I have ordered name brand vitamins at Vitacost.com because I liked the $4.99 shipping. After one order I was asked to fill out an on-line survey which I did. Shortly afterward an unexplained $14.95 charge appeared on my checking account statement listed as "Shopping Essentials" with a phone of 888-999-0564. It was December so I thought this was an online Christmas purchase that I couldn't remember. Then the same $14.95 charge appeared in January in February!
I finally woke up and checked the company out online and found complaint.com which talked about the bank fraud going on by this Shopping Essentials. I called the listed 888-999-0564, and firmly demanded to know how they got my bank account number. Apparently Vitacost gave it to them. They said the companies were related in some way but I never understood how. They tried to put me off by saying "I should read the fine print" when I fill out online surveys.
I stayed firm and said I neither authorized a "membership" of any kind or received any products or services for the monthly charges, and I wanted them reversed immediately.
I got an email which said they would be gradually credited to my account over the next several months. I called and emailed back saying I would contact the banking commission in my state if they were not credited immediately. The 3 $14.95 withdrawals were back in my account within hours.
It takes persistance and I think it is good to contact these fraudulent companies by phone and email so there will be a paper trail which they are afraid of. From now on, I will only use my credit card for online purchases and will be MUCH more careful who I buy from.
Do NOT us Vitacost or Shopping Essential for anything:
Web sites to beware of are: www.vitacost.com and www.shopping-esentials.com
Susan
Ashland, Oregon
U.S.A.
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