I have applied for several job postings through this website, and received second emails from them asking for more information if I am interested in the positions. I uploaded my resume, and gave reference information. I didn't suspect anything, because many of the questions are the same as I've seen on other job search engines such as monster.com and Career builder.com. I even googled the company name before doing much through them, and didn't see anything that made me think they were a scam.
But, when I began getting second emails on EVERY application I made, I became suspicious. And I was asked to input my references for each position applied for as well. I just googled them again, and saw this link to the ripoff website, and a comment made just this week by someone else. So - now I am very disappointed and worried about the information this company has on me, and the information they might have gleaned from the 3 people I sent as references.
If any one else has used this company in their job search, you should probably stop! Let complaintsboard know - and the FTC, as it seems this company was charged in 2001 with scamming for post office & government jobs.
Wu Yi Tea Source company has my money and have their product that does not work! I noticed a charge on my bank account on September 13, 2008. I called the number and they said that I did not return the product back within the 2 weeks trial period and that is why I was charged $179.85. I then said I wanted to cancel my order and requested a refund.
On September 19, 2008 I sent the tea back via the post office. I called the company back on October 3, 2008 and spoke to Angela and she told me that they have not received the tea back and that she had to email the warehouse to ask them to look for it.
On October 14, 2008, I called back and this time spoke to a Christina and she told me the same thing that they have not received the tea back that she was going to email the ware house again. On the 21st of October I then called again and spoke to a Suzette and she said to wait for 3-5 business days and I should be getting the refund.
Today, October 24, 2008, I called the number again and the lady would not give me her name and she said I will have to wait for the refund department to issue my refund and that she could not do anything at this time to help me. I am out of money and out of the tea. I've been ripped off and I wish that somebody can do something about it.
I purchased a 06 truck, and I got CPS as my bank. I didn't know who they were at the time, but now I wish I had done some research before I got into my vehicle. For the first couple of months, everything was fine. Made my payments on time, everything was good. I was late for the first time in 8 months do to business being slow, and they called the day after my due date. Now from my experience, if you are are late by one day or so, no one can call and demand you to pay them. Now, it is even worse. I have had the vehicle for 2 1/2 yrs., and they are getting worse. I have been out of work for 8 months now due to a work related injury. And they don't want to hear it. When people go from making X amount of dollars a month to less than half of what they are making, its tough on what has to be paid first. I don't know about everyone else, but keeping a roof over my head is more important.
CPS does not want to hear any excuses. They have no sympathy for anyone. I have been phone call after phone call. Even on Saturdays and Sundays. 3-4 times a day. My wife has had to deal with them for me cause I could not take it anymore. They have called all of friends, my family and my job looking for me. And asking them when am I going to pay.
I have made several attempts to try to stay in their good graces, but it don't matter. I have put myself and my family more and more into debt trying to cover the payments. And now, I have a way that I can do my payments without screwing myself or my bank account, and they don't want to hear it. I was willing to work it out, but they don't seem to care. They want me to pay $1150 now. That is my last payments and my next payment that is due next month. Plus interest and late fees. No one no where can come up with that kind of money. Especially if you have bad credit.
If there is to be a Class Action Suit against CPS, I am in. I am currently looking for a lawyer to discuss my options, and I am also looking for someone else for the loan for my vehicle. Some one that is more reliable and not so cold hearted. Please, please, if you are getting any type of loan, DO NOT go thru CPS. They will harass you to no end.
I made hotel accommodations totaling $249.08 on 11/01/05. At the time, priceline.com offered an email address and phone number for customer service. First of all, you can't reach a human being, which is a sign of fraud. Their phone and email system was circular. Even now, at the time of this writing, 11/17/06, their website actually discourages you from calling. They now actually have a 'contact us' form to email with. That is hopeless as well.
My letter isn't anything new. The basic idea that a company won't allow you to change, cancel, or give you a refund on any kind of purchase is unethical. I didn't even check in, and they charged me.
In fact, priceline charges right away so they can get your money. If you book with any other entity, they wait until you finally checked out and are satisfied.
I'll never buy from them again.
AT&T bill contains charges from 3 different 'companies' we've never heard of; research proves them to be 'billing clearinghouses'. Read: these outfits bill you for services you never requested via your phone bill and AT&T apparently receives some kickback for same.
AT&T says can put 3rd party block on your phone, but that these thieves will just bill you directly. AT&T claims it MUST bill you for charges that are submitted to them and NO VERIFICATION of your ordering, requesting, whatever is required!
AT&T directed me to call each 'company' which I did and was told they would refund 1 month, (we inadvertently paid 4 months before we realized these extra charges were on the bill). Further arguing got them to offer 2 month, then 3 month refund.
I advised these people that unless a full refund of all monies robbed from me was not forthcoming, I would file a class action lawsuit. I recommend anyone similarly situated do the same. If you live in Alabama, contact me; if you live elsewhere, organize your fellow victims so we can end this outrage!
Other avenues I urge you to pursue: file a complaint with the FCC, Public Utility Commission, FTC, state attorney general, and your local BBB. Innocent people, like you and me, are being victimized and by the way, these people can adversely affect your credit which can have severe and long term effects.
Bank of America is my mortgage company and they were repeatedly late on my property taxes. The fees are up to almost $250. They delayed payment, they sent a bad check to the accessor and I am left with the bill. I faxed and mailed them repeatedly and they ingore me! This has been going on for well over a year! Also I increased my payments to pay off my home in 20years and they wrote me saying they updated my records but failed to update the maturity date to 20year and left it at 30years. When I wanted to decrease my payments back to the 30years they claimed that my 20year weekly payment was my 30year even though it is $400 over my original escrow agreement. I am frustrated and don't know what to do! Please help!
This company hired me and they sent me out of town for 17 days. When I got back the did not pay me and during my trip I saw them rip off all the customers.
Well I have taken my little dog which is a Cha Cha into other Wal-marts before so we was over looking at clothes and this worker came up to me and said you need to leave or put your dog in the car. So I was like OK we went and paid for are things but the whole way to pay we had like 3 workers watching over us like we where stealing. Then after we bought are stuff they followed us to the door and the manger made a big deal about having my dog. WOW talk about ###. come on did she have to have such a fit about the whole damn thing I don't think so... Let me tell you I used to love Wal-Mart but I do everything in my power to avoid that place.. They suck...
In short, I've decided this morning to move forward with the acceptance of the agreement despite feeling extremely disappointed. It's the only way I can move forward in this situation. It is only for a year and at that time I will get my money back, but trust me I have learned a lot about the experience and going forward I will know that no one has your best 'interest' at mind except literally the bank.
I checked my checking account and there was a check with a weird number that came through for $99.00 causing my account to go into the negative and I assessed a overdraft fee of $35. I never gave this company permission to debit my account.
My husband and I bought a new dishwasher and washer/ dryer combo from sears- both products have been in the house less than two months we had to have the dishwasher door repaired (spring broke off) and now the washing machine is not working- both times I booked an 8am to 12pm window in order to take only 1/2 a day from work- to get them repaired both times I ended up missing an entire day of work because the repair guy did not show up on time for the one call and did not show up at all for the second call. Calling Sears they said they cannot guarantee the window time slots they booked me for and offered to reschedule for another work day which puts me back in the same position of missing work. Sears rep called to tell me they had to reschedule and I told the guy it was unacceptable and they had to get someone over that day and I could not miss another day of work- the Sears Rep hung up the phone on me. I called the service center back and they tried to sell me on a home estimate in order to make up for being hung up on - I guess that I lost a day of work meant nothing to Sears- they tried to reschedule for the following Tuesday- which I could not afford to lose another dayof work for Sear's convinience- in the end my husbland and I took a Saturday appointment 2 weeks out and had to spend our busy weekend night paying to do laundry at a laundry matt. I will never shop as Sears- their products break down and their "Customer Service" is the worst.
I was given a credit to remain a customer with Directv, I accepted and didn't cancel. A month later I found out that my credit was removed. I was told by a supervisor that the rep that gave me the credit used her own dicretion but other reps have the right to remove the credit. I am now being charged $207 when I thought I had a zero balance.
I have been with Directv since Nov. '07. I paid my bill religiously every month since the start of my service.My service was bundled with my aunt's phone from verizon at first but I called Verizon and told them to separate it and I will deal directly with Directv.In Aug. '08 I received a bill that was twice the regular amount.I called Directv and I was told that Verizon has sent them a charge to add to my account but they don't know what it is for and I have to call Verizon and ask them.I called Verizon and I was told that the charges were the difference from when I was paying a cheaper price in the bundle and now over 6 months later they are going back to recover it.I called Directv again and explained what i was told and told the representative that I want to cancel because I don't want to deal with a company that adds extra charges to your account without knowing what they are charging you for.Especially when I have been paying on time every month since I started my service.She agreed that the charges didnt seem fair and offered to give me a $150 credit to not cancel my account.I accepted and didn't cancel.I called Directv again about 2 months later to cancel and spoke to another representative who told me that she was going to remove my credit if I cancel.I told her that the credit was put on there to keep me as a customer otherwise I would have cancelled already.I asked for a supervisor and she told me someone would call me no one called and i cancelled a month later.
Ordered two magazines. Started receiving one. Made a phone call and I was assured it was on its way. 5 months later... phone call to cancel order... stopped getting magazine but no refund came. Third, Fourth, and Fifth calls to cancel... started getting one magazine again. Sixth call to cancel... stopped getting magazine but still no refund. These people are complete ###s. F%$* MAGAZINE CITY.
We have been customers of Direct TV for 9 years. All though they state there records show we have only been with them for 3 months. Today October 22nd, when I went to get Milk for my 2 kids my card was declined. I went home and noticed that direct TV had taken all of my funds out of my bank; as if they knew how much I had. I have been making monthly payments of $40.00 but not the original $69 a month. I never heard anything from them, they just decided that my payment wasn't enough and disconnected our TV and charged me $200.00 for our DVR box all together totaling $394.23. How can a company just take your funds without your knowledge. What is the extra $194.23 for. Last I knew my current bill was only $120.00. I asked them if they have a contract that I signed or a voice recording stating that they could steal my money and I was told they had nothing. I talked to 10 people today all stating different stories. A few said there was nothing that could be done, One person said I would get all my money back plus all the fee's my bank will charge. Another was extremely rude and was reading from a screen, so on and so on. I told them about complaintsboard and all the other innocent people that are being affected and they don't seem to care. How can a company do this to people that are paying on the these accounts? I can understand if it was someone that skipped town and Direct TV hadn't heard from them in months or years, but everyone getting frauded by Direct TV seems to be paying customers. This can't be legal, even if Direct TV stated that they have no binding contracts with anyone that was signed or voice recorded. I am up for a lawsuit! WE should at least get a notice when our funds will be stolen. But then again, crimes to innocent people aren't announced.
The Grant University is using deceptive techniques. The Grant University sent me a worthless CD for $1.98 (for shipping) to cover the cost for this 'free CD'. A few days later after ordering the 'free CD' I was charged an additional $69.95 which was not authorized. The charge was made to my bank account on 10/17/2008.
I have emailed The Grant University for a refund of my $69.95. I did not knowing join a membership club.
I have been a customer of Hughes Net for 5 years, only because I live in a rural area and have no other choice for internet service (I don't consider dial-up a choice). The service has not been that good since I started but knew I had to live with it until a wireless tower was built within range of my home. The service with Hughes Net continued to decline through the years, and many frustrating hours were spent on the phone with people that can't even pretend to care. I upgraded my modem to the 7000 in February, and paid the premium price of $79.99 per month for 'the best' plan. It didn't seem to make a difference in my service, which continued slow. I have been thrown off through their FAP about three times a week, which is extremely frustrating. I tried all known wireless companies, but was forced to live with slow service with Hughes Net. (There is a wireless internet service tower within 2 miles of my home but it is blocked by my neighbor's pole barn). This did not stop my search for a wireless company, and last week I finally found one that is 9 miles away and they provide and excellent signal. I never thought the internet could be so fast, this is really amazing. NOTHING comes close with Hughes Net, THEY ARE NOT HIGH SPEED. When I called to cancel my service, they informed me that I will be paying a $300.00 'early termination' fee. After being a customer for five years? What do they want, a lifetime commitment? The girl was actually laughing at me on the phone and said I can't do anything about it, because they reset their contracts when someone upgrades the equipment. I talked to three people on the phone, and each one told me that this is something that Hughes Net has as a policy and I can't get around it. Now I know why I wasn't told of this fine print when I upgraded. I would think that if there is an upgrade in the equipment, that it shows customer loyalty and people should not be penalized for this. I am frustrated and have to live with losing $300.00 to these scam artists. I feel the $300.00 is worth the price to have service that is light-years ahead of Hughes Net, AND I'm paying $40.00 per month for this! I will never go back to Hughes Net, if I have to use a satellite in the future it will be through another company, or I go to dial-up. I recommend anyone considering this company for service to run as fast as you can the other way. You will not get good internet service or customer service, and you will pay a high price. Lesson learned.
We signed a 2 year contract with verizon fios updated our internet all to receive a $200.00 gift card from American Express. The salesman told us to wait a couple of the months for the offer to take effect. We did not receive the card after 2 months, I called verizon and asked about it and was told that they have no record of us at American express and the offer had expired there was nothing they could do about it now. I have talked to them a few times with no results. I feel that if you have a signed contract that you have to honor they in turn should honor it also.
On the evening of Monday, August 25, 2008, I went to Staples store in Temecula, California to return a pair of power supplies I ordered online. The pair of power supplies have not been opened, and I return them in the same condition that they arrived- brand new and unopened. I waited in line for about 15 mins, and was able to reach the customer service main desk. A staples employee is present; her name is Nikki Saint or something like that (maybe Nikki Sain, or Nicci S.) . She gives me really odd looks, her eyes shivered with negativity toward me. On top of that, she did not even greet me at all just keep her eyes on me. I politely say hi, hand her my print out from the email order send to me by Staples.com when I placed the order. She takes a look at it, said nothing. One of her hand holds on to the print out while the other hand she places at her hip. She looks at the receipt, and then she looks at me. Her eyes still remain hostile. She then remove her hand from her oversized waist to reach the computer, entered the order number while with the other hand she reaches the phone to call staples customer service. She asks the rep. on the phone to check to see if I had used a coupon on the order. That is rather funny because had she actually read the receipt she will realize that I had not used the coupon. Then she starts faking about check the order number for some weird reason. I was sort of relief because her hostile eyes are not off of me. She read the number, my name and address with zip code. Then she hung up the phone and tell me that they cannot find my order at all. Which is funny because I placed the order at staples online and staples actually gave me the order number. So basically she called to find my order, even though she has the number from my receipt, and she claimed that she cannot find it. At this point I am rather confused because I am not sure what is going on. I actually thought that she did not talk to any Staples representative at all and just faking the whole thing so she can refuse my return. This thought is confirmed by the fact that I was able to return the same order at the same Staples at a different time when she is not in, with a different manager, of course. But this is where things turn worst. She claimed that the order number is not valid, and demand to see my packing slip. I later check when I got home, the packing slip is practically identical to the print out. The only thing is that the packing slip does not have my payment in formation. She used her middle finger to point at the number, and looks at me and bluntly said “This order number does not work!" I said, “Are you sure?" She then reply angrily, “ YESSS." I then politely asked for a manger, but she points her finger at herself and said mockingly “I AM THE ONLY MANAGER." She goes to great length to repeat this again, point her oversized little finger toward her chubby chest, demanding some form of authority. At this point I was unsure whether to be frighten by her gesture of demanding authoritative power, or start laughing at her childish act.
But she contradicts herself because it is not true that she is in actuality a “Manager." I looked at her name tag and it clearly prints “Nikki Saint, Assistant Manager." I was rather shocked at such claim. I turn my head and look around trying to find another manager. Down the aisle, there is another man with the same gray uniform as her helping a line full of customers. I feel that I was not going to get any other form of assistance, so I just decide to leave the store quietly. I returned later and returned the same order flawlessly with a much nicer manager. There was no phone call, no coupon check (I never used the coupon in the first place.) And no harassment whatsoever.
I was sent an email for a free sample of Acai Berry Cleanse where only $6.95 was due for shipping which I paid for via my credit card. The email stated Oprah Winfrey endorsed this product on one of her shows.The product arrived and several weeks later, an unauthorized charge for $88.97 was charged to credit card. The phone number for IWIN Herbal, [protected] is not a number answered by a human representative. The number rings and rings and finally the automated system refers you to their website to submit an after hours cancellation (www.support@coronex700.com) but the website does not exist. The other options press 2 for Customer Service, 3 for product information or 4 for all other inquires. No matter what you press you still get the same message over and over again. I contacted my credit card company and disputed the charges but have only received a very small part of my money back, $6.95 to be exact. This company tricks you into entering into an agreement which never shows up on the screen of which you are looking at. There is a check in the box saying that you agree to the terms which you have never placed the check in that box. I just want everyone to know that after taking this product for 3 days I was sick and missed 3 days of work. Advised by my physician to stop taking and not to resume intake of this product.
I purchased a GE front loader washer and dryer on 8/4/06. Since purchaing these units I have had repair men out numerous times, at least 10 times for issues with the washer. There is a strong oder of MOLD resinating from the washing machine. My clothes smell horrible and it's an embarrasement when people come over and inquire "What is that smell?"
I have had the repair men to my home neumerous times and was continously told the same thing... Clean your washer. Well, I clean my washer MORE than my clothes yet, the washer and my clothes continue to smell like MOLD! The last time few times they came out, I called them not only for the smell but for a different problem.
I had contacted them about my washer not spining all the water from the clothes, they sent a repair man out again. They replaced the tub because it was warped and the electrical components for the settings, Wayne, the GE repair man stated, in regards to the smell, "This is the problem right here, " I stood over the replair mans shoulder and what I saw was a HUGE amount of black mold in the covering back of the drum, he stated I had legitmate gripe, however, he would not document it and refused to clean the black mold and Mike, (his partner) left the MOLD in the plastic basket that holds the tub and proceded to reassemble the unit and left.
I feel that GE has fraudently sold me and other consumers a so called "energy efficient" that is not anywhere near energy efficent when I have to run the unit with nothing in it on a regular basis according to the representatives at GE Corporation to clean the tub and 'other' components.
At my expense, they, GE Corporation, wants me to purchase bleach and chemicals, use my electricity and water to run through the unit to "mask" the smell, (THEIR WORDS), how is this efficient and saving energy?
However, the kicker? It doesn't do a blasted thing to correct the issue, only drain my pocket book! I am tired of GE ignoring this issue and continues to tell me there is nothing they can do, they don't cover smell and mold, how convienent considering that many others have the same issues, this issue in my opinion is a manufacture defect and therefore should be the responsibilty of the manufacturer.
I've been sold a bill of goods due to their engineering flaw design, and I am told I have to swallow it. I don't feel that I, or others should have to! I hope you can assist me and others who are experiencing this problem.
Recently, I started to do a little investgating to see if I'm the only one with this issue, I can assure you, I have found MANY people with this same issue. GE is the last place I'd shop again for appliances, their customer service and repair departments lack the ability to resolve issues to a customers satisfaction. They're in the wrong and we, the consumers, are left "hung out to dry!"
After waiting in the drive through line up for almost 20 minutes, I was refused service from a laughing employee- was told that if I wanted to redeem the free coupons I had to wait and go inside. I waited an additional 10minutes behind 2 cars and went in. They also laughed about me being upset. The manager laughed as well- when I got even more angry that the item wasn't available (ice cream machine wasn't working) she shrugged me off giggling. I told her if they weren't going to accept coupons thru the drive thru that they should hang a sign saying so on the first menu board so no one has to wait in line wasting their gasoline. She looked at me and said- VERY snotty and loud - "Well, SORRY!" and walked away from me without another word. She didn't offer me another option and was very far from sincere or helpful. Because my daughter was sick in the car waiting for her cone, this 30-45 mins was a complete waste of my time and was very upsetting. Never mind the money I wasted on the gas!
We have tried countless times to fix the issues we are having. We have talked with literally all levels of technical support. Technical Support is not even upset when you tell them that you are sending it back.
Service is intermittent at best. Many times, Magic Jack has on many occasions dropped phone calls or puts the call on hold and then drops the call. The software will not allow you take the call off hold.
If a third person calls, the call is automatically turned into a three way call.
Many times, you dial the number after getting a dial tone and it will dial and then there is silence.
Many, many times the calls clarity is so bad that the other person gets frustrated trying to talk to you.
We have moved the software & device to a separate computer and still the problems persist. We have made sure that the base of the phone is not anywhere near any other electrical devices.
We have restarted the software, unplugged the device, reformatted the device, downloaded updates, switched USB ports, restarted the computer, changed options in security settings and various other Windows XP options per technical support. I would like to add that my husband is an MCSE and has various other certifications as well and has tried repeatedly to work with the technical support.
It is my understanding that Magic Jack doesn't have a telephone and not even in the detailed license agreement is there a phone number or address. Through research, we found that MajicJack is owned by YMAX.corp.
There is also a complaint on [redacted].com. The number of the report is 320581.
The Better Business Bureau in Florida has had over 280 complaints in 6 months and has launched an investigation. www.wptv.com/content/investigate/story.aspx?content_id=57BCE2BD-41BF-47E9-9FBD-CEE879D2D64C
It is also my understanding that the product is actually in beta 3 testing and has not actually been around for the two years the "cute" advertising says.Magic Jack has only been available since 1/2017.
Magic Jack.com has an Editor's Choice endorsement from PC Magazine, but I had a hard time finding it, because the company is called YMAX Corp. PC Magazines site also has a statement "DO Not Buy Magic Jack".(www.ymaxcorp.com)
Daniel Borislow (owner) says he invested 17 million in the product and has 20 years in the telecommunications industry. I suppose he is working getting his 17 million back by hook or crook! S.J. Labs developed the software for MagicJack and by affiliation should be included in an investigation. (www.sjlabs.com)
See magic-jack.pissedconsumer.com also has some choice comments about the quality of Magic Jack.
Legal actions are currently being explored regarding this complaint. I have yet to hear any response from a responsible party at
Wachovia. I have been thoroughly ignored.
Dealing with Wachovia has got to be one of the most aggravating and insulting experiences I have ever had. Rest assured, after
my latest experience with Wachovia, which forced me to close my account, I was mad as hell. Thoroughly livid. I still seek what
was taken from me, I will not quietly concede my hard earned money to policies which are at best deceitful, and at worst malicious,
in both design and impact. I am currently demanding a full refund of my overdraft fees, totaling more than $500 over my year being
a Wachovia "customer". If this does not occur, legal action will certainly be taken, and likely for a far greater amount. I have
retained all written documentation of these incidences.
Wachovia has shown unconscionable conduct in applying their overdraft policy. They have also misled me concerning the
balance displayed at ATM machines upon my daily inquiry. As I have done without problems at many other banks, my preferred
method is to monitor my balance by checking it daily. In my previous experience, the balance displayed is always accurate. The
ATM at Wachovia shows the customer an inaccurate balance, and this is chiefly to the bank's advantage. Wachovia does not
show pending charges as subtracted from the balance total- yet, the bank is quite aware of pending charges (holds), and still
deducts overdraft fees based on them. (Wachovia then applies any overdraft fees, which of course immediately show up in the
balance!)
Wachovia demands that the customer precisely use a small blue ledger book, conveniently blaming any missteps on improper use
of this medium, or even for using anything other than that blue ledger book. They also blame the customer for not knowing this,
among the other fine inner workings of the bank. Firstly, it is not Wachovia's business to dictate the precise type of paper medium
for keeping track of spending. I have employed different methods without error in the past, so long as I am provided honest,
accurate information. What I typically do works just fine. The balance displayed on any ATM must directly reflect what is
available to spend, otherwise it is deceitful. Interestingly, I was not informed that I had to "ignore what my account balance says"
(that is a direct quote from a bank employee!) until after a costly series of overdrafts. I am inclined to believe this is a deliberate
obfuscation, designed to confuse and take advantage of customers not in the know. This opinion is further emphasized by my
difficulty in obtaining any overdraft protection throughout my duration as a Wachovia customer.
When I first opened an account with Wachovia in early 2017, I discussed my financial position with an executive. I was very
specific about my recent unforeseen health complications and mortgage markups which had put me in a position where I must walk
a very fine line financially. There is nothing I could do about this, it was simply my situation at the time. I insisted that overdrafts
were likely, as I struggle to afford medicines on a monthly basis, and that this important stipulation had to be addressed. I was led
to think by this employee, whose conduct and responses were very optimistic and reassuring, that obtaining overdraft protection
would not be an issue for me as my credit was in good standing. I had overdraft protection for many years at a competing bank,
and I even presented this competing bank's credit card, which I still possess. I was comfortably told that getting one at Wachovia
would not be an issue. This did not turn out to be true, as my application from that day was rejected. Shortly thereafter, I absorbed
a set of 2 or 3 overdrafts, and subsequently attempted again to get protection. This second time I received a rejection letter stating
I was not eligible for a credit card because I had a record of "overdrafts on my account." That was the printed reason. Seriously.
In November of 2017, I experienced a series of 7 overdrafts (due partially to a late direct deposit from work), all placed on very small
amounts of spending (53 cents, 3 dollars, 7 dollars). I was outraged at the abhorrent figures being freely siphoned from my hard-
earned money. It was an insult because I had led to think I could easily get overdraft protection, but had then been denied for a
redundant reason once my money was direct-depositing into their bank. Explanation of this yielded no cooperation from anyone at
the bank, none of whom could provide a clear answer about the reason for my initial denial. Obviously, I tried for awhile to get my
money back, always being told robotically and indifferently "if it is not a bank error, there is nothing we can do, " an immensely
convenient policy which punishes the customer no matter the circumstances. Later during a visit to discuss these issues the bank
had been causing, while patiently disputing their practices, I was personally belittled by a passing Wachovia employee who had
apparently been eavesdropping. While discussing the unrealistic absurd, obtuse nature of the whole situation, I was curtly
informed that banks have "high standards" concerning who they grant credit cards to- thereby insinuating that someone such as
me, who works retail and experiences overdrafts, must obviously possess a low credit score (this is not the case). Despite their
compulsory tone of understanding, when it was convenient, other employees routinely failed to make any distinction between
being financially irresponsible and being strapped for cash; i.e. poor. There is a huge difference- as any reasonable person knows.
Despite my patient inquiries, explanations, and objections I was constantly relegated -labeled- into some social category of being
"financially inept."
"Wachovia is perfect, if we made no error, obviously the customer is wrong to involve us" "This customer doesn't have $100, 000
account, so we don't have to do anything significant for him." "He's not rich, we're not interested. Poor customers are plentiful, and
expendable." That, in a nutshell, represents the attitude displayed through Wachovia's policies. It is basically a crime not to have
loads of money. You will be brutally fined for every cent that you don't have, whether you can help it or not. This innate
consideration drove my frustrations into a deeper and more personal anger. Hence this letter.
I went back a different day. I again patiently discussed with a different bank employee my precarious financial circumstances. I was
informed by this particular employee that I could "opt out" of the overdraft problem altogether (which is, in retrospect, like adding
insult to injury). In an empathetic tone, they assured me it was "something they did not normally do." Despite my reservations
about even remaining a customer at Wachovia, I reluctantly decided it was too much hassle at that moment to switch banks. I
"withdrew" from the overdraft program, once again being calmly reassured that finally this should resolve any future issues with
the bank. Again they told me I ought to re-apply for a credit card.
A few months after, I unexpectedly endured 4 more overdrafts. I received the notices in the mail, days after the first event.
Additional overdrafts may have been prevented by the simple courtesy of an automated phone call, or e-mail... but that sort of thing doesn't buy the marble
flooring for their banks. This time, I was forced to borrow money to pay the mortgage, and even to prevent further arrogation of
funds from my account. Initially, there was anger and disbelief at the realization that Wachovia had again liberally helped itself to
my bank account. Reluctantly, I went back into the local branch and patiently endured another vaguely evasive response (trotted
out in a matter-of-fact tone) of "processing credit versus debit, " and the same responsibility-shrugging platitudes: if I had
"balanced everything correctly, " and that if it is: "not a bank error..." Honestly, at that point, I could have cared less about these
redundant technicalities, all of which clearly act in a moral vacuum, as they are essentially oriented toward ransacking the customer
in a predatory fashion under the guise of policy. A line was crossed, and my anger has become absolute. That day it was very
difficult for me not to create a scene. Can you imagine.
Let it be known that I absolutely will not be fined as though I am a criminal, merely for being in a certain social circumstance. Being
in a financial corner is not akin to crime; I cannot help being occasionally broke through events not of my doing. I will not allow my
money to be arrogated by those I entrust merely to hold it. I will not be repeatedly led to believe my money is secure when it clearly
is not. I am a hard working person, who per hour makes only a few dollars more than minimum wage. Yet beneath insurance costs,
utility bills, mortgage, and the constantly rising cost of everything, the ends do not always meet. I now work more than full time,
out of sheer necessity, 6-7 days a week. I had to work even more to make up for these exorbitant fees. Furthermore, I do not spend
money on luxuries. I do not drink or smoke, I do not spend any money needlessly. Every overdraft fee represents 3 squandered
hours of my life. Wachovia has taken more than $500, an enormous sum of money representing nearly a week and a half of my life.
If a Wachovia employee is reading this: imagine losing nearly two paychecks yourself- just imagine the impact that would have on
you. This money became Wachovia's through a confusing architecture, and a unilateral application of harsh policies. Regardless
of any hardships. Regardless of verbal promises and intentions. I was coaxed, by Wachovia, directly into a trap where they could
somehow legally "mug" me. I have the feeling these overdraft fees are precisely how they make much of their money.
This is a bad debt, which absolutely consider as still owed. Such high penalties are more than the mere loss of money, these fees
exemplify an egregious trespass upon otherwise commonsense respect for human beings. They also demonstrate a huge social
prejudice. Therefore, they are very much a gesture of ill will toward those faced with hardship and meager existences. Wachovia
cannot legally place a sign in its windows that "no poor people, " yet it can construct and deploy devices and policies designed to
exploit and deter the financially challenged. These sorts of overdraft policies have no place in today's ever more difficult financial
climate. No bank has the right to take a $35 penalty for a $1, $2, or $3 transaction, let alone several times over. It is unconscionable.
But somehow... I think you already know that.
After seeing a website named Foto Connection had the lowest price on a Nikon D40 DSLR camera, I placed my order online. Almost immediately I then received a strange email stating that I needed to call to verify my order. (Red flag #1)I also received a call at home that evening from "Ralph" with Foto Connection to verify my order. I reluctantly went along. He tried to sell me a 2 or 6 hour battery upgrade, which I declined. (Red flag #2) He then told me that the Nikon D40 I was ordering only came with the manufacturer's 20 minute demo battery. When I still refused he acted really disgusted and exclaimed that he simply couldn't BELIEVE I wouln't jump at the oppotunity to buy the additional battery. (Red Flag #3)
A few days later I noticed my VISA charge still hadn't gone through (Red flag #4), so I called the 800 number to make sure my order had shipped for the 3-Day service as promised. The order still hadn't shipped. I was told they were still "verifying my credit card." The man on the phone asked if I'd like to cancel my order, and said if I wanted to cancel it, now would be the time. He made it sound like once my order (finally) did ship, it absolutely couldn't be returned. (Final Red Flag) I stupidly said no, I'd like to keep the order.
After this conversation, I googled "Foto connection" and realized how many hundreds of complaints are out there about this company! Everything from pushy sales people to fraud. I started panicking, and called the bank that issued my Visa. They suggested I keep a record of all conversations I had with the company, and any emails I received. After this, I called Foto Connection again to cancel my order. Surprisingly, the man on the phone was very compliant, and sent the email cancellation confirmation as promised. It made me feel a lot better to have it in writing. I am still keeping it as a record just in case this company tries to run my card.
Don't trust this shady company! Pay the few extra bucks and go through a reputable company.
I searched for a good price on a canon HF10 digital camera on a search engine and diduprice.com came up with a listing for a seller offering the camera for $449 which is about half the price that reputable retailers are selling the same product. This website listed several retailers with higher prices and also listed shopdigitaldirect.com with a price of $449 and a rating of 'trusted seller' so taking them at their word and relyin on good faith, i placed an order on a thursday. I called back the following monday to find out if my order was being processed since I got some lame autoresponder with very general information about my order.
I spoke with someone who was clearly uneducated in either general schooling and clearly ignorant of the product I had ordered. He proceeded to tell me that Canon only had a 90 day warranty on the camcorder. I immediately became suspicious of this guy. He then went on to try to sell me all types of packages including one so called 'presidential' package, another red flag went up, I know enough about deceptive advertising practices and this started to smell fishy.
Their Presidential package included some HD software without which I would not be able to use the camera. He repeatedly told me that if I did not buy this software I would not be able to use the camera. I found it hard to believe that a company like Canon would sell a product that you could not use unless you bought additional junk so I inquired on more specifics about the 'HD software'. I was asked in a very rude and condescending way 'what part of HD software don't you understand'?. at that point I figured I was being had by some 2nd grade dropout who probably could not spell his own name.
I proceeded to request that my original order be canceled and was told that they could not do that as the order was already being processed in the warehouse, unless I paid a 15% restocking fee. He tried to sell me on other things and I then requested that they honor the order I placed only for the camera, no extended warranty or 'presidential' package or filters or any of that nonsense, at this time the fellow said no I am not going to do that either, your order is canceled, then hung up on me.
After spending about 2 more hours calling and trying to speak with customer service, I was transferred to non working extensions, the manager was never available, etc. etc. etc... I finally gave up without ever getting even a comfort level that my order was indeed canceled and I would not be charged any cancellation fee. The entire experience left me with a very bad taste in my mouth for online retailers. I have had some great experiences shopping online so I know that thankfully this is not how most retailers act.
I would recommend anyone having the misfortune of coming across this ripoff artists to stay clear away from them, they are not a reputable company and they DO NOT HONOR their advertised product prices.
