SMC - Specialty Merchandise Corporation - SMC Gift Card Site: Lies, Run Around Simi Valley California….

I signed up with SMC earlier this year with the impression that I would have an internet site with the gift cards as an added bonus. What I got was a run arouond. The first few people I talked to signed me up as a member. A few days later I was called by my coach who informed me that I didn't have a site but was just a member. She then went on explaining to me the differend levels of programls offered.

She convinced me that the "platnum" package would work best for me and as a bonus I would ger some gift cards to give away.

A few days later I got a call from a company in Phoenix, AZ who specializes in e-stores. They informed me that my site was good for only gift cards and that the customer had to have a gift card to make a purchase. They wanted me to get their site and I could upload my SMC products to the new site. Of course this was going to cost a few thousand dallars. After that I got calls from two other similar companies also from Phoenix. And just this week another company from Phoenix called wanting to do the same thind. Althouth they deny it, I believe thay are related to SMC. How else would they know about my site as no one can find my site unless they know beforehand what it is.

SMC denied knowing anything about the companies in Phoenix but their e-commerce sattelite is in Phoenix. SMC wanted to upgrade me to a "real" internet site for $2, 000. They have since dropped down to abour $700.

They lied to me about what kind of site it actually was and refuse to make things right by giving me an actual open to anyone site. They also refuse to refund my money: $1195. I am writing the attorneys general of Arizona and California. I will not let them get away with this.

I joined SMC just before Christmas with the hope to make extra money. I was told that I would only be charged $40 to start then a web hosting fee. When I received my call from my business coach I was informed that I would have to buy gift cards in order to sell on the internet or I could upgrade and not have to sell gift cards. A few weeks later I up graded but low and behold I still had to give out the gift cards but I would get special credit I could use any way that I wanted. I then received another call a few days later from a woman telling me I needed to buy more gift cards for a promotion. I was hopeful so I did. However, I failed to put two and two together.

A couple of weeks prior I received e-mails from people requesting information, because, they wanted to shop on my sight. I sent gift card #'s to these people but instead of getting customers I started to get calls several times a day from companies trying to sell me hundreds of dollars in advertising. I was informed by these people that my sight was not listed on search engines so it would be impossible for anyone to find my web site. I declined the advertising but the calls kept coming.

I didn't realize that I was being scammed until I was placing an order with a gift card. I did not understand why I had to pay for the gift card and also pay for the merchandise that was being ordered. I called customer service and asked them why this was so, but they refused to help me. I informed them that I wanted my money but they said that the gift cards were nonrefundable. The first individual I spoke with was arrogant and rude when I asked to speak with his supervisor he stated his mama was his supervisor. I never did get any ware through phone conversations and when I did get someone else she said I could close my account but I would not get any money back.

I have since filed a complaint with the FBI internet fraud department IC3, I'm not sure if they can help in this matter but I'm hoping that if enough people complain to the right authorities that we can get this company shut down.

I'm very fortunate that I found the rip-off when I did otherwise I would have probably been out a lot more money.

First I called SMCORP a man sounded very friendly but to friendly. He asked me if I had a bank account I had replied no I don't. He asked me does anyone have a bank account I said yes, my mother does. So he asked me a few more questions. And he told me that I would have to wait for 9 to 15 days until I would see my package. And then he made a comment to me (don't call me any earlier until you see your package. I replied okay. Keep in mind I ave this guy my mothers banking information.

I waited for 16 days just to make sure my package never game I called SMCORP back that day or he following day, which ever day I know that it was ASAP! I spoked to to exactly 4 people that day. Each of them telling me that they could not find my name in the system. My mom was on the other end of the phone while I was making some of these calls and also listening near by. So they asked me to resign up I replied okay.

So this time my mom gave them her debit card to use this time. My package arrived in 4 to 5 days because that's how long it takes for a debit card. Got my package then all of of a sudden they hit you with all kinds of charges coming from here and there. I am telling them I don't have the money to pay for an website. So I was getting stressed out about all this new money that kept being asked for again and again. Then keep in mind we have a business coach. He kept trying to tell me to stay in smc as again I said okay. My business coach said he would have another way I could make money in order to pay for my e merchant website. Or to send a money gram of 290 dollars. I didn't do that.

So I called a few times to tell them I was canceling. I called the first time on October 23, 2007 didn't receive my package but then they told me they didn't have my name in the system but two days later on my mom bank account on October 25, 2007 they charged it on my mothers bank account. I asked them why did they do that. A women replied well mam That is because you signed up for it on October 23,2007. And they took out 39.95 that same day October 25, 2007.

Finally I took my smc kit to the post office November the 27,2007, Now I skip the second time I called in for the package the second time which was November 8, 2007. I returned my package to the post office November 27, 2007. It got to Fontana California December 5, 2007. I have my receipts and all for prove. Now I am trying to get a refund and they are telling me I only get back 24.95.