Complaint Review: Trident Society - Plantation/Rancho Mirage, San Pedro, San Diego California

 In December I contacted the Trident Society to get information about their pre-need cremation plan. I had sold my cemetary plot and wanted to use the money for this purpose, so I wouldn't have to burden my family later.  

On Dec. 18, a sales person came to my home and talked me into signing up then, because she said prices were going up in Jan.  She also said I needed the Relocation and Protection plan, even though I told her I never go anywhere. 

I usually never sign anything without researching it and reading everything, but she was very persuasive and I thought I was dealing with a reputable company.  Also, I was told I couldn't write a check, that they would debit my account and I could put the balance on my credit card.  I told her I didn't feel comfortable with this, but was asssured it would be fine.

A couple of days later I checked my account on line and discovered they had debited my account for $2297.93 instead of $1700.  I was very upset as I had checks to cover and bills to pay and didn't have any extra money.  I called the office several times before the money was finally returned to my account.  I called the salesperson about cancelling the contract, but she was very apologetic and said that the company would make it up to me with a nice gift card. 

They also sent the Urn package two weeks before they sent the letter telling me to expect it, and I didn't appreciate that.  I also called the office and my sales person again about cancelling the Relocation plan, but was talked out of it.  I am not usually a gullible person, but I put my trust in the wrong people.

Finally on Feb. 10, I still had not received the gift card and had a really bad feeling about this company, so I sent the cancelletion forms with a letter explaining why I was cancelling even though it was past the 30 day limit.  I told them I wanted a full refund or I would take legal action. 

A couple of days later, Erick Martin, from the San Pedro office called and said he had received my letter and that I would receive a refund as soon as I returned the Urn package.  He said he had already started the paperwork.  He never said I would only receive a partial refund, so I sent the Urn back and even the gift card (which I had just received that day).

When I checked my account and saw that only $511 had been deposited I called them again and was told that since it was past the 30 days, I wouldn't receive a full refund.  I told him he should have told me that and he said he did, which is a lie.  Who is going to return merchandise and a gift card and cancel a contract, and just say "you can keep $1800 of my money, even though I have nothing now. 

This has been a nightmare for me. I am a Sr. living mostly on Social Security, and that money was all I had to take care of my final arrangements.  I have filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, and am waiting for a response before filing court papers for small claims.  I have spoken to a lawyer but can't afford to have him represent me.  I have been so upset that I'm not sleeping and am very depressed. 

I read some of the other claims that have been filed, so I guess I'm not alone.  I just can't believe that this company is still in business and getting away with treating people like this.