*Update* Classmates Scam
You may have seen my first post regarding this issue – Classmates – A Scam Where You Lose $40 – and there have been a development or two. I sent a couple of emails back that simply communicated my desire to receive my $39.99 back. I received this response:
Thank you for your reply. I apologize if this matter has caused you any frustration.
We make efforts to ensure our members understand the terms of the membership they are purchasing by providing information about the automatic renewal program directly on the credit card payment page, right above the “Submit Payment” button. On the same page, it states that payment for a Gold membership is non-refundable.
The automatic renewal program and no refund policy are also explained in the Classmates Terms of Service, which you agreed to when you clicked the “Submit Payment” button to finish your membership payment.
Here was my response:
You make a justifiable though totally and completely unreasonable argument. If the membership had recurred each month or every six weeks – and people had a prayer of remembering and/or anticipating it – that’s one thing. But A YEAR in advance? REALLY? With absolutely no email or snail mail reminder?
Nice way to get people’s money before Facebook runs Classmates out of business.
However, marketing for business has become largely relationship-based. And I can tell you, by employing this tactic, Classmates is destroying relationships with their potential and current customers completely. If we’re sticking with the relationship model, it’s like if Classmates were a girlfriend of mine who slept with my boyfriend, then told me it was okay to do such a thing because legally my boyfriend and I aren’t married.
So, I repeat, and apparently will for some time, I WANT MY $39.99 REFUNDED INTO THE ACCOUNT IT WAS WITHDRAWN FROM AUGUST 30, 2010.
If you wish to speak to me in person, you can reach me at {phone number given here}.
I have a plan, but for now I want to keep it under wraps. I will definitely be posting updates!
