A couple of months ago, I came across a pop-up ad offering a free Apple iPod in exchange for accepting one of the websites' offers (the website was TopFreeGifts.com). One of the offers was Columbia House DVD Club. I agreed to join the one club, pay the intro fees, and wait the 60-day waiting period before becoming approved and receiving my iPod.
Well, 60 days passed, I was approved by Columbia House BUT I NEVER received my iPod. I contacted TopFreeGifts.com (only available through their website) and they claimed that I had not followed through with my obligation and that I was supposed to accept THREE offers (the rest of which were primarily credit card companies that only allow you to purchase items available through them! And I believe they wanted a credit card to secure the card!). The original promotion was that I only had to accept ONE offer. I fulfilled my obligation and TopFreeGifts.com wasn't following through. They conveniently changed their promotion rules. Annoyed by this, I decided to contact Columbia House and tell them what had happened.
By email, I told Columbia House I was a victim of fraudulent practices on the Internet and that their affiliate, TopFreeGifts.com, was a scam. Since I was deceived and their affiliate, TopFreeGifts.com, had not fulfilled their obligation, I requested that my Columbia House membership be canceled without owing anything further. I already received my introductory membership selections and paid for those costs. All I asked was that I be able to cancel my membership and owe nothing further. I was even willing to return my introductory selection.
Well, next thing I know, I get a bill/letter in the mail from Columbia House for $93.00! It said since I canceled my membership and did not fulfill my agreement with them and since I was obligated to buy 4 more selections at regular club prices, they were going to bill me for 4 selections at regular club prices plus shipping, taxes, etc. They also gave me the option to reactivate my membership and buy 4 more selections over a 2 year period. I did not want to do either as I felt totally taken advantage of and felt this was very bad business on Columbia House's part.
I immediately called Columbia House and asked to speak with the supervisor. She said since I didn't fulfill my obligation and since I kept my introductory selection, I owed them money. When I offered to return my introductory selection, but she told me I couldn't because 10 days had passed. I told her that I would have offered to return it sooner BUT TopFreeGifts.com told me to wait 60 days to be approved by Columbia House! Without getting anywhere, I hung up the phone.
Reluctantly, I decided to opt for the latter option I mentioned above and reactivate my membership. When I went to their website to do so, my login and password would not work! Said they were invalid. I made an attempt to reactivate my membership but they wouldn't let me log in! This was BS!
So then I get another letter in the mail saying that Columbia House is going to withdrawal $93.00 from my account. Furious, I decided to check my bank statement online and I couldn't believe it. THEY TOOK OUT THE MONEY WITHOUT MY AUTHORIZATION! And I was never even asked what DVD selections I wanted! According to the "Due On Contract" section in their agreement, they are supposed to offer you the selections you're entitled to once the money has been withdrawn. But that isn't the worst of it.
When I called Columbia House to tell them that an UNAUTHORIZED CHARGE had been made to my account, they told me they couldn't reverse the charges. I told them that what they are doing is ILLEGAL and they cannot get away with it. They told me I could email a complaint to: [email protected] I did just that and am currently awaiting a response.
I also called my bank today and am prepared to file a Federal Regulation E Form. The Better Business Bureau will also be hearing from me. I am even considering contacting a popular media program to investigate the matter further because people cannot keep getting ripped off like this.
I'm grateful for this website and the information it has provided and I hope that more people will continue to report Columbia House as well as other companies who lie, cheat, and steal. WE CAN'T LET THEM GET AWAY WITH THIS!
Marie
Middletown, New Jersey
U.S.A.
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