Experian Reviews
- We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
- Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
About Experian
Experian is a credit reporting bureau that helps consumers understand and improve their credit scores. Companies pull credit reports from Experian when they do background checks or make lending decisions. With Experian Boost, you can add your utility, phone, cable and internet bills to your credit report, which boosts your credit score if you make on-time payments. For a monthly cost, Experian also monitors and protects your credit from identity theft and fraud.
- Business credit services available
- Instant Boost program
- No in-person service
Experian Reviews
Filter by Rating
- (27)
- (15)
- (22)
- (85)
- (1,644)
Popular Mentions
- 4,880,395 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
- We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
- Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
Recent
- Recent
- Oldest
- Most helpful
A link has directed you to this review. Its location on this page may change next time you visit.
- 4,880,395 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
- We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
- Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
Reviewed May 31, 2015
I see that I fell victim as many others have to this scam. When accessing my credit report I was informed that I needed to pay a nominal fee of $1 to see my credit score. Little did I know that I had unknowingly signed up for a credit monitoring service. When I saw the monthly billing on my statement I called Experian and they did nothing to help. I disputed with my Chase VISA and they immediately credited the charges and blocked my card from further charges. Beware!
Reviewed May 29, 2015
Experian should be investigated. Not only do they scam people for a $1 credit check, most of the information on my credit report was inaccurate.. Employers, Home address, Collections on my account, Phone numbers, Names - All of those things I'm in dispute with.. So now I have to prove this wasn't me. None of my other reports had what Experian had.. Ugh. This is BS.... please do not give your information specially your credit card info to them.
Reviewed May 26, 2015
So about a month and half ago I cancelled my debit card, and so I no longer had access to my Experian membership. I try logging in but it kept telling me to add my new debit card which I didn't have. A couple of weeks ago I received my new debit card. Two days ago, I logged into my online banking and I see a huge fee from Experian. First of all, I am furious on how they just charge me without even sending out a courtesy email, and secondly, how did they get my new debit card information? Very unethical. And when I called, none of these employees could give me a simple answer on the reason why this happened. Experian lacks customer service and has no ethics, it's all about getting an easy buck wherever they can pull it out of. Experian will forever be on my bad list after this ridiculous shady ordeal.
Reviewed May 25, 2015
Signed up for a $1 report and somewhere in the small print there must've been something hidden. As a result, they started charging my credit card $21.95 a month. This is fraud. Someone needs to bring the company to justice.
Reviewed May 25, 2015
I went to annualcreditreport.com to get my free credit reports from the 3 credit reporting agencies. At the Experian site I also agreed to pay $4.95 for my FICO score. They charged me the $4.95 and I got my FICO score. What I didn't know is that somehow I also "agreed" to sign up for Credit Tracker for $19.95 per month. Be careful! Experian can hide the ways they get you to get you to pay for more than you were expecting! I thought I read the fine print, but I guess I didn't.
Reviewed May 25, 2015
I signed up for what I thought was $1.00 fee to check my credit score. They advertise this is free. After I checked my credit score, I found $39.95 charged to my credit card. A week later, I was charged another $21.95 to my credit card. I did not see any agreement, and if there was one, the font was very small and this was hidden somewhere in the agreement.
Reviewed May 22, 2015
So when I got my credit report, I canceled. I was not really canceled. I was charged for years and when I called back asking why I was not canceled, they said I was NOW canceled. I was billed AGAIN!!! This business is so crooked, I can't believe they can still do business. I really despise this company and hope it gets sued! I was refunded one month but they kept billing me. This is a theft ring and has done NOTHING to deserve the money they took.
Reviewed May 21, 2015
How in the world is this company still functioning? I'm sure they pay their legal fees with all of those unauthorized charges for the sake of some sick irony and the giggles they have later about it. I, too, fell victim to the $1 credit report. I, too, spoke with many a different customer service rep who spoke iffy english through their noses. Alas, the company thrives. Tell me, with all of the terrible reviews online about this company, why has nothing been done to reprimand it? Is it another part of the government and I was unaware? Run by a black man or Muslim no one wants to offend? Awful company. Awful tactics. Awful awful awful. I'd type Awful a few more times, but I'm afraid the time I'm spending writing this review is just more time wasted with Experian.
Reviewed May 21, 2015
I have a POA to take care of my sister's financial affairs for her, as she has Asperger's. I have a membership for her through TransUnion Credit Reporting, so I can keep track of any unfortunate problems she may create. SOMEHOW, when I logged in to check her FICO score there, it sent me to a link to Experian, which I THOUGHT I backed out of. I never filled out ANY request or permission for membership. And when I checked her bank account a few days later, there was a $14.95 charge from Experian! And it just showed up AGAIN! I don't even know what website to log into about this! They just STOLE her information from TransUnion, and raided her bank account! THIEVES! HACKERS!
Reviewed May 20, 2015
So, I am a victim of ID Theft -- the IRS Refund Scam. I go to each credit bureau and order a Credit Report. While on Experian, I decided to go ahead and order my FICO Score...and the selection read for a one time charge of $4.95. I get it. Then, I didn't notice that they hit me the next month with a $19.95 charge. But I caught it this month! So I called them, and they told me, "No refund," and that I agreed to the monthly charges when I ordered the score. NO, I DIDN'T. I did read everything carefully and if I agreed to such a thing, it was buried really deep in the fine print as to not be noticeable. (Interesting note -- the phone number they post on their website is disconnected, making one have to get creative to contact them!)
What a load of crap -- and we are supposed to trust these people with our credit and ID information, when they are part of the scammers stealing our money, creating fraudulent charges in secret. I saw the "Get your score for $1, but had to agree to bla, bla, bla..." and that is why I did NOT select it. I only wanted to know my score...one time...period! I never agreed to any ongoing service, nor did I want one. You can't cancel what you don't know you have! My lawyer helped me make them go away.
Reviewed May 20, 2015
I joined the 1-week tryout. To cancel you must call--no emails. By the time I realized that, I was over the 1-week period, so "Ok, I will have to pay the $21+ fee for the month." I got my credit card statement and I was charged $63+...when I called, they said, in effect, "that's what you owe because you looked at your credit report (not just the FICO score) and that is $39.95." I am chalking this up to an important lesson and that is to ALWAYS check reviews on anything.
Reviewed May 17, 2015
Experian should be investigated. Not only do they scam people for a $1 credit check, most of the information on my credit report was inaccurate.. Employers! Home address! Collections on my account! Phone numbers!! Names!! All of those things I'm in dispute with.. So now I have to prove this wasn't me.. None of my other reports had what Experian had.. Ugh. This is BS....
Reviewed May 16, 2015
I want to start a class action law suit. They force you to sign up for a 7 day trial in order to get your "free" credit report. I cancelled that very day. I have been charged $21.95 for two months for a membership I did not want. Class action lawsuit anyone?
Reviewed May 16, 2015
I signed up for a free credit score and somehow they tricked me into a monthly subscription. I don't know how they got my credit card to charge me - I vaguely recall there was a $1 nominal fee or something, but I have no idea. AMEX alerted me to the charge (sign up for alerts when a charge is submitted without a physical card present!) and it was still pending, so hopefully AMEX will refuse to pay them.
Reviewed May 15, 2015
Charged me for 2 months after I had canceled account. And they would not refund me all the money. And were extremely rude about it. Never again will I ever deal with this company.
Reviewed May 15, 2015
Same as all the other complaints, signed up for a $1 FICO score report and ended up after a week being charged $21.95 membership fee. I called them right away and of course they claim, "It's a valid charge." So I disputed the charge with my credit card company. Amex was very helpful. They placed Experian on a "do not charge" list for my card and will not allow any more Experian charges, and will also open up a fraudulent charge case against them. I WILL NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH EXPERIAN AGAIN.
Reviewed May 14, 2015
I too was roped into the 21.95 for the $1.00 to see my credit score. After contacting Experian I was cancelled from anymore deductions from my credit card but no refund. Went to my bank, not a lot of help there but did flag it as a dispute. So my BBB did a great job with sending my complaint to Experian and I just got a email from Experian Tracker and they are going to refund my money. This might just help anyone who has had this problem and from the look of the complaints, there are a lot.
Reviewed May 11, 2015
I was charged $21.95 for four months of "membership" without my consent as a consequence of paying for a $1 credit check. The terms are buried in fine print that many people miss. A membership agreement is something that needs to be stated up front, not buried in the footnote to an unrelated transaction. I was not expecting a credit bureau to take advantage of people like that. I have not been able to receive a full refund despite not having used any services whatsoever during my time of "membership."
Reviewed May 11, 2015
Charging for services not asked for. Never was able to get in touch with anyone. The phone number provided was NOT valid. If you are having this problem here is the number my bank provided me after Experian tried to make two debts from my account on the same day. 1-877-284-7942 the hours are 6:00am to 6:00pm Pacific Time.
Reviewed May 9, 2015
I was under the impression I was getting a one time look, free of charge. I check my account and then see a $32 expense from Experian. I'll never use any of their services again.
Reviewed May 7, 2015
I recently signed up for a "trial" costing what I thought was $1.00. I soon learned that I approved a $21.95 monthly fee and was charged $39.00 for credit reports that I requested as I moved around the site. There was no "warning" that these charges were being processed. The representative says that the rules are on the website (not in your account). I could only cancel the membership by phone, which was long and awkward. Just beware of the hidden charges that are in this site. I asked the rep if he thought this was fair, and the poor guy had no comment.
Reviewed May 4, 2015
I made a mistake and gave Experian my credit information in order to see "free" credit report. "Your card will not be charged if you cancel this before we charge you". I made the all too common mistake in dealing with these guys. When I called customer service the first option I was given was the cancel service option. OBVIOUSLY the first choice of most callers.
Reviewed May 2, 2015
Experian portrays their information as necessary to know before starting a loan. What they don't tell you is that their information is inaccurate and useless--based on the report they provided, we re-scored our mortgage application only to find it was 40 points off. They insisted it was due to the scoring the lender used. So what's the point of their report? Completely unhelpful. The first customer service person promised me a 50 percent refund and when I pressed to talk to her supervisor he said she was wrong and refused to refund me. I know they're following a script, but the policies of this company are set in such a way that they are indeed an absolute scam. Also, I had to spend an hour on the phone just to get a human. AVOID.
Reviewed April 28, 2015
Yes add me to the list of being scammed by Experian. I just wanted a credit report and they charge you a $1.00. What they really sign you up for is their credit reporting service for $21.00. They tell you, "You had 10 days to cancel" but it so hidden you never see it. Then they tell you, "You can't cancel." Someone has got to do something about this.
Reviewed April 27, 2015
Charging my credit card with knowing it! Tried to get my credit score with a one time fee of $4.95 and charged my credit card for 19.95 every month. SCAM SCAM SCAM!!!
Reviewed April 26, 2015
Experian started charging my credit card starting in September 2014 without my authorization. We contacted Experian and was told we needed to contact our bank because they could not refund the charges. We were told the charges were authorized to charge our personal Visa card and approved by a **, no last name given. We contacted our bank and had to cancel our card due to fraud. Our bank filed a dispute but could only dispute 3 charges due to Visa rules. There were still 4 monthly charges remaining that could not be disputed and Experian refused to refund. We visited with a supervisor named ** and he gave us no help. Experian charged our card without our authorization and then would not refund for their mistake. 4 monthly charges of $21.20 were refused to be credited back to our account when it was clearly their mistake.
Reviewed April 24, 2015
I signed up for a "Free" annual credit report in January 2015 with Experian. Little did I know I was signed up for a $21.95 a month subscription charged my credit card. I didn't realize it until April 2015. I immediately called the company to cancel and refund ALL of my money. They said they can only refund me for 1 month. I asked the customer service rep to switch me to a supervisor because she kept telling me she cannot refund all my money back. Of course I was kept on hold for at least 15 minutes when the customer service rep came back to tell me I have to continue to wait because of "High Volume Calls". Ultimately I was not able to talk to a Supervisor.
I will try one more time and then I will contact my credit company to file a complaint. If that doesn't work then I will contact the Attorney General's Office in my state to file a complaint against Experian's subscription practice. So basically we get an annual "Free" credit report and pay for it by Experian's subscription Scam. Sooner or later Experian will get in trouble by the authorities for this practice.
Reviewed April 23, 2015
I got a SINGLE CREDIT REPORT. Experian provides a credit report. I am charged an initial 19.95. Subsequent month, I am charged 19.95, I NEVER agreed to this. There is NO option to cancel online. My credit card expiration comes, I intend to CANCEL this subscription. I login to Experian, there is NO option to cancel online. AN INVALID PHONE NUMBER IS GIVEN: 1-866-751-6826, I call it and it is a FAX #!! The phone number on the Experian page is NOT a valid customer service line!!!!! There is no way to cancel a subscription, do not ever get a credit report through Experian. They will rip you off forever and never let you cancel.
Reviewed April 23, 2015
Promoted as a free credit report, Experian enrolled me: $29.95/month plan I never wanted. Citi Cards is as helpful as Experian is exploitative, and I'm already being credited for two months' charges through their "Dispute Charges" service.
Reviewed April 22, 2015
Do not use this company. I went to the free annual credit report website. They offered $1 to see credit score and signed me up for a monthly charge unbeknownst to me and would not remove. Very shady company. No integrity or concern for consumer. They have to receive hundreds of calls just like this.
Updated review: April 1, 2016
After disputing the charges with my bank, Experian issued a full refund.
Original Review: April 22, 2015
Experian has unwittingly, deceptively scammed me out of more than $45 for a "free" FICO score credit report. I was told that all consumers are entitled to one free credit report per year so I went to the seemingly reputable Experian. Four months after checking my report, I realized they were deducting $14.95 from my account per month for "monitoring services" through an auto-renewal program after the 7 day trial period. This policy is not advertised, and I did not actively consent! I never saw it conspicuously advertised on the website or in the registration process.
In fact, this important information is barely listed. It's written in incredibly fine font and gray ink. Furthermore, when the trial period ended, there was no notification that auto-renewal was scheduled to begin. There was no monthly billing information being sent to my email account. No receipt notifications. Experian wants the consumer to never know that they are secretly billing them for services they don't use, unless they regularly check their bank statement. How does a company engage in such predatory behavior and gets away with it?
After speaking with Experian reps, they have agreed to close my account but will refund only one month's service. I don't believe that is fair. I essentially paid $45 for a "free" credit report, and did not actively consent. They took advantage of auto-billing technologies in order to ** the money out of me. To make matters worse, in order for them to process the refund payment, I must fax or mail a signed refund request form and send all my billing statements showing the charges. Are you kidding me?! This is an unnecessary obstacle made to deter the consumer from seeking refunds. It's funny how they need signed consent to authorize a refund but they have no problem withdrawing money from my debit account without any consent - signed or otherwise. Were businesses always this unethical?
Reviewed April 21, 2015
I just went to their website and entered my credit card information. They gave me the report which was portrayed first as FREE! There was no payment authorization at all in the process. I just got to learn that they charged me 39.95 for one time use while checking my credit later on. This is a total scam. And worse they are not willing to refund you (called them and did not get clear answer why the system is designed in such away). I am really frustrated.
Reviewed April 20, 2015
I signed up for the $1 credit report on the website. It said "Your $1 Experian Credit Report and FICO Score includes: Instant online access to Experian credit report and FICO Score, Your credit rating and what factors raise and lower your FICO Score." What it didn't say was that it automatically enrolls you in a $21.95 monthly recurring credit monitoring. It was billed to my credit card 7 days later. When I called to ask that the charges be removed, they refused, citing that I had 7 days to cancel the credit monitoring. That would have been easy to do had I known they were going to enroll me. I would advise NOT to use their $1 credit report.
Reviewed April 20, 2015
I signed up to receive my credit report for $1. I called 3 times for 3 months and EVERY MONTH my card was getting hit with charges. I finally got a hold of someone today who said they would cancel yet again and they said they were unable to refund the charges that were already paid. She said, "I saw you logged in on blah blah blah dates," my response was of course that was to get my stupid member number again and to call and cancel for the third time. She assured me it would be canceled this time but saw no record of me calling the first 3... WHAT A JOKE! After she told me she would cancel my account I hung up.
If a person says that they called 3 times to cancel but yet you can't refund money to their account I feel like refunds should be given. After reading the other reviews I was not the only one to have this problem. Maybe they should check their "policies" and see how unhappy people are with their services!
Reviewed April 19, 2015
I wanted to check my credit, and picked Experian to do one of the free credit reports. Turns out only the report is free; getting your numeric score costs $1. Seemed fishy, but I checked everything carefully and there was no mention of any kind of service or recurring charge. 7 days later, I happen to notice that my credit card has been charged $21.95 by Experian. I call their number (and wait on hold for a long time) then finally get someone on the phone who explains that the charge is for a service that lets me check my FICO score any time I want to, and my 7-day "free trial" had ended. They then try and convince me that this is a valuable service that I should keep. I was only eventually able to get the charge refunded because I had called on the same day, but that was pure luck.
The business model here seems to be: Advertise the (mandated by law) "free credit report" to attract customers. Inform them that a "credit score" is different and isn't free, but they can see theirs for a mere $1. Use the provided credit card to sign them up for a monthly recurring charge without notice. Employ low-cost phone operators to field the large influx of complaints, hoping that customers will either a) just eat the charges rather than deal with the hassle, or b) be convinced by the operators to keep the service they didn't sign up for (which I assume is rare). If this is legal, it's only by some technicality. It's clearly a bait and switch for the overwhelming majority of customers.
Reviewed April 19, 2015
I made the biggest mistake by assuming that Experian is a reputable organization, turned to an organization ran by what look like a mafia. They tell you check your credit for one dollar and then they charge you 21.95 after few days. They would not refund your money, they twist your arm. Is there a government organization to protect us from the crooks and overlook what they do???????????
Reviewed April 14, 2015
Called April 1 and talked with an Experian person to get Fico Score. Not told about 7 day trial or whatever. When asked about automatic membership, person said as long as we canceled by 4/16/15 there would be no charges and further membership. Fine. Called today, 4/14/15 assuming we could meet the deadline and be done with it. NOT SO!
Talked to ** who could not do anything about it and finally got her to transfer us to a supervisor, **, who could not help us either. After lengthy discussions and explanations with both representatives, they were unable to help and we asked for a phone number to call. No such thing exists. The only way to reach anyone who MIGHT help would be billing and they can only be reached by e-mail. Write to them next. The whole experience is ridiculous and totally a waste of anyone's time and money. Now it is only a matter of principle and exposing Experian for what it is... a money maker by trapping you into membership.
Reviewed April 13, 2015
I enrolled in this service to check my credit. I was unaware there was a monthly reoccurring charge and was told by the customer sales/service rep that it was clearly marked on the site. Well not-so-much. Anyway, I canceled it and will never use them again. Also, as identity fraud is increasing rapidly, you would think that having out of the USA support/customer service would just add another variable to this. I don't like people in other countries having access to my ss number and other things like address etc. It just opens the door wide for fraud.
Reviewed April 11, 2015
They advertise "$1 Experian Credit Report and FICO Score." What they don't tell you on the first page is that you are signing up for a membership. They hide that little part in fine print on the page AFTER you put your info in (I had to go back later and look because I didn't see it). Also, it doesn't say ANYTHING about how they are going to charge your credit card monthly for $21.95. Ridiculous scam and they know it! When you call customer service, you get someone who barely speaks English and tells you that the money is non-refundable. Total rip-off! Don't do it!
Reviewed April 11, 2015
Used my debit card to pay $.99 for a one time credit report. Discovered they have been charging me about $20.00/mo for one of their services that I never intentionally agreed to fund. It must have been sinisterly planted. Could only cancel by phone.
Reviewed April 11, 2015
I requested a credit report from Experian and was contacted by my credit card company to let me know that Experian had allowed 11 unauthorized accounts to be created, 4 of which were created using the same credit card info that I used to create my membership. This is everyone's worst nightmare. I ended up on a conference call with Experian and my credit card company and that's how we got to the bottom of it. The same day that I ordered my credit report, other reports were ordered using my credit card! Shouldn't a red flag go off somewhere with this folks if they see the same credit card being used for the same purpose many times? Who in their right mind would create multiple memberships for themselves?!! They should in no way be put in a position of monitoring anything on anyone's behalf.
Reviewed April 11, 2015
Do not use their website to check your credit score!! They charged me to check and automatically enrolled me without my knowledge into a monthly membership at $29.95 per month!! They would not reverse the charges, and when I got angry hung up on me. Complete crooks with no government oversight. BEWARE, DO NOT DEAL WITH THIS WEBSITE.
Reviewed April 10, 2015
Website was not clear about signing up for a monthly program and getting charged for it when purchasing a $1 credit report.
Reviewed April 10, 2015
I found that I was charged $21 by Experian. When I tried to log into the account from the emails I was receiving, it stated my account did not exist. When I tried to call, it was a continuous loop of options that didn't apply. I had to cancel my card.
Reviewed April 9, 2015
I joined their one week free trial for a credit report in which I was only checking my report for changes which only take one look. So I called to cancel before the free trial was over. Came to find out 7 months later that they were taking my money which I never authorized. They are still sending e-mail trying to get me again...
Reviewed April 9, 2015
As many others have mentioned, Experian offers a free credit report for just a $1. It is more than clear that when you give your credit card number, you will be charged $1. What you don't know until it's too late, is that in the fine print, they will charge you a monthly membership fee for $21.95. I spoke to an Experian representative immediately after seeing this charge as I had no idea what it was related to. They said they would cancel my future membership, but could not reverse what had been charged to my card already. VERY unclear on their website. Representative and supervisor saying the same story. Filed a dispute with my bank immediately as this is not how reputable businesses make money.
Reviewed April 7, 2015
Experian is a predatory company using fraud to perpetuate scams. Signed up for $4.95 FICO score report, now I realize they've been charging me $49.95. I'm beyond furious. It is a legalized, sanctioned scam. Don't fall for it.
Reviewed April 5, 2015
I signed up for the $1 credit report on the Experian site. I read the report and logged off. Later I went back to the site and saw the "fine print" that said I was subscribing for a $22.00 a month credit service unless I called them to cancel. Rather than call them and have them possibly still bill me, I cancelled my debit card with my bank. They sent me an email inquiring into the problem with my debit card when they could not bill in March. In April (long after I had my new debit card) I got a debit from Experian for $21.95 for the March bill and notice that they would bill again on April 4th for the April subscription.
I have no idea how they got hold of my new debit card, but they used it in the transaction on my bank account. I called and cancelled through their automated system, but could receive no confirmation number for the cancellation. So I had my bank block the new debit card until their service expires on the 6th of April. How can Experian bill to a debit card I never gave them? Spooky, huh?
Reviewed April 4, 2015
Went online yesterday to get a free credit score from Experian. Said that it would cost 1.00. So I thought okay let me check my credit score. Gave my credit card number. Another pop up came up and said "Would you like to see all three?" Not thinking that they were going to charge me extra. Checked my account today and there was a 49.95 charge to my account. Called and spoke with a ** from the Philippines. He checked my account and said "No they charge 49.95, charged was for all 3". Told him why would I agree to pay 49.95 for something that only cost 1.00.
Reviewed April 3, 2015
First I will admit, I was not very responsible with my credit in the past but I've been working diligently in rebuilding my credit and pay any money owe to a few creditors; with this said, I'll like to say that TU and EQ are far more reasonable and understanding than Experian. I've worked with TU and EQ in removing several negative items from my reports and I must say that they have been phenomenal but with Experian it's like hitting a re-enforced brick and iron wall...
Even after proving and trying to reason with them and show them proof of this few negative items that have been paid, they are not willing. Not even after the creditors have expressed that the account(s) have been paid in full and have been satisfied and they were willing to have them removed and even after I've asked by phone and mail to please remove this negative (s) items because even though they are paid and have been satisfied, Experian refuse to work with me And they will not remove them. TU and EQ did not have a problem removing them from my reports although they were the same items In all 3 credit report agencies. Unfortunately Experian is the most use by creditors. My experience with Experian has left a very sour and bitter taste of their unwillingness to work with a consumer that's wants to do the right thing.
Reviewed April 2, 2015
Due to compromised social security I had to put a lock on my social and when I did it at Experian it popped with a $1 credit account. However, the clause that it will be only active till 7 days and will be charged $21.95/mo automatically afterwards was not highlighted anywhere. It's this morning when I had my credit card statement verified and caught it. I had immediately requested for cancellation and received an email. However, I will still have to bear the charge and they would not cancel and refund the pro-rated amount.
Reviewed March 26, 2015
Experian should not be in the position of interfering or dictating over the general population and their credit, as if they were a vetted Government agency. Experian is a private, for profit business, why are they allowed to hijack a persons credit! First off they do not offer convenient or timely customer service. They charge you once they have hijacked you with bogus charges caused by glitches, and robot errors. I have a bogus utility charge on my credit report, that has Zero merit. The account is in no way related to me, or my social security number.
I called both the utility company and the collection agency, both could find no account linking me to that listed charge. What links me is a common surname, and the house/building number belonging to the collection agent, the building number is the same as my birth year. Their robot made a mistake. I think it follows some kind of algorithm, which does not accurately analyze or monitor credit to produce a reliable report. Because of this, I now have to buy into the program, in order to launch a claim, to have the error removed from my credit report. I actually had to open an account with the utility company located 3000 miles away from where I reside, just to get a letter stating that I have no outstanding charges with that utility company. I was even told to pay that utility bill, in order to clear it off my record. A charge which I did not create, for an account that did not exist, and service that was never rendered.
So, I called the utility company and the collection agent listed on the report, both could not locate the bill, account, or any charge in my name, or under my social security number. The utility bill does not even exist. This has caused me to lose out on a time sensitive transaction, cost me 24 hours of solid work and grief to clear up, and there are 8 similar charges to clear up. The same for a hefty child support charge, same exact outcome, there are no kids, no court case, no court orders, no collection account, there is nothing linking me in any way to that detrimental charge on my report. This is not right. It's dishonest, predatory, and should be illegal.
Reviewed March 26, 2015
I've been paying for the monthly membership for over 1 year. My fault, I signed up for it by not cancelling during the trial period. After using it for a few months, I decided to cancel. I cancelled 3 times, but the charges kept coming. I decided to cancel my Discover card because it wasn't worth calling again to have the same things told to me, "We show no record of you calling before." Fast forward 3 months, now I have a charge on a debit card I literally got in the mail 2 weeks ago. I disputed with Chase who called Experian on 3-way. Experian agreed to only credit 1 of the 3 charges, and wouldn't respond to how they obtained a brand new card number for an account I never had on file. She informed me there were actually 3 cards on file, and insisted I must've logged in and entered them.
I can't believe a company we rely on to furnish honest, fair information uses totally illegal practices to somehow obtain credit card information from people it supposedly is PROTECTING against becoming victims! But how do you prove you didn't furnish the card info? Geico did the same thing when my cc was expired but worse, they actually skip traced and used my mother's credit card who lives in another state and has a different last name, and whom I've NEVER had or would ever have reason to know her card number, and they had the same answer that I obviously paid with it before so it was on file.
Reviewed March 24, 2015
I was told $1 would be taken from my account and all I had to do is cancel my membership before 7 days or else $14.95 will come out my account. This where they get you. They leave you fake phone numbers so you can't call and then keep taking money out your account. So what I did was cancel my card and request a new card be sent to me. EXPERIAN SUCKS. LOST ALL RESPECT FOR THEM.
Reviewed March 24, 2015
Basically, I have moved and Experian only would allow me to unfreeze for 30-day of a time. They demanded a written letter to permanent unfreeze which took forever, so basically I was still forced to unfreeze to 30-days.
Reviewed March 23, 2015
Do not bother looking into this service. It is a total RIP-OFF. If you DO NOT cancel within 6 days from the day you start the 7-day trial. The first day you sign-up count as a WHOLE day. I did not know this until I cancel on the 7th day which supposedly is within the time frame and still got penalize with a charge of $49.95 to my credit card. DO NOT BOTHER with customer service as the WAIT TIME on the phone is LONG and they are of no HELP at all if you bypass your trial on the 7th day.
Reviewed March 23, 2015
I signed up for the 'free' credit report for the cost of $1.00 with the plan to cancel after one month if the services were not better than what I was getting from creditkarma.com. It was essentially the same service I was already getting for free so I responded to the initial email I received from them with the instruction to cancel after the free trial period ended. Of course that didn't work so I tried to cancel my account online and since that is not an option, followed the instructions on the web site for the only way to cancel which was to call the toll free number. I called several times per day for several days with the same result - an automated recording saying that they couldn't take my call due to high call volume. And of course after a few days the $21.95 charged showed up on my debit card.
I continued to call multiple times per day and finally, after literally hitting redial over and over for about 40 minutes, got to the choice of 'cancelling my account using the automated system'. OF COURSE when I chose that option I was rewarded with total silence - waited about 30 seconds and realized I had made a mistake by not choosing the option to speak to a human being. Started over hitting redial over and over and after about another 10 minutes was able to reach a human and cancel my account. This company should be ashamed! What kind of company mission includes just making it so difficult to cancel their membership that they just give up???
Reviewed March 21, 2015
I was supposed to get a free credit report, but did not realize I was signing up for a service with a monthly fee of $24. Site is unclear.
Reviewed March 21, 2015
I signed up for the one dollar credit report, which of course you can't get to without paying more money. Experian was the only score I wanted as I already had access to the other 2. But clicked on the "see all three reports button," to be comchargeprhensive. Nowhere did I see that there would be a 39.95. 21.95 monthly charge I signed up for thinking I would use it for the time and cancel, no problem. I called customer service and was told that was how they operate. I told them to cancel all membership charges this minute. 4 days worth of useless reports for 60$. What a SCAM! I THOUGHT ALL THREE CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES ARE SUPPOSED TO PROVIDE 1 FREE REPORT PER YEAR.
Reviewed March 21, 2015
Just got 3-bureau credit report for $49.95. Attempts to print it from their website only resulted in error messages. Experian said this problem had been going on for several months and they suggested I take screen shots of the report and print from that. I feel they should have been able to fix this by now. I feel this is very poor service!
Reviewed March 21, 2015
I paid 20 dollars to get my Experian Credit Report, and got less of a summary than CreditKarma.com provides. I am pissed! I went to Experian.com. These people are thieves and need to be shut down. I work with a reputable Credit Repair company, and have never had such a bad experience. I will be taking further action.
Reviewed March 20, 2015
I suffered, continue to suffer higher interest rates, adverse, unfair, negative ratings, denials for credit, fraud, ID theft, and unknown consequences for years. Fraudulently carried on a Farmers Insurance policy since 1998 by three others in another state suffering from their "occurrences" struggling for years to be removed from Farmers insurance policy I derive no benefit from nor is my car or myself covered to drive my car. Disputes adversely affect my credit and are not resolved despite repeated complaints and appeals for help to resolve and bring justice to those that have hijacked me and my credit.
Reviewed March 20, 2015
Experian is a predatory company using fraud to perpetuate scams. Signed up for $1 credit report, now I realize they've been charging me $29.95 for the last 10 months. I'm beyond furious.
Reviewed March 19, 2015
I signed up as Premera was hacked, and offered two years free with Experian. Two days later, I'm getting phone calls from an Experian Marketing Services auto dialer. It was a local call, so I answered, listened, and hung up. I did a reverse lookup of the number, and it was a private residence. I called, and it was a guy sounding just as confused as I was as to why his number was showing up on my call log. This tells me that Experian is falsifying their caller ID. After reading the many, many, many bad reviews and articles, I really regret signing up.
Reviewed March 13, 2015
When you use Experian, they have small print that's easy to overlook where they start billing your credit card each month for a membership without telling you. When I noticed the charges, I called and complained. I was told they would cancel the membership and issue a refund. However, they continued to charge me. When I called back a month or two later after seeing that they were still charging me, they claimed there was no record of my first call and they would only give me one month's credit.
From the reading the reviews, it appears that I am not the only person this has happened to. Make sure you get an email proving that your account has been cancelled or they may continue to charge you and claim you never called. I hung up and the very next call was to my credit card company to dispute these shady business practices. Chase cancelled the charges from their end and issued a charge-back to Experian for the charges. Chase rocks!
Reviewed March 13, 2015
I have been a customer with Experian since 11/29/2010 and have been charged $8.95. This month I was charged double with no notification. After a 39 min call, I canceled because they would not credit my account unless I signed up for another 12 months. They won't get any more of my money.
Reviewed March 12, 2015
I lost my credit report so I sent a certified letter twice to get my credit report. I receive a letter from them saying I get one free a year and had to pay 11.95 for another one. This took me 14 weeks before they wrote to me.
Reviewed March 12, 2015
A month ago I purchased my credit score. No receipts available to print, no emailed receipts. I saw boxes saying that a membership was available and carefully unclicked them. I wanted one score. I called today and went through the automated phone process to cancel said membership. I then called and talked to one of their phone representatives who was very superior and unhelpful. I then cancelled my debit card and filed a fraud report at my bank. The bank's comment "oh, we get this one all the time". Now tell me; Why is the company the NATION uses to collect, compile and have access to all of our most personal financial information, the one who is allowed to regularly rip people off????
Reviewed March 10, 2015
Same as other complaints; I inadvertently signed up for the "Free Trial" and was charged $23.32. I called a few days later and cancelled my account, and informed them that I did not understand that I'd be charged for the Free Trial. I was informed by the operator that my membership will be cancelled but that they cannot refund my money. I called my bank and reported this; they got my money back and it was already deposited back into my account. I also cancelled my debit card so Experian won't get any more of my $$. I logged into Experian today and learned that they have not cancelled my account and will try to draw a payment on 3/23/15. I have an email from Experian dated 2/24/15 that states that my membership has been cancelled. I will call them back again now to see what nonsense they tell me. My biggest concern is that my credit may be affected if it seems I have not paid a false monthly charge. Wish me luck!
Reviewed March 10, 2015
I have been receiving charges from Experian for several months now because someone committed identity theft using my card. Contacted Experian and they are refusing to refund my money even though they know that it was fraudulent. They will even give me the name of the individual, but nothing else. Apparently they care little to nothing about good customer service.
Reviewed March 9, 2015
I did my taxes on TurboTax and afterwards they advertised Experian and the option of receiving a credit score for $1. After paying $1.08 and looking at my credit score, I closed the website after about a minute and didn't give it a second thought. The following Saturday they charged the amount of $23.73. I couldn't dispute the amount that was pending with my bank until it was actually charged to my account and when I contacted Experian that following Monday during their business hours, I was told it was too late according to their ridiculous "terms and conditions" because the money had already been taken from my account.
During the customer service call, a woman who could barely understand me and vice versa just kept saying the same things over and over again instead of offering any real advice or to help me get refunded. I requested to be transferred to a supervisor, who also just repeated the same thing about the terms and conditions over and over again, even though I insisted and records showed I never once signed on or browsed their website with my "membership" and hadn't even been an unknowing "member" for 2 days.
I understand it is a person's duty to themselves to read the fine print and understand what they are subscribing for, but if the majority of the population is having the same issue repeatedly with the company and the company doesn't care, they are obviously crooks who care more about charging customers than giving them credit scores and credit advice. Don't sign on to receive anything from this company unless you want to be charged fees you are unaware of and not be refunded a single cent.
Reviewed March 6, 2015
I attempted to access "mysocialsecurity" website to assure my ssn was not being used by others. I was unable to open my account online without explanation; called the 800 number and the social security rep told me that Experian might have a freeze on my credit account (I had no idea the Social Security Administration had involved a commercial enterprise like Experian in our social security affairs). So, tried to enter the "free credit report" online, not realizing that Experian has put up its own lookalike sucker website - so I got my info presumably for $1. (I used AmEx credit card). Turns out that the reason I couldn't get into my social security account was because Experian had loaded my son's address into their database (he has same first/last name). I couldn't fix THEIR ERROR on the website - could only call a 1-800 number.
A few days later AmEx notified me that a suspicious charge was being posted. Turned out that Experian had entered me into a monthly $23.95 "membership" without my knowledge. AmEx was helpful and gave me the Experian "customer service" number (they set this up so that the "membership" can't be canceled online - only via a 15-20 minute wait by phone). Ultimately, I got the "membership canceled, but they would not refund the initial charge. I've contested the charge through the AmEx system. It's bad enough that this credit bureau is allowed to commit fraud online; what's really disconcerting is that apparently the Social Security Admin is relying on them for basic demographic data, such as an address (my son had moved from that address more than 5 years earlier).
Reviewed March 6, 2015
TU 751, EQ 763, EX 682. Experian is what most banks use. When updating loan payoffs it can take Experian up to 60 days longer than TU and EQ to report that a loan was paid off. Also Experian reports some soft enquiries as hard enquires. Experian uses a different model (computer program) than the other 2 reporting agencies. With them all having to answer to the FTC, you would think that they would have to use the same program. This puts most Americans into a higher interest rate category. Some cannot get loans due to these differences. For those that are wondering, yes, all three agencies have the exact same information on their reports, although, Experian does show a lot more enquiries.
Reviewed March 3, 2015
My sister tried to check her credit score and never was able to. She gave them my account number and they charged on my credit card for four months before I noticed what they were doing. We received nothing for those $59.80 charges and they refused to refund the charges on my account.
Reviewed March 2, 2015
After being a customer of FreeCreditScore for several years at a cost of $3.95 a month, I suddenly discovered unauthorized charges, several of them, for $14.95 on my bank statement. This began the hours on the phone, frustrated and increasingly angry, being referred from one agent to another in an effort to resolve this problem. I could reach no one through the address they direct customers to, which is customerbilling@experian.com. The wait times on the phone for "help" were absurd, and no help was given when I did reach someone, just a repetitive script. These people have stolen just under $45.00 from me. I have spoken to four individuals, all who claimed the next agent could help me. Be forewarned that this is a company without integrity that is running a scam!
Reviewed March 1, 2015
I cannot even give these so called companies a "star" at all, but unfortunately have to give them 1 in order to submit this report. These companies have been fraudulently "stealing" charges from my credit card since Sept '14!! I have not had the ability to check my statements, as my fiance broke her foot and was misdiagnosed in Oct '13, we had to go through more than You can imagine with that. And then in Jan '15, the same foot folded under, causing her to fall and severely break her tibia, fibula and both sides of the ankle, resulting in surgery. To say the least, I have been trying to be both man, woman and caretaker for a year and a half. After finally being able to get to my statements and go over them, I realized that those 2 companies have been doing this to me. I spent all day yesterday, to no avail, trying to speak with someone, only to be put on constant hold.
Now I took the advice of one of your complainants, and I called my credit card company and filed for fraudulent activity from both companies. Needless to say, I will be receiving a replacement card, so now I have to contact other companies that I pay out of that card for obvious reasons, until I receive my new card. These are suppose to be trusted companies that other companies go to to check your credit and scores???! Shame on them! After being turned in for so much fraudulent activity from them, they should be closed down! They obviously cannot be trusted and are not in the business to help people when they can fraudulently steal from and victimize poor, innocent and often disabled and elderly people, who are on severely fixed incomes. What a disgrace!
To Consumer Affairs, thank you for giving us this opportunity to let others know it's happening to way too many people. I am not happy with these companies at all. They are suppose to be 'trusted' companies and they obviously do not fit that category. They are no longer 'reputable' and that should be broadcasted. Thank You.
Reviewed March 1, 2015
I was recently tricked by Experian, a company that is supposed to offer credit reports to conscientious consumers, yet their small print and deceitful tactics have cost me $21.95. Shame on me, but I would have suspected that during a period of widespread fraud, Experian would have been a company that was transparent and overtly ethical. Not the case. Buyer beware, Experian is in the business of separating you from your hard-earned money, employing cheap tactics. Very disappointed.
Reviewed Feb. 27, 2015
I signed up for free credit report for $1 on 2/12/15 and was given 9 days to cancel. If you count nine days that gives me until the 2/21/15 to cancel. I canceled exactly on the 21st on line. And was charged $24.95. When I called Experian they said they counted the 12th as my first day and I had to cancel by the 20th. I asked to speak to a manager and the customer representative Leonardo was rude and placed me on hold for 40 min and hung up on me. This company is deceiving people. I'm looking to do a class action law suit if my money is not refunded to me because this is happening to thousands daily.
Reviewed Feb. 27, 2015
After using completing my Taxes using Turbo Tax, I clicked on the ad that promoted checking my credit report for $1. Usually I wouldn't pay anything to check my report, but for the "convenience" I decided to just do it. Experian is a trustworthy company after all, right? No. I don't know if I missed the fine print somewhere, but the next month I had a charge for $21.95 for a membership fee. I don't even know how I became a member. I sent an email trying to contact customer service; didn't hear anything back. I finally called the number on my bank statement as the contact information on my "membership" email was elusive and hard to find.
Fortunately, I was able to cancel my membership via automated phone service (they must have the same complaint often). I am a little angry that I naively fell for this marketing tactic, and angry that Experian uses these manipulative techniques to make an extra buck for a service that is available for free through the right sources.
Reviewed Feb. 26, 2015
I opened an email from Experian Credit Report. My understanding was that I would get a free Report for $1.00 that would be refunded. A week later (today) I found an ongoing monthly charge to my checking account for $29.95. I called Experian and spoke with a Supervisor and asked him to credit back my account for the $29.95. He insisted that I signed up for the account and I insisted that I did not. He cancelled my account but flatly refused to make a refund. My feelings are that Experian deliberately made the charge is such a fashion that SCAM artist use. It reflects negatively for a credit bureau company.
Reviewed Feb. 24, 2015
I order my credit score, I've been charged $1, before the 7 day trial ended I cancel the membership but they still charged me. The worst experience ever. I called them few times, let me just say that it took forever for a customer service to answer my call. Apparently they don't really care about all the bad reviews, so don't expect too much from their part.
Reviewed Feb. 23, 2015
This may seem nitpicky, but I do not think it is okay that they advertised a 7-day trial membership but it is actually 6 days (or in their words, the day you sign up is day 1 regardless of what time you registered). I saw their ad on TurboTax and was just curious about credit reporting. Trusted TurboTax, so trusted Experian, at least for the trial. There should be more transparency with the terms of the trial - this is all the small print states: "** The credit monitoring benefit may only be available for 5 days during your trial period since enrollment can take up to 48 hours. You may cancel your trial membership any time during your first 7 days without charge."
With that said, when I called on day 7, the customer service rep was nice and cancelled my membership moving forward, so I will only be charged for one month. He was just doing his job, but the speech they make them give is frustrating - telling me all the scary things that can happen to my credit to manipulate me into keeping a membership I don't need and then an offer to reduce the membership by 50%. Just disappointed that services that seem to exist to help people really just want money.
Reviewed Feb. 23, 2015
I contacted Experian by email in search of an annual free credit report and FICO score - which they provided. At the end of the process, I became aware that by doing so I had become a "member", but if I cancelled my membership within a week, there would be no charge. It may not be impossible to cancel a membership, but none of the options provided came even close to being effective. It is now clear that you get nothing from Experian free without strings attached, and that they make any and all attempts to head off charges as difficult as they possibly can be - for me, until I abandoned the effort out of total frustration... If they do not cancel my membership in response to my emailed "problem" report, I will have to inform VISA to disallow any charges they make.
Reviewed Feb. 22, 2015
Last week, I responded to a Google search for a credit report and clicked on Experian because I believed it to be a trustworthy brand. I purchased what I thought was a $1 credit report using a credit card. About one week later, I noticed that my credit card had been charged $49.95. I called Experian to request an explanation, and the customer service representative advised me that I had signed up for a membership and had agreed to $49.95 by clicking on the option to purchase all three credit reports. I explained that I did not recall seeing this information, and would not have paid nearly $50 for a credit report. I asked that my money be refunded and membership cancelled. He agreed.
A few minutes later, I received an email from Experian entitled "Confirming your continued membership: So glad you stayed!" The email essentially confirmed that I had done the exact opposite of what I asked them to do. I called back and explained the situation, but did not get an explanation for what had happened. The second customer service representative advised that my money would be refunded and a confirmation email sent. I am of the opinion that it is not an accident that I "mistakenly" paid $49.95 for their product, nor do I believe it was an accident that Experian failed to close my account after I requested they do so.
I think they have designed their website to trick people into paying more than they intend to pay, and that they "accidentally" continue peoples' memberships. Upon reviewing all of the correspondence with Experian, I never received an actual receipt indicating the amount I paid; I only found out by reviewing my credit card statement. Every legitimate company I do business with sends me a receipt indicating the amount my credit card is being charged, as well as a list of the products or services supplied. I am very disappointed to learn that such a reputable company has turned out to be so shady.
Reviewed Feb. 21, 2015
I went through an FTC website and was given a link to my free credit reports. Transunion and Equifax gave me my reports without a hitch. With Experian, I could not figure out how to get my free report. They offered me one for $21.95 (no thanks), then they offered me one for $1. What the heck, I thought. I can afford a dollar. They failed to give me my credit report (apparently they had some false information about me and I could not verify it) and I thought that was that.
Then, I found a charge for $21.95 on my credit card. I demanded my money back and Experian refused. I had only 7 days to cancel my club membership (which I did not know about until the bill showed up on my credit card after 7 days). I am a lawyer but a reluctant one--there is so little fun in it. So, I started a blog. I am going to see if I can get Experian (or a class action attorney) to clean up Experian's act. The website is **.
Reviewed Feb. 21, 2015
A recent credit report needed for a loan discovered that Experian had me locked. I have never ever requested a lock and do not have a PIN. Three hours ended in futility in trying to reach a human about it. I need a credit report number which I do not have. I decided to ignore it until more transpired. So I started reading this Consumer Affairs comments, about how fraudulent, dishonest, inept and unreachable this company is, and now am greatly alarmed! Here is why:
Coincidentally, I needed to register for social security online and discovered the most bone-chilling and terrifying information: that the US government uses Experian for identification and approval for social security online registration, and in my case, I was unable to register online for social security because Experian has me locked out (but not by me remember). (The govt will soon also do this for for driver's license renewal and other tax related purposes. The help desk rep for social security informed me of this via phone.) I was told by that social security rep that I will need to go to the social security office and see if they will override the lock and give me a special activation number. What on earth is the government of the United States doing to give a single company with such fraudulent tactics an exclusive contract to deal with its citizens identification, social security numbers and benefits?
Now I have to take off work and go fight getting ID'd by the Experian "gods" so I can get my social security? I am incredulous and furious. I will try to post results after going to the soc security office. But US citizens beware of future hassles trying to get any govt legal business done that requires verifying your identity. Maybe air travel is next. Experian may rule your future. Go online and see: ssa.gov, create an account and see who proves your ID for the govt.
Reviewed Feb. 20, 2015
While looking for free annual credit reports tonight, TransUnion provided one, Experian refused. Experian demanded copies of personal credentials which it also demanded in prior years, and which I sent Experian in prior years, yet they refuse to correct whatever the errors are, and just go on making them, and refusing to provide my online report until I provide the same credentials over and over.
I'm a 78-year-old pensioner who has been at the same address since 1984. There's no valid reason I am not entitled to an annual free credit report from Experian. Yet they refuse to provide it, and refuse to explain why. And refuse to provide a way to clear up whatever the problem is. The site also refuses to accept my application to open a dispute. Can you imagine how annoying that is? No email address, and their contact form leads to a blank wall.
Experian provided wrong information about me to the Social Security Administration. I discovered this when I was unable to create a Social Security web page due to misinformation SSA was given by Experian. I cleared that up with SSA, with the help of a senate staffer, and now have web pages for me and my wife, but Experian refused to respond to me about it. They continue to provide wrong information, and I have no idea what that information is or how they got it.
I don't mind sending pathetic, begging letters to government offices and newspaper ombudsmen, and I can contact staffers in the Senate and the House. I used to be in that line of work and know what to expect. But that's not efficient for anyone. What's efficient is Experian telling me specifically why it is refusing to give me my free online credit report and letting me clear up whatever information Experian has that's wrong.
I'm willing to do that. I'm not willing to, year after year, be denied online credit reports and be required to send the same ID documents each year. Experian gets the information delivered into its hands, and makes no corrections to its false records, and continues providing false information to others, like the SSA. I will continue searching for email addresses for people working in that joint. My messages will go in the bit bucket, because truly they do not give a damn, but I can work off steam.
Reviewed Feb. 19, 2015
I feel the practices for Experian are predatory. I have a charge for just under $10 every month since May 2014. Canceling a change that I am not even aware of signing up for was very painful. I held for a manager who basically told me to just email. Save yourself some time and go the fraud route with your bank.
Reviewed Feb. 18, 2015
I signed up for an Experian account to obtain my credit report for employment; before the trial was up I called and canceled this account. To my surprise the next month (Nov 2014) I was charged $14.95; again, I called in and cancelled. Given the busy holiday season, I didn't realize or notice I was charged again $14.95. January, no charge. Today I log onto my bank account only to be surprised that I was charged Feb 6th $14.95 and again yesterday $14.95!! So I looked on my previous bank statements and that's when I realized the December charge. I called in for a THIRD time, just moments ago, to cancel and they say in fact my account is active and they are now canceling it at my request but are unable to refund me any monies for prior months charged!! What the hell!?!? I am beyond angry and am trying to maintain my composure, but this is ridiculous! They are a thieving bunch of **!
Reviewed Feb. 17, 2015
I signed up for what I thought was a one time credit review of my credit score. The cost was to be $1.00. I was then charged a total of $94.85 within the next 4 weeks...... Have no idea why. I called and waited on line to speak with a heavily accented lady who claimed that I agreed to these charges. I told to stop my "membership" immediately and to refund my money. I could barely understand what her response was but clearly heard "cannot refund your charges"! I am now on hold with Visa Fraud Department to see what my alternatives might be. Experian is a real con company.
Reviewed Feb. 17, 2015
Subscribed to Experian 7 day free trial 2/13/2015. Browsed through my account and checked available credit reports. Following day realized my credit card was charged $53.07. I called customer service immediately. They claim I've ordered one of their reports and accepted the fee. I would NEVER pay $53 for a credit report. I did not confirm any purchase at any point during my browsing. This is the same as stealing! I asked to cancel the service immediately (you can only do it over the phone), but never got any confirmation email. I have a feeling this is not over yet...
Reviewed Feb. 13, 2015
I already complained this to BBB, FBI and the local Law Enforcement Agency. 8 days ago, I went online to check my free annual credit report. Experian.com charged $1 for the report on the same day. Now after 8 days, I see a charge of $21.95 for their membership, which I never signed up for. I called Experian customer service and spoke with the supervisor (Name: Ricardo, Employee ID : **) who refused to give his last name. He said the refund of the $21.95 will never happen because I didn't cancel the membership within 7 days (which I never knew). WHAT IS OUR CONGRESS DOING? Don't they have the JOB to stop Crooks like Experian from ripping Americans like this?
UPDATED ON 02/20/2015: I was very careful when I ordered $1 credit report from Experian. There was nothing that said I would be charged monthly $21.95 after 7 days. I called Experian...the customer service supervisor (Ricardo) rejected my request to refund my $21.95. So I went to every law enforcement and consumer protection agencies to report this fraudulent activity going on in Experian. Finally I got my full refund from them.
Reviewed Feb. 11, 2015
I used Turbotax. They have an advertisement from Experian, "Get your $1 Report & FICO score." Once you're in Experian site, they have questions if you want the other 2 companies report as well. It will cost you more money, click no.... I failed to see the small print saying once you give them information for your $1 report, you will be billed $21.95 for a monthly membership until you cancel your service after 7 days. I checking my charges and one day over see a monthly charge. I call and cancel. The person doesn't have any control but did cancel me out. I know, you always need to read every word but I really didn't expect a company that wants to monitor your credit report and say they want to help you keep a good score is out to rip you off. Can you imagine, how many monthly fees are they collecting.
Reviewed Feb. 10, 2015
Requested a credit report from Experian and they debited my credit card 1.00 twice on January 27, 2015 and I cancelled within the seven days on January 29, 2015; they sent verification via my email. Recent bank statement shows they debited my account 21.95 on February 3, 2015. The phone number provided does not link to customer care and they have no email or any other way to contact customer care. I think this is illegal, very unpatriotic and unconstitutional. Something has to be done!
Reviewed Feb. 9, 2015
Signed up for the $1 charge credit report then w/o any notice and not considering non-business days. I was charged the additional monthly fee within 5 business days!!! On hold for over 15 minutes. Would not waiver the monthly fee although it was not used! Deceiving business practices & rude staff!
Reviewed Feb. 8, 2015
After repeated attempts to get my "free" credit report I decided just to purchase one because I could not understand what the problem was when trying to get the free one - I was eligible for it. I paid for the credit report and score for $19.95. Never was able to view them. I could never get into their site! I tried many times and thought I would just wait and try again the next day, but still was not able to get in! When I called them and they gave me a new user name and temporary login, tried it and still could not get in, so that was enough!
I called back and told the guy what was going on and I stated I was through and wanted a refund. The guy said I could not get a refund - I lost it completely and threatened to go to my credit card company and start a charge back, they finally agreed to refund my money. I have contacted the BB Bureau (like that will help) and have decided to NEVER have anything to do with them again--I will go to the other credit agencies, but I will keep an eye on Experian and my statements.
Reviewed Feb. 8, 2015
Experian handled themselves just as I had hoped, the perfect company! I needed my score so I signed up on the advice of a friend and I paid my $1.00 and cancelled on the 6th day of the trial by calling in and letting them know that I wanted to cancel my trial membership as it said in the fine print and they were friendly, upbeat, courteous and efficient. Here it is 10 months later and I have not received any other charges, as expected. I would highly recommend this trial to anyone and everyone because I followed all directions that I was given and it worked out as promised. Nothing, but wonderful things to say about Experian! If you listen to them and follow their instructions, you too can have a problem-free experience!!
Reviewed Feb. 7, 2015
I can’t believe what a joke this is. After my Health insurance was hacked I was really worried about them Chinese hackers stealing my money, when I should have known the American financial institutes are the bigger thieves. I thought I could cancel the trial membership inside the webpage. That would be a huge NO. You have to call them and spend 36 minutes on hold.
It was hard to understand our conversation but after I repeated myself 3 times to cancel. Wendy **, in a heavy accent responded: "I’m very sorry to hear that. Would you ree-con-chicken your de-shicksion in 6 days?" I said, “No, please cancel.” She went on talk about all the benefits, (which as you can read from other unfortunate subscribers here) are non-existent for us. Well, except for Experian, this extremely deceitful membership practice must make them millions, especially on the elderly. To sum it up: Experian loves HUGE hacks and would love to add you to their bogus reoccurring revenue stream.
Reviewed Feb. 5, 2015
Terrible service, late reply for emails and long waiting times for customers. Bad customer service. ** is MUCH MORE BETTER.
Reviewed Feb. 3, 2015
January 25, I signed up for the 7-day FREE trial service for credit report. On January 30, I went to the website to find information about cancelling the service because I no longer wanted it. I could not find any information on the website where I could contact Experian to let them know to cancel the service. I even went to the "welcome" email that they sent to me so that I could see if there was any contact information in any of the links that was in the email I received from them.
There wasn't any information so I responded to the welcome email with the following, "I don't see anywhere on your website where I can cancel. PLEASE CANCEL THIS SERVICE." On February 2, Experian charged my account. I called the bank and they gave a phone number to Experian. I called Experian on February 3 and the lady, Jody, I spoke with told me that I could not cancel via email and I needed to cancel via phone. I told her that there was no cancel information available on the website or in the email that was sent to me, which I think is by design. She told me that she could cancel but I could not get a refund of the money that had already been charged to my account. I told her I wanted both to cancel and I wanted a refund because if Experian had provided cancellation information then I never would have been charged in the first place.
Reviewed Feb. 3, 2015
As so many other people, I also did the $1 trial membership, I read the terms the I could cancel within the trial period or I would be put on automatic renewal within ** amount of days. After the initial sign up they offered to let me see reports from a 3 credit bureaus, which I did, BUT what was not made clear was that in doing so it was an automatic upgrade, and they charged me $50.00.
Not an hour had passed and I called to cancel the account (like so many others you can't do online), and like so many others the 10 minute sales pitch, I was able to cancel. However, I never received any type of notices about what had been charged, etc. Only by chance, on viewing my bank account that I had seen the $1 charge along with the $50 charge. I immediately called and after so doing, they agreed to submit a credit, but it might take up to 10 business days. I called my bank to state it was an authorized charge, but would not remove it until they contacted the company. For me, if I had done the same thing, charged something without authorization on someone's card, I would be spending time in jail. I feel Experian executives should also spend time in prison for such actions.
Reviewed Feb. 3, 2015
I applied for the $1 fee of seeing your credit report and they charged me $21 dollars for a membership one week later. Wouldn't give me a refund even though I never used the membership. Wouldn't recommend to anyone.
Reviewed Feb. 3, 2015
When you try to cancel your membership (after realizing what a waste of money their service actually is) they throw you through loops. I've tried many times. They just throw offers at you etc. You can ONLY cancel via phone (even though it sure is easy to sign up online in the first place) and there is always an insane hold time. I'm very confident this hold time is to detour people and not because the lines are that tied up. Then someone will interrogate you wish questions and offers and NOT take "no I just want to cancel" for an answer until you're too defeated and give up to go about your day. I think other companies have been in class action lawsuits for similar behavior. (Example: **). I'm on hold yet again for hopes to cancel. 21 minutes and counting. Wish me luck.
Reviewed Jan. 31, 2015
My wife has never heard of EXPERIAN, nor visited any of their websites. She has an AMEX card for emergency use only. It was last used in 2013 and is always kept in a locked drawer in our house. Somehow Experian got her card number, presumably also the expiry date, and then wrongfully charged her AMEX card $1 three times in Jan 2015, followed 7 days later by three charges of $14.99. I phoned 877-481-6825, was put on hold for 25 minutes and hung up. AMEX has refunded the money.
Reviewed Jan. 27, 2015
I discovered that it is a long arduous process to get Experian to stop those monthly charges to my credit card. After a very, very long wait on hold, the representative of Experian hung up on me when I couldn't supply a "member ID number" that I was never given. The fastest way to handle this is don't even bother to call them. Instead, call your credit card company and ask for the fraud dept. They will then call Experian with you, be put on hold for a very long time also. Get impatient, and then go ahead authorize they be blocked from any further charges to your account. It's much simpler that way. Save yourself a phone call. Just tell your credit card rep they gave you the run around, because, if you call them, they will. If you've never signed up, and are thinking about it, don't.
Reviewed Jan. 26, 2015
I requested a copy of my credit report online for $1. Now 7 months later, they continue to charge my account $14.99 every month. I have sent e-mails, and no response. My bank tells me I need to dispute with them first. I have not been able to get thru because I am put on hold for too long, and I cannot be continuously holding while I work a full-time job. Today, I took the day off and was on hold for over an hour. I finally spoke to a representative. I was assured by Mary that the membership (which I didn't know I had) has been cancelled as of today. She was also "kind enough" to reverse the recent charge because it was just charged yesterday. I explained to Mary that their website is misleading, and should be re-visited by their marketing department.
I consider myself to be an intelligent person, and based on all the reviews I read, there is definitely a problem with their sales tactic. Unless, of course it is intentional. After all, they did make $104.93 from me before I was finally able to speak to someone. In which case, I question their ethical responsibility to the consumer. Hope this helps others out there.
Reviewed Jan. 23, 2015
I was interested in getting my credit score so I got on the internet and saw Experian aggressively advertising that you could get your score online for $1.00. I filled their application along with paying the $1.00 by giving my credit card numbers. Experian gave me my credit score online and again aggressively trying to get me to pay $79.95 for all three reporting credit agencies. I declined their offer. Experian acknowledged my membership and thanked me with a membership number. Nine days later, I got online to review my credit card purchases. Experian had charged the $1.00 but 7 days later, charged me $23.35 as a monthly fee. I called Experian and cancelled the membership but Experian refused to refund the $23.35 fee I had paid. As far as I am concerned, Experian is a bunch of con artists!!!!!
Reviewed Jan. 22, 2015
Experian Credit Monitoring Services DECEPTIVELY charged me and then REFUSED to refund me my money when I noticed the charge two weeks later on my credit card statement. In requesting a refund, I spoke with a supervisor at Experian Consumer Services regarding these charges and she was VERY UNHELPFUL and completely FRUSTRATING repeating the same script and not listening or considering my situation. Then she REFUSED to transfer me to a supervisor. This customer service experience is one of the WORST I have ever experienced.
I was intending to acquire my FREE CREDIT REPORT through annualcreditreport.com and was able to get free reports successfully through the two other credit bureaus. EXPERIAN is the only credit bureau that took me to a page that required credit card info in order to see my FREE CREDIT REPORT. There was not another option if I wanted to see my credit report. I did not want to sign up for any services. I DO NOT approve of any transactions. This was a completely bogus and deceptive way to charge me and I had every expectation that someone in Experian's customer service team would be more understanding. THEY WERE NOT. They were obtuse, and frustrating, and refused to refund or transfer me.
I have NEVER used these services. I did not know I had this monthly service. I DO NOT WANT this service and I do not feel it is right or appropriate in any way to charge me and then claim that I missed the deadline for requesting a refund when I didn't know about this charge until I checked my card statement. I am completely appalled and irate at the customer service I received.
Reviewed Jan. 21, 2015
It should be illegal for any company to force you to open a "free" account online after a promise of "free" service (credit score in this case) only to demand you call them at specific hours to cancel it, otherwise they charge you. In other words: making sign up painless, making canceling as difficult and painful as possible, hoping to steal money from you offering services you did not want in the first place (their lousy membership). In other words: not providing much value but hoping to milk "customers" (or should I say: victims) by misinforming them and hoping they don't notice or forget.
Reviewed Jan. 20, 2015
I signed up with the $1.00 Experian Trial Membership to view my credit report online for potential inaccuracies. After several attempts, I never even made it to the report due to non-responsiveness from the website. I then immediately tried to cancel my account (so I didn't roll over into the full monthly charge) and you can't cancel online! I had to call them up and after telling the representative on the phone to cancel my account FOUR TIMES, they finally stopped trying to make me other offers. Have some respect for your customers, Experian!
Reviewed Jan. 19, 2015
I should have known that Experian was shady when I tried cancelling the trial membership online and found that it wasn't possible, I had to call. Unfortunately I had to call the next day, one day late, and was charged a monthly fee. The help desk continued with deceptive and misleading answers 'I don't understand your question'. Really? How can 'Please cancel my subscription and refund my fee' be misunderstood? They offered me a discount on my upcoming monthly charges! In addition, my FICO score wasn't available. I paid a fee for a service that I didn't receive. If this was just a trial membership, I would have walked away feeling that it doesn't work for me, no problem. Now that I'm charged for this, I'm very unhappy.
Reviewed Jan. 17, 2015
I agreed to a one dollar fee and was charged over 70 dollars in less than one month - for what I do not know! When you try and cancel by phone you keep getting redirected and canceling by email you receive an email saying they will look into it. I feel cheated and upset. I work hard for my money and to take money from me without my approval or for any services is criminal. You better believe that I will tell everyone who will listen to stay away from Experian.
Reviewed Jan. 16, 2015
I want to fix whatever problem Experian has with verifying my id but can't find out what it is. I had trouble with this problem in the past and am hitting roadblocks again trying to use the healthcare website. When I call the number they will not tell me what the issue is and when I ask for customer service I am only given an automated number where no human can be contacted. I have been running up against for a couple of years now.
Reviewed Jan. 16, 2015
In February I received ID theft free from Target's security breach. Soon after my ID was stolen. After seven months of emailing AIG with no return emails, writing letters to the Attorney General of New York and Colorado, AIG still will not pay my claim in full. Thankfully, Experian's Protectmyid has an arbitration clause and AIG will be required to pay the full costs, plus my full claim when I win. AIG is a bad company. Do an internet search of AIG complaints and you will agree. Barbara ** is my contact and she has done absolutely nothing. Very upsetting to a victim already to be victimized again by AIG and Barbara **.
Reviewed Jan. 14, 2015
I made every attempt to cancel the membership within 7 days through online selections. However, I was charged $20/mo for two months until I called (waited on the phone for 15 mins) to speak to a live person and cancel. They refunded one month, but they would not refund the other month even though I informed them I did not access the membership and that they were able to tell that I did not access it. Allegedly, the fine print says you have to call and cancel. I informed them that I am an attorney and that if I was having this problem, I was certain other people have had the same experience. The supervisor confirmed that is the case. I said I would refer no one to them and to explain my experience to everyone who would listen. He said they were in compliance with the law. I said I had no doubt that they were doing a great job straddling that line and probably were on the right side of it, but I also reminded the supervisor that following closely on the legal line does not mean it's ethical or right.
I would NEVER USE THIS SERVICE AGAIN. 2 THUMBS DOWN. SHAME ON THEM FOR NOT BEING MORE TRANSPARENT.
Reviewed Jan. 14, 2015
I applied for a $1 credit score report, and ended up with a membership that charged me $23 without even knowing I was using a trial $1 membership for a week.
Reviewed Jan. 14, 2015
I did the $1 for Experian credit score/report. I saw nowhere that it said it was a trial. I look for that kind of thing naturally. I still have no idea where they hid this fine print but it's obvious that their business model relies on hiding this monthly charge to screw over unsuspecting people. I was very cautious too! I denied all monthly services and thought all was well and good. Nope. 23.32 charged today. Called to complain and cancel account. They kept trying to sell me services and get me to acknowledge my payment to them. I just kept repeating "Cancel my account and do not charge me".
Eventually, after a 5 minute advertisement for how I could save 50% by paying a yearly amount (lol), they said they would refund the full fee and cancel my account, but the charge is still there and my card is still on the site as a monthly payment option. I will be filing a charge back complaint with BBB and reporting my debit card as stolen as I do not believe I agreed to these charges outside of the initial dollar.
Reviewed Jan. 14, 2015
I felt their business practices are shady. You can sign up on their website but if you want to cancel you have to call them and tell them. It's just a sneaky way to lure you and then lock you in because you can't cancel your membership online. $14.95 just to see your credit score and a few other options is overpriced. As a side note, their headquarters is in Dublin, Republic of Ireland. Why the heck is a business in a foreign country meddling in American affairs? Something just isn't right here.
Reviewed Jan. 12, 2015
I started seeing charges on my account for $1.00 then $14.99 and I never even requested a credit report nor did I request a subscription of any sort! I tried calling and was on hold for so long I had to hang up and call again. Unbelievable. Small claims court is where I'm heading with this one.
Reviewed Jan. 12, 2015
I noticed I had been charged $14.95 on 1/7/15 for credit reports. I checked my past bank statements and saw that I had been charged $14.95 on 10/29/14 and again on 12/8/14. On the website it had offered a free credit check for a one time use for $1.00. They are misleading the public. I was told by two bankers that they make it appear that it is a one time charge, but if you don't cancel it they will charge you monthly, since you have given them your credit card number it is NOT fraud. However you can file a dispute with your bank. I used to sell credit card services and know that their company will be charged $25 for each dispute. So people, if you have has this happen to you, DISPUTE it with your bank.
Reviewed Jan. 9, 2015
Our companies have accounts with Experian. One of our companies is closing so I called to cancel subscription. They needed letter on company letterhead. I did this. They are still billing me each month. The girls that answer the phones talk like they are totally uneducated and act like they can't help. WHY are there so few companies that can run credit checks on consumers for us?
Reviewed Jan. 1, 2015
Experian billed my card for $14.95 and $19.95, they claim I did't cancel, but I did not authorize the charges, my bank removed the charges but they charged again the next day. After several calls they refused to credit the charges claiming the credit reports are still available. To complain: Their Fax # is 972-390-4937 or Mail is Experian, Box 2390, Allen TX 75013
Reviewed Dec. 30, 2014
Singed up for their 7 day trial just to get my ID verified so that I could purchase health insurance. I got a charge for 50 bucks to get my three credit reports. I never asked for my credit reports, and yet they still charged me. After some research, I discovered that Experian is not even an American company. How in the H-E-double-hockey sticks are they the ones who are determining who I am and my credit score? How on Earth are they even involved in American finances? They did refund my money (7 to 10 business days... that's two weeks in real-world time) but that's besides the point. They should not have ever charged me, I never asked them for my credit scores, nor did I have any inkling they were going to charge me. Be very careful with this company, they could care LESS about your credit, and are only interested in making a quick buck.
Reviewed Dec. 30, 2014
I was led to the experian site because I was trying to get a loan and had to get credit score so I took a free trial. I never received an confirmation email and they ended up charging me for a membership. When I had realized they had charged me I called and I wanted a refund or at least a partial refund. The customer service was horrible, I called 3 times, emailed them but they would not refund my money and it had been less than 2 days since the charge. This site is a rip off and they prey on innocent people and take their money. Don't click on anything on their site, they will rip you off and give them no personal information, they will scam you. It is a big scam and I think they should be shut down.
Reviewed Dec. 30, 2014
You need to call them to cancel the membership. Otherwise, they automatically deduct $20 per month from your card. When you call and contest the charges, they hide behind the fine print in the contracts. You need to cancel within 7 days, otherwise, the charges start showing up. I would go elsewhere if you are looking for a simple credit score. Very disappointing in a "credit score" company essentially stealing based on fine print in the contracts.
Reviewed Dec. 29, 2014
When dealing with this company (and any other company offering a free trial), purchase a prepaid Visa card with enough funds to cover the TRIAL ONLY. After they try to issue unauthorized charges to you, the card will reject them, and they will not have your true card info. Never give them your real bank accounts or credit card numbers until the trial is over and YOU decide to continue your subscription.
Reviewed Dec. 24, 2014
This company's business model is based upon the idea of signing up for a free 7 day trial and then they start billing you for monthly charges for a full membership. I have no proof that I did indeed cancel and of course was billed. Stay away from companies like this.
Reviewed Dec. 23, 2014
I check my credit back in 2011 - while I was deployed they charged me 1995 a month for a credit monitoring service. I had my identity stolen, since then I cancelled early on - before I cancel my account - I cancel through email the first time and then twice by phone. When I got back from my deployment and then again today they are refusing any refund of anything but 19.95. I'm only asking for the 39.95 to charge me today. They will not give me a refund because they claim that I never cancelled. Customer service was nice and manager was rude. Billing department is giving me the same lies that the customer service manager was saying.
Reviewed Dec. 19, 2014
I have a credit freeze with your company as well as the other credit info providers. Congratulations. You managed to up charge me $20 per month for a $1 charge that was for a copy of my report. The other providers submitted my report without charge and certainly didn't try to sell me an annual contract to monitor a frozen account. I believe your actions border on fraud against someone who has had to deal with fending off a major identity theft. The fact that you had to sneak this "membership" by me is testament to the fact that your service being sold to a frozen account is ludicrous. Should you continue to refuse a complete refund to my Visa account I will have to report this outrageous conduct to my credit provider as well as federal agencies charged with monitoring your conduct. If you are successful in holding on to the $20, I will publish this email to anyone that might become victims of your scam. Shame on you and your company.
Reviewed Dec. 18, 2014
Wish I had read these reviews before attempting to get my "$1.00" credit report. Website kept trying to steer me towards monthly membership, and/or ordering the three credit reports at additional charges. Always knew these credit report agencies were money grabbing, consumer smearing scams, but now I really feel that they need to be federally investigated. Worried about what information I did submit, but used a gift card with limited funds on it because I was already smelling a rat. Never give your major credit card info/access to your bank account, to any scumbags (including gym memberships).
Reviewed Dec. 18, 2014
This December, a credit report was obtained because of identity theft. Went online to obtain a report for $1, so I thought. Later in the month I received my credit card statement only to find I was charged $21.70. Upon calling experian, they indicated that in the print afterwards the $1 fee, there was a statement regarding a one week trial period for their ProtectMyID service. If you did not call back within seven days, one would be charged $21.75 a month. I called 11 days after and indicated I did not want their service and only requested a credit report. However, since there was statement after the $1 fee, they would not refund my money. All I can say is, Watch these companies!!!!! They advertise a credit report and you end up getting the money sucked out of you. TALK ABOUT MISLEADING ADVERTISEMENTS!!!! Will never use EXPERIAN credit reports again!!!!
Reviewed Dec. 16, 2014
I attempted to set up an account on Experian's webpage, but was told after several tries that my request could not be processed. After each attempt, I would see an error message saying something along the lines of, "We cannot complete your order as requested." I ultimately decided to go with a different bureau for the same information and found what I was looking for. After a week, however, I noticed that I had a charge from Experian on my bank statement. I was very surprised and confused. Not only was I not aware that the account had been created, but I never received a confirmation or welcome e-mail.
When I called Experian to dispute the charge, the representative confirmed that he could see I had never accessed the account. However, he refused to reimburse the charge on the basis that I had supposedly gone beyond the 7-day free trial period. Despite escalating the issue with Experian's management and explaining the technical error I had received, the response remained the same: no reimbursement if you go through the free trial. As a final step, I disputed the payment with their billing department. They responded very unhelpfully, the same line, that once I had gone beyond the free trial period, they were not able to reimburse me. They did not listen to or consider the fact that I had received a technical error during set up and was not aware that the account had been created. Due to what can only be described as a technical error on Experian's side, I am very frustrated to be charged for a service that I never successfully accessed -- nor did I ultimately know I was paying for. I have initiated a dispute through my credit card company.
Reviewed Dec. 15, 2014
I went to the Experian site for my annual free credit review. At the time, there was an offer for $1 credit score. Unknown to me (my fault, I missed the fine print) it also signed you up for a 7 day trial period, followed by a $20 per month service. I noticed the pending charge on my credit card on day 8 and called them. I found out it was due to the trial expiration, then requested the cancel of membership and requested a refund. I NEVER used the service and was about 8 hours past the end of the trial. I was denied the refund and then sent an email escalating to a manager. I was told to write a letter and fax that with my credit card statement. I then received two days later another rejection letter. Nothing changed between my first phone call, my escalation email and the letter. After reading other reviews, this seems to be their practice. Completely unreasonable customer service that makes money off people not reading the fine print. Why make you jump through hoops when they know they will not refund.
Reviewed Dec. 11, 2014
I signed up for the free trial of the credit monitoring service. The reports they sent me were just fine. Honestly, I forgot to cancel it during the free window. I'm not mad about that at all. I was reminded about their service when I got new debit cards and they emailed me to say the monthly charges couldn't go through. What was surprising is the charges did, in fact go through on my new card. Experian was never authorized to bill my new cards and would not refund the payments. Terrible customer service and very shady business practices. Do not be fooled by this company.
Reviewed Dec. 11, 2014
Do not, do not, do not ask for your "free" or "$1.00" credit report because you will be charged $19.95 per month!!! I am working with my bank to get the charge removed from my account!!!
Reviewed Dec. 10, 2014
They have improved, but the main thing is their accessibility by phone. Nice company representatives in the call center. Keep your call centers in the USA though, ok?
Reviewed Dec. 9, 2014
I was looking for an apartment and saw the Experian ad for a $1 credit report. I clicked on the ad and ordered a credit score on myself. It was not readily apparent that this was a 7 day trial. I gave my debit card info to pay for the $1 which turned out to be $1.06. A week or so later I notice a $21 charge from Experian on my bank. I called Experian and asked that they refund the $21 as I did not remember signing up for their service. I am a 71 year old male living on Social Security. The Ad placed on the apartment renters site is nothing more than a "Bait and Switch" scam. They refused to refund my money was did cancel my so called membership.
Reviewed Dec. 9, 2014
I have found several unauthorized charges with them on my credit card account and it is impossible to contact them or cancel memberships with them. If you sign up for anything with them you will be charged $20 a month for the rest of your life, seriously nothing stops them. Find some other way to get your credit score, but not through them.
Reviewed Dec. 6, 2014
My credit card was stolen and I was charged twice by Experian for the $1. I NEVER signed up for a "free credit report" that I've been seeing/reading about. I reported my card stolen and the next month, my new card had 4 charges from Experian - twice for $14.99 and twice for $19.95. The worst part about it - I never used my new card because I have no faith that Capital One could prevent it from being stolen again. So somehow Experian got my new card number and decided to charge my new card for a service I never authorized.
Reviewed Dec. 3, 2014
It's amazing that this company, which claims to be a consumer advocate, ropes people into a "trial membership" with no way to cancel. I received no emails, and I was given no phone number to call. The only number on the website gets you to a recording with two options that have nothing to do with membership cancellation. It's obvious that the so called free membership is a con game. They're hoping you won't jump through the hoops needed to cancel, or at least that they can get some of your money before you figure out how to cancel. And this company is supposed to be helping me?
Reviewed Nov. 24, 2014
I signed up with them back in August - decided I didn't need the services anymore. Called their service line which was the most frustrating 45 minutes of my life. Provided my name, social, email, my account number with them, and credit card information. Still said they couldn't find my account, but yet I was still expected to pay their monthly charge. I eventually had to call my bank and tell them to hold on charges that try to go to Experian.
Reviewed Nov. 24, 2014
I signed up for this report OCTOBER 22 2014. I forgot to cancel within 30 days period. Now it's November 24.. Second payment came out on 22nd... Friday.. I tried to get my second payment of $19.95 REFUNDED.. NOT POSSIBLE. They would NOT GIVE ME MY MONEY BACK for second PAYMENT... That is NOT ACCEPTABLE. I DO NOT RECOMMEND this company...
Reviewed Nov. 21, 2014
Here's a new one for you... Ordered the $1.00 credit report via creditscore.com through experian in October of 2013, knowing after reading the fine print that I would have to cancel or get charged $9.95 monthly. I cancelled the account the following month following instructions on the website. I don't follow my bank statements with a fine tooth comb. I generally know the approx balance through balancing my checkbook. I took a closer look one day when I noticed that they were still debiting my card 6 months later, each month! I went to my bank, PNC, and inquired about what I could do. The clerk called experian and let them know that this was in dispute and that this account was cancelled by the customer through their website. They apologize and refund the debit for that ONE month. (the most current month) She then proceeded to cancel my debit card to stop the charges since obviously cancelling through the website was futile. She cut it in half right before my eyes.
The bank issues me a new debit card, which much to my inconvenience, I receive about a week and a half later, BUT now I am worry free... Or so I thought. Several months later, I'm looking at my bank statements, again I see experian debiting my account again with THE NEW debit card number! I immediately call experian and the guy from some other country told me this "Yes.. Our system found that your old debit card was cancelled but found a new debit card number associated with that account!!!" Your system found what??? HOW is my new debit card number available to experian through "their system"?? AND further, how are the banks allowing this?
The guy proceeds to tell me that they didn't cancel the account because when the bank clerk called, she was not actually authorized to cancel the account. So they started back up as soon as their "system found" the new debit card number. Is this even legal? How can experian extract my new debit card number and take their liberty to use it? It would seem that the banks would, on some level have to participating in this practice by making this information available. Aren't those numbers on lockdown unless someone authorizes or gives permission to use?
Reviewed Nov. 21, 2014
After 33 yrs in law enforcement, I know something about deceptive practices. The $1 credit report will cost you an add'l $19.95 if you don't call to cancel the subscription within 7 days. Apparently, it is written there, but you have to read the "fine" print to realize this. The customer service rep wouldn't refund, nor would her supervisor. BE CAREFUL! Read the Terms & Conditions!
Reviewed Nov. 20, 2014
Signed up to get credit report for $1 from EXPERIAN. Because I didn't contact them again in a week, they started charging me $14.95 a month. I hadn't received ANYTHING from them for 4 months because they said I had opted for no notifications. So I had being paying $14.95 a month for NOTHING. They would only refund my last month and not the preceding 4 months. I contacted Citibank credit card and they refunded the fraudulent charges and issued a new credit card. DO NOT USE EXPERIAN. THEY ARE THIEVES.
Reviewed Nov. 18, 2014
I purchased my credit report for $1 and I needed to see my credit scores because I was just denied for a loan. I paid the extra money (which was taken from my account at lightning speed) for the scores to find out they are not even what lenders look at!! They do not put this anywhere clearly on their website before you agree to their terms and conditions, which you know no one is going to look at because this is supposed to be legitimate information coming from a credit reporting company. But clearly stated all over the place is that they do not give refunds but they do not clearly state that the scores you are getting are not what you are looking for or need!! Definitely a scam, and they are all over TV and the internet advertising so they can steal from people!
Reviewed Nov. 18, 2014
Be aware when you sign up for their $1 credit report. Read all the fine print. They will charge you $19.95 a month if you don't cancel within 7 days and they will not email you any receipts for those transactions in hopes that you will not notice them. Very disappointing from a company that is supposed to help protect you against fraudulent transactions.
Reviewed Nov. 18, 2014
I was charged $1.00 on my credit card on May 22, 2014 and then charged $32.95 on May 22, 2014 and then on May 29, 2014 charged $19.95 supposedly after the 7 days. This is the biggest rip off and there is nothing you can do about it. I can understand getting the report for 1.00, but why was I charged 32.95. I can understand being charged the next month for 19.95, but why was I charged $19.95 7 days after I missed the trial membership. When I call to ask why I am being charged the $32.95 I am told to get my credit report. I ask why the $1.00 and was told this charge is for the membership. This is what is on their website.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: When you order your $1 Credit Report & FREE Score, you will begin your 7 day trial membership in Experian Credit TrackerSM. If you don't cancel your membership within the 7day trial period*, you will be billed $19.95 for each month that you continue your membership. You may cancel your trial membership anytime within the trial period without charge. Where does it say $32.95? Please stop this company from ripping people off that don't have this kind of money.
Reviewed Nov. 17, 2014
I signed on to the Experian website. My intention was to get a credit report for $1.00. All through the process I was prompted to get all 3 reporting agencies on the report for an additional fee. I was very careful not to select the option for the other agencies reporting. Noticed a fee much higher than the $1.00 on my credit card. I changed my card as I did not want anymore unauthorized charges. Now I am getting notices claiming my account is overdue. I tried to get on the website to cancel the account and find out what is going on. To my dismay I cannot do anything unless I pay the fee first. I am very disappointed that a credit agency is misleading consumers.
Reviewed Nov. 12, 2014
While checking my 3 credit reports via annual credit report, I was able to easily download my Equifax and TransUnion reports in pdf format. Such is not the case with Experian - no download option, and while viewing my report before printing, I was logged automatically in a very short period of time. Since I "officially" viewed my annual report, I cannot access it again and very importantly is that I found a major error on this report that I was viewing. So not only can I not access the report (without paying), I cannot file a dispute. As a consumer, we are entitled to access our credit report every 12 months. It would appear that Experian has a twist on this where technically, yes - you were given the chance to see your report. In the real world, here's your 5 minutes (at the very most) then see you in 12 months unless you pay us.
Reviewed Nov. 10, 2014
I had my credit card account on hold but Experian apparently let three different people set up accounts with said account. How is that a "credit agency" allows this to happen. Aren't they supposed to be the watchdogs? They did not request verification of information. Is this something that they are intentionally doing to then sell their services? Something is not right with this company.
Reviewed Nov. 8, 2014
$15 a month for a "monitoring" service? Some automated nonsense?!?! I signed up for my yearly free credit report and I get billed by these thieves for the last 3 months for some junk I never use. Charge back and I will report them for fraud.
Reviewed Nov. 5, 2014
Experian also charged my account $19.95 without my knowledge when I signed up for a $1.00 credit report. I called and they said they do not give refunds. They are crooks trying to get a customer's money without their knowledge. Complain to your bank or credit card company at once.
Reviewed Oct. 30, 2014
After being turned down for credit I was told that I could get a free credit report from Experian. I agreed to a $1 fee for this service and without further knowledge I signed up for a one month credit monitoring membership and was charged an additional $20. When I used the website to request my credit report, the bold colorful submission button was hiding the very fine print that was deceptive and unethical! I was not given a receipt for this purchase!!!
Reviewed Oct. 28, 2014
Ordered a copy of my credit reports and after one week, they charge you $14.95 for their credit monitoring program. Really despicable practice and I will NEVER order from them again. You can call to cancel it and they do so quickly but you're still out the $14.95 for basically nothing.
Reviewed Oct. 24, 2014
To start off I knew that these free trial credit reports are very much a fine print ordeal so I knew I'd have to go through the horrific phone calls to cancel it. Basically I used their service to check my score for a buck and then just cancel it right away. Maybe it's just me but it seemed extremely hard to even find the right number to call, like searching for a needle in a recurring monthly charge bait and switch haystack. When I did get the right number, I was connected with "sally" from a foreign call center. It seems tace insensitive that these big companies make their call center employees use traditional white people names to put customers at ease. I told her I wanted to cancel my trial, I was then lead through what was obviously a script that changed depending on my yes or no responses and then the incredible one time offer of 50% off a monthly membership.
After my stubborn Midwest German declines they finally surrendered to their closing line of telling me my membership will be cancelled (remember to be nice to the call center employees, they're just trying to make a buck like everyone else and aren't benefiting from these scams). As far as the service itself goes, it was pretty basic and kind of a scam by itself. Basically you get Experian's score for that dollar. But to get the legit report you actually need - its another $19.95 option. I wouldn't recommend this service to anyone, just something I wanted to test the waters with. Definitely avoid even going on their website if you feel like you're someone who may get scammed easily.
Reviewed Oct. 24, 2014
Two words - Experian Sucks. They have charged me $26.51 a month. I recently lost my Mother, I normally look at my bank statement but have been dealing with my Mother's death and also losing my job of 16 years. I called their so called number, they claimed I could not speak to a supervisor and that they had no number for their billing department. I have called my bank and Experian has not heard the last from me. I am going to my local news stations consumer reporter because this is ** and I beg everyone do not go even to their free site, it is not free. I never accepted nothing, so somehow they steal your SS# and bank Account # or debit card # which I did not put in as they claim.
Reviewed Oct. 23, 2014
This company is performing deceptive advertising tactics. They lure you in with big color wording/advertising that say get your Credit Report for $1.00. Then in small print at the bottom in black/white they say that you are also signing up for a service for $19.95/month unless you call and cancel within 7 days. I called 3 days after I saw the charge on my account and a customer service representative and a supervisor refused to refund the charge. There are thousands of complaints on the internet spanning years back yet they are still allowed to operate in this manner. This is ridiculous that no one has stepped in to shut this scam down.
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2014
Beware of any emails that you get from Experian!!! Experian is guilty of fraud many times over. I was a victim today. I just saw that they took my credit card number that I had used for a 4.95 credit score and charged me 14.95 (USD). I recently got my Free Annual Credit Report from Freeannualcreditreport.com. I received a report Experian, I also paid for my credit score a few days later. I willingly paid $4.95, each of these accounts allowed me access to my report for at least a few weeks I am assuming.
They asked me for my Social Security number (last four digits) and my email so I thought I was re-accessing my Free Credit Report or the report that contained my credit score which I believe are able to be viewed again for free. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES did Experian tell me that it would cost $14.95. They did not ask for my consent to charge my credit card, nor did they ever tell me that they would keep my debit card number on record to rob me at will. They also left it very vague as to what I was about to access. Therefore I was cautious. When I saw that all they asked for was my email and last four of SS, which they definitely have a record of, I had no reason to think I was purchasing something new.
Their website is a very dangerous territory to enter. Even if you want to report fraud you have to be careful. Just attempting to report it could give them a right to steal from your bank account. Every service they offer, despite appearing like it is free and they are helping you, is subject to a charge and they have people working very hard to cloak that fact. Also be careful when you are knowingly paying for you Experian Credit Score. There is an option to select all three CRAs but it's over $30.00. I was wise about that and that is why I was careful when I read the recent email.
They want you to be afraid of your neighbors and family and working people but it is Experian that are the criminals not us! You don't need their services. All you need to know is that credit reports, scores and the issuing of credit cards only enriches the billionaire finance/industrial capitalists, the ruling class. Credit is "offered" to us because more and more the capitalist finance/industrial investor class and their holding companies are imposing austerity and poverty on the working class. We can't afford to buy their products and "services" so they issue us "credit" for their own enrichment. That's all you need to know. So stop worrying about your score and fraud. Experian and the other two CRAs and their banksters are the real criminals!
Reviewed Oct. 18, 2014
Experian is widely known in the credit repair business as the worst abuser of the FCRA - from constantly changing customer service contact numbers to over-charging for credit reports to outright violations of the FCRA. Experian does not investigate disputed inaccuracies on credit reports so violates federal FCRA laws. Information disputed by consumers usually is not removed because Experian employees do not contact creditors to verify the debt as they allege and within hours the "dispute" is alleged as valid and the inaccurate information remains on file and reported. The only way to stop Experian abuses is for consumers to file individual CFPB complaints against Experian and following through.
In my case Experian has continued to report debt discharged in bankruptcy and efforts to remove the information has been a waste of time - even when the bankruptcy case schedules listing discharged debt and creditors was submitted to Experian in evidence. I am now filing a consumer complaint with my state Attorney General and filing suit against Experian for damages. Of the three bureaus Experian does not update its records when inaccurate information is removed by the other bureaus and takes consumers through hell to remove inaccurate information because they make money from the secondary financial companies. Dirty dirty dirty Experian.
Reviewed Oct. 16, 2014
I signed up for a report for which I was charged $1.00. That was OK with me. I had seven days to use the membership after which I would be charged $15.95 a month unless I canceled the membership. Six days later I called several of Experian's contact numbers to cancel my membership. Two numbers no answer, another number voice prompt after voice prompt but no help. Sent a email to try and cancel and then I called my credit card company to tell them about my futile attempt to cancel the automatic billing. The credit card company put a hold on any further payments to Experian. This is the easiest way to prevent future charges by Experian.
Reviewed Oct. 16, 2014
It's a company of SCAM! Like everyone else here, the same thing happened to me.... They confused you in the beginning and made you feel their service is "free". Once you paid a dollar for their service they are gonna start charging you $20 monthly fee for the "membership" without any bill information/notification. They would email you once a month without telling you the membership fee. Apparently, they are trying to fool the consumers.
I was charged by this SCAM company around a year. However, I did not even realize that they are charging me until I saw my bank account. When I called the company, they said this service will not mail you the monthly charge. I feel extreme angry about this SCAM company. I NEVER AGREED TO PAY FOR THE MEMBERSHIP FEE. I am gonna file Internet Crime charges against this company until I get my money back. Thanks to another consumer here, who provided the resources "Consumer Affairs, the Better Business Bureau, Internet Crimes, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau."
Reviewed Oct. 13, 2014
[All interaction with Experian was through their web services] After seeing an unfamiliar item appear on my report, I disputed it. It was not removed. After my own investigation I discovered the government mistake and had the original issue resolved. The incorrect, negative information remains on the credit report. I attempted to dispute it again but after it accepted all of my information, I was told that I can not dispute it again. I then attempted to add a "Personal Statement" to my report, but I am only allowed to choose from about 8 pre-made statements; none of which apply to me. As there is no technical reason for this restriction, it seems obvious this is a way to make it difficult for the average person to have an accurate report or provide explanations for Experian's mistakes.
Reviewed Oct. 11, 2014
Supposedly notified of service plan 4 times during checkout. Result was $1.00 credit report, then $19.95/month for a sum of $359.10. Contacted customerbilling@experianinteractive.com. Their website is not Section 508 accessibility compliant; I didn't see those notices. And Experian doesn't notify when billing, not with each charge monthly, not with quarterly reminders, not with annual descriptions of charges or billing. They charge fraudulently, hoping not to be noticed.
Reviewed Oct. 8, 2014
I obtained a pay day loan from MyPayDayLoan.com and was required to pay $1 for a trial membership with Experian so they could confirm my credit. I repeatedly asked and was assured that this trial membership would NOT continue. Yet, I was just charged for $29.95 on my checking account for a continuing Experian account which I deliberately refused to agree to. I've spoken with EXPERIAN a number of times today and they refuse to refund that money that they literally STOLE out of my account. I never used that account and never would have agreed to continuing membership. I'm elderly and disabled, living on a fixed income; I explained that to them. They refuse to refund that money, which was literally allocated for food this month.
Reviewed Oct. 8, 2014
I have tried to call for months regarding to the charges happening every month and every time I call they tell me they are transferring me to someone to help and the phone gets disconnected. I can't seem to find someone to actually end these charges.
Reviewed Oct. 7, 2014
I signed up for membership and emailed/called them to cancel, but they continued charging my account for 6 months! I spoke with customer service and a manager -- both were rude and unwilling to refund the charges. I asked for an email confirmation of cancellation, but still haven't received it. The government should be investigating them.
Reviewed Oct. 5, 2014
Experian, in cahoots with the banks, terrifies consumers with all the credit card information breach scares. They force people to constantly have to check their credit and the three big credit reporting and ripoff businesses all benefit, along with the banks. They pull the basic bait and switch by offering you a deal for a dollar but they depend on and their income depends on many consumers forgetting about calling back within a week (it's on page 17 of the membership agreement that everyone skips over to click on the 'AGREE' button) to cancel their "membership". Membership means Experian uses the credit card number that you gave them to check on and protect and they help themselves to a monthly stipend from YOUR debit or credit card.
You must call a customer service number to have the charges to your account stopped, and you will probably speak to a "Dawn" or a "Bill" who both happen to live in the Far East. I haven't been ripped off by the credit card information breaches yet, but I have been ripped off by the organizations that claim to protect me from those thieves. I don't need my credit score anymore. I am a seasoned citizen and I have no need to buy or credit or use my credit score, so I told Experian to shove it where the sun won't shine..."Dawn" had trouble understanding my humor, what with her being an Asian and all.
Reviewed Oct. 3, 2014
I was fooled by the many ads for Experian saying you can get a credit report for $1. The following month I received my bank statement showing a $19.95 charge for Experian Credit Services. I never knowingly agreed to this outrageous charge and would have never proceeded with this had I known they were hiding in their fine print that I only had 7 days to cancel this service. I immediately called Experian to try and resolve this. They agreed to cancel my membership.....that I never wanted...but refused to refund the initial $19.95 charge, even after discussing how I felt this was misleading and not very clear. I made several calls to the corporate office and dealt with rude and unhelpful phone operators.
The arrogance and unwillingness to resolve this matter appropriately is resulting in this review to save others from this misleading company. I am also filing a complaint with the attorney general about this unfair credit practice and requesting a reversal of the charge from my bank. I hope this saves others from getting taken advantage of. I guess that's how they make their money by taking advantage of people. I made it very clear I was not happy with their response and I would take steps to make sure this doesn't happen to other innocent people.
Reviewed Oct. 2, 2014
Like too many other here, lured by free trial and deceptive offers. The "fees" mount quickly without full disclosure of what you're being charged, unless you watch your charge account transaction logs. Denied even partial refund. Avoid them. Experian does NOT deserve our money and their products are definitely not worth the ridiculous fees - especially when the same information IS available freely elsewhere.
Reviewed Sept. 22, 2014
I tried to complain about Experian to Experian, but they kept my credit rating low without explanation, and without reason, claiming they had lost my data. Experian are not subject to FSA restrictions, even though the banks and other credit agencies who use them are subject to FSA. The DoI rules only apply to 'false' information, not missing information, so Experian are essentially 'blameless' and without accountability; do not underestimate the value of credit; it is a shame that those in a position of authority are so cavalier.
Reviewed Sept. 14, 2014
Experian is false advertising free credit reports. They charge your account a $1.00 as well as charge your account $24.95 if you don't call in within 7 days, which is not on their site for FREE CREDIT REPORT info. I TEXTED them before the report was given to me that I'm not authorizing my account to be charged. They charged me $24.95 with the additional $1.00. When I called and finally talked to a person they are refusing to credit my account back. DON'T BE SCAMMED by EXPERIAN. They are just ripping people off... It's a SCAM.
Reviewed Sept. 12, 2014
In response to Lauren of Cincinnati, OH on Sept. 11, 2014, they scammed me to thought I was getting ONE TIME Credit Score for $1.00 but they took out $29.99 a month. How do they get away with it, If I did something like this I would end up in JAIL............... It's sad can't trust anyone this days.
Reviewed Sept. 11, 2014
A few months ago I signed up for a $1 credit score. I had some trouble with another company that was trying to scam me and I wanted to make sure my credit score hadn't taken a hit. What do you know, the credit report company itself went ahead and ripped me off, quietly signing me up for a recurring monthly payment that I did not specifically authorize. I did notice the small print on the first page, but figured they couldn't begin billing me for that unless I authorized it.
The only payment I appeared to authorize was the $1 payment, but they must have tucked the additional recurring fee into the small print. I am absolutely disgusted. In fact, I am doubly disgusted because it was recommended by a reputable source, fafsa.ed.gov (ironically under the "consumer protections" heading), and I am triply disgusted (and forgive the caps lock here) THEY ARE A COMPANY THAT IS SPECIFICALLY SUPPOSED TO AID CONSUMERS WITH RESPONSIBLE BUDGETING!!!
Experian: you are the WORST kind of company. Utterly immoral. I sincerely hope that karma catches up with everyone responsible for creating and perpetuating this scam.
Reviewed Sept. 5, 2014
I wanted to know my credit score, so I agreed to pay $1. I provided them with my credit card information so I could pay the $1. $1 was immediately charged to my card and I thought that was it. However, I was completely wrong! A few days later I apparently, completely unknown to me, signed up for a monthly plan of $14.99! I never even saw this number pop up when I was paying the $1. Normally, before paying for something, you'll be asked if you agree to pay the above amount. Nope, not with Experian! They simply charge you without even asking first. How is that even legal? Shouldn't I have to agree to the amount prior to them charging me? As I said, I agreed to the $1, not the $14.99!
Then, when I called to cancel, the lady on the other end asked me if I instead wanted the $7.99 plan after I had told her I was tricked into the monthly fee and wanted to cancel. I had to get angry with her and tell her I wanted to pay NOTHING. I wanted NO CHARGES AT ALL! $0 is good! I can't afford a penny more! She finally got the message and agreed to cancel me. Thank God I check my bank account on a daily basis or else I wouldn't have caught this charge! Now I'm $14.99 short. Thanks to this scam, which isn't horrible in comparison to others who fail to check their bank accounts everyday like myself, but still. That $14.99 should belong to me, but whatever. At least I caught it early!
Reviewed Sept. 5, 2014
I have written Experian several times. They are quite aware that I am a victim of fraud. There are accounts in another state that I have requested to be removed in which have been associated with my name. The information came back verified. I have requested for the company to please advise me as to why these entries are still appearing on my file. There are liens on my file that have been associated with my name in which do not belong to me. I have only been ignored by stating again that the information is verified. I am requesting that this agency reinvestigate my credit file under the Fair Credit Reporting Act Section 611 (15 USC 1681I). Your agency has no way to ascertain the legitimacy of my action without investigating the items in question. Reporting these accounts and addresses in which do not belong to me are in violation of the FCRA. Please assist me in getting this matter resolved. Please remove the addresses which DO NOT belong to me in order to prevent further fraud. The inquiries were NOT authorized.
Reviewed Sept. 3, 2014
The Experian charge to me $19.95 not $1.00 to check up my credit point. It is not my willful intention absolutely. I don't want to have periodical credit service. Few days ago, the Experian company sent an advertisement through my email. The Credit report Company Experian lured me with $1 to check up my credit report and then they induced to input all my information including credit card number to charge the hidden money. As to know my credit report, I have to show all my information in their site as they want. First, the Experian advertised and emphasis $1 to see credit point in the email advertisement and then it was not $1 but $19.95 with short period of cancellation scam after all.
They hid their hidden policy at their advertisement with small gray color letters to hide to the readers but 1$ Letter is RED and BLUE with big rectangle border. Whatever they charge to me, they should have got my final agreeing electric signature from me one more time. I did not doubt any hidden clause inside the advertisement because there are public services to check up their credit point with free of charge once a year. Until I check my credit card history, I could not read the hidden scam policy in the Experian site at that time. That is a big problem to the normal folks like me. It is kind a scam and fraud to the people with people's valuable information. I did not use their service anything after I input my information in the Experian site due to type my information. Therefore they must refund $19.95 to my credit card account.
Reviewed Sept. 2, 2014
My wife noticed a recurring 21-dollar charge on our bank statements, this charge started in August of 2013. We called the bank, they told us it was a company called Experian. I do not recall ever signing up for services from this company. I tried calling Experian with no luck, so I sent an email to their customer service department. The following is their response:
"We are sorry to learn of your experience with Experian credit monitoring. We would like to help look into the charges. After doing a detailed search with the information you provided (name and email addresses), we were unable to locate an account in our system that belongs to you. In order to better assist us in locating an account, we are in need of additional information. We would appreciate if you can provide us with the following: 1. Customer number or email address used to enroll in the membership. 2. Full credit card number being billed (if you could provide this by phone). The most effective way to address your concern is to call and speak directly with me via the number below within the hours specified, and I will be happy to assist you. We apologize for any inconvenience. Our customers are very important to us and we look forward to hearing from you."
I tried calling the provided number and ended up on hold for 15 minutes before hanging up in disgust. It also seems odd that they cannot find any account information for me based on my name or email address, you could understand why I would be reluctant to provide my credit card information who had just skimmed 254 dollars out of my account. I am turning this matter over to the authorities, this is nothing more than legalized theft. Please do NOT use this company.
Reviewed Aug. 26, 2014
I received a bad credit rating from Experian to Symphony Bank, Creditor. "It showed insufficient credit history on file." I called Experian. I was referred to Experian online. I went online. To get my credit rating I must pay at least $1.00. However, they also are fairly persistent that I must sign up for a service, which they say I can cancel at anytime. What a rip off! I do not understand why consumers should have to be hooked into such rip off stuff as the credit rating companies. THEY ARE ALL SCAMS!!!! Please do something about these companies which include Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion!
Reviewed Aug. 22, 2014
I too fell for the lure of the "Check your Credit Score for $1" but mine came with an additional 1, 2, punch. Along with the crap from Experian, I also was "enrolled" in ProtectmyId...which began charging my account $19.95 along with the $19.95 that Experian was charging. It is amazing what these places can get away with. How can they stay in business? Not only does Experian have fraudulent information on my credit report about me that continues to cause me problems when trying to get credit, but now they have attached themselves to my bank account. I wish someone would put them out of business!
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2014
Experian had an ad saying they would give you their report and three others for 19.95 but it would only cost 1.00 for theirs. Foolishly, I said I would accept their one dollar and gave out my credit card information. They have been charging my Discover card 19.95 since FEBRUARY!!! I just got it today. Okay, that was my bad. I thought the APR had gone up on my Discover. Ironically, Experian is to help with your credit report. They've actually HURT mine! I will never, ever do business with them again. I probably won't get my money back. I just want them to stop charging. I tried calling 3 numbers, got no help. I emailed. They said I'd be taken care of in the order received.
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2014
I order the free annual report as required by the federal law, then they charged 3 time for three months of $19.95 each month. I contacted them and they told me that that was chargers of your membership. I did not request membership, I only request the free report and they claim that it was included in the terms and conditions. Seriously they ripped me off and I did not request any service from them.
Updated review: Aug. 17, 2014
I want to let everyone know that I recovered $209.30 from Experian. I filed Internet Crime charges against the company because Experian had no proof showing I agreed to recurring charges. I’m really not sure if Experian gave the refund, or Capital One disputed and reclaimed the money. I think Experian issued the refund because it was very quick.
Disputes take time. I wanted to let everyone know, I filed complainst with this site- Consumer Affairs, the Better Business Bureau, Internet Crimes, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. I think the most important detail in a complaint is-- Does Experian have proof that the consumer agreed to the recurring charges on a credit card?
I am almost a Certified Public Accountant, and I also feel those credentials helped move the process along quicker, as I am well educated in financial agreements. Good luck and don’t give up when complaining about losing money. Consumers need to stick together. Always try to remain professional, present the facts, and most of all, be persistent.
Original Review: Aug. 13, 2014
I went to the Experian website to obtain my free credit report, and was offered my credit score for $4.95. I purchased the score for me and my husband. Eight months later, there have been $14.95 charges times two to my credit card, totaling $209.30. Experian will not refund, and Capital One will not dispute because Experian told them I agreed to this in a conference call. I have filed a complaint with Internet Crimes. I am an accountant currently pursuing CPA certification, and I know this practice is unethical, and illegal because I never agreed to any service or program which consisted of recurring charges. There are over 600 complaints on this website about Experian. I will let you guys know how this turns out.
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2014
What folks on here seem to be missing is the fact that we were all lured to Experian by a merchant. In my case it was BEST BUY: An offer of $20 off an in-store purchase by opening a credit account (I am assuming it is the same $20 rifled off me by Experian). Following is a small excerpt of the credit account acceptance letter I received from BEST BUY: "You were first evaluated for one or more card(s) as disclosed in the application materials you received at the time of application. While you were approved for the My Best Buy Credit Card account, as part of the application process, you were declined for the My Best Buy Mastercard Platinum. Due to one of the following reasons: Your credit report shows low credit limits, etc.; Credit Report shows serious delinquency, etc.; Too many open bank accounts, etc.
When I checked my credit report I had a score of 700. BEST BUY's part in the scam worked in peaking my interest to find out my credit score. I seldom use credit and usually ditch the cards after receiving them. I avoid anything that looks like a scam and dispute fees of any kind. I logged on to the Experian site on BEST BUY's recommendation and was more than careful not to accept a membership offers. I believe it was deceit by selecting one button on the Experian site you were actually pushing another. When I checked my Amex statement and noticed the $20 charge I called Experian. They cancelled the account but would not waiver the first month membership fee I charged to Amex.
Amex will stand behind their card users by stopping payment on any disputed charge. I called Experian again and verbally abused the phone scam assistant and her zombie supervisor. At least gaining the pleasure of wasting an hour of their valuable time. Again refused to Waiver the 20 bucks. I am holding BEST BUY responsible for roping me into this affair and will boycott their store indefinitely (boycotting for 2 years is my usual stand). Anyone who finds themselves in a similar position should do the same. For a $20 scam BEST BUY will stand to lose at least $1,500 in sales from my family and business alone. Anyone else I can influence to boycott BEST BUY will be a plus.
I am sure the creeps at Experian have the power to badger people by altering reports. This is their business as they do not sell or make anything of value. Experian is the monitor for other businesses like BEST BUY. It is only by hitting BEST BUY or the business that lured you to Experian that will make BEST BUY or the business reconsider using Experian for credit searches in the future. Thank You all for listening.
Reviewed Aug. 2, 2014
The absolute WORST bogus service ever. They trick you into using a $1 credit report so that you sign up for a $20 service fee. Then you have to CALL to cancel - but they sure let you sign up for a monthly fee online! Competitors take note: advertise a "One time only credit report with no hidden charges and monthly fees!!!" And when you have the "service" it is hard to use the online program. I was refunded one month only because I complained. It just goes to show you this happens ALL THE TIME. I am a single mom with no help, and they stole $60 out of my kid's mouth.
Reviewed Aug. 2, 2014
Yes, suffered same initial enrollment scam where they really end up charging monthly fees, and due to hectic life it takes a few cycles before you tolerate the l-o-n-g hold on the phone, the only way to cancel a "membership" that you created on the internet at your convenience, to cancel by phone with lots of offers before finally letting you go, e.g., half price per month. BUT......now, months after canceling I all of a sudden have new charge from Experian that was NOT authorized. After waiting 30 minutes without reaching someone by phone at Experian, I finally my bank, reached someone immediately, disputed the charge immediately, and was reimbursed within 12 hours! I expect it is another ruse so you'll have to call them and suffer a second bout of sales pitches. The government should step in and shut them down is about all I can say after this last move. Most unethical... perhaps illegal?
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2014
I paid $1 for my credit report and somehow ended up getting on a $19.95/mo membership. They automatically debited my account and WILL NOT refund me when I called the same day to cancel!! This is a complete scam and is not noted very clearly on the website. Of course, it is in small print now that I go back and look again..... UNPROFESSIONAL!!!! And they are the ones dealing with our fraud issues?!?!?!?! What a joke!
Reviewed July 29, 2014
HORRIBLE! HORRIBLE! HORRIBLE!! ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE!!!!! DECEPTIVE AND UNETHICAL. Yes, I write this in CAPS and I am shouting about it. This is an absolutely unethical and deceptive way of running business. For a credit score that I was told that I would pay only a $1, I've ended up paying $70 so far. How ridiculous is that. Experian needs to STOP their business. They are making their living off of cheating and deceiving people. I've got so much more to say about how terrible a service I have had with them and that I will NEVER EVER use their service. I'm scared to even go into their website now as I'm afraid they will end up charging me for logging on.
Reviewed July 19, 2014
I did the dumbest thing and actually PAID Experian to freeze my credit. Now, the stupid site refuses to authenticate me. Calling their CS is a nightmare. I now not only have to pay again to unfreeze, but I also have to send (by mail) a copy of my entire life. I'm beyond angry. I hate you Experian.
Reviewed July 16, 2014
Found 4 charges through my bank account from Experian which my bank required I contact Experian directly with. After speaking with Experian, they confirmed they had my credit card listed on 3 different accounts of names (2 of which were simply initials) I did not know. After speaking with their poorly trained customer service (who should all have a notepad and pen to write important information down such as the amount they are unlawfully withdrawing from my account) who could only repeat to me over and over the other names to clarify I did not know them.
I was transferred to a Landon, a manager, who also only could confirm the names I had already stated several times that I did not know. They closed the accounts, but would not refund the moneys owed to me because of Experian's poor security. My account with Experian was set up and cancelled back in 2008! My credit card has not been used to purchase any online payments so there has been no other site this information could have been taken from. Experian was horrible to work with and I would NEVER recommend this to anyone!
Reviewed July 7, 2014
In January 2011, I tried to access a free credit report through Experian online. Once I realized that I'd have to join and become a member, I decided not to verify my email address and moved on to another site. Unfortunately they already had enough of my information to start billing my account monthly - I didn't realized what the bills were on my credit card statement until I sat down to study it the other day. I called to complain but was only refunded $24.95 of the $867.95 that has been stolen from me using this trickery.
Reviewed June 24, 2014
This is an on-going issue with Experian and given the direction and interaction with their customer service department I would only expect to see a negative outcome at this point. I signed up for Credit Monitor service in January of 2014, which I used to baseline my credit prior to travelling internationally in February in March. I did not receive any active alerts or emails in the time I used the program and only accessed their service ONCE in January.
Upon return, life resumed, I got married, moved homes, got a promotion, performed massive projects, and 6 months later found the recurring charge on my bank account. An immediate call into their service resulted in a cancellation and 1 month refund despite the fact that the service was unused AND the account itself was never logged into, nor any email updates sent. I was instructed to email their billing department (customerbilling@experianinteractive.com) and did so post haste with NO RESPONSE. I have now again one month later called back to the original department and been completely stiff armed in that they (“Lee ID **”) will not proceed with further refund NOR will he put me into direct contact with the non-responsive (and from all signs non-existent) billing department.
I truly would not expect these bar room tactics from a corporation that supposedly exists to uphold business and financial standards and responsibility. I do look forward to further phone calls in getting this resolved as it has now become a matter of principle for me and I take it quite personally. I would also highly recommend that anyone considering doing business with this gorilla just walk away now.
Reviewed June 20, 2014
My friend is 71 years old, has NO DEBT, has NEVER failed to make a payment on time, and has a modest income with which she is more than able to support herself. Her home is paid for, as are her cars and a small vacation home. She applied for a BofA Travel Rewards credit card and was denied, even with an Experian credit score of 791. When I tried to help her discover why she was refused, I learned that the Experian FREE report is anything but free.
The website is designed to guide you toward an ongoing charge and does not allow for open communication with a human being. Yes, it can be navigated, but only with a great deal of work on the part of the consumer. The site should be labeled "misleading". In this case, her future reports will show that she was "refused" credit, unless we can unravel this mess. If this was a poker game, I would say Experian goes into the game with extra aces and dealer's choice. Not fair and not helpful. In fact, I would have to label it shameful.
Reviewed June 18, 2014
I decided to do my yearly free credit check through the Federal Government website. I already knew the yearly check did not include a credit score. I was interested in finding my score as well as my husband's. I chose to use Experian for the services. Although I was frustrated with the $5 charge on each person to determine the score, I agreed to pay. I knew in the beginning that I would have to go back and cancel my subscription to avoid monthly fees. My frustration came when I realized the annoying process that was required to cancel the subscription. Anyway, I put it off and take full responsibility that I waited too long to cancel.
Today our account was charged twice for the monthly fee, since both myself and my husband had to create separate accounts to find out our scores. I immediately went online to cancel the subscription to avoid future charges and website is not working correctly and repeatedly sent an error message indicating that the website was not working. I immediately emailed a customer service representative requesting to have our accounts closed and requested the possibility of having the fees returned since I did make the effort to cancel the subscription.
On the positive side, I almost immediately received a response. The negative was the email was rude and condescending. It made comments, such as 'we do not offer trial periods,' etc., which I had not even asked about in my original email. They absolutely refused to even consider refunding our fees, which I could have accepted had the customer service skills been more appropriate. The email was rude and it is obvious they are hopeful that more customers will wait too long to cancel the subscriptions in order to get their fees.
I will not be using this company in the future. I know I did this very same thing last year and was not roped into signing up for an account and required to cancel it to avoid further fees. I did not see any errors on my credit report, so as far as the reporting, I had no problem with that. Again, I take responsibility for my tardiness in addressing the membership, my concern is absolutely with the lack of customer service.
Reviewed June 12, 2014
Reported erroneous data on my credit report which had been placed there ONLY BY EXPERIAN, not the other credit reporting agencies. I had been alerted to the errors by a mortgage company showing my Beacon 25 points lower than 30 days prior. After an hour and a half on the phone and multiple calls, transfers, drops, and terminal waits, I finally got the whole other credit file off my record. Experian was unwilling to provide me with proof that my Beacon was restored to the higher level without me paying them for another credit report.
Frankly, it wasn't the $7.95, but the principle. Experian makes a gigantic error and adds $100,000 excess debt to my credit file from so completely different individual with a different name. My average Beacon score drops by a full 25 points; a full 37 points below Equifax and 66 points below Trans Union. I have to pay them to get a newly revised Beacon Score, after I have spent more than 1 1/2 hours getting jerked around by there inefficient system.... Pay them.... The ** thieves. No wonder they had a management upheaval in January. They should be in jail for armed robbery.
Reviewed June 11, 2014
So yesterday 6-10-2014, I was checking my mother’s bank account and I noticed a charge on her account for 19.99 from experian. I asked her if she knew about the charge and she said no, she had no idea who they were and what they were charging her for. I called up her bank to find out more information and they advised me that they (experian) started a monthly charge with her last may. Apparently they check and monitor her credit for her every month. Well we are disputing the charges with the bank right now and they reversed the charges. I asked them how far back they can go and they told me that they could only go back 68 days because of federal regulations.
SO they advised her to call experian and dispute the charges with them. At this point my mother is very irate and she has me call Experian. I call them and give them all of her information and explain the situation to them. The lady starts off the call wrong, she flat out told me that she couldn't help me and that the account was a valid account and so were the charges.
I became super irate and immediately asked for a supervisor. I then explained the situation to him and he says the best that he can do for me is one month. I tell him no that we never authorized these payments and we never created an account. If they were to look on the account you can see that there has never been any activity. He refused to hear what I said and when i asked to speak to someone else he refused to assist me any further and refused to send me anywhere else. I demanded that he send us to the fraud department so i could dispute the charges with them. He continued to refuse and said that they were valid charges, I told him over and over again that i never authorized these payments or even set up the account. This went on for about 30 min before I hung up.
I am pissed that they are ok with treating their customers like crap. He was way out of line and deserved everything i said to him. I also contacted the Experian Facebook page and have yet to hear back from them. They are a bunch of thieves and their customer service team are a bunch of clowns that read off of a script. I have never experienced something so crappy as when I called experian, not only did they escalate a situation but they were mistaken if i was just going to end it with the phone call yesterday. I will go anywhere and everywhere until they contact me. Until then I will NEVER ever recommend experian to anyone not even my worst enemy!
Reviewed June 11, 2014
I, a college graduate and professional, as well as several others I have spoken with fell for the misleading advertisement by Experian regarding their $1 credit report. My search for a free credit report lead me to one of the big three credit bureaus where I was able to put in my information and get a full credit report for one dollar. I was automatically enrolled in their monthly service plan for $19.95. I admit it, after carefully reviewing the terms and conditions and conditions after the fact, it is in there. My mistake. My point is that the average consumer shouldn't have to dig so deeply to discover the truth. It should be clear and direct, not ambiguous and covert.
Here is the rest of the story. In the terms and conditions (fine print), one must cancel within a week's time of signing up for the service in order to not be billed the $19.95. What this tells me is that Experian has intentionally created a simple loophole for those who take great steps to find it. This intentional loophole is in my estimation an admission of guilt by Experian that there is something not quite right about the way their ads are presented. They know they will trip up enough people. Some may be genuinely interested in having a monthly credit monitoring service. Why not just sell that?
The company seems to feel the need to dupe Joe Consumer into buying its product. When I saw the $19.95 charge hit my account, I immediately called my bank. The representative on the line indicated that she "talks with Experian every day and knows their number by heart because of all the complaints". She actually made the three-way call for me to attempt to get the chargeback. Mr. "I don't speak English so I'm going to talk very fast and apologize in every sentence" couldn't help so I asked for a supervisor. The supervisor couldn't/wouldn't help so he referred me to their email system (which I had already done).
Experian has no reason to refund me my money and I don't expect it. I believe they are just riding the wave of our credit score driven market until laws are put in place which make them change their ways. Personally, I believe such laws already exist and I am personally writing my congressman, my state's Attorney General, The Better Business Bureau, and any consumer advocate I can think of. If you have had a similar experience, I encourage you to take offense and this type of behavior and do everything in your power to raise awareness as well. I can stand the $19.95 lesson. What I can't stand is the way in which it happened and the idea that it is happening to others every day.
Reviewed June 7, 2014
Experian provided my son a credit report for their $1 charge, but in the fine prints, they ask that you cancel the membership within 7days or that means you agree to join their $19.95/month fee. Of course, they charged and would not budge to refund it, but did cancel the membership. I have never seen a company be such thieves especially one that handles all of your personal information for creditors. Never again... if I can avoid dealing with them.
Reviewed June 4, 2014
I subscribe to Experian, Equifax and Transunion every month and I have since about February of 2013. I have to say that I like Experian so much more than the other two in every way. Their website and features are much easier to use, more reliable, credit information is updated faster than the other two bureaus. Experian's Website looks much better and more attractive looking. Before I started subscribing to Experian, when I got my freecreditreports, Experian was simple and I got that report right away. Another thing I will say about Experian is that their Score for me has always been higher than the other two and they have the same information. I have never been dissatisfied with Experian in anyway. I wouldn't mind if they would give me a higher score of course but the score they have for me is fair and I agree with it.
The same can't be said for Equifax. I would recommend Experian's Credit Monitoring Services to anyone. If you want to subscribe to one, get Experian. I pay like 15 bucks a month or something like that. It's the cheapest monthly bill I have and if I wasn't spending on them, I'd just buy a combo at a fastfood restaurant. Whoopie! Also you can get Credit Karma for free and they used info from Transunion. Experian you have met up to my expectations, especially after dealing with the other two. Don't know much about the customer support because their website is so good that I've never had to call them.
Reviewed June 3, 2014
Always lower credit score than other two agencies, very bad customer service. Even I am paid member, I cancel my membership. Please never get any kind of membership from Experian.
Experian Company Information
- Company Name:
- Experian
- Year Founded:
- 1996
- Address:
- 475 Anton Blvd.
- City:
- Costa Mesa
- State/Province:
- CA
- Postal Code:
- 92626
- Country:
- United States
- Website:
- www.experian.com
