This corporation is based in Palm Coast, FL (or so they say). I responded to a packet of cards sent in the mail for free services, discounts, etc. The Charisma magazine card states that all you have to do is send in the card and you will receive 3 free issues, no strings attached. I foolishly sent the card in and started receiving the magazine. Within a couple of weeks, the billings started. First, they were trying to nail me with a 12-month subscription. Subsequently, they sent several billings, each one getting more severe and threatening to ruin my credit rating, etc. The worst part of the whole matter is that this company claims the name of God himself. They claim to be based on Christian, biblical principles. Knowing what they have done, NOTHING could be further from the truth.
After responding faithfully to the last three letters, finally in the last letter I had to respond to the threats to ruin my credit. I told them I would sue to protect my credit and that they weren't getting a penny out of me.
Each letter they sent was started by saying that they hadn't received word from me. I came to find out that the return addresses and even the signed names on the letters were bogus. Finally, on the last letter sent, an 800 number was given to settle the matter (1-800-829-3346). I called the number only to get an insolent man who finally (reluctantly) scrapped the bogus account. I will see if that is true. I asked to speak with the person who "signed" the letter, only to have the man respond that all the names were bogus. If you are based on truth and Christian principles, WHAT'S TO HIDE!?!? He claimed the threats to ruin my credit wouldn't work because they didn't have my SSN. Why did they need to lie then?
The story doesn't end there. I have had two acquaintances get ripped off by them, too. One friend ordered an extension to a subscription, and Charisma sent double issues instead. When she tried to resolve the billing issues, she got the same run-around I did. Another friend tried to halt billing to no avail.
So-called "Christian" organizations that do not stand behind their product with all the clout of the words that spew from their mouth need to be held under the same harsh scrutiny the law gives fly-by-night companies and other scam-artists. They prey on the helpless, hopeless, needy, and destitute. Such should not be. I have nothing against Christians.in fact, I am one, but these kinds of shoddy business practices in the guise of the Lord need to be halted. They hurt real, tried-and-true Christians and give them a bad name.
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