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Unethical and fraudulent charges on credit card?

Posted by globalgirl • 4/22/08 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: credit card fraud, false charges, network solutions, scam, stealing, unethical business practices

I used to have one of my websites hosted through Network Solutions, a HORRIBLE company that charged my credit card 6 months in advance for my web hosting renewal fee. After many emails and phone calls, cancelled my account and immediately transferred my account to an ethical and responsible provider.

Two years later (5 days ago!), Network Solutions charged my credit card $119.50 without my permission.

I'm furious. I called Network-Solutions-is-Unethical and they gave me a royal run around. Called my VISA account and reported the fraudulent charge and they are investigating.

I hope it gets resolved this week.

Moral: NEVER use Network Solutions. They steal money and have horrible customer service.

What is your story of fraudulent and unethical charges on your credit card and how was it resolved?

User Comments

4/22/08

ekim941

I um, use network solutions
But I did have to cancel a credit card that AOL consistently billed long after I canceled my subscription. Then, when I got a new card, they billed that one (I don't even think that is legal) the credit card company said that they merely "Transfered" the recursive billing to my new account

[reply]
1. 4/22/08
  
  globalgirl
  
  oh, um. :-)
  
  I use Godaddy.com and 1and1.com
  
  AOL: awful business practices. Did you ever see that clip on that guy trying to cancel his account? I had the same experience!
2. 4/22/08
  
  ekim941
  
  Everyone I know had a similar experience. It's kinda like a roach motel, you can get in, you just can't get out
3. 4/22/08
  
  MadameX
  
  Me too, but I found out that they're just as sloppy in the other direction. I closed the bank account they were billing almost three years ago and my account is still active...
4. 4/23/08
  
  ekim941
  
  Hmmm, I should try to log in (now what was my password)
  Crappy part is, I left AOL for compuserve and guess what?
  AOL bought compuserve. So, i had to go through it again.
5. 4/23/08
  
  MadameX
  
  They probably did that just to get your account back.
  
  I'm sure I heard evil laughter in the background.
6. 4/23/08
  
  ekim941
  
  Oh please, Don't feed my GeoCentrism. I mean I know the world revolves around me, I don't need proof
4/23/08

MadameX

GlobalGirl, might I suggest a report to the consumer protection division of the attorney general's office in the state in which the company is incorporated? Many allow you to fill out a complaint form online.

The Federal Trade Commission also takes complaints online, and while they won't help you get your issue resolved they do maintain a database to identify patterns of fraud.

[reply]
1. 4/27/08
  
  Norski
  
  Reasonable advice.
4/26/08

globalgirl

Thanks, MadameX, for your advice.

So here is what I did: I twittered about it (very, very effective) and then used tweetscan to find others who may have twittered about Network Solutions. I found a guy who works for them and he said to email him and he'd take care of it. Before this was even necessary, the executive offices contacted me (after also receiving a lengthy email from me stating they were going to be investigated by my CC and that I had emails and my contract with godaddy.com to prove I transferred my web hosting package 2 years prior!). They are refunding me the $119.50 and deleting me from their database, as I requested. They followed up their phone call with an email.

Lesson learned - rather reinforced: Use Twitter :-).

[reply]
4/26/08

acousticguitarist

Interesting

A similar thing happened to me some years ago. To cut it short... I went to my bank and I said "Does that mean I have no rights' and they said 'that's right, you have no say in the matter, it's up to company to cancel your debits and you or we can't do a thing about it' Good luck

[reply]
1. 4/26/08
  
  globalgirl
  
  Now we have social networks on our side! :-) We can get justice faster by using twitter, blogging, facebook, BC :-), linkedin, yahoo groups, google groups and other.
  
  It wasn't really the $120 that irked me as much as the utter violation and deceitful business practices that enraged me. Well, enrage is a bit much. Frustrated is a better word, even though I wanted to punch out the billing department.
4/27/08

Norski

I used Network Solutions for a while, for domain registration - not hosting.

No problems, aside from being charged more than I might have been elsewhere.

Also, no problems when I moved my registration servicing over to GoDaddy. Again: no hosting, just registration.

I had a few conversations with Network Solutions staff, when their system realized that I was leaving - but that was just the usual attempts to change a departing customer's mind.

Sorry: I'm no fan of Network Solutions, but I've no supporting evidence.

About Twitter: I'm sure it worked well, but my own policy has been to start with a 'front office' phone number, and talk my way in from there. It's generally worked. And, when it didn't I used more impersonal ways to research contact people.

Individual style, I suppose.

[reply]
1. 4/27/08
  
  globalgirl
  
  I probably did not give enough background information. I definitely believe that phone and written communication should be first on the action steps when there has been a corporate injustice. Then use whatever ethical means to get your story out.
  
  Background: Over 2 years ago, I was using Network Solutions to host one of my websites until an unauthorized charge showed up on my credit card for a renewal payment 6 months before it was due. I was outraged. They never refunded me the money so I terminated my hosting package via a series of phone calls and emails.
  
  On or about April 14th, OVER 2 years later, they charged me again for a web hosting package and I was not even a customer. Although I called customer service twice, I did not get any response until I twittered about it and called my cc company to investigate. In addition, I also let NS know I'd also blog about it.
  
  I received what I should have: a refund.
2. 4/27/08
  
  Norski
  
  Details count.
  
  Thanks for sharing that.
  
  And, congrats. on the refund.
  
  I've never hosted with Network Solutions, and the registration service connection I had with them was adequate, if pricey.
  
  On the other hand, I'm glad that I have no connection with the company now.