I've exactly the same experience as what has been described in previous posts - order stuffs at vitacost.com, entered a "survey" at the end of checkout (I did not even finish and did not care for the rebate after I realized that it's not worth the time and energy), only realized 6 months later that I had been charged a monthly membership fee!
However, I decided to fight this company instead of asking the credit company to absorb the fraud. So I reported to BBB. Although I reported on the wrong company initially, within 1 week, the BBB across three states sorted it out and got the company to refund me for the 6 months of charges. The company, Vertrue, still refused to admit wrongdoing. However, I hope that enough people would report to BBB so that maybe the NE state AG will look into this matter closely. This is the report from BBB
On December 12, the business provided the following information:
Contact Name and Title: Melissa Engh
This is in response to your letter dated December 5, concerning a complaint filed by the above-referenced consumer.
Our records indicate that on May 20, Mr. XX enrolled in a membership in our Shopping Essentials Plus program (the "Program") when he completed an order form via the Internet at a website sponsored by VitaCost.com. Mr. XX was also offered a $10 cash back rebate for trying the Shopping Essentials Plus program.
The landing page through which Mr. XX enrolled explained the terms of the offer, including that the Program came with a thirty-day trial period, during which he could use the benefits and he would not be charged the $14.95 monthly membership fee until after the trial period. It further explained that during the trial period, Mr. XX could cancel the Program without incurring any cost by simply calling our toll-free number.
Additionally, it was explained that the monthly membership fee for the Program would be automatically charged each month to Mr. XX's account. The landing page also stated that Mr. XXX could cancel his membership at any time after the expiration of the trial period and would no longer be charged the monthly fee. (this is just lie!)
In order to enroll in the Program, Mr. XX was required to complete an online order form and provide his personal information, including his name, address and credit card number. Based on his acceptance of the offer, an e-mail was sent to Mr. XX at [email protected] confirming his enrollment in the Shopping Essentials Plus program and providing him with his membership id number and a link to the Shopping Essentials Plus site so he could access his benefits.
On June 20, after the trial period ended, Mr. XX was charged the $14.95 monthly membership fee for the Program. Mr. XX was charged a total of six monthly fees of $14.95. On November 26, Mr. XX's Shopping Essentials Plus membership was cancelled, and we issued two refunds in the amount of $14.95 each, representing the two most current months' membership fees. Those credits posted to Mr. XX's account on November 27. Although Mr. XX enrolled in the Program by completing and submitting an online order form, customer satisfaction is important to us. Accordingly, we issued four additional refunds in the amount of $14.95 each, representing the prior months' membership fees. Those credits posted to Mr. XX's account on December 11.
By copy of this letter, we wish to apologize to Mr. XX for any misunderstanding and inconvenience this matter may have caused.
Chris
chicago, Illinois
U.S.A.
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