Worldwide Marketing Solutions / Worldwideems con? Beware!

Louise89

I too have been a victim of fraud via a company called 'Net Search Media'.
They contacted me and asked me if I wanted to take out an advert on facebook for £100 per month.
They explained that the advert would show up on the side bar of facebook.
They said that towards the end of my first month, I would receive a phonecall from NetSearchMedia to see if I wanted to cancel or continue with another month at £100.
I never received a phonecall - and they have now proceeded to take a further £980 from my bank account without my permission.

I claimed the money back through my bank, however I have since had threatening letters from NetSearch Media saying that the bailiffs will come if I do not pay the £150 chargeback fee for each amount.

I have cancelled my card with my bank so that NetSarch Media cannot take further money - I would advise you all do the same.

Today I have received a letter from my bank stating that NetSearch Media has provided them with some evidence and that I know have to give back the money.

I have spoken to Action-Fraud this afternoon and they said to contact Facebook to see if you have any record of the advert actually existing/running. - If I can prove this, then Action Fraud and Trading Standards will recover my money for me with a crime reference number.

Fingers crossed...

sidandlenny

I have also been stung by these guys. Within a couple of days of starting my new business I had a phone call from a guy in Manchester. He was offering Facebook advertising for £100 for 30 days. I could spread these days over the year if I wanted, and they were 'flexable'. I fell right into the trap and thought it was a good deal.
I was told they were acting for Facebook, so I handed over my card details. He neglected to tell me the amount was plus vat, but I put it down to me not listening. I should have had courage of my own convictions.
To cut a long story short. I rang to tell them I wasn't satisfied, hadn't seen any business as a result of it and wish to cancel it. He told me that was no problem. This was in April. They contacted me today (August) demanding money. I owe them nothing. But I have had a barage of calls and emails from different men who all sound like the same person.
I got so upset that my husband had to take over. I was upset with myself that I had fallen for this and upset for all the other people they have swindled. So he rang trading standards. And they were very helpful.
I wont ever see my money again. But I hope that they have got the message and will leave me alone.

Heres hoping

musk

They first gave the impression they were from Google, and spoke with authority.

The said I had one month free trail and there was no contact, that could cancel anytime.

I foolishly gave in.

They charged me £150 for getting my website in Google page one. I thought they were from Google and handed over my card, after they had my details they told me they were from New Search Media.

I told them that I thought they were from Google, and would like time to think about dealing with them, as I would like to know about the services of other companies.

They gave me a rosy and perfect picture of how my business will benefit from their services. As I assumed that I would have the month's free trail and could cancel them after that time, I left it at that, thereby "agreeing" to their contact.

In the back of my mind, I was already thinking of writing on my noticeboard in large print the date I intend to cancel my contract near to the free month's ending, so to not incur any charges. How foolish of me, they charged me straight away.

They did not tell me they will charge me as soon as we ended the conversation. If they did, I would have hanged up. It was deception with skill and experience.

I called them to cancel, they were rude. Accused me of being racist towards the representative who was of Indian decent, apparently. I responded by saying how can I be racist to my own kind . I am from Bangladeshi Origin. He was silent, as if being caught out.

In their email to me, it says "Net Search Media Ltd operates independently. We are not employed, endorsed, or agents of Google™. 'Google™' and ‘Google Adwords™’ is a trademark of Google™, Inc." Funny that, because they repeatedly told me they were an official partner of Google and that their phone conversation intro is "vetted" by Google.

Thank you to everyone for their stories, I will now expect some letters of further payments and legal action from them in a few months. At least my card is cancelled and I've alerted Consumer Direct and Trading Standards.

Sigh. One-nil to fraud.

yetanothermug2

Anyone that has been scammed can report it to Action Fraud. Tele 0300 1232040. I can't post a link as I'm a newbie but it's easy to find on the internet.

The service is run by the National Fraud Authority – the government agency that helps to co-ordinate the fight against fraud in the UK. We work with partners in law enforcement - the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, run by the City of London Police - to make sure your fraud reports reach the right place

amazingmasie

I've been in touch with trading standards and my bank who opened a dispute. Got a call from Netsearch a couple of weeks ago saying I'd lost the case and asked for another £180. I'd never heard a thing form my bank so I contacted visa chargeback. The dispute is ongoing and still not resolved. I was called again by netsearch asking for more money and they also had the nerve to call me the other day and offer to sell me some more advertising!!!

I cannot believe this firm. The letter they sent to their Merchant services has really ticked me off. I didn't think it was possible to shout in a letter but they've managed it!!

I dread answering the telephone at the moment if I don't recognise number incase its them asking for more money or trying to sell me something.

Thanks to everyone who's posted advice on here. I've had the visa card cancelled and hopefully trading standards will be in touch soon.

amazingmasie

Can anyone give me some advice?? Netsearch has treplied to my complaints letter denying everything, demanding £330 and threatening me with 7 day court action. I'm inclined to write back a very angry letter but I feel it would be childish and unproffesional and I'm not sure what to put in it as they have accused me of 'overexaggerating and fabricating a version of events.' Has anyone got any advice or been put in a similar position?

Wywth

amazingmasie wrote: »

Can anyone give me some advice?? Netsearch has treplied to my complaints letter denying everything, demanding £330 and threatening me with 7 day court action. I'm inclined to write back a very angry letter but I feel it would be childish and unproffesional and I'm not sure what to put in it as they have accused me of 'overexaggerating and fabricating a version of events.' Has anyone got any advice or been put in a similar position?

Why not invite them to take you to court without further delay where both sides will have the opportunity to explain their side of the story to the judge and the judge will then decide who is probably telling the truth

GBCare

Me too!
After a 1 month trial for £100, even though they charged me £120, Icancelled in good time with Net Search Media.

As soon as they received my cancellation notice they took £150 from my bankaccount without my permission.

I called them every day 4 or 5 times asking to talk to someone and thepolite girl just says someone will call you back.

I have informed my bank so future deductions cannot be made, but seems I'llnever get the £150 back.

Net Search Media are fraudsters, rip off, scam... avoid at all costs.

SH7990

amazingmasie wrote: »

Can anyone give me some advice?? Netsearch has treplied to my complaints letter denying everything, demanding £330 and threatening me with 7 day court action. I'm inclined to write back a very angry letter but I feel it would be childish and unproffesional and I'm not sure what to put in it as they have accused me of 'overexaggerating and fabricating a version of events.' Has anyone got any advice or been put in a similar position?

In your opinion did Netsearch Media act fraudulently in getting you to agree to a contract and to take your money? If so I suggest you report it to Action Fraud asap (a search on Google will take you straight there). They will give you a crime reference number, which you could send IN A RECORDER DELIVERY LETTER to Netsearch Media.

I also suggest you contact Trading Standards again, preferably the office nearest Netsearch Media as they will be dealing with any complaints reported via other Trading Stds offices. Although they understandably have to be careful about what they tell you, they may give you some idea about whether Netsearch Media are "on their radar". If you are very lucky they may take up your case with Netsearch Media on your behalf. This definitely helped me to eventually get my money back, plus the fact that I started proceedings against Worldwide Marketing Solutions through the Small Claims Court.

My general advice is to stand firm.

Good luck,

Simon

yetanothermug2

SH7990 wrote: »

In your opinion did Netsearch Media act fraudulently in getting you to agree to a contract and to take your money? If so I suggest you report it to Action Fraud asap (a search on Google will take you straight there). They will give you a crime reference number, which you could send IN A RECORDER DELIVERY LETTER to Netsearch Media.

It's really important to report it to action fraud as although I've been told they cannot investigate every report if the same name keeps cropping up they will take action.

Good luck
Bev