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Video Professor

Video Professor • Video Professor Drops Subpoena, Goes After Wikipedia Users • Video Professor Goes After Critics • A Visit to the Video Professor's 'Classroom' --- • Consumer complaints

It's hard to miss the Video Professor if you watch much cable TV. CEO John W. Scherer is everywhere -- promising to make you a computer whiz in no time ... and with no obligation!

But according to our readers, it doesn't always work out that way.

Lee of Wellington, FL February 8, 2010

Thought I was getting a course about Ebay learning for @7. I was shocked to be told that if I hadn't returned something within a certain amout of time I was charged 389.95. I really want to know if the FTC deems this a reasonable practice.

Pat of Canton, IL February 4, 2010

I saw an offer online about VideoProfessor ebay. As I have dealt with them in the past with good result, I completed the form for a free trial of the tutoring program. I received the package, paying 6.95 for P&H through my debit card. I opened the package and looked at the loose sheets of paper, looking for a return date and the cost of the program. I did not find either, so I laid it aside to review again later.

I opened my bank account to review the status and on 02-02-10 there was a 389.95 charge from videoprofessor. Apparently, the trial period is 10 days (not 2 weeks) which has been my usual experience. I immediately called the 800 number, was on hold for several minutes and was told that the trial period had lapsed and that I could get a refund within 7-21/30 days. The days would start when they received the product. I immediately gathered the info together, they gave me RMA number and I went to the Post Office on Feb. 1. I paid 18.50 to overnight with delivery by noon to the Post Office. I tracked the receipt and determined that it was received on 02-03-10 at 11:13am.

I called them again on 02-04-10 at 11:00 central time and spoke with Elroy. He repeatedly told me my refund could not be expedited and that a supervisor was unavailable. I persisted in requesting a supervisor, he became more and more argumentative with me, raising his voice. I continued to demand to speak with a supervisor or the supervisor's supervisor. I was told the only person who could take a call was the supervisor and she/he could do nothing for me.

Finally I was able to talk with Lynette who stated that she was a supervisor. I explained to her that because of their deduction of such a large amount I would be unable to pay my utilities and rent. She was much more sympathetic and said the she could see that the merchandise was in fact received by them and she would talk with billing to see if an expedited refund could be made. She stated she would call me back. (I don't expect to hear from her as I feel she was just paying lip service to get me off the phone.)

John of Port Townsend, WA February 1, 2010

I foolishly went for one of the Video Professor's "Free" Offers. I wish I had searched them online first, as there are, as I'm sure you know, thousands upon thousands of complaints against them. I ordered 1 DVD online on Dec. 10, 2009. The very next day they took 6.95 S&H from my (MasterCard) debit card account. A few days later I received a package with three DVDs (not one). I opened the package, looked at the materials, and put them back in the mailer exactly as I'd found them. That was the only time I ever had the material out of the box. I never even had them in a player. I figured I'd get back to them later, as I was pretty busy what with the Holidays and all. On Dec. 27, 2009, I saw that they had taken 389.95 from my account! 389.95!

I went back online and saw that I was eligible for a full refund for 30 days. The site also explained that I would need a Return Authorization Number.

The next day I called their so-called Customer Care, and after explaining my situation to the Rep., was advised that "What I can do for you today, sir, is I'll get a rebate request form in the mail to you. When you receive it, fill it out and send it back to us. Then, IF it is approved, we will issue a rebate of 75.00". I said, "No, no, no, that won't do at all. I'm entitled to a FULL refund, according to your website, and that is what I will have". The line was silent for several moments, and I began to tell the Rep. that I needed a Return Authorization Number. I didn't get more than "What I need..." out of my mouth when the Rep. interrupted with "I KNOW what you need!", very discourteously. I took that, combined with the 75 (19.23%) offer as warning that I might be in trouble. So I returned the materials, in their original mailer inside another mailer via USPS Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested. And that is how I know that they received the return, as they signed for it 01/08/10, well within the 30 day limit.

I have been checking my account daily, with no refund. Today, 02/01/10, I called and was told that my refund is being processed, and that it takes 21 to 30 business days to process a refund. Which means that, IF I am luckier that the writers of many of the complaints I have read, I MAY get my money between Feb. 9 and Feb. 23, 2010. And that means that they will have kept my money for between 44 and 58 days. So if they do this to say 10,000 people, they've got nearly 4,000,000 to invest for 1 1/2 to 2 months. Quite an operation. How many complaints must be logged before the FTC or somebody puts a stop to this disreputable if not criminal enterprise? And again, I don't even know if I'll GET my refund. What can I do to ensure that I DO get it? What recourse do I have? Who else can I complain to, that might do me and so many others some good?

John of Rancho Mirage, CA January 31, 2010

I ordered a trial copy of Home Based Business video. I authorized a payment of 3.89 for shipping and handling. Approximately 10 days later my account was hit for a payment of 389.95.

james of oneco, FL January 28, 2010

i order this package back in 10-23-09 an haven't gotten a refund. i been calling from last year til now.i called them on the 1-25-10 an the 27. well she told me that they have speeded it up that it will take another 10-15 days. can you help?

William of New York, NY January 27, 2010

I purchased Windows Vista for 189.95. After reviewing the product, I decided that I wasn't interested and returned it within the alloted amount of time to receive a full refund. I returned the product in November and my refund was suppose to be processed. After many, many phone calls, as well as many, many excuses from Video Professor, I still do not have my refund. I have contacted the Better Business Bureau as well.

Mark of Roseville, CA January 27, 2010

an Ad came up in my email for a free laptop if you try video professor for free. I filled out the form and in the note section added that I was not interested in buying any of there product. for 5 months they keep sending me another product which I still have unopened. I called and asked them to stop and I was not interested in buying there product and wanted to return them and get refunded what they had billed me. They told me they would. And of course they did not give me any refund nor information on returning there product.

Angela of Kings Mountain, NC January 25, 2010

I ordered a Video Professor teaches Ebay. I received a whole lot of CD's with different things on them that I did not order or need. I called and they said to return the products and I would get a refund in 30 business days. It has been going on 2 months and I still have not received a refund. I called and they said they would put a rush on the refund and no money yet.

I was under the impression that all I had to do was pay shipping on the Ebay program. I was not told about all the extras that were sent with the CD nor was I aware that I was going to be charged 189.00

Melanie of New Hampton, MO January 23, 2010

I wrote the piece on January 12th or 13th about getting sucked in because of "testing a free Laptop to keep". I got both of my payments back in my account on the 19th of January. Basically a week since they ripped off the last payment. Why did I get my money back so quickly? Because I filed complaints with 4 government agencies, called a CO Senator and my Congressman, as well as contacted all of the charities that are listed on the site as "charitable donations" and called Call To Action, Consumer Reports.

I also filed complaints with anyone I could find to complain to and also told everyone I spoke with at this sham company that I was only 10 hours away from CO and I COULD be there in 7, and I looked real cute with a picket sign or sandwich board out front of their business. I am a fat white woman and I look good in wood. I got a response from them through BBB, and in their response, they lied 3 times! Which I pointed out, and then I get a letter in the mail. They say you have 10 days, but in BBB letter it sounds like everyone takes it, that you have ten days from day received, not from date shipped, and their "lessons...five weeks"? Try a lesson every 3 weeks, like they did me.

That means instead of 10 lessons a year? You will receive 17, almost double what they say will do. I also contacted MC whose logo is on debit card, and filed formal complaint with them as to how this place operates, as they do not like aggressive marketing tactics.

Daria of West Palm Beach, FL January 22, 2010

I have been promised a Refund which has been approved 11/18/09, today is 1/22/10 and I keep getting lied to about getting my money back. First it was 30 business days, then 10-15 days, then 3-5 business days and I have yet to receive my money. I have never dealt with such unprofessional company. I NEVER even received the product!

The total refund due me is 209.85. I want this refund immediately, since I have been lied to by atleast 10 different customer services representatives giving me deadlines by when I would receive my refund and nothing! Please take care of this ASAP! Thank You. I have had my cell phone turned off and cable due to the fact they have not refunded me my money.

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