Hoax Museum Archives
Hoax Museum Hall of Fame
|
Amerimark “Passport to Health” Scam
Status: Scam
At the beginning of January I ordered a seat cushion from a company called Amerimark. I got the cushion. It was fine. I'm sitting on it now. But a little over a month later I was looking at my credit card statement, and I noticed that in addition to the charge for the cushion, Amerimark had posted a second charge three weeks later for $3.99. I had no idea what the additional charge could be for. I asked my wife about it. She didn't know either. But I figured it must be postage, or something like that, so I didn't think any more about it. After all, it was only $3.99.But today I was looking at my credit card statement online, and I noticed that Amerimark had recently posted a third charge to my account, this time for $29.99. Now I decided to call Amerimark to find out what these charges were for. I reached a customer service rep who told me I had subscribed to their "Passport to Health" program.
Suddenly I remember. I had received a sales call from Amerimark back in mid-January trying to get me to sign up for their "Passport to Health" program. I told them I wasn't interested and thought that was the end of it. But they had my credit card information since I bought the cushion from them, so apparently they signed me up for it anyway.
The customer rep told me that the charges were in error and that he would cancel them immediately.
But after I hung up with him, I decided to google Amerimark, and I discovered I'm not the only person who has been "mistakenly" signed up for the "Passport to Health" program. They're pulling this scam on a regular basis.
"Passport to Health" appears to be a program that offers no (or very few) benefits, except the benefit of getting charged $29.99 every month (the first month is only $3.99). The really slimy part is that many of their customers are elderly people who may be less likely to look carefully at their credit card statements, so they never notice they're being charged $29.99 every month.
For instance, 800notes.com has an entire message board full of people complaining that they were ripped off by Amerimark. One person describes how they've been "charging my 87-year old mother $29.99 a month for 'Passport To Health' that she supposedly signed up for in April '07 when they called to 'make sure her Amerimark mail order arrived safely.'"
In addition, Tom from California has posted a report on ripoffreport.com describing how he was subscribed to the "Passport to Health" program after his wife bought a pair of shoes from Amerimark.
I didn't trust Amerimark to actually credit back what they had billed me, so I called my credit card company (Bank of America) to contest the charges. While I was on the phone with the billing dispute department, I described how Amerimark was scamming elderly people, and I urged Bank of America to do something, like stop accepting charges from Amerimark. But the service rep just gave me the run-around and didn't promise to do anything.
So I'm posting about it here to help spread the word. Hopefully if someone is considering making a purchase from Amerimark, they might come across this post and decide to shop elsewhere.
In the meantime, I'm trying to figure out who else I can report Amerimark to. The FTC? Better Business Bureau? I want to bring this company down.
Update: I checked out AmeriMark's listing on the Better Business Bureau's site. It turns out that the BBB has already received a lot complaints about them (I filed one more), and particularly about their Passport to Health program. The BBB page about AmeriMark notes:
Many complaints processed by the BBB concern confusion over the company's membership renewal policy in the Passport to Savings program and the Passport to Health program (formerly known as Family Health Network program). Many consumers claim they are not aware that the company automatically bills their accounts for the renewal fee unless they notify them to cancel. Many of these consumers complain that they were not aware that they had been enrolled in the program. The company has responded to these complaints by canceling the membership and issuing refunds. In January 2005, the Cleveland BBB met with company representatives. The company has indicated its willingness to work to correct the cause of consumer misunderstanding concerning enrollment and cancellation of these programs.
Apparently AmeriMark's meeting with the BBB didn't have much impact on the company, because they're still working the same old scam.
Posted By: Alex | Date: Tue Feb 26, 2008 | Permalink |
Total Comments: 46
Category: Business/Finance
Category: Business/Finance
Listed in chronological order. Newest comments at the end.
Page 1 of 3 pages 1 2 3 >
You should report them to your state Attorney General's office.
Posted by Elizabeth in MA on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 03:55 PM
I agree with Elizabeth.
You may also make a cursory call to your local police (non-emergency line, please
) just to check on how and to who you would report something like that. If it is blatant credit card fraud (seems to be) and there is enough documented evidence against them (seems to be online) it might be something the FBI might be interested in since I'm guessing it crosses state lines.
I would also strongly suggest the Better Business Bureau. While there's not a lot they can actual do, it is a good source of information for people looking for reliable and safe businesses.
Posted by Tah in Idaho (Yes, Idaho) on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 04:08 PM
You may also make a cursory call to your local police (non-emergency line, please
) just to check on how and to who you would report something like that. If it is blatant credit card fraud (seems to be) and there is enough documented evidence against them (seems to be online) it might be something the FBI might be interested in since I'm guessing it crosses state lines.I would also strongly suggest the Better Business Bureau. While there's not a lot they can actual do, it is a good source of information for people looking for reliable and safe businesses.
I also see a link to bizrate.com at the bottom of their page. Make sure you fill out a survey with appropriate ratings and comments.
Posted by Tah in Idaho (Yes, Idaho) on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 04:11 PM
Here in Texas, the state Attorney General's office has a consumer fraud division that goes after scams like this. I assume that California also has some form of consumer protection agency, and I would at least make a phone call to them.
Posted by Big Gary in Uncertain, Texas on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 04:23 PM
I congratulate you on reporting this scam! Hopefully by posting about it here, more people will take note and realise whether this is happening to them or not. Many people probably wouldn't consider searching online and looking up all the forums and things.
Posted by sarahearth in New Zealand on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 04:26 PM
Find out where they're advertising and contact the people that run the sites etc.
Most will unusally refuse to do business with scam artists.
Posted by Sharruma in capable of finishing a coherent on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 04:27 PM
Most will unusally refuse to do business with scam artists.
Isn't "mark" the term used by con men to refer to their victims?
How appropriate.
J/P=?
Posted by John Paradox in Tucson, AZ on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 05:13 PM
How appropriate.
J/P=?
I filed a complaint with the BBB. But it turns out the BBB has already received many complaints about them, and has even met with the company to discuss the complaints, so one more probably won't make much difference.
Posted by Alex in San Diego on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 05:40 PM
I would contact George W. Bush directly! Certainly, he cares all about the little people being taken by these criminals!!! Do it right away!
Posted by PiltdownHacker in East Success, Uckfield, UK on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:32 PM
The BBB is not a law enforcement agency. It's just an association of businesses.
However, since Amerimark is doing business in multiple states, they do fall under the juridstiction of the Federal Trade Commission. If any part of their deal involves the US Mail you can also get the Postal Inspectors involved.
Posted by Carl Fink on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 10:08 PM
However, since Amerimark is doing business in multiple states, they do fall under the juridstiction of the Federal Trade Commission. If any part of their deal involves the US Mail you can also get the Postal Inspectors involved.
As described, the actions of the company are wire fraud as defined in 18USC. File a criminal complaint with the FBI.
Posted by Christopher Cole in Tucson, AZ on Wed Feb 27, 2008 at 08:50 AM
I got ripped off by those people a year or two ago, too. I got signed up for the Passport to Health thing fraudulently through a third party company who contracts with Amerimark. I got a call claiming to be from Visa, saying they wanted to send me a reward for being such a good customer and keeping my account in such good standing. They didn't ask for my card number (they apparently had it already) or any other personal information, so I assume it was on the up-and-up. Instead of getting a "reward," I got signed up for the Passport to Health and some other rip-off subscription service.
Unfortunately, I was signed up on a bank account I hardly used (I had a portion of my paycheck automatically deposited there each month, and then had some bills paid automatically out of it. So it wasn't until a few months later that I noticed I was still being charged. I called them up, spoke to a supervisor, and, er, got a bit verbally abusive, demanding a full refund and accusing them of theft and fraud and some other things best not repeated. Eventually, they agreed to refund the last month's fee, but that was it.
In part, it was my fault - I should've been paying closer attention to my bank account. But still, they're clearly rip-off artists. I'm sorry to see they're ripping off other people too, but I'm glad to see you're trying to do something about it!
Posted by Josh Burnett in Oakland, CA on Wed Feb 27, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Unfortunately, I was signed up on a bank account I hardly used (I had a portion of my paycheck automatically deposited there each month, and then had some bills paid automatically out of it. So it wasn't until a few months later that I noticed I was still being charged. I called them up, spoke to a supervisor, and, er, got a bit verbally abusive, demanding a full refund and accusing them of theft and fraud and some other things best not repeated. Eventually, they agreed to refund the last month's fee, but that was it.
In part, it was my fault - I should've been paying closer attention to my bank account. But still, they're clearly rip-off artists. I'm sorry to see they're ripping off other people too, but I'm glad to see you're trying to do something about it!
This is also a reminder to look carefully at your credit card statement every month. My wife had been in the habit of doing this from the time we got married and when the bill-paying got handed off to me at some point I continued the practice. A few years ago when we returned from a trip to England I noticed a couple of random charges for "gifts" that occurred the first day we were there. I figured out these were done by a currency exchange person at the Gatwick Airport in London. The scamster then probably moved on to someone else's number after that. Visa investigated and gave me credit and then issued me a new number. Since then, I scrutinize my bill the moment I get it in the mail as a kind of fraud check. It seems obvious that thieves like the person in London and the AmeriMarks are counting on most people not doing that.
Posted by Mperk2000 on Wed Feb 27, 2008 at 02:08 PM
I sent an e-mail to my mom...b/c she gets a billion of those "watch out for this scam" emails a day from her friends. I figured she could send an ACTUAL warning out to them for once...and who knows...it might actually do some good. 
Posted by Maegan in Tampa, FL - USA on Thu Feb 28, 2008 at 08:46 AM
I once got scammed by netzero internet providers. I called to cancel my subscription. The rep insisted that he gives me 3 months free service. I insisted that I don't need because I am switching to DSL. Eventually he wins. Then I say but would you cancel the service at the end of the 3 months. He says yes it will automatically cancel. I remember repeating that like 2-3 with him to make sure it will automatically cancel. He says sure.
About 6 months later I noticed a charge of 9.99 on my credit card bill. I checked the last few months and I find out after the free 3 months they have gone back to charging me money. I called and asked for my money back. I even challenged them to listen to any recording that was done during my initial call. I ended up not getting any of my money back (about $30). But at least it got cancelled for sure this time.
Posted by AAB on Fri Feb 29, 2008 at 09:21 PM
About 6 months later I noticed a charge of 9.99 on my credit card bill. I checked the last few months and I find out after the free 3 months they have gone back to charging me money. I called and asked for my money back. I even challenged them to listen to any recording that was done during my initial call. I ended up not getting any of my money back (about $30). But at least it got cancelled for sure this time.
My 88 year old mother is a victim of the Amerimark Passport to Health scam. She didn't notice on her credit card statement. I have seen anything come in the mail, and I missed it when I did her taxes. They have billing her for $29.99 since late 2005. She never ordered anything from them. Nor can I see where they advertise the service so that she could use anything that they are supposedly offerring. They want the credit charge to the statement to be as quiet as possible, so no one notices that it is there. To me, it looks like a catalogue order. I only caught it this year, when I noticed that it was reoccuring.
I just hate these scams that target the elderly.
Posted by Laurie Sweeney in Meadow Vista, CA on Sun Mar 02, 2008 at 12:10 PM
I just hate these scams that target the elderly.
If you are from a "liberal" state like NY with an "activist" Attorney General like Andrew Cuomo, that's where to report it.
Also, if you can determine their bank, you can get their credit card privileges revoked if just a few people call to complain of fraud.
Ben
Posted by Ben in NY on Sun Mar 02, 2008 at 04:51 PM
Also, if you can determine their bank, you can get their credit card privileges revoked if just a few people call to complain of fraud.
Ben
All scams are pretty scummy but those which target minors or the elderly are extremely unethical.
I mean, people should know where to draw that line. Good that you decided to expose this scam, I just stumbled your post.
Posted by Buy Your Health in Delhi on Tue May 27, 2008 at 08:20 AM
I mean, people should know where to draw that line. Good that you decided to expose this scam, I just stumbled your post.
Man that's sneaky, I would be pretty mad myself. They should tell you these kinds of things up front.
Posted by Patrick on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 07:31 PM
AmeriMark is the name of the actual catalog company. AmeriMark IS Anthony Richards, Beauty Boutique, Carol Wright, Compliments, Dr. Leonard's, Essentials, Feel Good Store, Healthy Living, Time for Me, and last but not least, Windsor Collection.
Primarily AmeriMark is a catalog company. EVERY single order is recorded; this does also pertain to inquiries of and so forth. Sadly, ALL reps are REQUIRED to "pitch" any of the three memberships as they "pop up" on the screen in front of them. The three memberships are PassPort to Health 29.99 monthly, PassPort to Savings 89.99 yearly, and Sentential ID Alert 19.99 monthly.
A horribly long script is read to the customer.
It goes as follows...
"... as a thank you for placing your order with (catalog name) we would like to send you P ($100 Feel Good Store and Time for Me) in catalog coupons to use on your future orders with (catalog name). Along with a trial membership in our (PassPort to Health, PassPort to Savings, or Sentential ID Alert)." (Then a brief de
Posted by AmeriMark EMPLOYEE in Cleveland, Ohio on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 09:48 PM
Primarily AmeriMark is a catalog company. EVERY single order is recorded; this does also pertain to inquiries of and so forth. Sadly, ALL reps are REQUIRED to "pitch" any of the three memberships as they "pop up" on the screen in front of them. The three memberships are PassPort to Health 29.99 monthly, PassPort to Savings 89.99 yearly, and Sentential ID Alert 19.99 monthly.
A horribly long script is read to the customer.
It goes as follows...
"... as a thank you for placing your order with (catalog name) we would like to send you P ($100 Feel Good Store and Time for Me) in catalog coupons to use on your future orders with (catalog name). Along with a trial membership in our (PassPort to Health, PassPort to Savings, or Sentential ID Alert)." (Then a brief de
Page 1 of 3 pages 1 2 3 >