Reply: 1.1.2
From: Dale Gatherum-Goss
On 12/18/01 7:33:00 PM, J Bito-on wrote:
>Hi,
>I am having a refund request
>(for a Bronze course) problem
>with them right now. I had the
>request since August 2001 and
>soon it is going to be 2002.
>It is ironic that they are not
>practicing what they're
>preaching.
>COMMITMENT ... And that
>commitment of course (I guess
>SMW are committed to their
>jobs) and that includes of
>giving my money back.
>I made a lot of follow ups,
>being passed around and
>leaving messages to return my
>call or them telling me to
>give me a call but ... you
>guess it.
>And I just give up!!! And I
>think from this incident you
>can picture out what their
>true image is.
>Aside from the Department of
>Fair Trading is there anyone
>out there who could help me
>get my money back?
>Jo
>
>
Hi Jo!
I would talk to ASIC about the problem as well as the Office of fair Trading in your state.
I would also send faxes rather than phone as then you have a record of your attempt to contact them. The fax should state that you have rung on a number of occasions without success thus far, and, that if you have not had a reply within 7 days, you would put the matter in the hands of your solicitor.
If you chose, you could also threaten them with bad publicity on various investment forums, current affairs TV shows and newspapers where they advertise. For example, you could approach the newspapers editor and alert them to the fact that the company advertising with them is operating a scam (get your facts right first in case you end up in court over defamation) and that you are concerned about how this will make the newspaper look. Also, ask for a reporter and see if they will print your hard luck story . . .
Another effective technique that I have heard used is to sit in their reception and make a nuisance of yourself until you get answers. That is, make loud noises, bad smells and scare off anyone who ventures within the doors.
It just depends upon whether you wish to play dirty and fair, or, take any steps to ruin their day and get your money back.
Good luck, I hope that something works for you and that you get your money back soon.
Cheers
Dale