John
Charlottesville,#2Consumer Suggestion
Thu, March 18, 2004
I too was charged the 79.95 fee for this Free credit report with no warning. As I read these other responses I checked the fine print on the www.consumerinfo.com website. They say that "The annual $79.95 fee will be charged to your credit card account and your membership will continue automatically, billable annually at the prevailing rate. Even after the free trial, our service comes with a six-month, money-back guarantee*: if for any reason you are dissatisfied, you can cancel and receive a pro-rated refund of the current year's membership fee." I called the number above, 1888-888-8553, and quoted this passage. The guy said, after trying to persuade me to keep the membership, that he would refund me the money in 7-10 days. I asked how much, he said "79.95." Hopefully I'll be seeing that refund soon. So to get your refund, just call that number, and keep saying that you're dissastified with the service. They must give you a refund then. Hope this helps.
Dawn
Phoenix,#3Consumer Suggestion
Thu, March 11, 2004
Just a few words......We are very glad you were successful in getting your money back! Congratulations!!!! Second, to Jacqueline in Hammond, Indiana that had this to say: STAY AWAY FROM "CREDIT",who posted above from Phoenix,Arizon. They have nothing but over priced services. You can accomplish ALL that is necessary COST FREE. Well, apparently you have never been to our web page because we DON'T charge. Our information, web page and even our ASSISTANCE are completely free of charge at this time. So before you begin pointing your finger, you might want to get the FACTS. Unfortunately, all the information we provide is too much to post in rebuttals here, but we do try to offer as much advise as we can here at Ripoffreport.com. There are simply too many people out there that are plagued by mistakes that are being made by creditors and reporting agencies. Education is a consumers best defense. Before you give your credit card numbers out, you should take a hard look at the company first.
Vickie
Beech Grove,#4Author of original report
Tue, March 09, 2004
Good news..... I have been refunded my entire $79.95 from CIC Credit Monitor. The customer service person sent a gracious letter to acknowledge the problem. Within 3 days, I had my complete refund. Thanks to all who commented. Even the joker who was a former employee. With "his" comments on how the company works, I sent all correspondence, etc. to the Indiana Attorney General's office to be put on file for future reference. Thank you for your support.
Jacqueline
Hammond,#5Consumer Suggestion
Tue, March 09, 2004
Just to be on the safe side, I plan on forwarding this to The Federal Trade Commission's website at: www.ftc.gov It is important that they see to the Rebuttal from the CIC Monitor former employee. This will contribute to building a case file on alleged violations. We (as Americans) may not get instant results, but eventually we will shut you down, if you're needlessly harassing people seeking assistance. Not sure if I mentioned it, but please fill out an online Complaint Form at ftc.gov They do not give individual replies, but it does make a difference, and will help other victims as well. Thank you.
Jacqueline
Hammond,#6Consumer Suggestion
Mon, March 08, 2004
Call that number for your refund, if you have yet to be refunded, while you probably have already disputed this with your credit card company. GIVE this number 1-888-888-8553 to your credit card company to help other victims, and to help your dispute, if they have not gotten results. You've already taken the right steps on your own. CHANGE your credit card account number, if you haven't already. STAY AWAY FROM "CREDIT",who posted above from Phoenix,Arizon. They have nothing but over priced services. You can accomplish ALL that is necessary COST FREE. I pray that you have contacted www.in.gov by now, and alerted them to the situation. PLEASE share a copy of this Report with the proper authorites in Indiana. MAKE SURE they read the info from the joker that posted as a CIC Monitor employee, word for word. ;) Get back to us on how this one turns out.
Jacqueline
Hammond,#7Consumer Suggestion
Mon, March 08, 2004
Call that number for your refund, if you have yet to be refunded, while you probably have already disputed this with your credit card company. GIVE this number 1-888-888-8553 to your credit card company to help other victims, and to help your dispute, if they have not gotten results. You've already taken the right steps on your own. CHANGE your credit card account number, if you haven't already. STAY AWAY FROM "CREDIT",who posted above from Phoenix,Arizon. They have nothing but over priced services. You can accomplish ALL that is necessary COST FREE. I pray that you have contacted www.in.gov by now, and alerted them to the situation. PLEASE share a copy of this Report with the proper authorites in Indiana. MAKE SURE they read the info from the joker that posted as a CIC Monitor employee, word for word. ;) Get back to us on how this one turns out.
Credit
Phoenix,#8Consumer Suggestion
Fri, March 05, 2004
First of all, I would like to say how distasteful Vickie's rebuttal was; it's no wonder why you no longer work for CIC. I hope that they fired you for your lack of customer service skills and your poor attitude. Moving on, the customers of this company DO have ways out of the situation they are finding themselves in. The first thing you ALL need to do is get your bank/credit card company involved! Make them aware that these charges are not authorized and, if possible, change your account number! That way this company no longer has free, unauthorized access to your account. Once you dispute the charges with your credit card company, they begin an investigation. CIC will have to produce something you signed, agreeing to pay the fees. If everything is done via the internet, what can they produce? The only possible thing would be an "electronic signature" which can dispute the validity of as well. You can also file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau. Small claims court is also an option. Consumers looking to get copies of their credit reports need to simply contact the three major reporting agencies and pay the nominal fee. Thinking back, wouldn't that have saved a LOT of poeple a LOT of money? Credit "monitoring" services are nothing but predators that will probably end up messing up more on your credit than they actually "fix". It is easier and cheaper to do the dirty work yourself!
CIC
All Over,#9UPDATE Employee
Wed, February 25, 2004
Vickie from Indiana, Unfortunately for you and others, there is really nothing that will be done in response to your actions. This is a business, and people must make a living. What easier way to do that than to take advantage of your gullibility and your inability to read the fine print when giving your credit card number on some website. Time and time again, CIC is mentioned when some poor sucker is taken for a ride. It is so easy for us to charge your bank account, but it is really hard for you to retrieve your money back, partly due to our hard work in making sure that you have to jump thru hoops to get it back. We have done studies on peoples lack of awareness, and most of the time we can count on people not checking their bank account statements. Oh, sure...a select few may catch that deduction every now and then. But for the majority who do not take the time, we gain some profit. You really must believe in your heart that Indiana, above all states, can put their foot down. Welcome to the club, sister. This business will remain alive and well, no matter how bad the feedback you post. We have bills to pay just like you, mouths to feed just like you...the beat goes on. Live and learn if you feel that we have treated you badly. Rest assured, that your credit card number will stay floating around, now that you have so willingly given it to a website. Next year, we will probably come across it, as we go over our next batch of credit card numbers to charge for the membership fee. I no longer work for CIC, and I don't feel bad about the work I did. It was a job. Everyone gets taken. Think about this the next time you make the all-mighty dollar: how many people am I screwing today to feed my kids? It's just one big merry-go-round, enjoy the ride!