Classmates.com aka Classmates Media Corporation did not send me a renewal reminder before charging my card (they stated it was and auto renewal and I stated that I never knowingly authorized an auto renewal). This leads me to the assumption that they as a policy do not remind their members of impending renewals as a whole. It is further my opinion (based on my treatment) that they force (strong arm auto renewal policies) the members to keep their service for an additional 12 months after the member states they do not want to renew. They state that there is no after the fact opt out provision once your credit card is charged. Your only option is to involve your bank and card company (which they don't tell you). They state there is a manual opt out in their terms but it is not easy to find (still can't find it). There is no phone number that I can find associated with their web sites. Their corporate office does not list a number either.

In my dealings with them, I have formed the opinion that they practice bad customer service and strong arm renewal policies. It is also my opinion that good legitimate companies that offer good value for their services or memberships do not have to force their members to renew and ALWAYS (as a policy) send warnings of impending renewals to their customer/members.

In 2007, Classmates.com e-mailed to me that someone in my highschool wanted to contact me. I fell for it, and found out the NO ONE was looking for me. It seems some people just say they are looking for anyone. No one is looking for a 74 year old woman. I paid for that mistake, $39.00. Then in Nov. 2008, I notice a charge on my Visa for $39.00 again.They automatically renewed the membership. I have been trying to get this resolved for three months now. They don't answer their phone. They keep you on hold for hours until you hang up. Once I got a telephone message that said they Do Not Give Refunds. When I e-mailed them, they just send a automated response that has nothing to do with my problem.
They just ignore it. That is not acceptable. I even told them I was turning them over to the FBI. I am reporting them to the Better Business Bureau. This is an out and out scam not only against the elderly, but against everyone. How can they get away with this? I am going to continue to persue it until I get my money back.

Beware! This company has deceptive practices including 'teaser' email to those with the free membership to convince them that long lost friends are wanting to get in touch - but you can't access the information unless you join and become a 'Gold' member. When you join, you find that the 'friends' are not even remotely known to you, but they cover their tracks by being cleverly vague.

When I was taken in by their deceptive advertising... and joined. I realized it was a totally lame & useless website and kicked myself for falling for the advertising. Whatever.

Recently, I went to balance my checkbook on line - and found that they had automatically stolen 39 bucks from my debit account. They said they couldn't refund it.

Long story short - I've contacted my bank. I've filed a complaint with the BBB (over 500 complaints and the BBB still gives them AAA rating? give me a break), Consumer Affairs is next.

This company should be sued for deceptive practices. They change the contract after you have signed up and they can say you had a choice to opt out - but it didn't exist when I signed up. It's such a lame site that most people abandon going to it, so they are unaware that Classmates changed the contract. They do not email you to let you know of any potential charges. I believe they bank on the fact that most people don't want to deal with the hassle of getting their 39 bucks back... (that's a lot of money for all the people they screw over).

Hello? Any attorneys out there? Meanwhile- Get the word out! Steer Clear of Classmates.com! Tell everyone to pass it on.

Has anyone been charged with a membership automatic fee withdrawal from their banks by classmates.com? I signed up for the $20.00 life time membership at classmates.com for $20.00. Life time was not life time. They have now charged me for a gold membership at $39.00 a year. I have asked them to cancel the same day they stole my money and to refund my $39.00 so far they have refused.They say it is non refundable. I intend to fight it. BEWARE I have canceled my membership. They refused to let me do that say it is good till Dec. 2009.HELP

They are ripping people off.

I never signed up for automatic renewal on classmates.com, yet without warning, they hit my credit card with a renewal charge. I keep a close eye on my credit cards and therefore have caught the charge early. I have contacted my credit card company regarding a fraudulent charge and dispute. I will post again with the results.