Beware Of Columbia House!!!!!!
By Rozie37
@Rozie37 (15499)
Turkmenistan
January 6, 2008 6:49pm CST
The other say I got sucked into one of those scams where you have to fill out offers to get some kind of prize. Well I had some extra money, so I thougt, why not order a few movies for a good price?
So, I put in my banking information to pay for the 5 movies, plus shipping and handling. My total came to $12.40, but when I just happen to check my bank account later on, I found that they had charged me $12.40 two times.
When I tried to call the 800 number, I was never allowed to speak to a live person. Apparently, you have to know your account number before anyone will come on the line and speak to you. So, I called my bank, but because the charge was still pending, there was nothing that they could do.
After much frustration in navigating the website, I finally found a way to email them. Then, while I was waiting for a response, I went to Wikipedia to read about the company. They are not owned by BMG music. And they were basically saying to be careful of them.
I wanted to cancel the whole order, but the extra charge fell off and they only charged me once. I will admit that I take a lot of chances with giving my banking information to different sites, so I have to keep a very close eye on my account. And I know how to get my money bank through my bank.
5 people like this
8 responses
@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
7 Jan 08
I ordered some VHS movies from Columbia House, and that was years ago, and you have to be careful and read all the fine print. I have never had any trouble with them, but then I just had a one time order. By the way, I believe that they will send you a movie every month if you do not let them know. And Columbia House and BMG are two different companies.
Another thing you have to make sure that whether you want letterbox or full screen. I believe unless you tell them, they will ship you full screen movies.
2 people like this
@ersmommy1 (12587)
• United States
7 Jan 08
Something like that really makes you think. Be very careful. That's why when I do the GPT sites, I only do the free offers. Plus I have a free phantom number. When anyone calls it I earn money there too. But I don't give out my bank info. That would make me to nervous.
@Rozie37 (15499)
• Turkmenistan
7 Jan 08
I assumed that Columbia House was still a reputable company. I was obviously mistaken. From now on, before I do business with any company, I will look them up on the Better Business Buearu and Wikipedia or Answers.com. That was just a bit too much stress for me.
1 person likes this
@happythoughts (4109)
• United States
7 Jan 08
I signed up for them once and it was hell trying to get them to cancel my account. They would send me movies I didnt want and I would cancel the membership and send them back and the next month there was a new dvd in the mail box I didnt order. It was hard to ever get ahold of someone.
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
7 Jan 08
At least luckily you got it straightened out. I think what I'd do is make sure you're not in some agreement to get a movie a month or whatever. Sometimes that happens and you find yourself charged for things you didn't order. I went through some problems like that years ago with both books and cassettes. For you youngsters, they were what we listened to music on before CDs and after records and 8-track tapes. I think most of these online sites are pretty secure, all things considered and comparatively speaking but it's still good to be very careful and as you said keep a close eye on your account.
Annie
1 person likes this
@Savvynlady (3684)
• United States
7 Jan 08
I have an account with them, and I mail my bill to them to keep it simple. I hope that it stays that way, and I'll be real careful when charging the bill in future business.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
7 Jan 08
Columbia House is a reputable DVD movie club, and I have been dealing with them for years. They are about the only place I get my movies from. I have never had a problem with them-even when I want to return a movie. They will send me a free return label if I need one. You should give them a chance.
1 person likes this
@JUNGLE (1157)
• South Africa
7 Jan 08
Hi Rozie!!! I'm glad that you got your money back.However do be careful about giving your bank details to people that you dont know,the next time could be much more serious.God bless you.I wish you and your family the very best in health,wealth peace
and joy for 2008 and the rest of you'alls lives.Loll.
