I "won" $300 toward a laser hair removal package, and was told I had to go in the day I called to redeem it for an extra $100 off a procedure only good for that day. I went in, consulted with the clinic manager, and she signed me up for financing for $2200 for 60 months, telling me nothing about their nonrefundable policy. I was excited, and caught up in the moment, and made a choice that I could not afford. So, at 7:30pm that same day, I emailed the manager saying that I was unable to pay the amount and that I wanted out of the contract. I heard nothing back. I called Monday, and left 2 messages and I also said I wanted to cancel my appointment for the following night. No reply. Tuesday morning, I got a hold of someone who said the manager would be in later that afternoon - they did cancel my appointment as I had requested. At 4:30pm, I had gotten no call or email. I called again, and the person told me the manager was busy, and told me to come in the next day because "things could get messy over the phone". I am now certain that I was being blown off.
I went to the office at 6:30pm and I told the manager that I was unable to go through with financing, and uncomfortable going through with the treatments. She said fine, but I had to pay the laser center 10% of the amount being financed which is $2200. Immediately I challenged this ridiculous statement. I had had NO treatments, and had invested no personal monies into this company! Also, I had tried to cancel the same day, and was purposely ignored. She went on to tell me that the charge makes up for the amount charged by the financing company. I called Care Credit, and they do no such thing. So, on top of scamming me, neglecting to contact me, she flat out lied to my face. She told me I had agreed to these terms when I signed up for treatment. She pulled out some other person's file, and pointed out a small paragraph on the bottom of a page displaying a body with parts colored in defining the areas of treatment. I told her I had no copy of that document nor do I remember signing it, to which she acted very surprised, but then admitted that this document isn't included with the paperwork they new patients. She said charging a fee was standard practice for any health service provider, which is also a lie. At this point I felt completely disgusted and taken advantage of so, I left immediately to take further action on my own terms.
After going home, I researched American Laser Centers online. I read people's personal experiences with this company and the results were shocking, and infuriating. I had read at least 5 other stories around the country exactly like mine. Other people's experiences included appalling customer service, dangerous and scarring treatments by unprofessional staff, and fraudulent charges. I have filed a dispute with Care Credit, have posted my story on many online complaint boards. I am planning on reporting to the BBB, I have canceled my account with Care Credit, and am awaiting a call from corporate (ALC). I am determined to fight this situation, and I am more than willing to seek legal action if I am not refunded in full. The most unbelievable issue involving this experience is that such a conniving, and dishonest business is still up and running. I have heard rumors that ALC is under new ownership, but if things like this are still going on, I don't have much hope for this company. Eventually, the mass majority of the public will be very aware of these unfair and in many ways, illegal business practices and ALC will be no more. I am almost positive of that.
Anyway, that is my story. I want and need to be refunded the "credit" of $2200. There is no room for negotiation, and I will keep fighting it until justice is served. I am hoping an ethical person responds to me, and that proper action is taken to give me what is rightfully mine.
Chelsea
miami, Florida
U.S.A.
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