December 15th I ordered Christmas gifts over the Internet through an Internet company I had used before, Natures Jewelry with no problems. March I began to notice a repeating charge of $8.95 followed by $1.00 on the 16th-18th each month. I did not recognise the company name but could not find any further identification on my bank statement other than "AP9SHOPPINGES". The payment was taken directly from my Checking Account.
Concerned after the 5th deduction, I inquired in person at my local branch and was given a phone number attached to the supposed company. I called and found out it was Shopping Essentials Plus, a member of the AP9 family. Following investigation on the Internet and finding multiple complaints about these companies I called them directly.
I was informed that membership of their company was offered to me free for a month as part of my order with Natures Jewelry, and that failure to cancel this membership after said time would result in paid enrollment. They repeatedly told me I was sent an introductory/explanatory email December 14th. Payments began coming out of my Account January 16th. I recieved no such email and indeed it was no doubt blocked by a spam firewall.
I asked to speak to a Supervisor who insisted I received the email (Carlos ID 18228) and that it was my responsibility as I did not respond. I restated that I recieved no such email and how did they access my Checking Account without my signed authorization. I was fobbed off with such "you agreed upon joining through automatic enrollment and failure to cancel".
I requested cancellation, and a refund. I was told I would receive May's $9.95. I informed him of the 60 day rule and he agreed to 2 months refund in 2 working days. We shall see - that was 2 hours ago.
I find it a disgrace companies can give out your bank details without your authority, or that your bank can accept such electronic transactions without your consent.
Sadly, the only advantage to having to watch one's money so closely is that I picked this up after only 5 months loss. My heart goes out to those who lost $100's. How can we trust any institution? How can our personal privacy be maintained?
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