Complaint Review: Adaptive Marketing - Stamford Connecticut

On March 16, 2005 I called "Passport to Fun" in regards to two charges that were on my credit card in the amount of $14.95 each. I requested that I be refunded for these charges since I didn't know I was even being charged and had not authorized the charges. The customer service representative (female - did not give name or ID#) said that my account would be cancelled and that a refund would be issued and it would appear on my credit statement in 2-3 business days. I thanked her and hung up.

--FOLLOW-UP--

On March 21, 2005 I noticed one credit from "Passport to Fun" for the amount of $14.95. Since I was supposed to receive two credits for $14.95 and only got one, I called the company back. After several automated menus I was greeted by an employee named "Ash" (ID# 2230). He was very unhelpful and I quickly had him transfer me to a supervisor. The supervisor I spoke to was "Tony" (ID# 16390). Tony went on to explain how I would not be receiving a refund because of the "terms and conditions set forth prior to signing up". I never agreed to anything or signed up for anything that would charge me.

--CONCLUSION--

This is a corrupt company that does unauthorized billing and then will not refund the amounts they have billed. This company is believed to be linked with "Privacy Matters" and "Shopping Essentials" - whom also do unauthorized billing.

---WARNING---

*ADAPTIVE MARKETING* owns/operates under following corrupt businesses/aliases: Passport to Fun, Privacy Matters, Shopping Essentials, Deal Pass, 24 Assist - Canada, 24 Protect, Adaptive Marketing, American Express Health Services, AP9 BusinessMax, ap9-galleriausa, BusinessMax, Card Protect Plus - Canada, Cardmember Protection Service, Connections, Countrywide Dental, Countrywide Dental & Health, Dealpass.com, Essentials, First Fun, First USA CWD, GM Travel, HealthMax Advantage, Healthtrends, Home & Garden Rewards, HomeWorks, HomeWorks Plus, Leisure Advantage, Lifestyles Rewards - Canada, Market Plaza, Memberworks Incorporated, MKS Simple Escapes 2, MWI, MWI Connections, Phantisa Marketing, PremierHealth, Quick Assist - Canada, Sears CDHP, Sears Health Connections, Sears Healthtrends, Sears PremierHealth, Simple Escapes 2, SmartSource, Travel Arrangements, Travel Club AMEX, Travel Source - Canada, ValueMax, ValueMax - Canada, WWF X-perience, and others that are unknown at this time. Operating headquarters is located in Stamform, CT and Omaha, NE**

www.adaptivemarketing.com

-BEWARE.-

Winona

South Bend, Indiana
U.S.A.

EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back!

HERE IS WHAT RIP-OFF REPORT SUGGESTS YOU DO:

Go to your bank within 60 days of the charge, or as soon as you know about the charge, don't delay, and tell them that there has been fraudulent activity within your account. Explain that you wish to file a dispute, and demand that they assist you in accordance with Federal Regulation E.

According to the majority of victims interviewed by Rip-off Report, those who immediately called their banks to dispute the charges did not get very far. Many victims got the following responses from their banks: we could not do anything for you or you waited too long; it has been more than 60 days.

If the bank is says that you have waited too long, explain to them how you called their 800 number as soon as the charges were found, and were told by the bank that nothing could be done. Remind the bank that they failed to assist you properly at the 800 #, and instead, provided you with an inadequate explanation of your right to dispute. Tell the bank that it's their fault time has expired, and since they gave you the wrong info to begin with, they will just have to deal with it, take the loss and reverse the charges.

Tell them the truth; this was unauthorized and your account was NOT to be charged! Keep emphasizing how you never authorized anything! Direct them to the hundreds of victims reports that were filed on Rip-off Report.com. And if you're at the bank, walk them over to their computer and make them go to this site! If you are on the phone with them, tell them you will wait while they access this site! Either way, be persistent!

DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER!

Let them know nicely, that you were advised to Report them (the Bank) and this situation to the Banking Commission in your state. Since each state has a different name for the agency/controller over banks, find that name before you call or get to the bank so you can throw it in their face. The more knowledgeable you appear to be, the further you will get.

And just continue to demand the Federal Regulation E form! The bank CAN, MUST and WILL reverse the charge! But, you must be persistent; ask to speak to the supervisor or the area manager for all the branches in the state.

Let the bank personnel know you are meeting with the media later in the day, that you would much rather they do the right thing (as most other banks have) by looking at the complaints and immediately reversing the charge(s) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the Media if necessary so you are telling the truth.

If you have to, be loud (but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics should still work. The bank can easily fax or mail to you the Federal Regulation E dispute form.

CHARGES TO YOUR CREDIT CARD

If the charge was to your credit card (not debit card, check card, or checking account), contact the credit card company as soon as possible to request a dispute form. Consumers usually have a little longer to dispute fraudulent credit card charges (up to 6 months), but it is better to act right away. In this type of situation, credit card disputes are usually successful since fraudulent companies often won't contest the disputed charge. In rare cases, credit card companies will review disputes, but refuse to reverse the charges. If this occurs, complain to a manager and let them know you will be filing a report here.

Remember Don't let them get away with it! Make sure they make the Rip-off Report .. The more Reports filed on a Company or individual, the more likely it is that the authorities, media and attorneys will want to take action.

And good luck Let us know how you do!

ED Magedson Founder, Rip-off Report.com & Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com

[email protected]

badbusinessbureau.com

www.ripoffreport.com

Don't let them get away with it.

Make sure they make the Rip-off Report!

We are not lawyers.

We are not a collection agency.

We are Consumer Advocates.

...the victims' advocate

WE are Civil and Human Rights Activists

We are a Worldwide Consumer Reporting News Agency

...by consumers, for consumers

CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.