I was shocked to find out recently that my credit card has been charged nearly $140 for a "membership" from a company called "Shopping Essentials Plus" since an order I placed on VITACOST.com last July. After finally contacting them through the credit card company, this merchant claimed I signed up for a "membership" through Vitacost.com and that is how they received all of my personal and credit card information.
My credit card has been charged ever since for a "membership" that surprisingly provides nothing but an automatic charge every month. There are HUNDREDS of complaints from other consumers all over the internet that have had the same issue. This company claims that upon ordering "you must have clicked a button or pop up to join the membership". I know -without a doubt - I did no such thing and recall very clearly the ordering process. I've been online long enough to be very cautious -especially - when money is involved. My information was given to this company through a very deceptive marketing maneuver without any legitimate authorization from me.
I contacted vitacost and this was their template response:
=
"In order for your Shopping Essentials membership to be activated you would have had to enter your email address twice and selected the 'Yes' button.By selecting yes, you authorized Vitacost.com to provide your information to Shopping Essentials. Immediately below the boxes where you entered your email address is the statement: 'By clicking 'Yes' I have read and agree to the Offer Details displayed to the left and authorize Vitacost.com to securely transfer my name, address and credit/debit card information to Shopping Essentials, a service provider of Vitacost.com.
The Offer Details, which were provided next to the yes and no thanks buttons, stated the length of the free trial, auto renewal information, the amount of the subscription fee, as well as a toll free number for cancellation.in addition, during the trial membership, Shopping Essentials sends out a welcome email so that you may cancel and avoid being billed after the free trial period. If you have any further questions, please contact Shopping Essentials at 888-243-6180.
Thank you for choosing Vitacost,
Juli Customer Service Team Lead
1-800-793-2601 www.VITACOST.com"
=
After receiving this email I have NO QUESTION it was done in the most deceptive way.
DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY. They've been at this and know the ropes.
DON'T STOP HERE, report this to the Better Business Bureau and other authorities
0 comments