Complaint Rating:

Company information:
National Association Of Professional Women - NAPW
New York
United States

During the middle of Feb, 2009, I was contacted via a direct mailer by the NAPW, stating that I was approved for membership with this supposedly, successful group of women. I filled out the card and sent it back to the NAPW.

On Feb 19th, a "Kelly Silwany" called me at home, telling me more about this organization, stating that its members benefit from mentorship, networking, workshops, etc. I thought she said that the cost of membership was $6.89/year. I agreed to the amount and paid for what I thought was a mere $7 membership. She left me her office number and extension which is (866) 540-6279x253.

On Feb 24th, my husband asked me about a transaction placed on our credit card for $708.95 by the NAPW. I then called "Kelly" at her office number. When I heard the voice mail message, a "Emily Syliva" is heard on the greeting. I left a message with "Emily" asking her to call me back to dispute the $708.95 that "Kelly" had charged my credit card account; I did not hear back from neither "Kelly" nor "Emily".

On Feb 25th between 10:30 AM and 10:45 AM, I again contacted the company and was directed to a "Craig" who is with the "finance department of the NAPW". I explained my concerns to Craig who later in our conversation, stated that he had "listened to a recording of (my)/your conversation with Kelly". In the "recording", Craig states that I clearly understood the details of the transaction and did not understand how I could think that membership would only be $6.89. I was not aware that my conversation with Kelly was being recorded and asked for a copy of this "recording". Craig changed the subject.

I reiterated to him that I am no longer interested in being a part of the NAPW and wanted a full refund. "Craig" stated that he was not willing to give a full refund but did offer a "discounted" rate at just over $350. I again, asked for a full refund. Throughout my conversation with "Craig" repeatedly stated that if I were to go to my credit card company, based upon my "recorded conversation with Kelly", I would be charged the full amount and there would be no refund, no discount.

This went back and forth with "Craig" being belligerent, and rude until I finally said, "I cannot pay for the cost of membership that you are trying to charge me!" I was on the verge of tears by this point.

"Craig" eventually comes back with a $180 membership fee for the NAPW; by this point, I relented. Later on the evening of Feb 25th, I discussed my ordeal with "Craig" and the NAPW with my husband.

On Feb 26th, my husband called the NAPW and asked for the “finance department” and further stated that “’Craig’ was rude to his wife when she called yesterday.” The “receptionist” transferred my husband to a “Denise” who was supposedly “over ‘Craig’”.

That conversation resulted in “Denise” crediting my account $708.95. “Denise” further stated that the credit would be issued by the following Monday.

It’s March 6th and I am STILL waiting for my credit . . . so that is why I have decided to come to the BBB for help!