National Association of Professional Women

Review: I enrolled in their VIP because their telemarketer said I received an award. Then to get the reward I had to pay a fee. I paid the fee but never used the service, never logged in and never received the award. I called billing and asked for a full credit and only received half of what I paid.Desired Settlement: They can verify I never used the services, the products, the web site, the seminars - nothing. I cannot find a job and therefore cannot afford $500.00 for an award or membership of this costly amount. Their TM scripts are misleading and as such I would like a full refund of the original amount charged which was at least $540.00 charged to my credit card in two installments.

Business

Response:

We are sorry that

[redacted]’s experience with the NAPW has been less than ideal – we do strive

to provide our members with resources and benefits to enhance and improve their

lives, both personal and professional. We encourage and expect our

members to avail themselves of those benefits and to contact us with any

questions or problems regarding their memberships. Members who do take the time

to explore and take advantage of the myriad resources available will find

tremendous value in being a member of the NAPW.

[redacted] completed an application for membership in NAPW. On April **, 2013, NAPW contacted her and

conducted its initial enrollment interview.

During this telephone call our representative explained the annual costs

and benefits associated with this level of membership, and that all membership

enrollments are final. Because NAPW is a

membership-based networking organization, the primary benefits at all levels

are found through our membership portal (www.napw.com) as

well as through our face-to-face networking at our over 300 Local Chapters

nationwide. Additionally, through our

online portal, members are able to access ancillary benefits provided by our

business partners. Because NAPW incurs

costs upon enrollment with those partners, we maintain a final sale

policy. Please be aware that membership

alone includes no tangible product to be shipped to the member. All of this was

explained to [redacted] during her interview.

Our

representative explained that [redacted] would receive an email (within 24

hours) containing login information for our members’ portal through which she is

able access all of the online benefits and enroll in Local Chapters. Our representative further explained that [redacted] should review our Terms & Conditions. Subsequent to logging in but prior to

accessing her benefits, she did review and accept those Terms &

Conditions. Therein, [redacted] was

provided with the details of our final sale policy, along with all other

policies governing her relationship with NAPW.

NAPW’s Terms & Conditions are available at [redacted]. Within 10 days of enrollment, NAPW physically

mailed a welcome package to the member containing a paid statement, a

membership card and a welcome letter.

NAPW

employs a comprehensive call recording and auditing function. Our staff reviews the recording of each

completed interview for multiple compliance points, including that the representative

explained the renewal and refund policies as described above. As part of our

investigation into this case, we reviewed that call again and [redacted] was made

completely aware of these points at the time.

[redacted] had been selected for consideration by our VIP membership

committee and was contacted on June **, 2016. This is the call to which she

alludes in her complaint. We reviewed this interview as well. It was explained to her

that she had been selected and that with this selection, she would receive a

commemorative plaque citing her acceptance as one of the NAPW’s Women of the

Year. It was also explained that this would be delivered within two

months. The additional benefits, which

are why there is a fee for the upgrade, were also explained and [redacted] chose

at the time to upgrade her membership.

Both of these interviews are available for review if required.

As our

VIP representative explained, NAPW has a comprehensive membership services

staff, which is qualified to field all inquiries and works with members on any

other questions or issues regarding membership, access to benefits and other

questions. NAPW publicizes the

availability of this staff through multiple dedicated pages. See [redacted]. Each of these pages publishes the contact

telephone numbers and email addresses, and provides a convenient form which

this member could have submitted at any time if she wished to engage our staff

for any reason.

We take the claim that a member was "scammed" or that a

charge was unauthorized very seriously. NAPW provides an amazing value for the

membership fee. Included in ALL memberships levels are webinars,

seminars, discounts, perks, online networking access and in-person chapter

affiliation as well as a myriad of other benefits. Our organization is

growing, expanding and moving forward through numerous initiatives, strategic

alliances and corporate affiliations; offering members additional avenues to

ASPIRE, ACHIEVE and CONNECT.

Every member of NAPW's management team works diligently to

deliver maximum value to our members, and any claim that someone was

"scammed" is demonstrably false. We currently have almost

a half-million satisfied members, all of whom are free to use our online

networking portal, which gives our members more connectivity options

and far more ability to promote themselves than other networking sites.

We have over 300 local chapters across America, in which tens of thousands of

our members get together to take their online experience into the real world

and create incredible connections with other professional women. These local

chapters are constantly implementing new ways for the local members to

interact. We encourage of our members to

join all of the chapters in their area - this gives them more opportunities to

attend events that fit their busy schedules and widens the circle of local

women with whom to network.

Moreover, we host an annual National Networking Conference

where almost two thousand members where members from all over the country enjoy

an unforgettable day of networking, panel discussions, workshops and

presentations from extraordinary women like S[redacted]

and [redacted]. Click here for more information.

Additionally, we are constantly providing and working to upgrade

the secondary benefits such as free or discounted continuing

education through leading providers like Lorman Education and National

Seminars Group; shopping and other discounts through a number of partnerships,

including exclusive sponsors like Lenovo, one of the world's largest computer

suppliers; and interesting topical content provided through our social media

and other outlets. Again, our entire team is working hard every single

day to build these partnerships, identify and create content, and make greater

benefits available to our members.

[redacted] claims that she never used the benefits; however, all of them have been

available for her to access since the moment her original membership and

upgrade were respectively processed. If

she chose not to take advantage of these benefits, that was her choice.

[redacted] contacted our membership services department on July **, 2015 and we

immediately called her. She was not available, and so we left a message for her

to call back. She then contacted our billing department on July **, 2014 and we

were able to reach her the following day. [redacted] was abusive and rude to

the representative, who was trying to assist her. [redacted] refused to listen

to anything; our representative refunded half of the fee as a courtesy, but

left all of the benefits intact for her.

We have

since refunded the balance of her fee for the upgrade, but we have left her

status intact as a VIP member.

We invite [redacted] to contact us directly to go over her

membership so that she can see the value in it and get a return on her

investment.

Review: I initially allowed the NAPW to charge my credit card. However, after a month of being a member, I researched the company. I found that there were many complaints regarding unauthorized charges. Therefore, I called and canceled the membership and the 'recurring' membership fees. Because I was nervous about the company, I also sent a certified letter requesting the cancellation. I did receive and email and call back saying that my account had been canceled. Now, a year later, a new charge shows up on my credit card for 'Membership Fees.' I called the company again, and they said that they would only 'reverse' the charges if I showed 'proof' of the correspondence that states that the company received my certified letter and 'cancellation.' They have no record of me ever cancelling. I cannot find the copy of the email that I was sent saying that my membership was cancelled. Being naive, I thought it was over and done with. I do have a copy of the letter that I sent, though.Desired Settlement: I have disputed the amount with my credit card company, but I'm not sure how that investigation will turn out. The easiest thing to do would be for the NAPW to credit the amount BACK to my card. The total amount was 199.00. I have also canceled my credit card so that they no longer have access to my credit card number.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

*Note. Although there is no documented response from the business yet (through the Revdex.com), I did receive confirmation that the amount charged to my credit card WILL be credited back to my account; in addition, they have agreed to stop further payments. Although it should take a few days for this credit to be reflected on my statement, I am satisfied with this response, and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Kimberly Coghlan

Review: Our business was contacted by the National Association of Professional Women. They said our business was selected and that it was a prestigious invite to interview to be a part of this organization. The sales representative informed me that it was a resource for women to learn new avenues for their business and that there was a local chapter that we would have the ability to meet with to support our business in networking. They said the Preferred Membership was $789 for the year, but then they said there was also an additional fee of $99 for a Profile Set-Up Fee. Yet, I had to go online to set up the actual profile. I signed up September **, 2013 and didn't receive a card till mid October.

My business partner and I attended a local chapter meeting in November and heard several complaints about the organization. This was the only meeting they've had since we signed up. There seems to be a lot of miscommunication between the local chapter and National organization. I found out that out of the (less than 15) people attending, several of them were not members. The meeting consisted of inspirational quotes and how we can build the chapter. Our goal for the next meeting was to read a book. I didn't want to join a book club & I have an inspirational quote book at home. The local chapter asked if I could set up the social media [redacted] page for the local chapter. Once I received the information from the [redacted] of the local chapter I set it up and followed the directions to send it out to the National organization to approve. I sent the information of the [redacted] page December **, 2013 and I have yet to hear from anyone.

The majority of the information provided through the organization is already provided for free with SCORE. The National Association of Professional Women doesn't give you access to this information until you're a member. So you don't know what you're getting into until you sign up.

I called the organization at the beginning of this week and played phone tag for the past couple days. I don't understand why I can't get a live person on the phone when I call during office hours. I spoke with [redacted] in billing today, 01/**/13, about my dissatisfaction with the membership and how the idea of the organization is misconstrued. I asked her for a partial refund. I know that I am 4 months into the membership even though I didn't receive my membership card till a month later. I feel a partial refund is understandable since I haven't even met the half year mark.

She said that the membership is already discounted and cannot be refunded. I feel my business was taken advantage of and the idea of this organization is to take ones money, not provide them with beneficial information. I know to continue my trust in the Small Business Association and SCORE for any information from now on.Desired Settlement: Refund of $888.00

Consumer

Response:

At this time, I have not been contacted by National Association of Professional Women regarding complaint ID [redacted].

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

This member has been refunded. Due to the age of her account, it was not possible to credit her credit card, but a check requested has been submitted in the amount of $888. This check should be issued within the next 7-10 days and will be sent directly to the member's address on file? ([redacted] / [redacted]).

[redacted]

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

I have not received a check from the National Association of Professional Women.

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

Check number [redacted] was sent to you this week. Please allow seven

business days for delivery.

Review: I signed up for "free registration" with the National Association of Professional Women thinking my name would be on a registry. I then received a phone call asking for more information about my job, after which they told me I had been "accepted" into their program. The discussion described "services" such as discounted products and lists of conferences to attend (at lowered prices). [redacted] then "verified" my billing address and my desire to participate in the elite membership program for nine eighty-nine, which I thought was $9.89. I requested just the standard membership and was quoted for four eighty-nine, which I thought was $4.89. When asked if I wanted a plaque for $99, I thought it was reasonable due to the costs of plaques, but declined.

I was told I'd receive member benefits immediately and I requested to read the information first before agreeing to purchase. They said they'd take my credit card information over the phone and I could revoke it later. I said that would be okay and gave them the credit card number. She confirmed my address a 3rd time for the membership kit and just before hanging up claimed that because services are granted immediately, all costs associated were final.

After hanging up, I checked my account and had been charged $489.00. I tried to call the same [redacted] back but continued to get voicemails. I finally reached a "new membership" line where I requested that they cancel all memebership and services, but they only said they could "absorb" some of the costs. They gave me a transaction ID of [redacted], but my credit card has not been reimbursed. I feel I was completely misled by the cost and then ignored when disputing the amount for the "subscription."

They refused to cancel my membership even though I requested they refund my credit card.Desired Settlement: I do not need or want any of the services this association has to offer. I want my "Membership" cancelled and a full refund of $489 and any associated costs, since the second phone call also mentioned a first-time subscription fee of $99 which I do not yet see but may appear in the next 5 business days or so. If for some reason they do "absorb" the costs, I only ask they refund whatever ends up being charged. As mentioned, I only see the charge of $489 right not but I am very concerned about future expenses incurred.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved. They posted a return to my account for the amount requested that posted on November [redacted]. Thank you very much for your assistance in this matter.

Sincerely,

Review: I filled out the form on the NAPW website to sign up for a free membership. from my understanding the free option would only allow you to have a profile page or some sort of listing on their website. I was fine with this option, though I thought it odd that they would ask for my phone number and address in the application process. I also thought it was odd that the website did not show any of the membership tiers, what they include, and the cost.

I received somewhat of a lengthy phone call from a NAPW representative. Since I'm passionate about what I do as a career, I think I wasted almost as much of her time as she did mine. There was no mention of charges until she had decided I was "approved." Then she gave me 2 options, $900 something for a membership or $700 something. I said, I'm sorry but there is no free option? I can not afford either of those choices. She then said the $400 option may work better for me. I said no, if there is no free option, than I am not interested. She said she'd cut me a deal that they only offer to non profit programs, that was in the $200 range. I said no than you, I can not afford that. She then told me about the $90 option. Every time I declined I recived a line about how the membership pays for itself, and why I need to decide this now. I said I will apply later when I can afford it, she said that is not possible as they only take applications once. I then said, ok than I do not need this service. She tried to cut me off and fast talk me several times. At the end of the conversation I said I understand what your offering me, and I don't want it, I must have misunderstood the advertizement, goodbye. I had to hang up on her, I felt rude, but she was not letting me go. She kept talking down the price it made it very clear that she wasn't going to tell me all my options and let me chose knowing all the information.

What I have a problem with...

False advertizing and omission of information on the company website and in the phone call.

The telemarketer creating a feeling of urgency to make a decision now.

She was purposefully hard to understand, which included speaking fast.

This all is done so that someone will be emotionally moved to make a fast decision and spend money they hadn't anticipated spending. I can handle a call like this, but I don't want anyone else to go through it. If a company is actively hiding it's premiums and all the options from their clients so that they have no way of seeing the information (it's only spoken to them) than your company is not acting in a reputable way.Desired Settlement: I want a clear representation on their website of the premiums for and options of each type of membership. On the sign up sheet I want a written statement that you will be contacted by phone by a NAPW representative, before you are asked to give them your phone number. Lastly, I want a written promise that the phone representatives will present all the payment and membership options to the perspective customer at the beginning of the call.

Thank you.

Business

Response:

This consumer’s complaint appears to be that she was contacted and did not expect to be, and that she was offered NAPW’s paid memberships as opposed to its complimentary membership. First, NAPW does not cold call consumers. NAPW markets its memberships through a number of media, all of which request a telephone number and indicate that a NAPW representative will call. This consumer’s request, that NAPW provide a “written statement” that consumers will be called when asking consumers to provide a telephone number, is a non-starter. Consumers generally recognize when being asked for a telephone number and told that they will be contacted that they will be contacted. Second, NAPW makes clear in its marketing materials that there is no obligation to join and that it provides a complimentary membership. However, NAPW interviews each of its members to best determine where the consumer fits among NAPW’s various membership levels. During that interview, NAPW’s representatives explain all of the memberships to the consumer, beginning with the most appropriate and concluding with the least expensive and, ultimately, the complimentary membership. The process is open and fair. We regret that this consumer elected not to become a member.

Review: The National Association of Professional Women has charged my Discover card $789.00 for professional services however, they also stated that I would have information a welcme packet in the mail within 10 days. It never happened and I phoned the billing department on May ** less then 30 days after charging my credit card. and said that I wanted to cancel this as I didn't feel that this was a legitimate business. I was supposed to receive a professional package with their services, eduction and the such. I got nothing, not even an email confirming my conversation.

\

I have downloaded 26 comments regarding this company all saying that this company is a scam!! The Revdex.com has 241 complaints regarding this firm for this year alone. They provided information to my credit card (Discover Card) that the charge was processed there is no information that I received their packet. Which I did not receive nor can they confirm that they contacted me regarding the membership process.Desired Settlement: I want my money back - this company is a scam pilfering money from unsuspecting women and charging different prices for membership. It's nothing but a scam and I have the referrals from 26 women all complaining about the fees and them stating that this is a scam.

Business

Response:

Review: NAPW charged $989 on my credit card on Sept [redacted], 2014 without any authorization or prior warning. Furthermore, NAPW, after being contacted over the phone, refused to refund the amount despite being told that we had no intention to being a member of their association going forward. We thoroughly searched all advertisement e-mails received from this company and clearly did not find any that would have led us to believe that they would increase the membership fee from $99 to $989 (!!!!!). In any case we would never have authorized such an increase in membership. Furthermore, when contacted over the phone and by e-mail, NAPW refused to refund in full despite being asked to immediately cancel the past membership - they only accepted a partial refund. Our membership was only due to renew anyway Oct [redacted], which is 45 days away. We have documented proof of the date we first took a membership back in 2012. Clearly this association is targeting women with abusive and unjustified credit card charges, not helping them. There is an ethical as well as a moral issue here - it is not just about money. Furthermore, since being victim of this abusive charge, I have started entering into a health depression phase, directly connected with this experience. After further enquiry, we have all reasons to believe that this issue is not an isolated case. Hundreds of past members have been or are being subject to the same abusive unfair business practices.Desired Settlement: Refund in full in the next 24 hours (not just partial as proposed by the NAPW person on the phone) + we want written confirmation BY E-MAIL or MAIL that our membership has been cancelled and ensuring us that all personal data , including information they have about my credit card have been deleted from their system,

Business

Response:

We are sorry that [redacted]s experience with the NAPW has been less than ideal – we do strive to provide our members with resources and benefits to enhance and improve their lives, both personal and professional. We encourage and expect our members to avail themselves of those benefits and to contact us with any questions or problems regarding their memberships. Members who do take the time to explore and take advantage of the myriad resources available will find tremendous value in being a member of the NAPW.

Our members are entitled to be treated with utmost respect and empathy, and every person on the NAPW team is trained to work with our members to resolve any issues; however, there are protocols and policies which must be followed. These policies are company-wide and all of our team members are required to follow them.

This is what happened when [redacted] called contesting her renewal fees. Our representatives can only go by what appears on the member profile to which they have access and hers showed that she was set up to automatically renew this year and the representatives with whom she spoke followed those protocols and policies. [redacted] joined our organization and set up the automatic renewal in 2012 - the fee she paid initially was $989.00.

All complaints to the Revdex.com are investigated thoroughly, and we checked both the profile information to which our representatives have access as well as the processing system which bills the renewals, to which access is very limited. We discovered that a request to disable the automatic renewal was sent last year, but it was still showing as pending in the processing system - something prevented the cycle from completing.

We have issued a credit for the balance of the renewal fee. While it is showing as immediate on our end, we ask that [redacted] allow some time for her credit card issuer to post it to her account.

She will see two credit transactions - one for $790.00 ref#[redacted] and one for $199.00 ref# [redacted]. Receipts are also attached.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me with regards to reimbursement in full ($790 effective on 9/** and $199 on 9/**). The response would be even more fully satisfactory if NAPW also confirmed that they will delete my bank information from their system and avoid contacting us in the future.

I received an invitation to "join" this Association. I was led to believe I had been nominated or chosen for this membership and completed an application. Then I received a phone call with a lady that was asking me to verify and give her personal information. It was a lengthy conversation after which she congratulated me on being eligible for membership. Only then did she start disclosing that I had to choose between the "Elite" $900 or the $700 membership. I asked for written documentation that listed membership levels with cost and benefits. I was told this was not available, this was only an instant opportunity and I had to make payment then and now to take advantage. I would consider this high level sales tactics, something a reputable organization would not engage in. Please be aware! I declined the offer off course, this is a shame, I do not want to belong to an organization that uses these kind of tactics.

Review: I submitted an application with this company and decided I didn't want to pursue it. I notified them numerous ways to stop contacting me and they continue to do so. I blocked their phone number and they began to call me from a different number. I changed my voicemail greeting indicating I did not want to be contacted and was no longer interested and they continue to do so. They started calling with numbers that were available and then switch to calling from unknown numbers so that I couldn't block them. I am getting at least one call per day from them. I called them and left them a message telling them not to call me and said I would report them to the do not call registry if they call me again and they continue to call.Desired Settlement: Do not contact me again. I am not interested in your product now or ever. Do not call me on either phone number. Do not call and hang up. Do not call and leave me a message. Take my number off of your list. Do not contact me by email. Do not contact me by snail mail. Do not send me a text message. Do not send me a fax. Do not contact me in any way.

Business

Response:

[redacted] received numerous

calls because she submitted more than one application for membership. While we do employ processes to screen out

duplicate applications, it does not catch every one. We are sorry that [redacted] felt hounded,

but when women submit applications to join our organization, we do our best to

reach out to them for the initial interview.

So, while one of her applications was closed, the other remained active

and open and therefore our membership coordinators still tried to contact her.

We have removed all of the

applications from active status and she will not be contacted again.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: Back in October I had received a phone call about an exciting offer to help my career as a Professional woman. On that day I paid $1188.00 for a membership and benefits along with a plaque to place in my office. As of today I have not received anything. I had called numerous times trying clear this up. No one ever answered or called me back. Today I finally got in touch with someone and they stated I could not be refunded the money, that it was in the policy. No idea what they were referring to. And on top of that I then was told they would cancel my recurring payment, which I never knew I had. Upon trying to resolve this they were willing to upgrade me to VIP, which is where I found out that they do not accept the card(discover) that I had originally paid with. That made no sense to me. Many people have had problems with this sale pitch and in the excitement, I fell as well. I have not used their services, not promoted that I am a part of them, not received the membership I was promised so I could attend the seminars, nor my plaque.

I am disgusted at how they con women who are just looking to get ahead in life.Desired Settlement: I would like to be refunded my initial payment of $1188.00 and my name cleared from the NAPW website and further scripted sales calls.

Business

Response:

We are sorry that[redacted]’s experience with the NAPW has been less than ideal – we do striveto provide our members with resources and benefits to enhance and improve theirlives, both personal and professional. We encourage and expect ourmembers to avail themselves of those benefits and to contact us with anyquestions or problems regarding their memberships. Members who do take the timeto explore and take advantage of the myriad resources available will findtremendous value in being a member of the NAPW. Our members are entitled to betreated with utmost respect and empathy, and every person on the NAPW team istrained to work with our members to resolve any issues; however, there areprotocols and policies which must be followed. These policies are companywideand all of our team members are required to follow them. [redacted] completed an application for membership in NAPW. We assume that anyone who submits anapplication for membership has explored the NAPW to see what we are about andthey are ready to make a decision about joining the organization. Withthousands of applicants to interview and consider, we do require thatapplicants make their decisions at the time of the interview. We prefer toallocate our resources to providing better benefits and services to ourmembers. Applicants are then required togo through an initial enrollment interview. OnOctober **, 2014, NAPW contacted [redacted] and conducted its initialenrollment interview. During thistelephone call our representative explained the annual costs and benefitsassociated with this level of membership, and that all membership enrollmentsare final. Because NAPW is amembership-based networking organization, the primary benefits at all levelsare found through our membership portal ([redacted]) aswell as through our face-to-face networking at our over 300 Local Chaptersnationwide. Additionally, through ouronline portal, members are able to access ancillary benefits provided by ourbusiness partners. Because NAPW incurscosts upon enrollment with those partners, we maintain a final salepolicy. Please be aware that membershipalone includes no tangible product to be shipped to the member. Ourrepresentative explained that [redacted] would receive an email (within 24hours) containing login information for our members’ portal through which she isable access all of the online benefits and enroll in Local Chapters. Our representative further explained that [redacted] should review our Terms & Conditions. Subsequent to logging in but prior toaccessing her benefits, she was requiredto review and accept those Terms & Conditions. Therein, [redacted] was provided with thedetails of our final sale policy, along with all other policies governing herrelationship with NAPW. NAPW’s Terms& Conditions are available at [redacted]. Within 10 days of enrollment, NAPW physicallymailed a welcome package to the member containing a paid statement, amembership card and a welcome letter. [redacted] was also told that the delivery of her plaque would take up to sixteenweeks – and it has since been delivered to her. The long wait time for the delivery is due to the fact that we haverecently changed the fabricator who creates these personalized items and wehave experienced some delays due to adjustments as we worked to make sure thateach plaque is created to meet our standards. We expect this delivery time todecrease drastically when we resolve these issues. NAPWemploys a comprehensive call recording and auditing function. Our staff reviews the recording of eachcompleted interview for multiple compliance points, including that therepresentative explained the automatic renewal process as described above. Aspart of our investigation into this case, we reviewed that call again and [redacted] was made completely aware of these points at the time. This interviewis available for review if required. Throughoutthe time of her membership, NAPW made available to [redacted] a comprehensivemembership services staff, which is qualified to field all inquiries and wouldhave been able to work with her had she contacted us for guidance in accessingher membership benefits. NAPW publicizesthe availability of this staff through multiple dedicated pages. Eachof these pages publishes the contact telephone numbers and email addresses, andprovides a convenient form which this member could have submitted at any timeif she wished to engage our staff for any reason. [redacted] had been selected for consideration by our VIP membershipcommittee and was contacted on January **, 2015. This is the call to which shealludes in her complaint. Initially, shedid accept the upgrade, but called us back and changed her mind. The upgradewas immediately voided. We take the claim that a member was "scammed",taken advantage of or that a charge was unauthorized very seriously. NAPW provides an amazing value for themembership fee. Included in ALL memberships levels are webinars,seminars, discounts, perks, online networking access and in-person chapteraffiliation as well as a myriad of other benefits. Our organization isgrowing, expanding and moving forward through numerous initiatives, strategicalliances and corporate affiliations; offering members additional avenues toASPIRE, ACHIEVE and CONNECT. Every member of NAPW's management team works diligently todeliver maximum value to our members, and any claim that someone was"scammed" is demonstrably false. We currently have almosta half-million satisfied members, all of whom are free to use our onlinenetworking portal, which gives our members more connectivity optionsand far more ability to promote themselves than other networking sites. We have over 300 local chapters across America, in which tens of thousands ofour members get together to take their online experience into the real worldand create incredible connections with other professional women. These localchapters are constantly implementing new ways for the local members tointeract. We encourage of our members tojoin all of the chapters in their area - this gives them more opportunities toattend events that fit their busy schedules and widens the circle of localwomen with whom to network. Moreover, we host an annual National Networking Conferencewhere almost two thousand members where members from all over the country enjoyan unforgettable day of networking, panel discussions, workshops andpresentations from extraordinary women like Sara Blakeley, Arianna Huffington,Star Jones, Martha Stewart, Ivanka Trump, Randy Zuckerburg, Barbara Corcoranand Robin Roberts. Additionally, we are constantly providing and working toupgrade the secondary benefits such as free or discounted continuingeducation through leading providers like [redacted] and [redacted]; shopping and other discounts through a number of partnerships,including exclusive sponsors like Lenovo, one of the world's largest computersuppliers; and interesting topical content provided through our social mediaand other outlets. Again, our entire team is working hard every singleday to build these partnerships, identify and create content, and make greaterbenefits available to our members. We wouldlike to opportunity to work out a resolution for her membership and invite herto contact us. The benefits and resources which are available to her are myriadand would certainly be of enormous benefit to her.

Review: Prior to the membership renewal, I tried to go on NAPW site and cancel membership. I was unable to find in the personal account info which credit card was originally used for membership, what date my membership would renew, and how to cancel.

They make it impossible to cancel membership. The original membership was $99. In Feb. 2014, my credit card was charged $199 for "automatic renewal". I called NAPW to say I would not

accept the charges and wanted to cancel. The customer service person was rude and refused to allow me to cancel. Mind you, I was requesting this within a few weeks of the charges being made. (soon as I got my

credit card statement) They offered to drop the membership to $100. I declined and requested to cancel. They refused to allow cancellation and said that if I disputed the charges through my credit card company, they

would come back and re-charge the $99 credit she offered. I am still out the $100. I have never EVER used their services. Judging from the rudeness of the sales people and customer service people

as well as the multitude of complaints I now see online, this organization runs a flim-flam operation scamming people.

The $199 was charged without my permission and by not allowing a member to cancel online or in person, is just plain wrong. It's theft. If they were a legitimate organization, they would offer a member the option

to renew or decline renewal.

I would like to warm everyone who reads my words- do NOT join NAPW unless you want to allow them free access to your credit card without your permission.Desired Settlement: I believe the business has the responsibility to refund my fees in full. They took $199 and refunded $99. I expect they should refund the remaining $100. At the very least, pro-rate the $100 properly. Renewal happened beginning of Feb. I called them two weeks later. So refund all but the cost of membership for two weeks out of the year.

Consumer

Response:

At this time, I have not been contacted by National Association of Professional Women regarding complaint ID [redacted]. I have contacted my credit card to try to resolve, but NAPW will not refund the entire $199 dues they automatically charged my card. They gave a partial $99 refund, which brings it to same amount as the last year when I willingly signed up. But they have not refunded the entire amount, which is what I requested, right after the automatic credit card charges were made. I am unable to locate anywhere on their site how to change or remove a credit card from file or how to opt out. I feel this is by their intentional design.

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

member was refunded by check.

Business

Response:

Check [redacted] was mailed out today. Please give it several days to reach you.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

Yes, I did FINALLY receive the check on Friday June [redacted]. I have deposited it to my account and consider this closed, unless it bounces.

Thanks,

Sincerely,

Review: I was charged an initiation fee and then charged a separate fee of $99 for nothing whatsoever. I tried to call various phone numbers associated with NAPW, but nobody was ever available. I left a message, but nobody returned my call. I had to file a claim with my bank.Desired Settlement: I want all of my money back. This would include the $99 charge for absolutely nothing and the $199 initial charge, which was based upon unfulfilled promises. I never received a phone call from anyone from a local chapter. I feel completely ripped off.

Business

Response:

We are sorry that[redacted]s experience with the NAPW has been less than ideal – we do striveto provide our members with resources and benefits to enhance and improve theirlives, both personal and professional. We encourage and expect ourmembers to avail themselves of those benefits and to contact us with anyquestions or problems regarding their memberships. Members who do take the timeto explore and take advantage of the myriad resources available will findtremendous value in being a member of the NAPW. Our members are entitled to betreated with utmost respect and empathy, and every person on the NAPW team istrained to work with our members to resolve any issues; however, there areprotocols and policies which must be followed. These policies are companywideand all of our team members are required to follow them. [redacted]completed an application for membership in NAPW. On December **, 2014, NAPW contacted her andconducted its initial enrollment interview. During this telephone call our representative explained the annual costsand benefits associated with this level of membership, and that all membershipenrollments are final. Because NAPW is amembership-based networking organization, the primary benefits at all levelsare found through our membership portal ([redacted]) aswell as through our face-to-face networking at our over 300 Local Chaptersnationwide. Additionally, through ouronline portal, members are able to access ancillary benefits provided by ourbusiness partners. Because NAPW incurscosts upon enrollment with those partners, we maintain a final salepolicy. Please be aware that membershipalone includes no tangible product to be shipped to the member. Ourrepresentative explained that [redacted] would receive an email (within 24 hours)containing login information for our members’ portal through which she is ableaccess all of the online benefits and enroll in Local Chapters. She was also advised that there would be a one-time Profile Set-Up fee, whichcovers all costs associated with creating and maintain our members’ profiles.We do realize that with the amount of information provided during theinterview, elements of the sale may be missed, so we have refunded that feeback to [redacted]s card. We take the claim that a member was "scammed" orthat a charge was unauthorized very seriously. NAPW provides an amazing value for themembership fee. Included in ALL memberships levels are webinars,seminars, discounts, perks, online networking access and in-person chapteraffiliation as well as a myriad of other benefits. Our organization isgrowing, expanding and moving forward through numerous initiatives, strategicalliances and corporate affiliations; offering members additional avenues toASPIRE, ACHIEVE and CONNECT. Every member of NAPW's management team works diligently todeliver maximum value to our members, and any claim that someone was"scammed" is demonstrably false. We currently have almosta half-million satisfied members, all of whom are free to use our onlinenetworking portal, which gives our members more connectivity optionsand far more ability to promote themselves than other networking sites. We have over 300 local chapters across America, in which tens of thousands ofour members get together to take their online experience into the real worldand create incredible connections with other professional women. These localchapters are constantly implementing new ways for the local members tointeract. We encourage of our members tojoin all of the chapters in their area - this gives them more opportunities toattend events that fit their busy schedules and widens the circle of localwomen with whom to network. Moreover, we host an annual National Networking Conferencewhere almost two thousand members where members from all over the country enjoyan unforgettable day of networking, panel discussions, workshops andpresentations from extraordinary women like Sara Blakeley, Arianna Huffington,Star Jones, Martha Stewart, Ivanka Trump, Randy Zuckerburg, Barbara Corcoranand Robin Roberts. Additionally, we are constantly providing and working toupgrade the secondary benefits such as free or discounted continuingeducation through leading providers like [redacted] and [redacted]; shopping and other discounts through a number of partnerships,including exclusive sponsors like Lenovo, one of the world's largest computersuppliers; and interesting topical content provided through our social mediaand other outlets. Again, our entire team is working hard every singleday to build these partnerships, identify and create content, and make greaterbenefits available to our members. Tell us why here...

Review: I answered the phone, in response to my applying to the NPWA and they told me I was accepted. I was honored and said so. The woman went on to tell me the membership fees and I did not understand all the jarjon she was giving me and when I heard that the fee would be $900+ I told her I couldn't do that and that I was in way over my head. told her I can't do that. She said it was already done and she told me at that moment that she would have to go to her supervisor and their finance department to make the change. I felt sick at my stomach as I am not a wealthy person and barely make ends meet as it is. (She initially told me that the conversation was being recorded, which made me more comfortable in continuing to listen to her continue ), but I had to repeat myself several times and she kept telling me of lower levels of membership and those fees and I kept telling her I couldn't do the next 2-3 levels... She finally got to the lowest (her claim) level of $99 and I did agree to that for a annual fee. I checked my account as soon as I got home and found the $900+ showing but not the $99. I'm so scared and my husband is just sick over this incident also. Please Please tell me you can help me? You have my direct contact information, my work number and my personal cell number. Please someone contact me as soon as you can. I am really frightened of the consequences of this matter. Sincerely, [redacted]Desired Settlement: To have the $900+ credited back to my credit card and have only the one time amount of $99.00 that I agreed to charged instead.

Sincere Thanks.

Review: I received a letter in the mail stating there is no cost or obligation to be included in the association. When I called they asked me a bunch of personal questions and took up a lot of my time. The lady told me I was approved for membership then proceeded to try and sell me many tiers of membership at different pricing. Once I made it clear to her I was not interested in paying for the service she told me she was transferring me to someone to process the free part of the membership but then just hung up on me. I am upset they took up my time as well as collected personal information about that they will sell to God only knows who. Very disappointed; they shouldn't be an A rated Revdex.com business I know that.Desired Settlement: Stop doing this to other people and guarantee my personal information will not be sold or shared.

Business

Response:

Review: I received a letter at my place of employment stating that I had been approved for a "no cost or obligation member" to the National Association of Professional Women, NAPW. The letter looked legitimate as it specifically called out my name and company within the context of the letter. I filled out the form and a few days later received a call from [redacted] at NAPW. They asked me a few questions about my job and my intentions for the future of my position, then congratulated me on becoming a member of a highly ranked organization. I was then told I had to pay $995 to be apart of this organization. When I questioned that the letter I received claimed it was a free membership, I was told it was the membership enrollment that was of no cost. She lowered the yearly fee down to $489. When I said I was still not going to pay that for a membership fee, she lowered it again to $199 then proceeded to demand I give her payment information. When I tried to back out completely, I was told since the process had already begun, I had to pay for services rendered. She began badgering me, insisting that I had to pay and how the services they would provide were "well worth the money". Throughout the duration of the phone call, the representative became increasingly more rude and intimidating.I have since contacted NAPW to have my "membership" cancelled, and my credit card company to dispute the charge.On the outside/website, this organization looks legitimate offering webinars, seminars, and networking options for professional women. In reality, the organization was pushy, harsh, and misrepresented themselves in every way.Desired Settlement: Upon completion of the cancellation call, I was given an authorization number and told that a refund would be credited to my card and an email confirmation would be sent to me. I have yet to receive the email notification of my refund at this time. I would like to have my card refunded in the amount of $199, the total amount that was charged. I would also like to see this organization investigated for misrepresentation of services and running a scam on professional women in the workplace.

Business

Response:

[redacted]'s membership was voided shortly after she joined at her request. This charge should have dropped from her pending transactions. Nothing was billed to her card.

Review: My membership to NAPW had expired and my credit card was charges almost $800 to renew this membership. When I joined, the company sent me a letter stating that my renewal fee on my anniversary would be $50, which was not honored. I have asked NAPW to remove the charge from my credit card immediately, and they have failed to do so.Desired Settlement: A total and complete refund is requested in the form of the removal of the charge from my credit card.

Business

Response:

Per [redacted]'s request, her membership has been cancelled, and her annual dues refunded to her credit card as of 3/**/2014. Generally refunds reflect on the card within 2-3 business days of the date the refund is processed.

Review: This company advertised an organization of professional women. When they called it was like a bait and switch. It talks about being a part of an organization of professional women. They try to sell everything about this business without any mention of a price. I have tried to contact them by email and voice mail. They call back and does not answer the inquiry about returning your money.Desired Settlement: I want to disassociate with this company and pass on the information to others who find them unprofessional.

Business

Response:

We deeply regret the miscommunication. NAPW has recorded several attempts in trying to contact this member to answer any questions she may have regarding the purchased membership. After contact with this member, she was issued a credit of $199.00; NAPW was under the impression that she was looking to engage in membership. I have requested that this member be issued a credit in the amount of $99.00 for the remainder of membership dues. From my understanding, this typically takes 3-5 business days to appear. Please feel free to contact us at ###-###-#### with any additional questions.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

I accepted the business's response, However; I have not received any correspondance from them stating that they will be crediting my account for $99.00 for the membership fee.

Review: I was recruited for membership in NAPW in May 2013. I signed up as it sounded like an organization that woudl be beneficial and that would be reimbursable through my comapny. I submitted for reimbursement and found out that the orgnaization is not reimbursable as they pitch high cost memberships and upgrades and do not let you know they have a free membership unless you specifically ask.

On 8/**/13 I called the organization to cancel the membership, request a full or partial refund as a result of that cancellation.

I called on 8/**/13 at 1:20 pm and spoke with [redacted], she indicated I needed to talk to [redacted] in the billing department. I held and was connected to [redacted] after about 10 minutes. I let him know the reason for my call was to cancel and get a refund on membership fees as I cannot get reimbursed. I did offer to pay a portion.

[redacted] did let me know he could reimburse me $800 of the $995 membership "uprgrade" that was transacted on 8/*/13. He did indicate that was all he could do and could not do anything for the original membership fees in June which were in total $888 ($99 for "setup fees" and $789 for Membership.)

I requested several times a refund of at least a portion of the fees, even if they could pro-rate for the portion of time the membership was in existance. He said they won't let him do that, at which time I asked who the "they" was and if I could speak to a supervisor. [redacted] then indicated he was the head of the department and there was no one else who I could discuss this situation. He indicated I had no ability for any further membership refund since the charges were from 2 months ago. I did let him know I would follow up with AMEX and hte Revdex.com for assitance. He still reiterated there was no possibility of refund for the membership fees. This ended our discussion, and he closed the call indicating I should call back if there was anything they could do to help. I found this contradictoray to his statement that he could not do anything about the charges from June for the "regular" membership.Desired Settlement: My proposal is that I would not expect a refund of their $99 membership 'setup fee" which was charged on 5/**/13.

I would expect a pro-rated refund of 10 months of the membership fee - my membership started on June ** and I requested cancellation today 8/** (less than 2 months) of the membership fee of $789.00. The monthly rate would be $65.75, thus requesting refund in the amount of 657.50.

Additionally, I would like a letter confirming my membership had been cancelled, and the credit card information they have on record removed and a confirmation that no further charges will be placed on the card.

Business

Response:

Review: Yesterday a lady from the NAPW called me, her name was [redacted]. she introduced herself and called herself my "account coordinator" She did her NAPW speel and mentioned the 9.89 or 7.89 for different levels of memebership prices. I took out the 9.89 elite plan because I thought I was gettng a great deal after she had waived a 99 dollar processing fee for setting up my profile page and I was getting the 9.89 dollar membership a year. come to find out Today I recieved an alert from the bank and 989.00 was taken out of my account. NINE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY NINE DOLLARS. through [redacted]'s decietful and misleading phone conversation we had yesterday and after she repeated the total for 989 which I thought was 9 dollars and eighty-nine cent and not 9 HUNDRED AND EIGHTY NINE DOLLARS....today I call after I try to stop payment at the bank. I have called [redacted] twice today at NAPW so far and she said "i will get [redacted] to call you right away..." STILL no call from [redacted]...2 hours later. I believe they are using underhanded selling techniques to get people to give them their debit info to charge them. not being clear in their communication when giving the amount owed to a customer is sneaky. sneaky advertising methods. Completely misleading.Desired Settlement: I would like a NINE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY -NINE DOLLAR refund back. that is $989.00.

Consumer

Response:

I have spoken with [redacted] at the NAPW. He has stated that I will be getting a FULL refund in 3-5 days and a canceled membership (THANK GOODNESS!). He gave me a confirmation number: [redacted]. He finally called me back after I had filed a complaint with the Revdex.com today. His number is ###-###-####. HOPEFULLY this will be resolved if the money is put back in my account in 3-5 days.

Sincerely,

Review: I had a trial offer and that was agreed upon for 89.00 fot the year, I was surprised and shocked to see a payment taken out of my account for 199.00 without my knowledge. There were never any invoices or any contact between them from the time I signed up. I had left two messages with them requesting a refund be given for the amount as my checking account bounced .

Business

Response: