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Be careful when you register for races at active.com! I apparently signed up for a trial membership to active advanatage which if you don't cancel in 30 days, charges your credit card $59. 95. I am always very careful to avoid signing up for unwanted email updates and trial offers, but somehow this one slipped under my radar.
The active.com customer service was friendly and refunded the membership fee in full. However, when i mentioned to the customer serivice representative that this felt like a scam, he replied that the page was clear and that i had to have signed up for this. I asked him if this happens to customers often and he said that it did occasionally. Guessing by the fact that their automated phone system has a "if you are calling about a $59. 95 charge, please press _", and that their website has a faq sheet explaining how people signed up for the membership, i'd speculate that this happens more than occaisionally. The faq sheet asserts that emails are sent to memers notifying them that the membership has been activated and when the charge will be made, but these emails went into my junk mail folder and i only found them once i discovered the charge and went digging. Again, this is my fault for not being a more careful consumer, but it this company is clearly trying to make money in a somewhat deceptive manner.
Here is what their faq sheet says about active advantage:
When does the offer appear in the registration process? The activeadvantage trial membership offer is not
Displayed during the actual registration process. The offer exists on an interstitial page that appears after the activity registration is complete (Payment already submitted) , but before the confirmation page.
How does the registrant sign up for the trial membership?
To enroll as a trial member of the program, the registrant is simply required to enter and verify their email address and then click through the acceptance button on the page. After this step the registrant will continue on to their activity registration confirmation page.
How long does the trial membership last? 30 days
What if the registrant doesn’t want to become a trial member? The registrant simply has to click the decline button on the offer page. After this step they will continue on to their activity registration confirmation page.
What happens after the trial membership expires? At the end of the trial the user may cancel at no charge. If they do not cancel, they are automatically billed $59. 95 for a 12 - month membership. Customers may cancel their membership at any time and receive a prorated refund. All of this information is presented to the registrant on the trial offer page.
How do you communicate with members?
There are numerous communications sent to new members, starting with a confirmation email directly after they enroll in the trial membership. Trial members also receive a “reminder” email halfway through the trial period, a notification email prior to membership billing, and a billing confirmation email. Additionally, members receive a monthly “member update” email that highlights special offers and new merchant partners.
What do activeadvantage members receive? Activeadvantage exists to provide members with discounts on everything they need to prepare for, participate in and commemorate the activities that they love. As such, members receive discounts on registrations across the active network as well as valuable savings provided by leading retailers across a wide variety of categories.
How do you know registrants like activeadvantage? Activeadvantage has grown significantly since it first
Launched in 2003. We stay in constant contact with our members to gauge their satisfaction with the program. In a recent member survey, more than 70% of members said they would strongly recommend the program to a friend.
What if a customer forgets to cancel their membership before the trial expires?
If a customer forgets to cancel their trial membership, their credit card on file will be charged the yearly fee of $59. 95. However, they may contact customer support at [protected]@active.com to receive a prorated refund.
What if trial members contact my organization with questions about the program?
Activeadvantage provides customer support contact information in all member communications, including phone and email, and is able to handle all inquiries quickly in - house. Should an isolated incident occur in
Which a member contacts your organization, simply forward the inquiry directly to your account manager.
The program has a track record of responding quickly to all inquiries and our goal is to create zero administrative impact for your organization.
Does this offer violate the registrant’s privacy? No. Active takes the privacy of all registrants very seriously. When registrants choose to participate in the program they voluntarily agree to active’s terms and privacy policy. Members may also choose to optout of receiving member update emails at any time. Additionally, no user data is submitted to 3rd parties.
Questions? If you have further questions please contact us.
We will be happy to help you.
Activeadvantage contact information
877. 228. 4881 | [protected]@active.Com
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
This place is still scamming people - At least me - I signed up for the Salinas Valley Half Marathon and ended up with this stupid Active Advantage account - What a Cheesy Deal - Too bad I did not just mail on my application. I cannot believe they can actually access my credit card information from the Salinas Valley Half Marathon sign up page - Be very carful my friends - This may be a form of identity theft! - You CANNOT get delisted by visiting their website - You must call - I would definitely be interested in joining a class action suit if one is filed
Fraud Alert with MSU Camps reported to Tim Fox - MT Attorney General
Montana State University should be ashamed, I paid for my daughter's MSU basketball camp via a service MSU uses called Active Network, LLC. This company charged my card for a “Membership” that will automatically renew using the credit card provided for the camp. I was never informed of this deceptive practice of hiding a "membership trial” within my order of a basketball camp - and my receipt from MSU/Active is proof.
I contacted my credit card company and filed a dispute. I then contacted my friend, Tim Fox MT attorney general and his assistant, Karen Kane, informing them of the fraud associated with MSU camps and Active Network, LLC. If you google Active Advantage you will see a lot of fraud claims for deceptive “membership” orders.
When calling the Active company, I was kept on hold for 22 minutes. When they finally answered, I requested a refund. Then, I got a run-a-round on “all the benefits of membership”. After I cut him off on his pitch, informed him of the fraud dispute and that I had contacted the Attorney General and reported the deception, he quickly noted that he processed a refund that I should see it post within 3 to 5 days. I’m watching for the refund...
I coped this notice to the CEO, President and Executive at MSU. Maybe they can make an educated change in policy and partners.
The same just happened to us charged $64.95 (then converted into Canadian Dollars). I am a runner so I assumed it was my card and I had missed opting out - they had no record of me. It was my husband's details they had and he doesn't run (back injury). We don't use credit cards very often and the only thing he used it for recently was a hotel booking in Seattle - they used Active to process. I phoned up and cancelled and we are getting our money back, We will lose out on the exchange rate when it is converted back into Canadian dollars, but at least we are getting it back.
Going to contact the credit card company to put a block on it to make sure that they don't try and renew it next year as I have heard that they sometimes do.
Yup. Just happened here! Total scam. They claimed the opt-out checkbox was missing if you registered on a mobile device due to a system glitch.
Same here! I received a "Subscription Renewal" receipt today in my email for $64.95, my first reaction was WTF! Then after doing more research, I was charged last year (2014) too!
I am very upset, i am careful to read and understand what I'm signing up for and this was such a slick move that I unknowingly signed up. I have emailed support at active.com and am awaiting response. I want to be refunded both for 2014 and 2015. There has clearly been zero activity on my account except for the original race i registered for in 2014.
I cannot imagine how many other people have fallen victim to this scam and continue to be billed each year!
I agree this is scam. I had the same issue. They automatically signed up me for membership and charged me $64.95. They didn't even email me to confirm that I have membership with them. I am so mad about this happen, and I worry to use this company to register for my next race.
Same here. I wish I would have Googled them before I finished registering for my 5K. I was already getting a shady vibe from their website / registration before I completed the process. I have been on hold for over 30 minutes with no end in sight. I already reported the fraud to my bank, had to get my card cancelled, and get a new one. That took me 40 minutes. Thanks for ruining my Friday afternoon! There should be a class action lawsuit at this point.
Just got the email saying I had been charged $64.95. I bought two race tickets for my wife and I and never saw an option to opt-out of any free trial membership - I only wanted tickets for the run! At any rate, I will be doing my best to get a full refund (thank you AMEX) and will avoid this company in the future if at all possible. It sounds like they have a TicketMaster corner on race tickets for some events though so that is unfortunate.
**Scam Alert**
Got an email thanking me for my renewal $64.95. & I am like WTF?
Rude Active operator tells me I don't remember buying in & I am signed up since 2013 from "Twin Cities 5k" really? I am in VA & last time I checked that race is in Minneapolis, now I go back & check, sure enough, Getting hit with fraudulent charges 3 years running. This will NOT stand: the dude cannot abide.
called credit card Co for fraudulent activity report, let them thrash it out. Active.com SCAM !
Come on, put some teeth into a law or something already.
Exactly the same and after 6 emails without a reply, an attempt at online chat during which I got a message stating to contact them during regular business hours (it was regular business hours) and one hour on the phone sitting on hold, no one ever picked up, I would agree this is in fact a scam! I contacted my bank for a refund because I cannot get a response from the company.
Twice I have been put on hold, for damn near an hour. I don't have time to sit and wait. This is a total scam. I am so angry.
so apparently, i cant paste in the Iowa attorney general link. You can google Iowa Attorney general Active advantage. should pull up the page. Best of luck to you all :)
sorry, i don't think my link to the State of Iowa, attorney generals settlement against Active came through. here it is.
http://www.state.ia.us/government/ag/latest news/releases/sept 2013/online merchant.html
Hi All, I completely agree and have had the same thing happen to us. When signing my son up for our local lacrosse, a page pops up that is misleading, offering you to sign up with Active advantage, however there is no option to "cancel" this page, yet you are led to believe you need to click through it to complete your **original** registration for the event you are signing up for. In searching around, i found this site- but also found out that while they are NOT BBB accredited, they are under investigation by the BBB (their dallas office is handling complaints and they have an ALERT for this company. The BBB site also informs you that they have been Sued by the State of Iowa for fraud and have settled. PLEASE see that link below for the state of Iowa and contact your local attorney general if this is happeneing to you. Notify them of the IOWA case.
See BBB webiste: website:http://www.bbb.org/sdoc/business-reviews/information-technology-services/the-active-network-inc-in-san-diego-ca-16000154/
See also: http://www.bbb.org/dallas/business-reviews/online-event-registration/active-network-in-dallas-tx-90539168?language=1
Government Actions
Iowa v. Active Network
Date of Action: 9/6/2013
The following describes a government action that has been resolved by either a settlement or a decision by a court or administrative agency. If the matter is being appealed, it will be noted below from the BBB
On September 6, 2013, the Attorney General of Iowa announced that Active Network has agreed to pay refunds to Iowans and change its marketing practices, under an agreement with Attorney General Tom Miller. The Active Network, Inc. of San Diego, California, which operates Active.com, will pay $237, 167.42 in refunds to Iowans who had been charged for membership programs. The complaint alleged that when many consumers registered online for a sports-related activity like a marathon, a 5K run, or even a soccer camp or little league, the company enrolled them as members of the ‘Active Advantage’ membership program. The company charged an annual $59.95 membership fee, which showed up on credit card or bank statements. The agreement, called an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance, requires The Active Network to comply with Iowa's Buying Club Law in connection with any future enrollments. In addition to the $237, 167.42 payment for refunds, the agreement also required a $15, 000.00 payment to the state for consumer fraud enforcement. The company denied liability in the agreement.
This action is final.
This company needs to be shut down. They are simply stealing money from people and when caught they eventually give it back. I am sure the vast majority of people don't discover the theft and therefore never complain and just get ripped off year after year. The company is simply a scam for stealing money and providing no services. I hope the top executives end up in jail. If there is a lawyer that is willing to organize a class action suit I believe you would have no problem finding 1000s of people to sign on.
My daughter is now going through this horrible experience. How convenient it is that this company only needs an e-mail address and a click on "agree" to take your money, yet you can't cancel through that same e-mail address. She was on hold for a HOUR before she had to hang up because she couldn't wait any longer. She then sent an e-mail to the support center for assistance, and was told she has to call in to cancel the membership. How in the heck is this company getting away with treating consumers like this for so long? I'm (mom) now involved in this, and have been on hold for 15 mins. I'll be taking to social media to bring to light this despicable company.
I signed up for the advantage plan and was charged twice. They denied I was. I faxed my credit card page that clearly shows I was charged twice on the same day for the same thing. One was refunded and one remained. I have signed up for races that does not acknowledge I am a Advantage member. When I send a email, they say I was not signed in properly. Total BS! Out of the 10 races I did, I saved on two processing fees. It is a total scam. When I view my history it shows my membership fee and then denies my membership, encouraging me to upgrade? To what? How much more money do they need to squeeze out of me.
Same just happened to me. I NEVER received any confirmation or notification about my so-called trial coming to an end and my card getting charged the annual fee until it had already happened. Trying to get it refunded right now.
I had this happen to me 2 times. I have decided not to sign up for races anymore, which is pretty sad to have to not do them anymore. I refuse to call and cancel something I do not want. It does not state anywhere on the website whether you want a free trial or not. It just takes your credit information and uses it to their advantage!
This is one of the worst companies I've ever had to deal with. People - don't sign up! When I called to complain that I did not get the savings I was entitled to, the employee was so rude and cocky and refused to listen to me, basically dismissed me. So then I wrote in my complaint and the person answering was even worse! The employees hate the customers. So do youself a favor and don't sign up. You won't actually get much of any savings because nothing is as advertised, and their employees hate you!
Ditto to everyone who complained about Active Advantage. I read the complaints in 2010 and it's still happening in 2014 except now the annual fee is $64.95. They offer a $5.00 discount and 30 day free trial membership but you must opt out within the 30 days or get charged a lame $64.95 fee. Unfortunately, many race directors use Active Advantage as a convenience to them and don't realize how unethical Active Advantage is. Only those who really read the fine print will know about cancelling within the 30 day period. The rest will find out when they see their credit card statement. Make your protests heard. Thumbs down to Active Advantage.
Meant to say, I need to go back through the sign up process. If this isn't obvious, then I think I might proceed with a lawsuit for other damages.
This is indeed a fraudulent membership offer/agreement, etc. If the agreement to join is present, it is not obvious enough for the unsophisticated user. As a sophisticated user with significant attention to detail, I did not find it. In fact, they give an automatic money back guarantee because it is deceitful and fraudulent and to avoid lawsuit.
My user experience went as follows: Called, hung up on, called, spoke with representative. She removed the charge as to my account, but could not find the account of my significant other. I told her she was misspelling his name, I created his account with his e-mail. She finally informed me that she would have to transfer me to customer service. She then hung up. I called back, and was hung up on after holding. Repeat.
We'll see when I ever get connected if they can find my other's profile so we can refund ALL of the fees. I'm tempted to file a lawsuit.
I need to go back through the sign up process
The Georgia State Parks reservation system uses ReserveAmerica which goes to ActiveNetworks at the end. The Georgia state government is now trying to scam us for additional money when we make a camping reservation! I got the charge reversed once I figured out what happened, and then complained to the park director Becky Kelly and reservation admin Anissa Carter but they acted like I was all better since I got my money back. Well, I am not because this is sneaky and inappropriate.
This is complete fraud! I never signed up for a run or anything. The only thing I've done in the past 2 months was use this website called reserveamerica.com to reserve a campsite. So they stole my credit card information from them! Unreal!
SCAMMERS THEY NEED THERE ### KICKED AND PUT IN JAIL
Same here for 64.95. I was told they couldnt show me proof of where I signed up for any trial offer and that I should be more careful in the future. No more active.com for me. This is nothing more than wire fraud. They hope you don't notice but when you do they quickly refund your money. No different than robbing a bank, getting caught, then offering to return the money. Total B.S IMO. Hate a thief.
Happened to me. 64.95. They couldn't show me proof that I signed up for any "trial" membership. They advised me to "be more careful" in the future. I will by not using active.com anymore. This is wire fraud in my opinion. They take hoping it will go unnoticed. When it is noticed they refund the money no questions asked. No difference than robbing a bank then offering to return the money once you get caught.
There is an automatic renewal too that is not canceled when you call unless you ask. So next year you will get billed again.
My good friend used to work in the Commerce department at Active. The scam complaints are completely true and the company knows it.
The main statistic the company tracks is "trial rate". That is the % of online registrants that opt to take the Active Advantage free trial after you register for an event using active.com services. While a public company, Active would make over $30 million per year from this Active Advantage scam, and the trial rate was over 10%. And hardly any members really use the service at all. Shameful!
In the last year, the company decided it was too risky to have this big of a scam, and was starting to eliminate the program. The trial rate was brought down below 5% and was on its way to being zero. The new owners of the company, Vista Equity Partners, have supposedly brought the trial rate back up OVER 10%. Criminal!
The state of Iowa sued Active Network and forced them to stop presenting Active Advantage trial offer to Iowa residents. I can't imagine why other states do not do the same thing.
http://www.state.ia.us/government/ag/latest_news/releases/sept_2013/online_merchant.html
I saw this chard for $46.75 on my bank statement from ACT REGISTRATION. I think this is a scam. I did not authorize this debit and do not know anything about this. I sent in a dispute to my credit union. I hope it gets resolved.
When I received the bill, I was very surprised! I never know this company and I never run! I am just a foreigner who will stay here several weeks. I am crazy to registrate a 1 year membership! Why this can be happened in USA and lasting for so many years?
It's a legal scam. The default shouldn't be an automatic charge against the victim! Your option - AVOID doing business with them!
I was surprised when I got the email today that my trial was going to end. I looked closer to the email and saw that they were going to charge me 64.95 for a year membership. I google them and found this site. I then emailed them. I got a quick genaric email stating that they would look into my concern. NOT good enough for me. I then ended up waiting until their phone lines open up. I called, I was on hold for 20 minutes and then was disconnected. Then I called one more time same thing happen. I also emailed them again, no response this time. I ended up calling my bank and close my account so they could not charge me for the membership. I don't use bank card for any other bills, so I didn't have that hassle.
I also agree! I signed my child up for gymnastics and a month later saw the $64.95 charge on my bank statement. I had no idea who active.com was and immediately called the number on my bank statement. The customer representative was courteous and willing to reverse and refund the charge. Although the experience getting the refund was pretty painless, I find it distasteful that I would even need to make the call in the first place. If the convenience of signing up through the web for events and recreational sports comes at the cost of $64.95, I say that someone needs to exploit the recreational facilities and active.com that are misleading consumers. Company's like active.com make profits off of consumers who aren't aware of membership policies and registration.This deceitful tactic is taking consumer money that is better spent else where!
I was also changed by active advantage. I am not sure how they got my credit card number but they may have ties to Reserve America. They appear to be running some type of scam
Never mind my last post. I have received my refund. I apparently don't know how to navigate my credit card website to find refund information. The charge was refunded in late February. I would advise anyone that has fallen prey to this to contact the company and like others have said, the representatives are kind and understanding even if the way they got the money in the first place was deceptive.
It is now 17 days since my talk with the representative and to this day, the charge still stands. I eventually had to pay my credit card bill to avoid fees with them and so I ended up paying this "membership fee". The representative promised me that it would be refunded in 3-5 business day and that has NOT taken place. Something more needs to be done about this.
This post was one of the most helpful posts I have seen on the internet in a very long time. Talking years. At any rate I believe it was a scam and it bit me in the behind also. I just called them today and they said it will be a 100% refund. I haven't got the refund back yet but that's what they said. The only thing I can say for them is the customer service rep was pretty nice. Although sucks for them because I am sure they get the brunt end of this deal. Active should just fix the situation to begin with and save everyone time and money. Thanks again all.
I also just got charged on my credit card for the hidden $59.95 "membership fee" because of a race my wife and I signed up for this Christmas season. I called in and the representative has stated that my money will be refunded in the next 3-5 business days. I'm really hoping it will.