Classmates – A Scam Where You Lose $40

Five days ago, I had $39.99 more bucks in my account that I currently do. I did not authorize the charge, and it appears that there is nothing I can do about it.

Well, almost nothing.

I can, at least, let others know about this STUPID scam, and how Classmates.com plays on our emotions in order to rob us of our hard-earned money.

I think it was a year ago (? maybe longer) that I signed up for one of those $10 specials at Classmates.com – I had a couple of emails through them that I wanted to read, and the only way I could was to pay what was, to me, a nominal fee (should have known, right? right.).

So today I make a deposit and notice a discrepancy. Upon further research, I discover that $39.99 has been withdrawn by Classmates.com from my account.

Did I receive an email notice of this beforehand? NO.

Did I receive anything in the mail? NO.

I fired off an email through Member Support, strongly requesting that my money be refunded and that any membership that remains with them be totally and completely canceled. I received the following shlock:

We’re sorry to hear that you don’t wish to continue as a Classmates Gold member. While purchasing your Gold membership, you were provided with information just above the “Submit Payment” button explaining that all memberships are enrolled in our automatic renewal program. This automated billing process prevents any interruption in your Gold membership benefits. Through your acceptance of the Gold membership offer, you authorized us to continue to charge your credit card to extend your membership until you took the necessary steps to remove yourself from this program.

If you wish to discontinue your paid Gold membership after the current term, you may remove yourself from the automatic renewal program any time prior to your renewal date.

To which I replied:

I understand what I’m reading, and I think it is fundamentally wrong. I did not approve this transaction, and I will take further action.

This is a sneaky tactic, and I don’t appreciate the boiler plate. I want a person to deal with this problem directly. If you need to talk with me on the phone, my number is (I gave my number).

I WANT MY MONEY REFUNDED – $39.99 – THAT WAS TAKEN OUT OF MY ACCOUNT YESTERDAY – AUGUST 30, 2010.

Again, I will take further action.

I wanted to add, “By the way, I don’t know how you sleep at night with such sloppy ethics,” but I practiced restraint. Plus, I may need that line for later on in this fight.

So there it is, and I don’t know how it will end – I’ll keep you posted. If you want to read more about other people’s experience with Classmates, head over here to Consumer Affairs.

Then, cancel your Classmates membership.