In the summer of 2002, I registered with HostMyWeb.ca to host my website. When I signed up, they promised me a free domain name. I went through the registration process and when it came to the end, I was charged for the domain and when I contacted them, they said they would refund me.
Weeks went by and I contacted them to see how my refund was coming along and they said that they would have to go through their records to see if I really paid and it could take a while. I kept after them for months and they would not return my calls or emails.
When it was time to renew for another year, I was contacted by Les at Hostmyweb to renew. I told him that I was not impressed with their lack of service and decided to sign up with someone else.
In the mean time, the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) sent my domain name renewal to my admin email at Hostmyweb. For some reason my admin email was [email protected] which is not my email and therefore did not get my renewal notification. When I contacted Hostmyweb to change my admin email to my own, it took them a few days and by that time, my domain was suspended.
In order to re-activate my domain, I had to renew my domain name with Hostmyweb because it was suspended while I was with them (according to CIRA, they said this was the best course of action).
I contacted Les at Hostmyweb and he told me that I could not pay for this online. I had to send him a cheque or money order. I paid online the first time I paid for my domain name... I don't know why this time was different.
I decided to send a money order by express mail so that they would process it asap.
They confirmed the following day that they received it and it would be processed asap. Two days go by and still nothing. I call them and they tell me to stop calling... it would not be processed any faster if I keep calling. CIRA tells me it only takes 15 minutes to activate it so I was tired of waiting on these guys.
The following day, still nothing and after seven days of suspension... my domain would be gone and up for anyone else who wants it. I was approaching the seventh day. After many phone calls and emails, Les finally answers an email and tells me that they didn't receive my cheque and therefore would not be processed.
I answered back and asked him to check with his staff who assured me that they had received it.
Furthermore, I had Canada Post send me a copy of that money order with the stamp of the bank where they had cashed it.
I forwarded a copy of that receipt showing that they had cashed it and to stop trying to rip me off and return my money asap.
I've left at least 50 phone messages and emails and still to this day... almost a year later... they have not returned any phone calls or emails.
I contacted CIRA and explained my situation and they told me to try renewing with someone else. I renewed with EasyDNS in Toronto and 15 minutes later, my domain name was renewed and my website was up. I wish I went with them in the first place.
In total Hostmyweb owes me approx. $80.00. It's not much but I can't believe they would just take my money and hide.
I know I'll never see that refund again but if I can stop someone from signing up with Hostmyweb, that'll be my refund.
Thank You.
Rob
Orleans, Ontario
Canada
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