WLI Reservations.com accessed my checking account without my authorization or knowledge
Complaint
Barbara Medina
Country: United States
On 11-3-2007, WLI Reservations.com withdrew $10.00 out of my checking account without my knowledge. I do not know this company and I do not understand how they got my checking information and how they succeeded in making the transaction?
I have notified my banking institution and I have done research on the company, online, to find out who these people are. I notified them by email. They emailed me back and asked for my other email accounts and my mailing address so that they could find my membership of which I knew nothing about and I gave the information to them and told them not to ever try that again.
I have not gotten my money back. It is only $10.00 dollars but it is my $10.00 dollars. I wonder how many unsuspecting people have had their money stolen from their checking accounts on this day, 11-23-07?
I want to know how I can file a suit against this company and prevent them from doing this to anyone else?
Their mailing address is:
Reservation Rewards
P.O. Box 855
Shelton, CT 06484
Customer Service
Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-11 p.m. (EST)
Sat 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. (EST)
Sun 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. (EST)
1-800-732-7031
I have notified my banking institution and I have done research on the company, online, to find out who these people are. I notified them by email. They emailed me back and asked for my other email accounts and my mailing address so that they could find my membership of which I knew nothing about and I gave the information to them and told them not to ever try that again.
I have not gotten my money back. It is only $10.00 dollars but it is my $10.00 dollars. I wonder how many unsuspecting people have had their money stolen from their checking accounts on this day, 11-23-07?
I want to know how I can file a suit against this company and prevent them from doing this to anyone else?
Their mailing address is:
Reservation Rewards
P.O. Box 855
Shelton, CT 06484
Customer Service
Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-11 p.m. (EST)
Sat 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. (EST)
Sun 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. (EST)
1-800-732-7031
Comments
This appears to have been going on for at least 4 years. There is a report of a class action suit filed in Massachusetts. It would be worth looking for state AG action, as some AG's have reached settlements with similar companies.
Promptly dispute the fraudulent charges thru your bank, followed up by a written dispute. Make sure your bank receives this written dispute within 60 days of the statement date showing the unauthorized charges, and send it certified return receipt requested, so you have proof of their date of receipt. Ask for, and send in, a fraud affidavit.
Also file complaints with FTC, your state AG, and the CT AG.
http://www.complaintsboard.com/?search=reservation+rewards
http://www.consumerwebwatch.org/dynamic/ecomm ... -webloyalty.cfm
http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/256/RipOff0256013.htm
http://adam.rosi-kessel.org/weblog/the_man/we ... _is_a_scam.html
http://www.ahoyhoy.org/wordpress/index.php?p=577
http://www.cs.toronto.edu/~jenn/reservationRewards.html
http://www.pissedconsumer.com/consumer-reviews/credit-cards/wli-reservation-rewards-scam-20071017105789.html
http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?p=3224168#post3224168
http://ecram3.blogspot.com/2007/09/scam-alert.html
http://ask.metafilter.com/76535/Scammed-by-WLI-Reservation-Rewards
http://doc-weblogs.com/2003/12/19
http://www.reservationrewardssucks.com/
Name: Webloyalty.com, Inc.
Phone: (203) 846-3300
Fax: (203) 846-4100
Address: 101 Merritt Seven, 7th Floor (Corporate Offices)
Norwalk, CT 06851
Website: www.shopperdiscountsandrewards.com
http://home.reservationrewards.com/
Original Business Start Date: January 1999
Principal: Mr. Vincent D'Agostino, President
Customer Contact: Ms. Marie Defelice, Manager, CS
Incorporated: January 1999
TOB Classification: Buying Clubs & Group Purchasing Service, Internet Shopping Services, Travel Clubs
BBB Accreditation: This organization is not a BBB Accredited business.
Additional DBA Names
Shopper Discounts and Rewards
Reservations Rewards
travelvaluesplus.com
reservationrewards.com
buyerassurance.com
Nature Of Business
This company markets its services to the public at the point of purchase or registration on other companies' Web sites. The firm offers its services on a free trial basis for a specified period of time. Consumers who accept free trial memberships, by providing their electronic signature and clicking a "yes" button to accept the offer terms and conditions, must also agree to have their memberships continue on an ongoing basis until such time that the consumers choose to notify the company to cancel their memberships.
The company has informed the BBB that it sends at least three email notices to each consumer during the free trial period, including a billing reminder message before it bills the first service fee. If the consumer does not cancel his/her membership by the end of the free trial period, the company automatically renews the membership and charges a monthly or an annual fee to the consumer's credit card. The company continues to renew the consumer's membership unless canceled by the consumer.
Customer Experience
Based on BBB files, this company has an unsatisfactory record BBB Definition:
unsatisfactory record - A company has an "unsatisfactory business performance record" with the BBB is based on the experiences reflected in BBB files. This file condition results when the company has failed to resolve or respond to complaints, repeatedly failed to respond or resolve issues in a timely manner, failed to resolve the underlying issues for a pattern BBB Definition:
pattern - More than 2 complaints involving the same allegations usually within 12 months that are significant in relation to the company's size and volume of business.
of complaints, failed to honor their commitment to mediate or arbitrate disputes or honor mediated agreements or arbitrated decisions, failed to substantiate, modify or discontinue false advertising claims BBB Definition:
advertising claims - The BBB reviews business advertising, (newspaper, magazine, TV, radio, internet) routinely to ensure that it is truthful and ethical. Claims in advertising are measured against basic advertising principles of the BBB Code of Advertising BBB Definition:
BBB Code of Advertising - http://www.bbb.org/BBB Accreditation/codeofad.asp
which was developed to guide advertisers, advertising agencies and advertising media.
that are challenged by the BBB, or failed to discontinue unauthorized use of the BBB name and logo, a Federally protected trademark.
with the BBB due to a pattern BBB Definition:
pattern - More than 2 complaints involving the same allegations usually within 12 months that are significant in relation to the company's size and volume of business.
of complaints concerning deceptive marketing/selling practices and unauthorized charges to consumers' credit cards. Although the company has resolved BBB Definition:
resolved - The company resolved BBB Definition:
resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues.
all complaints brought to its attention by the BBB by canceling consumers' program memberships and by providing refunds, the firm has failed to correct the underlying reasons for the complaints.
The company had been in discussion with the BBB and attempted to address marketing concerns. The company modified its marketing materials in an attempt to make clearer to consumers that they are signing up for a fee based program, not just receiving a cash back bonus.
To date, the BBB continues to receive the same patterns of complaint activity.
According to the company, a consumer may cancel the membership either online, by email, or by phoning a toll free number. The company maintains that it has a "no-resell" policy.
If you have a complaint against this company, we suggest that you directly contact the company's customer service department by calling: Travel Values Plus at 1-800-890-4892; Buyer Assurance at 1-800-890-4895; PC Protection Plus at 1-888-688-4525; Reservation Rewards at 1-800-732-7031; Walletshield at 1-800-250-6037; or Member Specials at 1-800-361-1786. The company's customer service department is open: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time; Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time; and, Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. If you have e-mail capabilities, the company may be emailed at customerservice@webloyalty.com.
In the event your complaint is not satisfied directly with the company, we suggest that you file a complaint with the BBB by completing a complaint form which may be accessed through our Web site at www.ctbbb.org, or by sending a letter to the BBB Complaint Department, 821 North Main Street Extension, Wallingford, Connecticut, 06492.
When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.
The BBB processed a total of 1043 complaints about this company in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period.Of the total of 1043 complaints closed in 36 months, 565 were closed in the last year.
Advertising Issues BBB Definition:
Advertising Issues -
Complaints in this category generally include one or more of the following issues:
print or electronic media advertised claims or practices misrepresent the service or product offer
Resolved BBB Definition:
Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
75 - Company resolved BBB Definition:
resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to the BBB.
266 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to the BBB.
1 - Company offered a partial (less than 100%) settlement which the consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to the BBB.
1 - Company resolved BBB Definition:
resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues, but not within the BBB's timeframe.
Administratively Closed BBB Definition:
Administratively Closed - The BBB determined that the complaint could not be satisfactorily settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution
4 - BBB determined the company made a reasonable offer to resolve the issues, but the consumer did not accept the offer.
1 - BBB determined the company provided proper verification that indicated there was no obligation to resolve the issues of the complaint.
1 - BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
Contract Issues BBB Definition:
Contract Issues -
Complaints in this category generally include one or more of the following issues:
failure to honor contract or agreement
work performed without authorization
invalid contract
Resolved BBB Definition:
Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
3 - Company resolved BBB Definition:
resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to the BBB.
5 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to the BBB.
Administratively Closed BBB Definition:
Administratively Closed - The BBB determined that the complaint could not be satisfactorily settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution
1 - BBB determined the company provided proper verification that indicated there was no obligation to resolve the issues of the complaint.
1 - BBB determined the company made a reasonable offer to resolve the issues, but the consumer did not accept the offer.
Billing or Collection Issues BBB Definition:
Billing or Collection Issues -
Complaints in this category generally include one or more of the following issues:
billing errors
unauthorized charges
questionable collection practices
Resolved BBB Definition:
Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
206 - Company resolved BBB Definition:
resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to the BBB.
16 - Company offered a partial (less than 100%) settlement which the consumer accepted.
222 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to the BBB.
Administratively Closed BBB Definition:
Administratively Closed - The BBB determined that the complaint could not be satisfactorily settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution
13 - BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
6 - BBB determined the company provided proper verification that indicated there was no obligation to resolve the issues of the complaint.
7 - BBB determined the company made a reasonable offer to resolve the issues, but the consumer did not accept the offer.
1 - The parties could not provide sufficient information to support their positions nor were they agreeable to make reasonable efforts toward resolving the issues of the dispute.
Sales Practice Issues BBB Definition:
Sales Practice Issues -
Complaints in this category generally include one or more of the following issues:
alleged sales presentations made in person or by telephone that contain misrepresentations of the product or service
high pressure sales practices
failure to disclose key conditions of the offer
verbal representations not consistent with written contractual terms or agreements
Resolved BBB Definition:
Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
80 - Company resolved BBB Definition:
resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to the BBB.
3 - Company offered a partial (less than 100%) settlement which the consumer accepted.
88 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to the BBB.
Administratively Closed BBB Definition:
Administratively Closed - The BBB determined that the complaint could not be satisfactorily settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution
6 - BBB determined the company made a reasonable offer to resolve the issues, but the consumer did not accept the offer.
3 - BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
3 - BBB determined the company provided proper verification that indicated there was no obligation to resolve the issues of the complaint.
Delivery Issues BBB Definition:
Delivery Issues -
Complaints in this category generally include one or more of the following issues:
delayed delivery of ordered merchandise
Resolved BBB Definition:
Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
2 - Company resolved BBB Definition:
resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to the BBB.
1 - Company offered a partial (less than 100%) settlement which the consumer accepted.
Service Issues BBB Definition:
Service Issues -
Complaints in this category generally include one or more of the following issues:
claims of alleged delay in completing service
failure to provide promised service
inferior quality of provided service
damaged merchandise as a result of delivery service
Resolved BBB Definition:
Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
3 - Company resolved BBB Definition:
resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to the BBB.
2 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to the BBB.
Customer Service Issues BBB Definition:
Service Issues -
Complaints in this category generally include one or more of the following issues:
claims of alleged delay in completing service
failure to provide promised service
inferior quality of provided service
damaged merchandise as a result of delivery service
BBB Definition:
Customer Service Issues -
Complaints in this category generally include one or more of the following issues:
unsatisfactory customer service
including personnel's failure to provide assistance in a timely manner
failure to address or respond to customer dissatisfaction
unavailability for customer support
inappropriate behavior or attitude exhibited by company staff
Resolved BBB Definition:
Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
1 - Company resolved BBB Definition:
resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to the BBB.
Administratively Closed BBB Definition:
Administratively Closed - The BBB determined that the complaint could not be satisfactorily settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution
1 - BBB determined the company made a reasonable offer to resolve the issues, but the consumer did not accept the offer.
Product Issues BBB Definition:
Product Issues -
Complaints in this category generally include one or more of the following issues:
product does not meet the expectations of the complainant
defective merchandise
Resolved BBB Definition:
Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
1 - Company resolved BBB Definition:
resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to the BBB.
1 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to the BBB.
Refund or Exchange Issues BBB Definition:
Refund or Exchange Issues -
Complaints in this category generally include one or more of the following issues:
failure to honor company policy or verbal commitment to provide refunds, exchanges, or credit for products or services.
Resolved BBB Definition:
Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
9 - Company resolved BBB Definition:
resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to the BBB.
1 - Company offered a partial (less than 100%) settlement which the consumer accepted.
6 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to the BBB.
Administratively Closed BBB Definition:
Administratively Closed - The BBB determined that the complaint could not be satisfactorily settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution
1 - BBB determined the company provided proper verification that indicated there was no obligation to resolve the issues of the complaint.
Issue Not Defined
Resolved BBB Definition:
Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
1 - Company resolved BBB Definition:
resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to the BBB.
Company Management
Additional company management personnel include:
Mr. Richard Fernandes - CEO & Founding Partner
Ms. Gina Carey - VP - Finance
Mr. Eli Chalfin - Senior VP - Account Management
Additional DBA's, Addresses, and Telephone Numbers
Additional DBA Names
walletshield.com
memberspecials.com
shopperdiscountsandrewards.com
official nascar members club, onmc
Buyer Assurance
Distinctive Privileges
Additional Addresses
6 Corporate Drive
(Customer Service Offices)
Shelton, 06848
Fax: (203) 926-8520
PO Box 855
Shelton, CT 06484-0907
Additional Phone Numbers
Tel: (800) 732-7031
Tel: (800) 889-8776
Did you even see the "offer terms and conditions", to even be able to "agree" with them?
"The company has informed the BBB that it sends at least three email notices to each consumer during the free trial period, including a billing reminder message before it bills the first service fee. If the consumer does not cancel his/her membership by the end of the free trial period, the company automatically renews the membership and charges a monthly or an annual fee to the consumer's credit card. The company continues to renew the consumer's membership unless canceled by the consumer."
Did you receive 3 email notices during your "free trial" period? did you receive a "billing reminder" message before their first service fee?
The above alleged "policies" sound like they may have been part of a settlement, possibly involving either a class action, or a suit from an AG. It would be worth looking into who that settlement was with, and what auditing provisions and penalties it includes.
http://billyoceanseleven.wordpress.com/2007/0 ... vation-rewards/
http://www.classcounsel.com/news/webloyalty.html
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/10/prweb462747.htm
"Consumer Class Action Filed Against Webloyalty.com Alleges Deceptive Online Sale of "Reservations Rewards" Memberships
Wexler Toriseva Wallace LLP files nationwide class action for consumers who were charged by Webloyalty.com for "Reservations Rewards" through deceptive pop-up advertising.
(PRWEB) October 27, 2006 -- On October 4, 2006, the law firms Wexler Toriseva Wallace LLP, Green Welling LLP and McCallum, Hoaglund, Cook & Irby LLP filed a class action complaint on behalf of consumers nationwide, alleging that Webloyalty.com, with its online retail partner, 123inkjets.com, has unlawfully obtained consumers' financial information and used this information to charge for a membership known as "Reservations Rewards" through deceptive "pop-up" advertising. Reservation Rewards is a membership program that, according to the lawsuit, provides discounts on dining and tourist attractions, along with "travel protection" such as roadside assistance, hotel overbooking and baggage insurance. The class action complaint, filed in Los Angeles federal court (Case No. 06-06329), alleges that the way Webloyalty.com and its partners enroll consumers in Reservation Rewards violates California consumer protection laws and federal privacy and electronic funds transfer laws.
The lawsuit alleges that prior to completion of an online retail transaction with a Webloyalty retail partner, a pop-up advertisement appears on the consumer's computer screen, offering a $10.00 next purchase discount or coupon reward. The complaint states that If a consumer clicks on it, however, their confidential financial information is secretly transmitted from the online retailer to Webloyalty. The complaint further alleges that Webloyalty, in turn, uses this confidential information to enroll consumers in a Reservation Rewards membership for which it collects monthly charges after the expiration of an alleged 30-day "free trial" basis. The enrollment is on a "negative option" basis, according to the complaint, meaning consumers are charged each month until they discover it and manage to cancel. The complaint alleges that as a result of Webloyalty's conduct, thousands of consumers unknowingly enroll in, and pay for, Reservations Rewards memberships. In addition, the lawsuit alleges, their confidential financial information is compromised by Webloyalty.com and its retail partners.
According to Mark J. Tamblyn, a partner in Wexler Toriseva Wallace's Sacramento office, "thousands of consumers have fallen prey to this invasion of privacy and deceptive conduct. Complaints about Webloyalty's practices are rampant. Our firm is dedicated to both putting a stop to this conduct and returning the membership fees to consumers."
..."
i hope this benifeits us.
Dear Customer,
At the end of a purchase from GameStop.com/EBgames.com we have a link to the Reservation Rewards program. They offer customers the opportunity to receive an electronic gift voucher for GameStop.com/EBgames.com if the customer would like to sign up for a trial membership with Reservation Rewards.
In order to sign up for this program customers would have to type their email address twice and click on the button labeled YES, I have read and agree to the Offer and Billing Details and authorize GameStop.com/EBgames.com to securely transfer my name, address and credit or debit card information to Reservation Rewards for billing and benefit processing. I understand that the first 30 days of benefits are free and that I will be billed $12 a month thereafter and may cancel my membership at any time.
Thank you for your feedback concerning the program. We respect your opinion and will take your remarks into consideration as we evaluate the benefits and value this program has for our customers.
Best Regards,
John
Customer Service Supervisor
Well, … Needless to say that they lost me as a customer because I NEVER did what they say and surely NEVER gave anyone the right to steal money out of my account. So if this is Gamestop’s point taken then I will take my business elsewhere from now on. My only hope is that other people will too, so they don’t get scammed out of their hard earned money for nothing.
and now to get the money back I have file an affidavit which seems to be very cleverly crafted. It doesnt have a space to explain your situation, rather you have to pick one of the 5 options that they provide to you, all which imply you have voluntarily signed up for this! And you dont have a choice but pick one of those options which are all very inaccurate and actually weaken your claim for refund!
After finding out that they tool $9.00/month since 2004 we were just awarded 100% of our money $756.00 dollars. it does pay to call and go through the refund process and send a letter in detail of how you did not sign uo for the scam, we also cc"d our state attorney general....it worked.