Scam Alert

​Several weeks ago I was reviewing the daily Face Book news feeds and read one from one of the local theater groups we support.  While reading the post a pop up box asked if I would take a one minute survey.  I like to provide positive feedback when I can and a minute wasn’t a commitment.  I answered the bland, basic questions and when completed wondered why they had bothered with such a general survey.
At the end of the survey another box popped up offering me a “prize” for completing the survey.  Any other astute, masters prepared person would have had bells and whistles go off in the head yelling:  STOP.  Not me.  I looked over the list of “prizes” offered and saw a sample of garcinia and a diet cleanser.  I could always use a few pounds and there has been publicity recently about garcinia so I thought for the price of shipping it was worth a try.
The products arrived several weeks later in the mail but by the time they arrived my interest had wavered and I stuffed the package in my desk draw.  I have a problem with wavering interest.
The first week of May we received is credit card bill.  Thankfully my wife reviews it in detail before paying it (that’s why she’s in charge of the finances).  She asked me about two payments, one for $84 and one for $74.  At first, I didn’t recognize them at all.  Then I noticed they matched the payments for shipping.  I called the number listed and learned from one of those annoying messages that I was enrolled in a monthly program to supply me with the two products until I have my last day on earth.
SCAM!! I called the number provided on the credit card bill and explained I had received the sample product but had no intent or desire to participate in a monthly program.  I also challenged the customer service representative for any documentation that I had approved a monthly program.  At that point the conversation became intense.  I demanded a full refund plus cancelling the program.  The initial response what that they couldn’t do that but could offer me another month supply at half-price.
“You’re not listening to me.  I want a full refund or I am going to contact the credit card company and challenge your payment and contact the Wisconsin Better Business Bureau.”  I demanded.
“Sir, I can offer you a 50% refund and cancel the programs.”  The rep responded.
“You’re still not listening.”  I said.
“Sir, I will cancel your participation in the program now.  You will receive an e-mail notification.”
“Ok, now I want the full refund.”
“Sir, I can offer you a 75% refund right now.”
“I gave you two choices, I contact my credit card company and the Better Business Bureau or you give me the full refund now.”
“Sir, I need to ask my supervisor for permission.”
“Please do.”  - less than 10 seconds pass.
“Sir, I can offer you a 100% refund, you will receive e-mail notification.  Is there anything else I can do for you today?
“No.  Thank you.”
I feel naïve and not alert for being drawn into this scam.  I’m going to send the group I support an e-mail letting them know they have been hacked.  Caveat emptor is needed more today than at any other time.