AARP

Review: [redacted]-aarp.com is deceiving the customers by providing misleading information on their web page. As a result of this deception, customers purchase a product without receiving the benefit of purchasing that product. In my case, I used the [redacted]-aarp.com web site to reserve a hotel for 3 nights. On the web page of the hotel that I chose, several prices were advertised with the lower priced room being advertised as requiring an, "advance purchase." The higher priced rooms did not have the words, "advance purchase," by them and I did not find out that they required advanced purchase until I submitted my credit card information. Once I submitted the credit card information I received a receipt indicating that the hotel room had been "paid in full," meaning that my credit card had been charged as an advance purchase, although that higher priced option was not advertised as such. I spoke with a manager who told me that they had no intention of changing the wording on the web site, and that the refund options are clearly stated on the web site. In short, this person was not responsive to my concerns about the deceptive advertising on the web page. [redacted]-aarp.com is deceiving the customers because the higher priced hotel rooms are listed as not being an advanced purchase room, when in actuality it does require the room to be completely paid in advance.Desired Settlement: First, I want [redacted]-aarp.com to advertise truthfully on their web site. If all of the hotels require an advance purchase, then they should be advertised as such. Second, I want a refund of the difference between the cost of the hotel that was advertised as requiring an advance purchase ($107 + tax = $132), and what I paid for a hotel that was advertised as not requiring an advance purchase ($124 + tax = $152 per night for 3 nights).

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted],

Review: I became a member of AARP in 2005. Since joining, I have received annual reminders to renew my membership. That was fine as long as I was renewing each year. However, in July, 2010, I renewed my membership for five years. I have continued getting annual renewals every year including this year. The letter starts by saying "Our records show that you haven't yet registered for the valuable benefits of AARP membership". The first couple of years, I just ignored the letters but then I got to thinking about this recruiting practice and the age of the members so last year or the year before, I sent AARP a letter in which I stated "On July 10, 2010 I sent check #[redacted] for $63.00 (five years). I find it disturbing that your sent me renewal information now. Please convince me that this is a mistake on your part so that I do not have to contact the Revdex.com." I never received a response from them but I am still receiving renewal for**. I am concerned that AARP may be taking advantage of ithe age of its membership.Desired Settlement: I want to see a change in AARP's recruiting practices and a letter from the company addressing my concerns. Continuation of AARP's current practices will cause me to consider a federal age discrimination lawsuit.

Business

Response:

February 13, 2014

Review: I called AARP in September because I have been receiving solicitations in my father's name and with my current address. My father is already an AARP member and has never lived at my current address.

I am still receiving solicitations for Medicare plans from AARP with [redacted].Desired Settlement: I do not want to receive solicitations from AARP or any of their affiliates to my address.

Business

Response:

Dear **. [redacted],

Review: Long Term Care Insurance purchased through an AARP Sales Representative, was not what I requested.

I am a member of AARP and pulled an advertisement insert from the AARP magazine, about Long Term Care Insurance. I mailed it and received a call from their insurance representative, Grant M[redacted], CLTC of [redacted], Ohio to come to my house. I lived in [redacted], Ohio at this time. On May 17, 2010 Mr. M[redacted] came to the house to talk to my then husband and I about Long Term Care Insurance. He asked many questions, and talked about the different types of policies. One of the policies he described was a Long Term Care policy that, because I was age 55, could be paid off in 10 years, at age 65, and would give me 4 years in a nursing home. That is the policy I agreed to purchase. My then husband was 3 years older than I and, I believe, could not get the pay off by age 65 policy. But, because we were purchasing together, he received a discount premium. This complaint is about MY policy. Mr. M[redacted] sat at our kitchen table and filled out the application per our instructions and answers to the questions he asked. But, I was very clear on the policy I wanted. Once the application was completed, Mr. M[redacted] thanked us and left, leaving us a copy of the application. Shame on me for not checking the application to make sure it was completed correctly, but even if I had, I'm not sure I would have realized there was a problem with what he completed on it. Fast forward 4 years to now, I have been paying quarterly $283.42 for this policy. Last week I called [redacted] (they hold the policy) to ask them if I over pay, would I pay this policy off sooner than 10 years. [redacted] proceeded to tell me that I do not have the 10 year pay off policy. I have the standard policy, which means I pay $283.42 quarterly for the rest of my life or until I go into a nursing home and it only gives me 2 years total in a nursing home. When I checked the policy, sure enough Mr. M[redacted] marked the standard premium payment box, for both my then husband and I, and did not mark the pay-to-65 box for me. I am angry that this is not what I wanted or asked for. I am blaming both AARP Health (my checks were written to AARP Health) and Mr. Grant M[redacted]. I cancelled the policy as of 5/15/14.Desired Settlement: I want the Long Term Care Insurance policy I asked for 4 years ago. I want the policy I thought I had these past 4 years. If I can't get that I want a refund.

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted],

I purchased a Real Pad from AARP in August 2015. In November 2015 it developed a crack in the screen. I contacted the customer service information provided. They referred me to a tech repair number to call. A rep from that company told me that that was an issue with that device and they were unable to get the parts. A second email to customer service sent me another tech number to call. They were unable to get parts also. The Real Pad customer service said it wasn't covered under the limited warranty anyway. With or without a warranty, there is no one in their company that can repair this product. This is a fraudulent sale of a product and a unacceptable way to treat their customers. Now I have a product that I can no longer use.

Review: I have been waiting since 7/09/13 to be reimbursed for having my car towed.

On 7/09/13, I tried calling AARP Roadside Assistance several times as to get my car towed from a downtown intersection less than a mile from where I live. After failing to get a hold of them, I called the only towing service in the small town where I live. The bill came to $194.94.The membership handbook states "If an authorized service provider is not available, then use the closest available service provider and submit your receipt for reimbursement following the reimbursement procedures." Approximately three hours later, I finally got through to the Roadside Assistance number. I was told to mail the towing receipt with my member #,name,address, and phone # written on the back of receipt. I sent the requested information by Certified Mail. I received a check for $60.00. I called on 7/29/13 to inquire about the balance of my refund, and was told that it would have to be resubmitted to the claims department, and I should hear back from them in 10-14 days. Today is 8/19/13 and I'm still waiting!Desired Settlement: I would appreciate the $134.94 balance of my towing bill reimbursed.

Business

Response:

Date Sent: 8/21/2013 1:37:05 PM

Dear [redacted],

This response is in reference to your Revdex.com complaint concerning the AARP Roadside Assistance Program from Allstate. AARP Services monitors all member issues pertaining to their roadside assistance concerns.

I am sorry for the confusion, and acknowledge the frustration and concern you have experienced. Please accept my apology for any inconvenience this experience may have caused you.

As we are not the provider, we cannot access their records or provide any detailed insights into your refund. However, on your behalf, we forwarded a copy of your e-mail to an Escalations group at [redacted] for their review. Within the next 3-5 business days you should receive a response directly from [redacted] regarding your refund request. A copy of their response will be forwarded to AARP for review.

When AARP brands a product or service, we work very hard to get the best value we can for our members. The Association appreciates input from our members as it provides us with information that is important and

necessary in the monitoring of our programs, and assists us in making changes and improvements.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns regarding AARP programs and services.

Thank you for your membership with AARP.

Thank you

AARP Services, Member Relations

Review: aarp sent me an invoice asking for $16 FOR DUES FOR 1 YEAR I THOUGHT THIS WAS STRANGE SINCE MY MEMBERSHIP CARD IS VALID THUR DEC 2017 WHEN I CALLED AARP I WAS TOLD I DO NOT OWE MONEY THE SUPERVIOSR SAID I WAS CONFUSED IU THINK THEY BEL;IEV THAT SOME WILL NOT QUESTION THE BILL AND JUST PAY EVEN THOUGH THEY DO NOT OWE MONEY THEY ARE DEALING WITH AN OLDER POPULATION AND TAKIN ADVANTAGE OF THEMDesired Settlement: I WANT THEM TO STOP SENDINGH OUT BILLS WITHOUT REVIEWING ACCOUNTS TO SEE IF MONEY IS OWED THEY ARE ALSO WASTING POSTAGE

Business

Response:

June 3, 2014

Review: I joined AARP soon after turning 21 (Nov. 1954). Shortly therafter, I asked for an auto quote(on telephone). I was informed that AARP didn't offer auto quotes to those with insurance with [redacted]. I had a CLEAN record with my last citation issued in 1978. I was offended and therefore did not renew my membership. Ever since then, I have been bombarded with inquiries to ask for an auto quote and request to rejoin AARP. I made one call back in My I belive to STOP soliciting me for a quote or membership as I no longer want to be associated with AARP. It was so noted. The mail kept coming. So about 4 weeks ago I responded to a solicitation and wrote my message onto the billing and stated if it did not stop I would proceed to report them to the Revdex.com.Desired Settlement: They should review their current methods of operations and be aware of pointless solicitations and offer those with great driving records the opportunity of a quote and not lump us in categories because of who our current insurance is with.

Business

Response:

August 7, 2013

Review: On 2/6/13 I sent AARP in [redacted] a check for $27 and a [redacted] certificate good for $16 toward extending my subscription to AARP ([redacted]). They refused to accept the [redacted] certificate and sent me a renewal card for less than 2 years instead of 3. Because of their unethical action, I returned the membership card, asked for cancellation of my membership, and the refund of my $27. They have failed to refund my $27.Desired Settlement: Refund my $27 payment.

Business

Response:

March 28, 2013

Revdex.com of Metro Washington, DC and Eastern PA

Review: My wife and I annually receive notices to renew our AARP membership. We have valid memberships to July, 2018 as referenced on our cards. We are intelligent enough to recognize this ploy for what it is, namely a request for duplicate payment. We, therefore, disregard the notice. This same request for payment was made last year with an incentive for luggage as an inducement to pay early. I called the organization and received a circuitous explanation.

My complaint concerns many seniors not responsible enough to recognize the duplicity of the request.

Thank you for your consideration.Desired Settlement: Please request they stop this unfriendly practice.

Business

Response:

December 16, 2014

Review: Complaint with AARP-[redacted] Long Term Health Care. On 6/13/14 I requested our daughter be our designee for notifications. This was done over the phone and I was told I would receiveconfirmation within 10 days. IT TOOK OVER TWO MONTHS TO GET CONFIRMATION FOR MY WIFE....MINENEVER ARRIVED. AARP Phone Number- ###-###-####.I called about MY designee request on 8/28 and was "assured" it would be done and confirmedwithin 10 days...NEVER HAPPENED!!I was switched to AARP's "MEMBER LOYALTY TEAM"- ###-###-#### to get this resolved quickly.On 9/24/14 I spoke to KIM M[redacted]..A SUPERVISOR. She said she had to "research" the issue andwould get back to me within 2 days. She left a message and I tried 3 times to reach her tono avail. When she finally called, SHE APPARENTLY HAD NO IDEA WHO I WAS!!! She said shewould do some "research" and get back to me....HOPEFULLY WITHIN THE HOUR....IT IS NOW 2+DAYS AND I HAVE HEARD NOTHING. Kim M[redacted]'s extension is [redacted].I tried another "supervisor" at the "Member Loyalty Team", Cynthia J[redacted], on 9/29/14 andhave still HEARD NOTHING! Her extension is ###-###-#### Ext. [redacted]. I even asked to beconnected with someone higher up and was refused.It is hard to believe the stunning level of incompetence and indifference with which a simple request was made NEARLY 4 MONTHS AGO!!Desired Settlement: I would like to get confirmation of my Designee request, made back on 6/13/14, confirmedboth on the phone and in writing ASAP. I would also like this complaint to be kept on youractive list even after MY situation is, hopefully, resolved so that others may be awareof the way AARP's "Member Loyalty Team" deals with their customers over very significantissues.

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted],

Review: AARP is supposed to offer free membership to [redacted] Members but I have been unable to get AARp and [redacted] to resolve this matter.Desired Settlement: I would like to agreement for free membership for [redacted] members to be honored by both organizations.

Business

Response:

April 28, 2014

Review: I have received no less that 25 solicitations through the mail to become a member. I have requested at least twice that they take me off their mailing list and stop sending me solicitations and they have failed to do so. I received another one today.Desired Settlement: I want them to take me off their mailing list and stop contacting me. I never expressed any interest in their organization, I resent their intrusiveness, and it is upsetting that they are wasting lots and lots of paper.

Business

Response:

April 14, 2014

Review: I received a Fourth Notice bill from AARP asking me to send them $16.00 for a membership that I ordered. I sent them the following response.

AARP June 29, [redacted]

Att: [redacted]

Dear **. [redacted]

First of all I have never applied for an AARP membership.

Second of all I would never even consider becoming a member of your organization.

Third of all please remove my name from all future mailings.

Fourth of all to mislead elderly people into thinking that we applied for a membership, and send a fourth notice requesting payment is about as low as you can get.

Firth of all what you are doing is fraud.

Sincerely,

CC: Revdex.comDesired Settlement: Cease sending elderly people a request for payment on a membership that was never ordered.

Business

Response:

July 3, 2013

Review: I have asked many times by refusing and returning letters that I have received in the mail from them that I wasn`t interested in joining again. I have also never given them permission to give or sell my name and address to other businesses that jam my mailbox with overpriced offers from other vendors. I have tried to be reasonable but I guess that this doesn`t work!Desired Settlement: See above

Business

Response:

May 29, 2013

In its Mission Statement, AARP says: " We advocate for consumers in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services."
And yet, they not only offer up a company like [redacted], whose experience with regard sanctions, including fines of significant amounts by both the federal government and by state Insurance Departments (along with adverse court judgments) is a matter of public record. Additionally, I came across four different websites (and I suspect there well may be more) where one can find a litany of complaints against this company (with one of them, as I recall, having over 400 such entries).
Yet, when one complains to AARP that a company to which it lends its name to--"[redacted] Preferred"--fails to respond in a timely and appropriate manner to complaints made about one or more of the things it has done (or, conversely, has failed to do), what does AARP do?
Well, AARP engages in the very same sort of practices about which you are complaining about!
They do not respond on a timely basis to fax messages (including those addressed to the CEO and the CFO0; they do not respond on a timely basis to e-mails (even those making a specific request that they do so.
When you call their main office, you generally get a well-meaning--but seemingly not properly trained--individual who, while seemingly interested in trying to provide some assistance, is apparently not provided with some sort of an organization chart that will help her in deciding were it is your call should be forwarded to. (One individual, in response to my suggestion that she check around to see to whom it might be that my call should be forwarded to, disclosed the information that she did not have the ability to make calls.
When she checked with her supervisor, she told me that her supervisor told her to tell me to call [redacted]/ (Keep in mind here, if you will, that the reason I was calling AARP was to complain about the fact that [redacted] WAS NOT returning my telephone calls!)
Additionally, of the upwards to a dozen e-mails that I have sent to AARP (with one address being listed on this Revdex.com site), only one of them (sent, not to the address on this site, but to [email protected]), only one received a response. And that response was "I don't know how to answer your question." When I responded by suggesting (not once, but on three separate occasions) that the person should pass along my e-mailto the person or department that had the capability to do or (or, failing that, to her manager), "the sound of silence" followed.
I have had two rather brief telephone conversations with an individual at AARP on this matter who, if I understood her correctly, is tasked with handling complaints such as mine. Although was my clear impression that she'd get back to me, and keep me updated on progress (if any) being made, this has not happened.
On each of my more recent attempts to communicate with AARP, I clearly include--in the Subject of the message--the request that the e-mail be forwarded to that particular person.
I don't know if my e-mails are even being read. If they are, I can't tell if the person reading them is ignoring my request to forward them along as requested, or if that particular individual is doing the ignoring.
The bottom line, however, is this: there clearly seems to be a rather huge disconnect between what AARP SAYS its interests and mission are, and what AARP's ACTIONS say they are.
In short, from my perspective, AARP has absolutely no problem at all matching up to"AARP [redacted] (a/k/a [redacted] when it comes to stonewalling!

Review: For five years I paid the service every year and was trusting that they would respond when I needed it. A week ago (last of December 2014) my car stalled and would not start, so I call the AARP to ask for the help needed. It took them 2 hours to send a tow truck and by then I was halfway to the [redacted] shop. Anywhere in Fort Myers will take half hour or less to get to the place where I was. The tow truck said- "they just got the call half hour ago".They left me stranded and in a parking lot with no help. Then they offer a discounted renewal when I call to cancel the services. Any money would be too much if the service expected is not even attempted.

Product_Or_Service: roadside assistanceDesired Settlement: DesiredSettlementID: Replacement

They should reimburse the five years worth of charges , as it is obvious they were not planning on giving the service. I am very disappointed on the indifference of this business. Robbing old ladies of their hard-earned money is not a way to conduct business.

Business

Response:

Dear Ms. [redacted],

Review: On 4/19/14 I made a reservation for a room for one night through AARP Travel Center, with [redacted] Hotel [redacted], OH, Itin#[redacted]. I called the hotel the next day and canceled the reservation. The lady I talked with said that I would not be charged because I canceled the reservation a month before the room was booked (5/14/14). It was for one room/one night. I was charged $88.13 by AARP Travel Center. I did not call AARP Travel Center to cancel this because I canceled the room through the hotel and they told me I would not be charged. Also, this statement is on the receipt I received from them: "Important Hotel Information Although AARP Travel Center does not charge a fee to change or cancel your booking, [redacted] Hotel may still charge a fee in accordance with its own rules & regulations. Cancellations or changes made after 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time (US & Canada)) on May 13, 2014 are subject to a hotel fee equal to 100% of the total amount paid for the reservation"I have tried to call AARP several times. No one will help me. They have told me someone will contact me within 72 hours, NO ONE EVER DOES. The last time, I asked for the name of the person I was talking to and she told me she was not allowed to give out her name. (That is probably because she wasn't going to help me. NO ONE EVER CALLED ME BACK!) I want a refund of $88.13, which is what AARP charged me for the room.Desired Settlement: I want a refund of $88.13, which is what AARP charged me for the room.

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted],

Review: I am registered with the Direct Marketing Association not to received this unwanted junk mail. The other day my letter carrier had to cram an aarp package three times the size of my apartment mail box. This package also had the [redacted] name on it as well. I had been told by an [redacted] representative on the phone that aarp was responsible for these mailings. I had also notified aarp a while back not to be mailing me this junk. This company as well as [redacted] have both Ignored my instructions I currently have a complaint against [redacted] as well.Desired Settlement: Remove me from your mailing list now! Do not sell my personal information to anyone!

Business

Response:

Review: My mother started A ARP back in June. She had stage 4 cancer at the time. She passed away 6-16-2013. So, within a month of starting this program she passed away. I am very surprised that my mother was accepted into this program. I farther does not have health problems like this! I have power of attorney for my father and did have also for my mother. I have called repeatedly from July to September and was always told I would receive a call back. Also, according to their records I have never called. I have called. Received a bill for $215.00 for RX plan from June to September. My dad still had coverage with his retirement plan!...AARP told me to call Medicare. Which I did. They told me to call AARP and that it showed he was still on his retirement plan. ......He still receives his medicine via mail from this program......Point taken here is that ....1. I have been trying since he was put on this program to get off of it....(no help there from AARP).....2. Has prior coverage with retirement plan and did not need this program.......3. NEVER DID RECEIVE A CALL BACK FROM AARP ABOUT ANYTHING. VERY, VERY POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE. WAS TOLD FROM AARP THAT THERE WAS NO NOTES ON MY FATHER ACCOUNT AND I CALLED BACK AND THEN THEY ARE THERE NOW?????.....DO NOT UNDERSTAND....NOT SURE THEY UNDERSTAND....I would say that if he used this program then he would owe this bill.....but he has not used at all...I do not believe that they should have been accepted. My mother I do not think understood all of this.....Would like this resolved and do not believe this bill is owed at all.....PLEASE JUST LIKE A CALL BACK, BUT I GUESS THAT IS TOO HARD FOR AARP TO UNDERSTAND!!!ONCE AGAIN VERY VERY POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!!Desired Settlement: I do not believe that this bill is owed at all. I would like a PHONE CALL FROM AARP REGARDING THIS BILL. ONCE IT IS RESOLVED THEN I DO NOT WANT ANY CONTACT FROM THIS COMPANY AT ALL. I DO NOT THINK THEY KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING.

Business

Response:

Dear **. [redacted],