Complaint Review: Universal Business Strategies - Don Lapre

In December 2002, I contacted Universal Business Strategies after seeing their Infocommercial on TV. I left some information with the representative that answered the phone.

Then on December 2, 2002 I received a call from a UBS representative (Paula) at 1-800-366-5277 x4431. Paula explained several programs to me and told me that it was a 100% Risk Free package on MakingMoney.com. She made it sound so great.

I was told: For selecting MakingMoney.com, that I would get a 90 day free Web-site and after 90-days the maintained Website would be $19.95 per month. Also, I would get a 50% commission on all sales that came from that web-site, payable every 30-days. Also, If I had not gotten my $200.00 back in 1 year they would refund my $200.00. I was told that I could choose a pre-made ad that would be in my package and to use that ad to advertise in a newspaper and on the web-site and to have Flyers, pens etc. made up using the web-site printed on them.

I decided to do the Business advertising on the Internet through the MakingMoney.Com package. I was told I needed to purchase a package for $39.95. Which I did. I was told to sign the Tax ID form and return it also to read and sign the Terms 0f Agreement. I looked over the information and was contacted again from UBS on December 4, 2002. I used a $50.00 coupon that was included in the first package and wrote a check for $200.00. I received the Making Money Package within 7-10 days.

When I received that package I looked over and read it real good. I had some questions so I called the Rep. (Paula) back and was given some more information. I should of known that something wasn't right. At that time I began to feel funny about what I had gotten myself into. So, knowing that I was told that it was a 100% Risk Free package, I called Quality Management and requested information regarding a refund.

I was told by another Rep. (Pepper Jones) to write: Please Cancel on the Terms of Agreement and Customer Profile forms and return those form with the materials I had received. On December 20, 2002, I sent all of the materials and forms with Cancel written on them back to UBS. UBS received all of that on December 31, 2002. I called on Jan. 10, 2003 to check on the status of my refund and was told it should be on it's way. I had not heard or seen anything from them so I called again on Jan. 21, 2003 and was told they had submitted the request and my money would be credited back into my checking account.

Since Jan. 2003 I have called UBS Quality Management about 10-12 times. Each time I have been given the run around. I have been told several times that it had been resubmitted on Feb. 13 and again on March 3 of 2003. The last time I called and spoke with someone was on April 3, 2003. I spoke with Rick in Quality Management and was told it should be completed by the end of April. Here it is May and I still have not heard from UBS.

I have tried and tried calling again, but only to continue getting a busy signal. I have spoke with so many reps and have been given so much bull, I am sick of it. I want and need results to clear this mistake of mine. All through this mess, I have taken notes, good notes of dates and names and what I was told. This has been a great learning experience for me. I'll never make this mistake again. Please, if you can help me I would greatly appreciate it. I have tried and tried to get this cleared up, but have not been successful.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thank You,

K. Lynn
Hickory, North Carolina
U.S.A.