Worldwide Marketing Solutions / Worldwideems con? Beware!

hampshirebabe

I've just phoned my bank, (Smile) and she said they cant cancel my card, well I can, but they could still take money from it as it would just go to my new one. She said I should send all the details to them in case they take more, and they'll look into if I could get my money back, although I'm not expecting that to happen.
If they did take more without me saying they could, would I get that back, is there anything I can do to stop it for sure?

stansted

If you cancel your card and request another one with a different acount number they have to do this. TYhis sounds like a cop out by your bank because they cannot be bothered. We have got to take control here. As the customer we must tell the banks that they MUST follow our instructions - not the other way round. The banks like to tell people they cannot act but they have got to show more responsibility.
I suggest that you write to your bank and tell them that if they don't cancel your card and replace it you will not pay any charges relating to Worldwide Marketing Solutions. And then, if they continue making payments threaten to take them to the Banking Ombudsman.

YummyBrummie

Read some interesting posts here.

My colleague's experience... I think Worldwide Marketing Solutions may have changed tactics a little. They were very clear in telling her they are not google, just offering google ads. They did the hard sell. She said yes and gave bank details. She even said yes on the confirmation call. Money taken.

24 hours later she changed her mind and tried to cancel. After the initial "can't do anything to help you" response, another phone call was made and suddenly there was no problem with cancellation, but there would be no refund. Why? Apparently because it was a "business to business" transaction and therefore not covered by consumer protection (distance selling) regulations 2000, ie, no 7 day cooling off period. Please note that in the "terms and conditions", FAQs etc on their web site, there are NO references to payments, refunds (in whole or in part) and no statement that their deals are "business to business". (Is this a legal foothold for victims?)

My colleague is currently taking advice from Consumer Direct who have also logged a complaint with Trading Standards regarding this company.
Please, refer all your complaints to Consumer Direct (08454 040506) and/or Trading Standards so that this company can be properly dealt with.

I hope that everyone who has issues with this company gets them sorted satisfactorily. All the best to you!

stansted

A good post Yummie Brummie and those who have been stung should consider making the complaint to Consumer Direct/Trading Standards as well. Perhaps the tied is turning on this company.

zimmy0

I've admitted my stupidity before so I won't go on about it but I did agree with both these, obviously linked, companies to a Facebook link to promote my photography business and also, at a slightly later date, to Google for high listing (Yes, I was stupid, but that's what I am). Anyway, thankfully in the first month of both (First day in latter case) I saw that I was being conned. Both HSBC and MBNA cancelled payments for me and although company tried to get money from one account before the 60 day period appeal was over I persisted. In the end I had both payments refunded to my account. It was a bit of messing around and I had to detail everything (so much so that I thought I should just put it down to experience instead of spending hours writing emails) but I did get my money back in full. I still feel happier knowing it's in my pocket than that shyster company.
Incidentally I have been cold-called since and I have been very clear to ask if they are Google and YES... they say they are. Good luck to everyone else, the company really are a shower of illegitimate children.

stansted

Well done ZimmyO. I think you need to be resilient with the credit card companies because as you show they can do something to block payments if they want to. It is just that most of them cannot be bothered. I can only suggest to everybody else to follow Zimmy0's example and badger them until they act.

YummyBrummie

Hi ZimmyO. Well done for getting your cash back! Did you know that to stop cold calling you can register free with the Telephone Preference Services? Anyone persisting can be fined.
Re my last post... Trading Standards are onto my colleague's case and it looks hopeful that she will be able to recover her cash. Will update later.

andreavale

I to have been scammed. Caught me at the wrong moment and did the deal. Feel very cross with them and myself. Phoned Alliance and Leicester/santander within an hour to block payment and cancel card, they were very helpful.
I was advised to call the bloke back to cancel but of course the 3 phone numbers given were not answered.
I was told on phone £99..... bank advised £142.80 waiting to be taken. I look at email when I arrive home ( I was trying to have a nice day at the Zoo!) and vat had been added AND an activation fee which was Never mentioned.:mad:
Email being sent etc etc. difficult though as no internet at new place of business yet, another thing that probably usually works in the s...s favour.

stansted

Hi Andreavale
I would suggest you email Worldwide and threaten them with legal action and report it to the local Trading Standards as well.

KaBe1

I can't believe Ive been sucked in by these people, so the least I can do is warn others. I run a small photography busniness and when I was called up by Worldwide Marketing solutions they offered me a months trial to advertise on Facebook for £99 after 2 weeks of trying to get my ad correct (warning signs!!) it went live on the 15th Feb, apparently, as I have never seen the AD or had any business from it.
In the mean time they took £118 from my account, after complaining to the managing director I received some cash back. The originals sales lady said if I would like to renew I could do so after the month. I felt it was no good and did not I just left it to expire, only to find they have had it rolling on since without my knowledge, £236 down, after calling the company and being yelled at from who he said he was the manager (some guy from liverpool) I was told read the small print and yes it says it rolls over. so I won't be getting my money back, hard lesson learned.
So PLEASE do not make the same mistake I did keep your hard earned money and do give it to the Thiefs !!!!!!!!:money: