replied (quoting) "BY LAW we have to mail you a check on the 90th day, but we don't have to return any funds before the 90th day, hee hee hee"

I didnt find any of that funny! So, even when they get the cd's back, they will hold my money until 90 days is up? So, I then tell her that since they overcharged me, 3 checks have bounced out of my account, and I don't have the money to send the cd's... Can she send a "return box", to which she replied, yes, but that takes 4 - 6 weeks!!! (and then 90 days beyond that). I am not going to see my money returned, I am guessing.

This has created a huge mess in my checking account! I have so far, had $88.50 in returned check fees by my bank (3 checks) PLUS the retailers that I have paid now have return check fees in the amount of $165.00!! So, because of Time Life's business tactics, I have paid out not only the fraudulant charge of $41.98 to them, but yet another $253.50!!

Help!!!

Lorraine
Liberty Township, Ohio

Company: Time - Life
Country: USA
State: Virginia
City: Richmond
Address: 1450 E. Parham Road
Phone: 8009507891

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