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CB Food and Beverages Review of ATS Research
ATS Research

ATS Research review: $1000 Free in Groceries 64

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9:20 am EDT
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I heard the advertisement on the radio thinking it was a good opportunity. Upon calling I was charged $3.95 for shipping of the card. I asked questions as to which stores am I able to use the card and the agent was unable to help. He continued and stated that I'm able to join other programs which I denied, he stated that it would be mailed to me to review and I could get free gas. Nevertheless, the card came and I had to sign up to receive my "savings". It was a www.grocerysavers.com site where they have coupons to specific items and to make matters worse you have to pay to have the coupons shipped to you. If I knew it was going to a coupon website, I could have saved my time and his and not bothered. The advertisement via radio states that you'll receive $1000 to grocery shop, not coupons. This is a waste and their advertisement needs to be pulled.

Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

64 comments
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jane upset
Mesa, US
Oct 27, 2009 5:27 pm EDT

I also heard this crap of free grocerys on the radio station here in mesa az. and was taking down the unhappy road named SUCKER. but a bit a information for anyone looking not to be taken again. You will see a company listed on this page, claiming to help in many different ways, the name is INTELIUS. DO NOT GO TO IT. SHUT YOUR COMPUTER OFF AND RUN FROM THE ROOM.
A one time purchase of $1.99, turned into 4 months of $19.99 taken out of my account without my knowledge. WHILE LOOKING INTO THIS MESS. THERE WAS A COMPANY ON MY ACCOUNT HELPING THEMSELVES TO SAME $19.99 a month, and i never heard of them, I wonder if my name was sold or put on a list? second company gave back my charges, INTELIUS did not. they were covered by the TRICKY word policy. which i like to think of as "SMOKE AND MIRRORS" remember RUN

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LadyP
Irving, US
Oct 25, 2009 2:41 pm EDT

[protected] was the number advertised in the Dallas Metroplex. When I realized that we were being charged to be a part of a market research, and the coupon fullfillment center was making money of the coupons we spend, I felt like the consumers were being taken advantage of. We are paying for access to coupons that should be free.

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Major Reed
San Diego, US
Oct 23, 2009 11:23 pm EDT

I was just scamed out of 4.95 ( i pray not more) Like the others, I was lured in my a radio ad offering $1, 000 in groceries as part of a trade study on buyin habits.

The number advertised was [protected]

The rep on the phone did not try to sell me into another program, gas coupons or anything else. She simply stated that the $1, 000 card could be used for any food item at several of my local grocery stores, the only restriction was no alcohol or tobacco products (no problem) .

She completely painted the picture that this was $1, 000 in free money that could only be used at grocery stores.

What came in the namil was instructions to go online to grocerysavers.com and register for coupons that i would have to pay 10% for.

COMPLETE 180 from what I was told on the phone.

I was looking forward to serving meals to the cancer patients we serve with this $1, 000. while I am thankfull that it was only $5 that i lost, i am angry that others are being taken in this economy. I believe more should be done to shut them down.

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mooncake01
, US
Oct 19, 2009 9:54 pm EDT

I too heard it on my local radio station and thought it was legitimate. I was on hold when I read this site and immediately hung up. I've emailed the station and hope they will pull the ad.

For those looking for the number, here is what was advertised: [protected]

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andrewklove
newton, US
Oct 16, 2009 11:50 pm EDT

we should start a class action sue

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Wkalweit
, US
Oct 16, 2009 10:59 am EDT

Like many of you, heard about it on WGN radio here in Chicago. Thinking that WGN news radio was advertising for it, it had to be legit. Yeah everything went fine on the phone place the order to get the card and when we got it, CRAP. My wife and I went on to the website to check out the coupons and have of them expire with-in weeks, you have to have the coupons mailed to you and pay for that shipping and handling cost...I was not told that on the phone...NOPE I was told I could go on the computer and print out the coupon and bring it to the store and get my product that I had choosen...I was made to believe that I was goin to get just what was put in the Ad and that is free groceries. Not the case. I call and asked for a refund and was told not a problem, will see I guess...

Here is an interesting point made by my SMART WIFE...if it is market research and tracking the spending habits then why are WE paying...it should be just that MARKET RESEARCH...the big companies taking part int this Market Research should be footing the bill not the consumer. I know that this company wont confront this problem, nor will any company associated with this company. As the Corp. Boards pockets keep getting fatter and the consumers pockets keep gettin smaller due to lack of employment and the way the economy is evil, heartless sharks will pray on the common folk that are trying to save a dime, trying to make a better life for their family during this tough time...SHAME ON YOU>>>>>>

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mp11988
Wichita, US
Oct 10, 2009 9:40 pm EDT

Well unfortunately, i was needy enough and by terms became stupid enough to call and give my CC #. I have been unable to buy anything but few staples so an opportunity like this is something wonderful to me. Well, know that i read this i feel like a fool. I completed the order about 5 days ago, fingers crossed on Monday i can get my money back.
I knew it started seeming a little off when not only was the $4.95 S&H on my account but also 2 $1.00 holds. They came off in a couple days but still, because of the holds, i went down to 14 cents in my account! They never warned me of these holds either, they said it would only be one time charge of $4.95
I don't even have a printer to print these coupons if they are good! :(
Well people, please cross your fingers for a stupid fool. I could use that $4.95 towards REAL groceries, not some phony research "vouchers".
The number i called was [protected].
Beware, now I have to regretfully inform all the people I told that I ripped them off :(

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renniweht03
New Alexandria, US
Oct 07, 2009 7:22 pm EDT

Crrrrrrrrraaaaaappppp! lol I just called and gave my CC and everything then I found this site! :( Ill try to call tomorrow and cancel... I really needed the help too...

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dogwalker
Chicago, US
Oct 07, 2009 11:13 am EDT

thank you for everyone's comments. i was driving home today, after working all night, heard the advertisement on the radio and even pulled over on the curb to give the rep on the phone my credit card info, etc. for the "grocery card" of $4.95 S&H. after i refused the other programs, he hung up on me!

After reading your comments, I tried to call the customer service line to cancel and it didn't go through. I called one of the numbers above and another rep tried to sell me the same thing. When I told him I already heard the song and dance, and just want to cancel, he said to call the customer service line. I told him it was connected, he said, "try again!" and hung up on me! Finally I got through at [protected], and they told me it would be a pending charge. Hopefully... we'll see. I'll have to keep checking. WHAT A BIG PAIN IN THE BUTT!

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Hopeful34
Belle Vernon, US
Oct 06, 2009 6:39 pm EDT

i just called today, I thought they were legit! They even advertised on two of my state's major radio stations, if they are so bad, why are they on the radio, and why haven't they been sued for false advertisement and reported to the better business b?

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TELLASTAR
, US
Sep 30, 2009 4:02 pm EDT

I too heard the comercial. Being in the banking industry I should have known beter than to give my CC number.
I called the [protected] to get my grocery card. Anthony operator #043 called it a gift card. Didnt mention it was a gift to access a website. He tried to sell me on the oter programs but I told him No three times. Thats the kcik with any researcher you have to say no three times before they are allowed to end the call. Anyways when he asked me why I didnt want to save money I told him i only want the $1, 000.00 in grocerys. He said I wouls only be charged the $4.95 shipping and no other programs. Well then I smartened up and found this site. I imediatleyu called the [protected] customer service number and spoke with evverett rep 036 he gave me a confirmation that they only would place the hold but the charge will not go through and that Anthnony did not sign me up for any other program. I will have to keep an eye out on that card. Thanks to everyone for their comments saved me some greif.

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samthesnake
Oak Brook, US
Sep 30, 2009 9:55 am EDT

Do not fall for this bogus scam! In one of the worst economic times that our country has faced it is very easy for these criminals to prey on the disillusioned downtrodden people who are just looking for any help. There are many other legitimate programs for free or reduced price groceries...
here's one example http://www.angelfoodministries.com/

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tor1
Lakewood, US
Sep 28, 2009 11:44 pm EDT

when you cancelled you order did they put you money back on your card and not charge anything else?

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Irondude
, US
Sep 24, 2009 9:14 am EDT

Thank you all for your comments! I appreciate your efforts to help me and others from falling into this trap. Good luck in the future!

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latehit1911
Petersburg, US
Sep 22, 2009 9:40 am EDT

PLEASE DO NOT CALL THIS COMPANY IT IS A RIP OFF CUSTOMER SERVICE IS TERRIBLE, i REPEAT DO NOT CALL THIS COMPANY AT ALL!

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biguns3388
Richmond, US
Sep 05, 2009 12:44 pm EDT

I too fell victim to the advertisement. I even got a card from someone on Craig's list. Except in my state the shipping and handling fee is 7.95. I too was expecting a grocery card as well as coupons. Not a card that would give me access to coupons. I am registered to a website where I can get this for free. I called to the customer service number given to me to inquire about some charges that I had seen on my debit card. The call center gave me the number to all of the companies that they offered me membership to and inquire about the charges. I also spoke with a Torrey who the call center said worked in their customer service and when I spoke with this young lady twice, she said that she did not work with the people in the call center. She only worked with the coupons. I called back to the call center to speak with the supervisor to further inquire about the charges, we got into an all out argument. She swore me up and down that the rep had told me about the charges when no he did not. I tried to refuse the additional offers and he only told me that I could just cancel within the first 30 days. Not that there would be charges to my card before I got anything from anyone. Now the charges have been reversed after I have made about 20 calls and hanging up in the supervisors face because she was so ugly. She contradicted herself on two occasions during the conversation. It was not worth it. My suggestion would be to start an e-mail string to worn others before they are taken by this. maybe the company will be more upfront about what you are actually getting. This may work for some people, but the ad does say that you wil get a $1000.00 gift card and $1000.00 in coupons.

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StfballStar
, US
Aug 26, 2009 9:56 am EDT

I wish I had searched and found this site earlier! I too called today and agreed to the $3.95. The rep was very rude AFTER i gave him my credit card info when UI had several questions to ask. Through GOOGLE, I found this # [protected] M-F EST. I called and cancelled my order, and was advised that it was only a pending charge on my acct and that since I called w/n 24 hours they wont complete the transaction. We will see! I hope this helps someone!

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TX1
, US
Aug 10, 2009 3:41 pm EDT

I TOTALLY AGREE! Don't fall for this stupid advertisment. I did the exact same thing but I was charged 3.95 for shipping then an additional 1.90 for one rewards program and then again 1.90 for the second rewards program. They didn't tell me they were going to do this either, they just said if you choose to join, you can. Then when I went onto the website to get these coupons, they totally sucked. There is nothing there I use and they are something I can get on my own in the Sunday paper. I was even asked to pay for shipping to get these stupid coupons. This is NOT $1000 in free groceries, IT' THE BIGGEST RIP OFF EVER. I have cancelled both rewards programs and am holding on to all the confirmation numbers and everything in case they charge me again. I feel like such a fool.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DON'T FALL FOR THIS!

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mamgoon
Zephyrhills, US
Aug 07, 2009 10:51 am EDT

they should tell you when you call that your getting access to a coupon website instead of leading one to beleave they will be actually getting a grocery card. I think it's a crock of ###!

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sgarofolo
Tampa, US
Aug 05, 2009 11:15 am EDT

The number on the commercial is [protected]. Hope this helps, good luck!

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tay89
Philadelphia, US
Jul 30, 2009 2:15 pm EDT

does ne one know the customer service number?

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really annoyed
Lufkin, US
Jul 29, 2009 9:57 pm EDT

is there not a number for them?! i am furious. i got as far as giving the jerk on the phone my address and when he heard reluctance in my voice he hung up on me. when i called back to speak with a mgr, he laughed repeatedly and told me "well guess who's the mgr, i am". what a [censored]! i'm glad that i didn't give him my cc # but i'm a duma$$ because i did give him my name and address! ###! what now?!

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i love this
briston, US
Jul 26, 2009 1:18 pm EDT

I got my grocery card and printed the coupons on my home computer and I love it!

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TDoug
Ledbetter, US
Jul 22, 2009 8:58 pm EDT

Same Stor different person! Where and how to cancel this mess. It was also a waste of my time and money. The toll free # on the website is disconnected I will never trust advertisemnet again