Back in April I was searching for grant information. I came across 2 websites offering CD's with information on how to obtain them. I ordered one for $1.00 and one for $1.29. NO WHERE on the site, (which seems to not exist anymore) did I see ANYTHING about I had to cancel within 7 days. I do recall, being asked if I wanted to receive offers from partners. I clicked NO to them all. It took a week to receive the CD via USPS. I was contacted a few days later by phone; a gentleman identified himself with some company and stated that I was chosen to be mentored through at least one grant. He asked of my intents for grants and he explained that they usually only mentored people who were seeking tens or even hundreds of thousands of grant moneys and the mentoring service was about $3 or 4, 000. Needless to say I passed on that one. That was the extent of the communication from them. No other phone calls, no instructions in the CD, no emails.

I noticed recently, on my bank account, that I had 1 charge from INE Grant search, 1 charge from BSM/Grant Search Assistance (39.95 ea), 2 charges in the amount of $7.95 from Business Funding and 2 charges from Network Agenda.com in the amount of $9.95 each. When I attempted to find out who all these companies were from the information on my bank statement, I was only able to find the website for the Network Agenda, (I do recall coming across that one during the sign-up for the $1.00 CD, and I do DISTINCTLY remember that it was oriented for a business, and I did not need it and I DISTINCTLY remember saying NO to that.)

I called my bank, and received customer service numbers for the companies that were charging me. (I also found out that the 2 different CD's that I ordered were also the same company. I called Network Agenda first and spoke with Megan 107. I explained the situation, and she told me she would refund both charges of $9.95 within 3 to 5 business days.

I then called the corporate number that my bank had given me for Business Funding, (long distance); they transferred me to the Customer service. I then spoke with someone called Weng, who refused to give me an ID number. She stated that they could only reverse one (1) charge of 39.95 OR one (1) charge of 7.95. She also noted "oh, didn't you just call a little while ago to have some other charges removed?" (Turns out all of the companies are all one company). I asked to speak to her supervisor, and spoke to a Holly Samuels, she agreed to remove one (1) $39.95 charge AND (one) 1 $7.95 charge. She stated she couldn't reverse any other charges insisting that I had received plenty of documentation that I would be charged these amounts, and I had plenty of time to cancel these. I explained to her that I had not received ANY notification on this. She stated that it was very clear on the web page.

I am disputing this with my bank, (who is very helpful and supportive in this matter) When I tried to find the web page again, for documentation, I found at least 20 websites devoted to bashing this company, all with the same complaints. Unauthorized charges and lack of information given upfront.

I guess it is true, you don't get something for nothing, and if it sounds too good to be true, than it is.

Thank you!!