Steam Buggy, DirectOne

Carolyn of Woodbridge, VA, writes (6/5/01):
I ordered a product called "the Steam Buggy" after viewing an infomerical. While placing the order I was asked if I would like to sign up for several other offers. I very plainly told the person taking my order, "Don't sign me up for any other offers, I only want the "steam Buggy".

The person took down my credit card infomation which is my checking account number also and then gave me the billing information and when I could expect the steam buggy. Later on and before the steam buggy arrives I receive a letter from a company called DirectOne Communications thanking me for enrolling in their service. I was puzzled, as I had not enrolled in this service nor had my husband. This letter stated that "Each month on the 28th DirectOne will automatically refresh long distance minutes for a total of $43.90.

I was shocked. I wondered how they got my name, address, and credit card information. I called DirectOne and was informed that I had enrolled through a telemarketing company by purchasing another product. I told DirectOne that I had ordered a "steam buggy" but had declined all other offers. DirectOne directed me to call steam buggy. I did cancel the service from Directone.

I called steam buggy to ask how this could happen. The person I talked to told me that they did not know because if a person says no to the extra offers that they are not enrolled. I was directed to call DirectOne to get an answer. I asked to speak to a supervisor to get an answer to my question I was given the runaround, was told that the supervisor had stepped away from her desk. The person said he would take my information and leave a note for the supervisor to call me. Noone called.

I called steam buggy again and was told the same thing. No supervisor has called and no one at steam buggy assumes the responsibility for giving out my creditcard numbers and enrolling me in a service without my permission.

I feel as if I have been robbed. I am also afraid that the person from steam buggy may have given our information to other companies. I feel taken advantage of. I feel steam buggy should explain how this happened. They say they have no way of knowing which person took my order, this is hard for me to understand.

Carolyn should notify her credit card company that she wishes to dispute the charge from DirectOne. She should also avoid ordering ANYTHING advertised on infomercials from now on.

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