Classmates review: Unauthorized membership billing 79

Thanks JHayne took the information you provided and called. They told me I had set it up for automatic as well. Which I did not. I spoke to Madeline (no number given) she refunded my card and gave me a confirmation number. I then went out and checked my account it now shows I have no credit card on file and a note to upgrade. TY for all of the information shared by all.

This happen to us on 6/7/11. We just had the credit card company to reverse the charges and did not try to contact Memory Lane or any one else. The credit card company will dispute the charges for us.

Call you credit card company to dispute the charges as they will simply reverse the charges and if the company will not accept the reversal then the credit card company will stop accept charges from them. I have read the comments that the company is just using auto renewal data to charge my card. I do not believe that is the case as I did not have auto renewal set on my card. I believe that the company reset the auto renewal feature as a way to gain revenue if they were not challenged. Several years ago phone companies were switching people over and it was called slamming which is a fancy word for fraud.

These FXXXers billed me almost 2 years after I had a trial membership that I never renewed.

this may help you that has been being charged after canceling memory lane, i canceled my account 2 months ago, but was still getting charge for it! i called this number [protected] and i talked to Scott and and he told me that there was no cancel notices on my account, so he canceled it then! and he said there would be no more charges to my account, no money was give back to me, but that was okay, so if you write in on the computer to cancel your account, i would call this number. nkr

this may help, if you are still getting charged after you canceled memory lane [protected] i canceled my account 2 months ago i called this number and talked to Scott and he told me that there wasn't a cancel notice on my account! so at that time we cancel my account and said there would not be any more charges to my bank, that didn't reversed my charges but that was okay and i will be calling again if there is more charges to my bank next month! so if you cancel it in writing i would be calling this number and cancel it with a person! nkr

Whenever you signed up using a credit or debit card, and if you don't remove that information from your MemoryLane (Classmates) account, that is how you stay on for automatic renewal. To remove your billing information you must go into your account and delete your billing information so you cannot be automatically updated whenever your renewal date comes. I seriously doubt this company is pulling a fraud on anyone, and to claim they go into anyone's account just to reset your setting to 'auto-renew' is ludacis. You left them your banking info and that is how it is done. I think most people getting billed just forgot they left that info or didn't understand how it worked (that they needed to remove said info).

Okay, I just double-checked my MemoryLane (Classmates) account information. A month ago I realized they had changed their name and format, so I logged into my account to check it out. I don't use this website much at all these days, but might sign on for one more round. Once logged into my account I saw that my credit card info was still on there, but I also knew my renewal was coming up and that I needed to remove that bank card if I didn't want to be automatically renewed (which was why I checked out my account in advance). Like I said, I deleted my credit card info and since then I have received renewal notices from MemoryLane (Classmates) to renew at half-off my original renewal fee. So I know they have not been able to renew my account since I removed my banking info just over a month ago. Now I have a time frame with which to renew if I want to keep the lower renewal fee they offered me.

Memory Lane made an unauthorized charge to my credit card and will not refund.

I just received a bill from my credit card, with a charge of $39 on it, which I didn't authorize. Thank you for the information posted; I went into my account & deactivated the automatic renewal option & a few other things of which I was totally unaware were being "automatically approved" by me. This ticks me off, and I hope everyone will fight this. I will be calling them to demand they take the charge off of my card, and I will also file a complaint with the BBB & Attorney General's office. I'm sure there are many who won't fight this, but this cannot continue! I've posted a few messages on Classmates.com to warn people about this, and I hope everyone else does the same. This is a scam which needs to be publicized. Good luck to everyone dealing with this. What an unnecessary aggravation!

Here's a scary thing. They have my NEW card information, which I never gave them.

They also charged my account. After various emails back and forth, they still refused to remove the charges. I was upset but felt I was out of luck until I found these boards this morning. I called the number listed and he told me that I was notified at the time I signed up and agreed to the automatic renewal. He said once the account is charged, they cannot give a refund. In a friendly manner, I told him that I didn't believe that because I knew someone that got their charges removed and that there must be some leeway. He agreed to remove the charges of the remaining portion of the membership. I should be getting almost all of my money refunded. Thanks to those who posted here with the phone number and shared other information. If it wasn't for you, I would not have tried harder to get a refund. I thought I was stuck with the charges. Thanks so much!

I google memorylane/classmates and found this board.

I also received a charge of $39 on my VISA credit card by Classmates - Memory Lane. I knew that I did not order this or renew. I called the toll free telephone number that someone posted [protected]) and talked to a representative and told her that I wanted this charge removed and she said she could not do that. I said I did not order and wanted it removed NOW. She finally said she would give me $33 credit as a one-time exception. Told her I did not want $33 credit... I wanted $39 credit. She finally hung up on me. I called back and talked to a represenative by the name of Chicquita. Told her what had transpired and that I wanted my account credited with $39. She, too, said she could only credit me with $33. I asked to speak to her supervisor. She came back and said she could make a one-time exception and credit my account in the amount of $39. I called my bank yesterday to see if Classmates - Memory Lane had given me the $39 and, believe it or not, they had. Some people do not even look at the charges on their credit card and there are others who would not bother to check this out. You can get credit, but you have to be very persistent. I plan to change my credit card number.

Worthy - then would you please explain how they even got your credit card information in the first place to be able to bill your card this time around? Did you, your spouse or children sign up for a classmates account? You see, when you sign up and don't go back into your account to remove your credit card number, that is how you get automatically renewed. If you are stating that this company is stealing credit card numbers, then please explain this further and prove it with some kind of a police report. Will you please?

@floster: if they have your new (credit) card information and you did not give it to them, then why don't you file a police report and let us all know of the outcome, with proof. I do not believe that Memory Lane (AKA: Classmates) is stealing credit card numbers. We all would have read about that by now. They are a legitimate business. I seriously doubt they are stealing credit card numbers like that. And just how would they be able to get your number so easily? Come on already. Why do people come on here to make a claim that they have been billed eroneously, but fail to provide any information on why this company is 'allegedly stealing' random credit card numbers? Why don't you just go into your Classmates account and see what you have in your billing info? Of course, you probably need to do that before you get the renewal fee removed/refunded/credited.

Here is a helpful bit of information. when I called they told me the $39.00 was nonrefundable. I said ok, that is not good enough. Who do I need to talk to above you? He said there isnt anyone above me, but as a customer service I will refund the money for you. Push the issue and you will get results! their number is [protected]

Being this company has taken over the former company that suffered under a class action lawsuit " Legal decision of change " . Being they have neither notified the individual public, requesting permission concerning the use of new involvements, nor the information used for personal profit post transfer . Formerly collected by the classmates company that fell under apparent guideline issues / lawsuit concerning their discrepancies or lack of . Then and now . Concerning personal information that I personally, have neither paid to subscribe, nor have participated in immediately to nor prior of legal stipulation concerning " formerly known as classmates .

Since I received the attorneys letter of intent concerning said judgment concerning former company .

Yet I find my information on the internet under the newly revised business heading . I will take this opportunity to state a formal / non-formal complaint of misuse of grantor's wish as well false representation of individual for profit . Being when a company consumes another company they must forthwith apply renewal concerning former permissions granted them . It is neither permissible to transfer privacy nor right in lieu of corporate transferal without due notice . In fact, private permissions are not transferable on a business level without providing formal notice prior to use . Count me in on the complaint department !

And that is my opinion . Thank you ! Or not?

Classmates and Memory Lane are one in the same. If you have been billed they are billing you because you have not removed your payment information from when you first signed on, which is how they 'automatically renew' you.

http://www.classmates.com/search/help/article?articleId=1527

Automatic renewal option explained

All-Access Pass subscriptions are enrolled in our automatic renewal program when the initial online payment is submitted. Many members prefer this automated billing process, as it prevents any interruption in All-Access Pass benefits, including full access to over 100 million pieces of nostalgic content and your favorite Classmates® features.

You may update your All-Access Pass renewal option at any time—simply follow these steps:

Click Account at the top or bottom of any page.
Click Account & Billing.
Enter your password to access your billing information.
Under ACCOUNT INFORMATION, click Turn off automatic renewal. (Or, if you'd like to opt in, click Turn on automatic renewal.)
Click Yes to confirm your decision.
Confirm that your Account & Billing page now reflects your desired renewal option: Manual or Automatic.

I called Memory Lane on Monday after seeing the renewal charge on Friday. At first the man I spoke with said the charge could not be refunded. I said that is not going to happen and that I want to speak with his/a supervisor. I've worked in call centers before and there is always someone higher. The rep said wait a minute, and in less than a minute they said they would refund the charge as a courtesy but it could take up to 60 days. However, by the end of the week I had my refund in my bank account. Don't take the 'we can't refund your money'; tell the rep that if you don't get the refund your next call will be to the BBB or your state Attorney General.

By the way, be sure and go to your count and cancel your membership. But only after you have your refund.

Same here... Forgot I even had a membership until it showed up on my credit card statement... Had a really hard time getting in touch with them... Thanks to another post on here I found their phone number... What a rip off... Do NOT join Classmates !

Unauthorized transaction to debit card.

How are they still in buissness...

They have been charging an auto renewal on my CC since 08'. I don't use that CC anymore, just kept it for funds securtiy, credit purposes so shame on me for not checking the statement.

Not sure why but the 15.00 charges to my account are bi monthly not monthly as i would think. Its most likely a way to try to confuse and or hide the subscription to the consumer.

I also have filled a compliant with AMEX, but will be calling Classmates as well.

I do not wish to be a member of the classmates-memory lane and did not realize that I had signed up. I must have pushed a button by mistake. Please take me off the list as I am a senior citizen and cannot afford to put out that money. What do I do and how do I cancel - please help

gail Ferguson - hotrodcouple@sympatico.ca

I'm reposting the info someone else posted that helped me the most - but thanks to everyone for documenting this! Made it much easier to get the refund. I registered in 2004, I simply told her there was no way she could prove that "Auto-Renewal" was a part of the Terms & Conditions at that itme. She put me on hold for 30 seconds & came back w/my refund confirmation number. I had already disputed the charge w/my CC company, I've also filled out the online complaint w/the AG's office. Even though I got my money back, this wasn't legal & many have been denied their refund. Also had them close out the Classmates account permanently.

If this happens to you and you are denied a refund, follow these steps; contact your bank and have them dispute the charge, then also contact the (BBB) Better Business Bureau Serving Alaska, Oregon & Western Washington Complaint Department and file a complaint with them, and finally contact the ATTORNEY GENERAL OF WASHINGTON Consumer Protection Division 800 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2000 Seattle, WA [protected] or via the WEB which is easiest and file a complaint. (BBB and ATG are from the area the business is in)
You will be contacted of the status of your complaint by the BBB and the ATG offices.

To whom it may concern:
I am also one of the persons who was charged $39.60 (as I live in Canada) and I never gave them permission nor did I ever use this company before. What do we do now, as I am a senior citizen on a fixed income and cannot afford to just throw away $39.60. What is my next step. I feel if this is part of Classmates, then I will also cancel with them. Please advise as soon as possible.

Gail Ferguson - hotrodcouple@sympatico.ca

I just called and disputed the $15 dollar charge to this site - I don't ever use it. And the the person I spoke to immediately removed the charges and gave me a refund to my credit card - with confirmation of cancellation for membership. I was glad this site popped out so I was able to read about similar.

That happened to me on TWO SEPARATE occasions in October. They finally "against their usual policy" after many contacts from me, refunded both charges. After just getting back from a short trip I looked at my emails and I see another charge against my bank account for yet another $39. I am so sick of them--I'll never use it again because of this. Here I go to call them AGAIN.

I received a billing from them today - I made the phone calls as suggested in earlier posts... thank you to all who gave suggestions because I used them and I was told the were issuing me a courtesy credit for the billing and would close the account. I will watch over the next 30 days it is supposed to take to process...

I am starting the complaint process. What a rip off!

littlebrown1016

I got charged $59! Will be starting the process as all have described.

Need to contact some one you have my daughter and my info crossed.

I am disgusted, I just found an unauthorized charge from Memory Lane on my bank card, I filed fraud and equested new bank information, I have no clue why they are chargin me a 39.00 fee

Unfortunately, I just had the same thing happen to me. I called the number given to me by my bank, [protected] to see if I could get my money refunded back to my account. I talked to Peggy, and unfortunately she was very argumentative and refused to credit my account or give me my money back. After several minutes of repeating my case and telling her that I was aware there were thousand of complaints and that I would report them to the BBB, contact the Attorney general and also dispute the charges through my bank... she still refused to refund my money. She stated that was impossible. I told her I was aware it wasn't impossible because I had seen from other posts that it had been done and they had been given a confirmation number and the charges had been refunded. Finally, she agreed to give me a one time refund and a confirmation number. However, she said if could take up to 30 days for my account to be credited back the $39. I will be watching very closely to make sure that that my account is credited and after the credit has been applied I will delete all my information from their website.

Ditto and I got a refund today! I didn't even know about this until I was researching charges for my taxes. I called (see contact info in these posts), selected the billing option and was parked on hold for ~ 15 minutes. Talked to a rep who was polite, but agreed only to stop the auto-renewal, but not refund my $39.00 (for a service I didn't authorize or use). I asked for the CEO, Harold Zeitz, but was told I couldn't be connected. I then asked for the rep's supervisor. She put me on hold for a few minutes, came back and guess what? She was authorized to give me a refund! I asked for the email confirmation to be sent while we were still on the phone, which she did. Don't give up and don't give in! Good luck getting your money back!

On 4-4-2013, as charge of 15.00 was taken from my debit card. it says CLASSMATES-MEMORY LANE.. ... I DID NOT AUTHORIZE THIS PAYMENT...AND IT CREATED A NON-PAYMENT OF SOMETHING THAT I DID AUTHORIZE... THE TELEPHONE ON MY STATEMENT SAYS ... [protected]... I HAVEN'T HAD A CHANCE TO CALL, BECAUSE I JUST FOUND IT TODAY...(SUNDAY) ...AND OF COURSE...THEY ARE CLOSED... AND THE KICKER TO ALL OF THIS ... IS THAT I CAN'T GET INTO MY MESSAGES...THAT HAVE BEEN LEFT FOR ME... I AM NOT AT ALL HAPPY...JUST DIDN'T WANT ANYONE TO THINK THAT I WAS IGNORING THEM...

Please remove my name etc. from your site. DO NOT continue to CHARGE ME.

Is there anyway to get your money back

Thanks for the information. I also received notice it was time to renew my sucribition, yet, my password was still effective and had new notices from old friends from High School pending they said...and from people I would want to hear from. How would they know who my "Besties" were? So, not trusting to give my credit card over the internet, I called the phone number and was told by a computer to use the "Online Page" to pay the invoice.
But now getting suspect, I looked up this site and seems I was correct to be leary of the new Owners. I see they do have a way to pay by check, what do any of you think about mailing a Cashiers Check for payment instead of a personal check if you want to stay in the group? Being I have not used the group very much, I am getting to the place in life I would enjoy talking to some of my old friends, but is this the site to do so? I am the class of 1978 and away from my old home place for many years. Would love any ideas. You may twitter me @EMPoole59 if you like, not that I am so great getting on Social Media due to not being well with MS, my reason to want to talk to old friends at this time in life. Again, glad I found this sounding group to find cheaters of our funds.
Sincerely, Emily

My name is john keith carte. I am not a member yet. The info you have listed is wrong. You have 2 john carte's listed for nuttall graduates listed for nuttall highschool..lookout wv 1957. There is only 1 john carte for that year and it should be john keith carte. I won't join until it is changed. Thank you very much.