Marcus Evans review: Unauthorized charge

Marcus Evans’sr rep contacted me by email and offered a complimentary pass to a two-day local IP conference. We had a follow-up call during which I provided additional information about my employer and my role at the company. At the end of the call, the rep asked for my credit card information but assured me that this was a mere formality and I would not be charged because of the complimentary pass. This should have been a red flag for me, but I missed it and provided the credit card information. A few days later, my work schedule changed and I had to withdraw from the conference due to unforeseen conflicts. I notified Marcus Evans by email about the change. In response, the rep informed me that, unless I provided a delegate or committed to attending a future conference, I would be charged $1,995 for not attending. A few weeks later, a $1,995 charge appeared on my credit card. Since nobody informed me of this possibility during the call, this charge is wholly unauthorized and will not be paid. I am filing a dispute with my credit card issuer and notifying my entire professional network of Marcus Evans's predatory business practices.