Wish I had been smart enough to do a check on Scambids before i signed up (as i usually do) but I also got sucked into their web.
Saw an ad on Facebook for great prices on electronics.
Like others i thought i was registering to bid (I use ebay all the time and even love it more now!)
I did not realize until too late that I was charge a registration fee.
On their site they show a sample of the registration process, well what is a flag there was not flagged on my registering. They need a 2nd screen for confirmation just like all other trusted sites. I alway check for the trusted site lock symbol before inputing credit details, Swipeauctions is backed by Truste's privacy seal.
As this was recommended by facebook and having the truste's seal I thought i was safe, noooo
I took my chances and thought for my stupidity maybe just maybe I might luck out and win an auction and get my money back in savings. no such luck
But what really got me...
As I was bidding at the same time i was bidding a popup screen comes up which I thought was my bidding process and clicked... oops OMG I just purchased $500 worth of bids (once again no confirmation of your purchase) Ok my stupidity for falling for this once, but twice no way.
Immediately I got onto live chat support and told them this was a tragic error and so wrong how it is processed. They need a confirmation screen on all charges being processed.
They're respond sorry u made purchase we cannot refund...
I told my chat girl i would be reporting this to Visa, the bbb and anywhere else I could. Their tone then changed and they did agree to credit me back my purchase.
The bids are gone from my account but it would be 7 days before my card is credited back
(later told 2 days) mmmmm suspicious now
I will keep an hourly watch on my charges to visa to ensure no more charges and that the refund is processed
After this I wanted my account cancelled and to be deleted off their records. You cannot easily cancel your subscription you have to contact them (another warning flag)
here is my chat on that.
Nichole: Please wait while I check your order details in our system.
Nichole: Ok, How may I assist you?
you: i am not happy with the glitch I had this morning on a purchase That was resolved and I am to be getting a credit back to my credit card but because of that happening I am reluctant to continue using this site and wish my account to be cancelled and credit card info especially removed from your records.
you: i can not find on your site how to delete my account information
Nichole: In order to further assist you, could I please have you CLICK HERE, to confirm that this is the checkout page you completed your registration from. This link will take you to the Original SignUp Page where you will see that the price of SwipeAuction Access is mentioned in several locations. Upon reviewing, are you able to locate where the $159.00 price is disclosed above the shipping form?
Nichole: I can certainly help you with your cancellation request, but first I would like to point out the benefits you received with the Swipe Auctions Lifetime Access.
1. 300 Bids deposited to your account immediately upon registration.
2. Our Guarantee to replenish those bids if you do not win an Auction.
3. Our 100% Money Back Guarantee
4. Promotional offer of 5, 000 bids for only $249.00 (5 cents a bid).
All of this, for only a one time charge of $159.00 which was processed upon your registration.
Would you like to re-consider the cancellation and check out the great items up for auction instead?
you: I have seen all that and am not disputing the original $159 sign up fee although I would like too When I signed up the warning WAS NOT THERE on screen I thought I was filing in that information should I win an auction it was ready to process I do not agree with your practice that a confirmation screen before your purchase is not shown as most all other sites.
Nichole: Certainly, I can help you with that. Typically we do not allow for refunds under these circumstances, as the price is very clearly disclosed. It is the consumer’s responsibility to read the page carefully before entering credit card information. Regardless, I will gladly provide you with this simple refund form for you to complete as it is required by our bank in order for us to issue your refund. Please CLICK HERE to get a refund.
Is there anything further I can assist you with today?
you: i tried the auction from my original sign up and no i do not wish to continue I am already getting the refund on the bid pack i will fill out this form and send it in to get the refund on the sign up thank you for that. please confirm the refund on the bid pack has been processed as earlier discussed with pamela
Nichole: Yes, we have already processed the refund of $495.00 at our end. Normally all refunds take place within 1-2 days. But in few cases it may take some more time.
you: thank you will my account be deleted and my credit card not kept on file with no further charges
Nichole: The time you will receive the refund of the membership charge, your information will be automatically deleted from our database.
you: thank you
Nichole: Is there anything further I can assist you with today?
you: no thank you. you have assisted me with my concerns
nichole: Thank you very much for chatting with us today. We hope the rest of your day is an excellent one.
nichole: Please feel free to come back for any further assistance.
So now I am proceeding with filing the form to get my membership fee returned to me, but why now do they need my signiture when they didn't on my 1st complaint
Iwill give them the thumbs up on my chat support and issues being resolved (just hope I do actually see the credit processed)
Only time will tell if they do come thru and are true to their satisfaction guarntee. I will keep you posted on my refund and if any further complaints against this company
I have proceeded on complaints with
#1 Visa (they called me on a fraud alert within the hour of $500 being charged while I was investigating further into getting a refund out of swipeautions)
#2. Truste's website for standing behind such a business
#3. Facebook - for allowing such a company to ads thru their site
I am processing complaints with
#1 BBB
#2 CRA
#3 Service Alta
and considering Internet Crime Complaint with the FBI also
I have found that Visa can fine a company for practice such as this, and after 2% of total sales being chargebacked they can pull the merchants account.
Anyone who falls victim to Swipe or any of their affiliates MUST report to Visa we need this website shutdown
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