A very long saga, this started when I received a phone call, from a company whose name I never did get. They already had my credit card number and told me that they would send me information regarding joining a program that would entitle me to a variety of discounts. For looking over this program, I was to receive a $100.00 gift card, good for various stores which included Target and Home Depot. This gift card would be mailed with the membership information and I would be charged $4.95 for the mailing. The gift card was free and supposed to be valid even if I cancelled the membership. I was to cancell the membership within ten days of receiving the mailing. The gift card was the real lure for me, as I'm sure it was for many others.
The first problem came when I noticed that my account was charged $2.95, in addition to the $4.95 that I had agreed to. I had no information on who had charged me this additional fee, so I decided to wait a few days and see what came in the mail. The first mailing I received was from a company called "ID Watchdog". I was informed that I was a member of this program, which for a monthly fee would help protect you from identity theft. When I checked my account information I saw that it was ID watchdog that had charged my account the additional $2.95.
I called immediately and informed them that I was never told anything about this program, that I would not have agreed to it, and I wanted it cancelled. They were cooperative about the cancellation. When I informed them that I wanted to be refunded the $2.95 that I had already been charged, the customer service person became antagonistic and insisted that I had agreed to the charges. After considerable time arguing with him we reached an agreement. The account would be cancelled, the $2.95 refunded and I would incurr no further charges. During this phone call I asked to speak to a supervisor several times. My requests were repeatedly refused. It seems that they would have to provide you protection from themselves! Ultimatley, I did receive a refund of $1.95, they still took $1.00.
The following day I received a mailing from "Consumers Auto Rewards". This information also indicated that I was a member of this program, but also allowed for cancellation. Again, I immediately called to cancel. I was told that this was the package that I had originally agreed to. I told this representative that I had indeed discussed the Consumers Auto Rewards program during the initial phone call, but that I had told that salesperson that I did not have a car and would have no use for such a discount program. Again, I was forced to argue with the representative to cancel this program. I very specifically asked if I would still receive the discount membership package that I did agree to during the first phone call, and the $100.00 gift card. I was told that I would, therefore I did not ask for a refund of the $4.95.
It became apparent that I was being scammed and I checked for Consumers Auto Rewards on the complaint. I found many others who have had problems, many far more costly than mine, with Consumer Auto Rewards. After reading the other reports, I was certain that my problems would not end easily, despite the fact that I was supposed to have cancelled these memberships. Please read the other reports if you have not already. This company, or group of companies, have continued to bill people who have cancelled memberships. They act under several different names, promise different services, but ultimately all turn out to be thieves. I still do not even know which organization originally called me. It also appears that no one has ever received the promised $100.00 gift card.
After discussing the situation with my bank, I was advised to cancel my card, as this was the only way to ensure that I would not incurr further charges. I fully expect that there will be further attempts to bill my card, but they will find that it no longer exists. It was inconvenient for me, but my own foolishness made it necessary.
In hindsite, I realize that I should have seen through this scam from the outset. After reading what others have gone through, how much money they have lost and that some have ongoing problems, I consider myself fortunate that I kept my losses to a minimum. It was a lesson well learned which cost me about $6.00. I realize now how much more damage these people have done to to others.
I hope this helps prevent readers from being taken in by this scam, or any others like it. It seemed too good to be true, and it was.
Beware of "Consumer Auto Rewards", "ID Watchdog" and any other organization that already has your credit or debit card numbers. Do not agree to any charges over the telephone, you have no idea who it really could be. If they are an honest business, they will send you the information you need to make a decision before promising any money.
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