In the spring of my husband signed up initially for a magazine subscription in the spring of 2007. The company stated we could cancel at any time.in October of we received a phone call from CRC stating the rates for 2008 were going to increase however, we could lock our rate in by extending our subscription.
I informed the representative at that time that we wanted to cancel the subscription. She stated I could not cancel because I was not on the account and she would have to speak with my husband to do that. So, I got my husband on the phone (I was on the other line) and he stated he wanted to cancel. The representative stated she would cancel the subscription.
While reconciling my bank account one day in December, I noticed they were still debiting our bank account even though they stated the subscription would be cancelled. So, I called. The person said I could not cancel and that the telemarketing side does not have the authority to cancel subscriptions. I stated to her that as a consumer, I don't know nor care who has what authority within their organization but that because I was told I could cancel, thats what I wanted without any fee.
The lady still insisted it could not be cancelled. At that point, I asked for a manager. I was told the manager would call me back. I did not receive a phone call. I called my bank to make them aware and they credited me the money that was debited and sent my husband a new debit card so at least they could not debit my account anymore.
When I received a statement from them in January, I immediately called again and was told to speak with the manager, Pam Jones (after explaining what happened). I was given her direct phone number and told she would call me back. I received no call back from her.
On Wednesday, January 9, I received ANOTHER telemarketing call from them. They asked for my husband and stated it was a courtesy call. I asked them what the nature of the call was pertaining to other than "courtesy" and they would not talk to me and hung up! So, I called them right back and stated I was asking who just called my house because I was waiting for a manager to get back to me regarding an issue we were experiencing with their company - the person asked me to hold.
Finally, someone got on the line and said they could not talk to me because I was not on the account. Again, I said I was waiting for Pam Jones to call me back so we could work something out. Once I said that, she said, "Well I'm Pam Jones and we are not working anything out!" and HUNG UP THE PHONE. Since I had her direct phone number, I called her right back and left her a very direct, matter of fact voicemail that stated how unprofessional she was to hang up on me... How she was supposed to be the Customer Service manager and should not be in her position, and impressed how it would be in her best interest to call me back to deal with this since I had her direct phone number and that if she didn't, I would use every available media possible to report this company.
I then called my husband at work and explained to him what happened. We performed a three-way call and got a hold of Pam Jones. When she got on the phone, the first thing out of her mouth was, Is there a third party on the phone? My husband stated "yes". She stated she would not talk to either of us with me on the phone that she would only talk to him if I hung up. She stated she would not talk to me if I was going to curse and yell at her over the phone. I stated to her that I did not curse or yell at her over the phone that I merely was speaking to her in a very matter of fact manner to best resolve the issue.
She still insisted that I not be on the phone and I refused to hang up for fear that she would try to get my husband to agree to something other than paying them $0. Ultimately, she hung up on both of us. Afterward, my husband called back and asked to speak with her with just him on the phone and he was told she had left for the day. The representative on the phone told my husband that they would settle for 1/3 of the balance of $356 (ish). My husband stated he would call them back. I am writing to you to beg for your assistance in this matter.
I've done some further research on this company and there are numerous complaints filed about this fraudulent company. The only offer I will accept is a complete cancellation of this subscription and no further contact by this company. I want them to honor what they told me in October and not have to pay anything. I have already filed a complaint with the FTC, the Better Business Bureau, have sent them a certified letter stating my acceptable terms. I am also not opposed to contacting the media in regard to this company if necessary to unveil their poor and unethical business practices!
0 comments