Connecticut Better Business Bureau is cautioning consumers about unscrupulous tactics used by Internet distribution company Peel Incorporated, because of more than 1,360 complaints to Better Business Bureau in the past year from consumers in 49 states.
The company, which sells a variety of products from coffee to posters under multiple names and Web site addresses, has more than 890 pending complaints. These have earned the company an F rating from BBB. At least 33 complaints were filed by consumers in Connecticut.
Unhappy consumers allege undisclosed or unauthorized credit card charges, lack of clearly disclosed shipping and/or membership fees, and deceptive advertising. Complaints detail receiving multiple, unordered and/or unauthorized merchandise shipments and charges and subsequent difficulties obtaining refunds.
One complaint, filed by a Southington woman, describes a familiar pattern of problems with Peel Inc.
“I purchased posters from this site which offered four posters, each for four dollars. Since, I have received four separate shipments in the past few days for $39.80, totaling $159.20, which led to overdraft charges totaling $140.00 in my checking account.”
Even after the woman called the company to cancel the charges, she subsequently received two more orders for which she was billed an additional $79.60. What was supposed to be a $16 charge for posters “…has turned into $378.80, all within days of receiving the first shipment.”
According to Connecticut Better Business Bureau President, Paulette Scarpetti, “Aside from the thousands of complaints filed to Better Business Bureau from across the country, the Chicago and Northern Illinois BBB where the company is based, cautions that Peel Inc. is resolving complaints, however there continues to be an ongoing pattern of unhappiness with its business practices.”
Complaints filed with Better Business Bureau show common elements: Consumers signing up for a product and getting hit with unwanted, repeat deliveries, unauthorized credit card charges and difficulty getting a refund.
The company uses almost identical wording in settling its complaints filed with Better Business Bureau:
“…Given (consumers’) dissatisfaction with our service, we have completed the following steps. First, their account has been closed and they will not receive any further orders. Second, we have refunded all past orders in an effort to satisfy this customer and make up for any inconveniences they may have had. The refund will appear within 72 hours on their credit card statement.”
BBB offers the following advice to shoppers on how to help prevent billing issues and other unexpected surprises when shopping online and in a store:
•Read all policies, agreements, guarantees, and instructions before signing.
•Do not be pressured into signing an agreement before you are ready.
•Ensure you understand all terms and conditions.
•Make sure all oral promises are put in writing.
•Be wary of vaguely worded provisions, exclusions or limitations which could pose a problem later.
•Be cautious when there is contradictory information in any agreement.
•Never sign a contract with sections left blank.
This company does business under 42 names, which you can find in the original news release at the Connecticut Better Business Bureau News Center, at ct.bbb.org.
