Free Sample of Beauty Products

forestwn6

Having recently sold several items on Ebay, I was asked to do a customer satisfaction survey. On completion I was given an invitation to enjoy a free sample of an Anti Wrinkle Complex by paying £2.99 P&P.
The product arrived quickly, and it was only then, that it became apparent, that further payments would be taken from the credit card account at monthly interval, along with further deliveries of the products. It turns out that the Company is based in New Jersey, USA, although the products were shipped from Linlithgow, Scotland.
On searching the Web it is clear that several people have experienced problems trying to stop further payments.
I have managed to put a temporary block on my card and will be attempting to cancel the future orders. I have at least got a Returns referral address.
I could name the products concerned but am unsure whether that could result in legal proceedings at a later date.

wealdroam

forestwn6 wrote: »

Having recently sold several items on Ebay, I was asked to do a customer satisfaction survey. On completion I was given an invitation to enjoy a free sample of an Anti Wrinkle Complex by paying £2.99 P&P.
The product arrived quickly, and it was only then, that it became apparent, that further payments would be taken from the credit card account at monthly interval, along with further deliveries of the products. It turns out that the Company is based in New Jersey, USA, although the products were shipped from Linlithgow, Scotland.
On searching the Web it is clear that several people have experienced problems trying to stop further payments.
I have managed to put a temporary block on my card and will be attempting to cancel the future orders. I have at least got a Returns referral address.
I could name the products concerned but am unsure whether that could result in legal proceedings at a later date.

As you know the name of the product, why don't you search this forum?

I am sure you will find the product mentioned here, and almost certainly you will find hints on how to recover your money.

And it is ok to name the product here.
That only becomes a problem if you write something which is untrue.

fluffnutter

What do you mean by 'temporary block'? Your card issuer is perfectly able to make sure this company can't take any payments. It shouldn't be temporary. The last thing you want is for no payments to be taken for a month or two and you think that's the end of it only to find they start up again once this 'temporary block' is lifted.

Have they actually taken any payments yet? If not, you've got off lightly. Cancel the order by whatever method the company states and make sure your bank assures you that, if they do try to take money, it won't be authorised.

forestwn6

fluffnutter wrote: »

What do you mean by 'temporary block'? Your card issuer is perfectly able to make sure this company can't take any payments. It shouldn't be temporary. The last thing you want is for no payments to be taken for a month or two and you think that's the end of it only to find they start up again once this 'temporary block' is lifted.

Have they actually taken any payments yet? If not, you've got off lightly. Cancel the order by whatever method the company states and make sure your bank assures you that, if they do try to take money, it won't be authorised.

"Temporary", as in until I am sure that I have managed to cancel the further payments. No payments have been taken to date.
I don't wish to close the account as it very useful when we go abroard. I will get the block lifted in a few months time when everything has been sorted out.

fluffnutter

forestwn6 wrote: »

"Temporary", as in until I am sure that I have managed to cancel the further payments. No payments have been taken to date.
I don't wish to close the account as it very useful when we go abroard. I will get the block lifted in a few months time when everything has been sorted out.

Not sure I understand. Have you suspended all payments on that card? You shouldn't need to.

forestwn6

Yes I have blocked all payments, as I only use the account when on holiday in France and Spain in the Summer. This gives me adequate time to get the problem sorted, although I expect to have achieved this early in the new year.
The products will be sent back tomorrow to the distribution centre in Linlithgow. Once that is confirmed by the headquarters in New Jersey they assure me that no further payments will be requested.

forestwn6

wealdroam wrote: »

As you know the name of the product, why don't you search this forum?

I am sure you will find the product mentioned here, and almost certainly you will find hints on how to recover your money.

And it is ok to name the product here.
That only becomes a problem if you write something which is untrue.

The product is Hydroxatone AM/PM Anti Wrinkle complex

wealdroam

forestwn6 wrote: »

The product is Hydroxatone AM/PM Anti Wrinkle complex

There is a lengthy thread, nearly 400 posts, which mentions this product:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3475221

This post give a good comprehensive overview of how these things work:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/48392547#Comment_48392547

Who did you buy the product from... which website?

forestwn6

I don't know the website, it just popped up after I had done the customer satisfaction survey.
I have returned the goods today as per Hydroxatone instructions.Once it has arrived I will Email New Jersey and cancel all other deliveries and demands for payment.
Thanks for all the advice. As I am new to the forum, this being my first foray, I was unaware of the vast amount of information available.
I will be paying regular visits from now on, hopefully not seeking help too often.