On 7/29/09 I ordered a kit to post websites to Google for extra money. The add said it was supported by Newsweek magazine and the ad was from a couple who lost their jobs and ending up making this a career.
It was $1.97 shipping and handling to receive the information, so I thought "why not". I put in my credit card number in. There was nothing on the add indicating anything about future credit card charges. I thought it would take 6-8 weeks to arrive because that is normal when you are ordering information. I went away on vacation and didn't think about it. When I return, I needed to check my credit card statement for an unrelated matter and was appalled to learn that the company had charged my credit card for $69.97 and $29.95. Another company charged my credit card for $24.95. I immediately called my credit card issuer, Chase Bank, reported the fraud and had the card cancelled and a new one sent out. I received fraud paperwork from Chase which I filled out and sent in. I was honest about authorizing the $1.97 initial transaction.
Chase called me and said that because I authorized the first charge, the transactions were valid because they did not fit the legal definition of fraud (someone using your card who NEVER had authorization). Not only were the two fraudulent charges on my account, Chase authorized another one in September (on the NEW ACCOUNT) for $69.97. They call it "prior consent". The only piece of good news I received was that the company that they gave my number to agreed to a refund and they credited my account immediately. I begged Chase for help with the rest. They told me I had to call and cancel even though the transactions were unauthorized. I did that. My call went to a call center in India who would only agree to refund two of the three fraudulent charges. He said I would need to speak to his supervisor to get the credits authorized. After holding to loud music for 15 minutes, they hung up on me. Chase then told me I needed to file disputes against this company. I did that and they found in my favor.
This company is PURE FRAUD. Do not do business with anything to do with making money that is advertised on the internet. All they will do is try to steal your money.
Also, be very careful shopping on the internet. If you aren't familiar with the company, then don't do business with them!!!
This took about 6 hours of my time and countless phone calls to resolve. Even Chase Bank sends their dispute calls to a call center! You never speak to the same person twice! We live in the United States of America - supposed to be the richest country in the world - and yet people are allowed to steal our money unless we jump through hoops. It is a DISGRACE.
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