National Association of Professional Women

Review: I was on [redacted] and saw that I could apply for the National Association of Professional women for a free membership. I was contacted a few days later by a representative , after I first completed an online application. Trusting [redacted] as a useful tool for business professionals I had hoped that any organization they would advertise would have as clean a reputation. The representative who contacted me was very thorough with her sales pitch on why a person may want to join the organization and what the benefits would be to a member. She explained that I had the option of paying $799 for a basic membership or $989 for a premium membership to the organization. As I was at work I asked if it would be possible for me to contact her back at a later time to make payment. She stated that wasn't possible and inferred that because we had started my application I would not be able to join the organization if I stopped at that time. Believing that I would be losing out on all of the mentioned benefits of joining what I believed to be a prestigious organization, I rushed into my office to grab my credit card and not lose this opportunity. I was not made to believe it was a one time charge for a year of membership. Had I known this I would not have agreed to paying $989 at once. After I ended the call having been rushed through it by a representative who was aware I was at my work place and needed to return to my office , I decided to sit down and look at all of the new networking opportunities I would have upon joining this organization. As soon as I typed in the website into my browser I found that the internet was full of complaints for this organization. I saw that others who had been given the same sales pitch as myself were offered membership costs more than $500 less than the cheapest option I was given. I was definitely duped by a representative who asked me questions to determine how important my career was to me and who used that drive to determine that I would spend anything to help grow my career. Others were offered $99 memberships.. I was offered $799 at the lowest option and that had to be paid IMMEDIATELY or my membership offer would not stand.Desired Settlement: I would like to be refunded any membership costs charged me. I have not used any of the services offered as I am quite disgusted with the foul play they used to sell me on their "prestigious" organization. I would like nothing more than to forget this sham of an organization exists and that they are targeting the professional woman.

Business

Response:

The request to cancel was made within three days and the member was refunded in full. This should post to her account in two to five business days, depending on the policies of her card issuer.

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: I just got a call from [redacted] ###-###-####, after applying for membership to what appeared to be a means of mentoring and furthering my business. This organization, National Association of Professional Women was advertised on [redacted]. After getting "interviewed" for membership to see if I fit their criteria, I was told I was exactly the type of person they were looking for. I was advised of all the benefits of membership such as 20% discounts at local retailers, being able to use the NAPW logo on my business cards and forms as a 3rd party endorsement, free seminars, podcasts, webinars, and conferences, etc. would be available after I received my welcome letter with my user name and password. Again, all this was advertised for "free" on the advertisement on [redacted]. Then I got hit with a $989 membership quote for the elite platform membership or $789 for the preferred platform ([redacted] used the words "nine eighty nine" and "seven eighty nine"). My "this is crap" radar activated. I put the representative on hold with the excuse that I had to go upstairs and retrieve my credit card, and began checking online reviews for this organization. I'm glad I checked! There were many women that were getting the same pitch and experienced problems. I went back to the phone and told the representative that I was not interested in paying such high fees to belong to an organization that supposedly purported to further women's businesses and provide professional networking. I was told that if it was a matter of finances, that they had an alternative that was reserved for non-profit organizations, but that I could tap into it too. OK, this screams of fraud since I'm not a non-profit entity! I told the representative that I was not interested. She continued to talk and I hung up.Desired Settlement: This organization needs to be stopped before it scams or tries to scam any other women!

Business

Response:

[redacted]'s allegation appears to be that NAPW is a "scam." This allegation is uninformed, defamatory, and wrong.

Review: I originally contacted the NAPW at the beginning of July 2013. I was on a website and saw an advertisement for the NAPW and they were offering a free application to join this professional organization. I applied since the offer was free and I was looking for a professional organization for professional women. On or about July *, 2013 I was contacted by a membership representative regarding my application. After a few questions I was told my application was approved. After thanking her I was then told of the costs to join. I told the lady I would like a couple of days to think about and I was told that I should do this now due to the amount of members they sign up every day. I felt like if I didn't commit at that time I would be missing out. I did agree on the fees which consisted of $799 for the membership and to take advantage of seminars, webinars, etc., $199 for a desk plaque, and $99 for a start up fee for my web profile which I never did. After I made this transaction I reconsidered based on the exorbitant amount of money I just put on my credit card. I sent a letter within two weeks requesting a full refund of the fees due to the fact I no longer wished to be a member. I even sent back my membership card. I never received any response to my letter. I received a phone call in the begining of September I believe from a NAPW representative to tell me I was going to the spotlight for the next newsletter. Needless to say I was stunned since I had sent in my membership card and had asked to longer be a member. I let the lady know that I wasn't interested and that I had sent back my membership card. She told me that she showed me as an active member. I again let her know that I wasn't interested and she seemed not to hear me because she went on about the benefits and that I should take advantage of the seminars. I thanked her and hung up. On September **, 2013 I sent NAPW an email to their customer service department requesting the status of my refund. On September **, 2013 I received a phone call from [redacted] regarding my membership. I informed her I no longer wanted to be a member of the NAPW based on research I had done in the interim. There are several complaints regarding their business practices. I told her I didn't want to be a member of her organization. I informed her that I sent a letter in July requesting a refund and that I had also included my membership card. She went on to state that they had an A rating with Revdex.com which after the fact I researched and discovered to be false as well. After several minutes of going back and forth she spoke with accounting department and came back and told me that they agreed to refund my money. I was given a transaction number. As of today October *, 2013 no refund has been credited to my credit card. I even received another membership card on September **, 2013 which I promptly wrote on the envelope Return to Sender, unwanted correspondence. I have no desire to be a member of this organization.Desired Settlement: I would like to be refunded all the fees I was promised, a total of $1097.

Consumer

Response:

At this time, my complaint, ID [redacted] regarding National Association of Professional Women has been resolved.

(By clicking "OK", your complaint will be closed as Resolved.)

Sincerely,

Review: This morning I received an email from NAPW titled "you have renewed". I immediately called the company and told them I did not wish to renew. They told me I had received a letter in the mail 30 days ago and was required to call them 30 days ago to avoid the automatic charge to my credit card. I told them I never received the letter from them. I also told them I did not want to renew my membership with them and they were not authorized to charge my credit card. I was told that yes I had authorized a charge of $800 and that amount had been charged to my credit card. I asked which card and number. I told them I had not authorized the charge to my card. I was put on hold. I was then told I was getting a deal today and that they would only charge me $199 and the charge would be reduced. I told them I did not want to renew and that they did not have my permission to charge my credit card. I was put on hold again. I was then told it was my lucky day and I was only going to be charged $99. I told her I was very angry and I did not want to renew and I was not authorizing the charge to my credit card. She told me "too bad, that's all I can do for you and you are lucky I am not charging you more." I immediately called my bank, Wells Fargo, to file a complaint and dispute the charge. Come to find out from the bank she charged the $99 to my credit card while I was on the phone with her and on hold!Desired Settlement: I would like the unauthorized charge to my credit card reversed, credited back to my account.

Business

Response:

We have no record of this consumer. We have searched all of our databases using the name, address, phone number and email provided in the complaint, and have no records found.

Review: Over two weeks ago, I was called by National Association of Professional Women regarding being selected to being featured on the website and they had a few questions. Then they kept calling so I followed up and they got back to me at an inconvenient time but I took the call. They told me about what it meant to be selected, what I needed to do and then told me it would cost $900 to have this honor. At that time I realized the whole membership was a sham.

In going on to online review I read that what I paid in a membership was hundreds of dollars more than what others were told they would be charged for the same membership. Then I came to the Revdex.com and read complaints.

I read their response to the complaints about it was people who were just reading online reviews from other sources. Well in my case I can say I reached a frustrated conclusion on my own. So I emailed them that night and asked for a refund. This was over two weeks they didn't get back to me. I emailed again so I would have another paper trail they said they would get back to me in a day or two again. It still took slightly longer.

Then I was told because it was over two months since I joined (yeah and in the last few weeks of those two months I had filed a complaint, so let's say 6 weeks) They could refund my membership fee. I stated that their response to the Revdex.com reflects something different. They then countered with refunding only 25% of the membership fee. And I said you charge me $789.00 for memberships you charged $99.00.

I said I want a full refund, I haven't made any use of my membership as I have been sick, and was diagnosed last week with a [redacted]. Between that and [redacted] recovery from last winter, my energy and times is tapped out to network and run a business.

They said they could only do a little under half of what I paid. But I could still have membership for the year.... they weren't listening or simply complying as they stated to the Revdex.com previously.

For an organization that is supposed to be about professionalism for women it is a large disappointment.Desired Settlement: They said check would take four to six weeks to arrive. Yet they did my payment via credit card over the phone. While the card used is no longer active I have another one for the same account that could be.

There is no reason for it to take a check that long to be processed and given everything that is happen if they want to demonstrate to the Revdex.com the acquiesce then they should issue the full refund $789.00 immmediately.

Business

Response:

[redacted] filed this complaint with the Revdex.com after she did not get the desired outcome when she called to cancel her membership more than sixty days after she became a member. We will be issuing a check for her refund, which is being issued not because she demanded it, but because of her specific circumstances. We have responded directly to [redacted] with the following:

Dear [redacted],

I have reviewed your

email, below, and would like to extend my best wishes regarding your

medical condition and my hope that you experience a full, speedy

recovery.

I have also reviewed

your NAPW account records, and understand that a full refund has been

ordered for your account. Unfortunately, it has been over 60 days since

you first purchased your membership and that

passage of time requires us to issue your refund via company check. To

clarify, this is due to policies established within the credit card

processing system (by card issuing banks and gateway credit card

processors). We generally are unable to re-access a

particular transaction beyond 30-60 days, depending on the card issuing

bank, which prevents us from issuing a credit to the credit card. We

wish this were not the case, as it would save our members the time and

us the expense of issuing and mailing a physical

check. In cases like yours, we enter a refund request into a queue and

it generally takes about 4 weeks to process through our accounting

system and arrive at the member's home. I have asked that yours be

expedited, and invite you to contact me anytime to

follow up if you have not received your check in the next 2 weeks.

Your statement, that we somehow lie to the Revdex.com, is incorrect. The language you quote relates to our response to Revdex.com complaints,

not customer service interactions. Even though our well-documented

sales

and membership processes would allow us to challenge the validity of

most Revdex.com complaints, we do not do so. Rather, we elect to issue

unchallenged refunds. We do so because we genuinely wish to resolve

disputes and have no desire to further alienate or inconvenience

consumers who have decided to sever their relationship with us. The

truth of our statement is self-authenticating through the Revdex.com process.

If we were not issuing the promised refunds the consumers would notify

the Revdex.com, which would refuse to close out their

complaints.

For consumers like

yourself who first contact our Customer Service Team we follow a

different approach, which is generally used throughout the membership

services industry and is designed to improve our existing

relationship:

(1) We first attempt

to understand why the member is dissatisfied, so we can clarify any

misunderstandings and/or identify and work to rectify any systemic

issues with the delivery of our products and services;

(2) We next attempt to

re-explain the value associated with each of the products or services

our members have purchased because, in many cases, a member's

dissatisfaction is related to a misunderstanding of

the benefits associated with their membership purchase;

(3) In order to help

re-build the relationship and compensate the member for her time and

frustration, we offer a partial refund of the purchase price and an

extension of the membership period, allowing the

member to continue receiving benefits on a better basis than she

originally purchased;

(4) In cases where the

member has experienced extenuating circumstances and cannot use their

membership, we offer a full refund, as was done in your case.

I trust this addresses

each of your points. If you have any questions, please feel free to

contact me directly. I would like to again invite you to extend your

NAPW membership. I see that you are in [redacted],

which places you in close proximity to a number of very successful NAPW

Local Chapters. In addition to our [redacted] chapter itself, we have a

strong DC chapter, six additional VA chapters within your marketing

area ([redacted]), and numerous nearby chapters in Maryland. I

believe the opportunities for you or your employees to participate and

network among those chapters could significantly benefit your business.

If you would like your membership re-activated

and extended or for us to create a membership for one of your partners

or employees, at no cost, please let me know and I can facilitate that.

Thank you,

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:

[Your Answer Here]

I do not consider the matter resolved until I actually receive the check, it's one thing to write this will happen it's another thing to see that has been followed through on.

Second, I sent in a complaint prior to the 60 day cut off time, and they delayed a response for more than 20 days to make it past the 60 day cut off. It is was because of my continued follow up in which they were only going to do a partial refund and an email to the Revdex.com that they took this more seriously.

When the check is received, deposited, and cleared I will let the Revdex.com know.

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

We did send a check to [redacted]'s original address as we were totally unaware of the fact that she moved. She did not advise us of this. We have placed a stop payment on that check and issued a new check #[redacted] which was delivered today by UPS.

Consumer

Response:

The new check was sent express mail to me at new address. Thank you for your assistance on this matter.

Sincerely,

I expressed interest in learning more about this organization months ago. Their add online made it look free. They called (in the middle of a work day) to conduct an initial interview, talk about how great they are, etc. It was incredibly polite and THEN they told me about the nearly $1,000/year membership fee and asked for my cc info. When I told them I couldn't afford it, the kept lowering the price and pressing for my cc info. At some point I said ok, thinking that it might at least be worthwhile for networking opportunities. They called me a month later to say I've been included in their VIP circle and that it's just $2,000 to upgrade my membership. The woman instantly started confirming my billing information without me even saying yes to anything. My tone quickly changed to, "NO, definitely not." I told them to cancel everything and made sure to get confirmation of my cancelation in writing after that conversation. This organization is deceiving.

Review: I phoned four times trying to cancel the policy within the last two months and you STILL charged my credit card for the next year of membership when I specifically said NOT TO in multiple phone calls. I've tried during normal business hours and during broad daylight. Which would be normal 9-5 during monday through friday and of course, it was not during "your" business hours. Please tell me then, when is the business hours for your company?

I did not authorize the charge to my card and you falsely took my money. I do not want to be associated with your company at all!Desired Settlement: Refund my money, all $199.00 US Dollars and take me off of your list. Your company is a joke. I do not wish to ever be associated with it again. I will never recommend this company.

Business

Response:

This was refunded on October **, 2014.

Review: I was "awarded" membership, but after they announced my acceptance of membership, they said it's going to cost me $789 to join. After the shock wore off, I decided to cancel my membership so that I would get a full refund. I tried calling and left several messages. They called me back and left a message for me to return their call. I finally spoke to a human who told me they could only give me half of the membership fee because so much time has lapsed. I agreed to get back whatever I could, $394.50. They said they'd provide me with a check instead of crediting my credit card since it had passed 60 days. I was told that I'd get the check within 4 to 6 weeks. My issue is that I want a FULL refund. I want to cancel my membership and get a full refund! Can the Revdex.com assist me with this request?Desired Settlement: I'd like a full refund of $789 as a check or a credit to my credit card.

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 companywide

and all of our team members are required to follow them.

We take complaints to the Revdex.com very seriously and thoroughly

investigate each one. Our findings for this claim are detailed in the next

paragraphs.

[redacted] completed an application for membership in NAPW. On June *, 2014, NAPW contacted her and

conducted its initial enrollment interview.

During this telephone call our representative explained the annual costs

and benefits associated with 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 ([redacted]) 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.

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 was required to 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] changed her username and password

and accepted the terms and conditions of membership. On June *, 2014, NAPW physically mailed a

welcome package to the member containing a paid statement, a membership card

and a welcome letter. This was sent to the address provided by [redacted]; she

should have received that package within seven to ten days.

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 automatic renewal process 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. This interview is

available for review if required.

Throughout

the year, NAPW made available to [redacted] a comprehensive membership services

staff, which is qualified to field all inquiries and would have been able to

work with her had she elected to opt out of her automatic renewal (or any other

questions she may have had). NAPW

publicizes the availability of this staff through multiple dedicated

pages. See [redacted]nd [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, including opting out of her automatic membership renewal.

We

understand that sometimes people change their minds about membership, and we do

try to work with members to accommodate reasonable requests; however, within a

week of enrollment, we have already paid for yearlong subscriptions for the

services which are part of the membership but are provided by our partners and

other entities which are not part of the NAPW. These fees are not refundable

and we do not think it unreasonable to require reimbursement for those

payments.

[redacted] did contact us on July *, 2014, more

than a month after her enrollment, but did not leave a message; she called

again, this time leaving a message for us to call her back. We did call her at

the number she left on her message as well as the ones she provided at the time

of registration. We were unable to reach her, and we left a message for her to

call us back. We do not make any changes to any member’s profile or account

without speaking with the member or her authorized representative.

[redacted] did not call us back until just before

closing on Friday, August *, 2014 and as there was not a representative

available at that time, she left another message, which we returned on Monday

morning, August *.

[redacted] returned the call the following day,

Tuesday, August *, and spoke with one of our representatives, who provided her

with the information in the prior paragraphs.

The conversation concluded cordially; [redacted] seemed to understand

and was happy to accept a credit. Unfortunately, as the initial transaction

took place more than sixty days earlier, we are unable to credit her account.

It was explained that we would be issuing a check for that amount, which is

requested for the next check run. We do not issue many refunds via check, so we

usually ask for ten business days for it to be sent. However, we also ask that

the check be expedited, so that the recipient does NOT have to wait any longer

than necessary. We have also deactivated the automatic renewal

function of her membership, so that it will not renew.

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 Sara Blakeley, Arianna Huffington,

Star Jones, Martha Stewart, Ivanka Trump, Randy Zuckerburg, Barbara Corcoran

and Robin Roberts.

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.

Review: On November 2013 NAPW sent me a letter of a free membership. I called them and realized that the membership was almost $ 1,000.00 plus set up fees ($ 1,188.00). In the same call they offered me a plaque for $ 99.00 with my name on it.

Since then I haven't received ANYTHING from them. I called them on December 2013, nobody answered at that moment and the day after a lady called me saying that they were in a storm and as soon as possible I will be receiving what I payed for.

Today February [redacted], 2014 I called them again I nobody answered on any of the "extensions" that I dialed. I left a message saying that I will fill a complaint through Revdex.com.

Again, I haven't received anything for what I payed for ($ 1,188.00 + $99.00 = $ 1,287.00) in three months. My credit card was charged since November 2013.

I want my money back and nothing else from that "company or whatever they are" if they really exists.

Best regards,

###-###-####

[redacted]Desired Settlement: I want every penny back on my credit card that I gave to that SCAM or whatever they are.

Best regards,

###-###-#### [redacted]

Business

Response:

This consumer asked to be removed from contacts, and she has been deactivated from NAPW's CRM. She will not receive any targeted communications from NAPW, though she may still occasionally encounter passive, non-targeted advertising on the Internet.

Business

Response:

#[redacted] - MEMBER FULLY REFUNDED BY CHECK

Review: I received an invitation to join NAPW and returned the offer by mail. A few weeks later, I received a call and was told that the subscription cost "nine eighty nine" for the elite package or "seven eighty nine" for a smaller package. I am from a small town, which I suppose is why I misunderstood this quote to mean $9.89 and $7.89. I gave the woman my bank debit information, and she then stated that she would be charging my card for "seven HUNDRED eighty nine dollars." I was completely shocked and told her that I could not afford that and to cancel the transaction. She then began talking rather quickly and explaining something about a 6 month free trial. At this point I had been on the phone for 20 minutes at work and was hoping to end the call as I was still taking in the sticker shock. I am certain that I didn't catch all of the details she was explaining, but I did hear her say something about an automatic renewal in one year and that it was non-refundable. I said, "Ok, so I just want to confirm that I am not being charged anything today." She then told me I "must not have been listening" to her and that she had told me that she would be charging me $99 for the first six months, and the second six months would be free. I told her that I couldn't afford it today... but it was too late. She had already submitted the payment without my permission. I was then given a customer service number to call. I called it immediately after hanging up with her, and I was placed on hold for a few minutes. Then I was transferred to a voice mail machine. I left two messages and sent an email disputing the charges, but I did not receive a call back. It was a Friday afternoon, so I doubt anyone will reach out to me until Monday. Meanwhile, I have been charged $99 for fees that I did not knowingly authorize, and must figure out how to fit that into my family's already very tight budget until it is refunded.Desired Settlement: I want the fees reversed as soon as possible, and I do not want any further contact from NAPW by phone, email, or other mailings.

Business

Response:

Review: This Association falsely represents their membership benefits. Their high pressure sales woman (not that I care, as I use to be in sales…I am just saying this to warn others) kept spewing out all the benefits of this “wonderful” membership. Having a background in sales, and knowing that we are recorded, I specifically asked questions regarding member benefits concerning additional costs to webinars and seminars. [redacted] (who is not even on their phone directory) said that these were included at no additional cost. So of course when I got on the website and found that none of these were included , they all came at an additional price, I was furious! Coming from sales myself I cannot stand anyone who lies just to make a buck. It is not moral. Other “benefits” are not as described by [redacted] as well. They refuse to refund my payment.Desired Settlement: I would like a refund and encourage this association to conduct their sales techniques in a more ethical manner. Their actions go against what their mission. Any woman in this association should feel ripped off and appalled by the distasteful manner in which this organization conducts themselves. Taking advantage of women who are pursuing career improvement is an atrocity, as women have enough struggles to deal with on a daily basis as it is.

Business

Response:

[redacted] purchased a Trial membership on November **, 2013. Her Trial membership entitled her to a number of benefits, including the free educational benefits mentioned by her representative during her call. These include, but are not limited to:

· Free online networking with our over 500,000 members through NAPW’s online networking portal (must be signed in as a member to use).

· Free face-to-face networking at any of our nearly 400 local chapters, including numerous chapters in her state of [redacted], such as our very successful [redacted] chapter ([redacted]).

· Free downloadable seminars and webinars through our partner, National Seminars Group.

· Discounted Continuing Education programs and certifications through our partner, Lorman Education.

· Discounted Continuing Education programs through our partner, Star12 / Rockhurst University.

I have reviewed the recording of [redacted]’s call with our representative, and believe that our representative clearly expressed these benefits. She accurately spoke of the free benefits and accurately identified those which were discounted. In any event, contrary to this consumer’s claim, NAPW accurately represents its benefits and the benefits stated above are included with a Trial membership. We have tens of thousands of members annually who take advantage of those benefits, and their participation speaks to the falsity of this consumer’s claim. Occasionally, as we have seen in the past, members login to our partners’ sites and see seminars, etc., listed at their full prices without going through the checkout process, where the NAPW free or discounted rate is applied. Perhaps that is what occurred in this case. I will inquire with our partners regarding their ability to make their landing pages more clear so that this is not repeated.

Finally, this consumer claims that “they refuse to refund my payment.” This is false. Our records show that [redacted] contacted NAPW on November **, 2013, and that a full credit in the amount of $99 was issued that day. Presumably, this has long since appeared on her account.

I trust this matter is resolved. Should this consumer have any additional questions, she may contact me anytime at [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:

My complaint has been half resolved or as resolved as it is going to get. Yes, this dishonest company finally refunded me my money but only after I threatened to get a lawyer involved. The rude woman on the phone told me that would cost a whole lot more that my membership to get a lawyer involved, but I went to Suffolk University and have many friends who are Lawyers, one who had already offered to help me. When I said that to the woman, she had nothing else to say and gave me my money back.

As Chris Wesser states ,"I have reviewed the recording of [redacted]’s call with our representative, and believe that our representative clearly expressed these benefits. She accurately spoke of the free benefits and accurately identified those which were discounted. In any event, contrary to this consumer’s claim, NAPW accurately represents its benefits and the benefits stated above are included with a Trial membership." That is false, I specifically asked the representative the logistics regarding what was going to be included in my membership. In fact, when I finally got these people on the phone to get my money back, obviously they tried to save the sale. The woman in finance told me that the representative did not lie to me but "made a human error" and "needs to be retrained" I have worked in sales, I know how "misleading" sales reps can be (as our competitor told strait up lies to get sales).

Companies like this take advantage of people, they are dishonest and a scam, [redacted] even used the Revdex.com logo to claim Revdex.com affiliation on his website and was contacted by the Revdex.com to take it down, so that right there shows how despicable and dishonest these people are.

So yes, I got my money back, but my real issue is with his dishonest and reprehensible business tactics along with the fact that they will never be resolved because he prays on naive women. As long as there are naive women out in the world, this second-rate man will be in business swindling unsuspecting gullible women.

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Review: My card has been billed for a renewal membership which I do not want and the association will not refund my money.

Three years ago they sweet talked me into a membership that I have never once used. The moment I hung up with them I knew that I had made a mistake. Apparently, they have been rebilling my card each year. This year on Nov. **, 2013 I saw an email saying "You have renewed". I clicked on the email, because I knew that I did not want to renew and it said nothing about a charge to my card. It also did not give me any instructions on how to cancel my renewal. I quickly checked my bank account and there was no charge, so I thought it was odd, but maybe I had been renewed for free. I tried to call the organization on that date, but as I am on the West coast their offices were already closed for the day. As I mentioned, I was not too worried because there was no mention of me being charged in the email and there was no charge in my bank account. Then Dec. **, 2013 I see a charge pending from NAPW. I immediately called to cancel my renewal. According to the company you have to inform them 30 days before hand that you want to cancel or your money will not be refunded! I didn't even get the email until Nov. [redacted] which was not 30 days prior and the email said nothing about this. Also the email stated in the past tense "You have been renewed." Apparently, they inform you of this fact in the terms that you have to agree to when you log onto the website. I have only been on the website 1 time to my knowledge and this was years ago. This is not an honest, upfront business practice. How would someone really remember a terms of agreement they checked off years ago that had a 30 day cancellation policy and then know the month that they were due to be rebilled with absolutely no notice prior to renewal except a very misleading email sent after the date you would have had to cancel by in order to avoid the charge.

Although I have never used their organization, I feel a legitimate and helpful organization would not have to resort to the practices above to recruit and keep members. In fact they would feel that it reflected badly on them.Desired Settlement: I request a full refund for my 2014 dues. Apparently, I was also charged for 2013 which I never used, but that was my fault for not catching that. This one I both looked at the email and found the charge on the day it was made.

Business

Response:

My apologies to [redacted]. We take our membership communications very seriously, and our entire management team works to ensure that those communications provide our members with timely, meaningful information. In the case of our members renewing in December of 2013, we sent a series of reminder emails beginning in early November and concluding with the November ** email to which [redacted] alludes. Our email management system shows that all emails were sent to [redacted], but I am unable to discern whether they were actually opened. [redacted]'s comments raise the question of whether we need to revisit this communication method, and we will investigate whether a physical mailing (coupled with email) results in a better communications stream.

Review: NAPW contacted me to become a member of their organization. They told me I was one of their "Women of the Year" and that I had been chosen for this by their executive board. After a few minutes of telling me how I had been chosen the sales person then proceeds to tell me that it will cost $900 for my name to be included in some advertisement and for me to get access to free seminars and webinars. I had already paid $900 when I joined and was told I would get the free seminars at that time. Since then I have talked to numerous women who were supposedly as "Women of the Year" It is obvious that the Women of the Year is a scam to get people to pay more money. As soon as I told the woman that I wouldn't be paying for that she hung up on me! I then called the membership office and asked to have my membership discontinued immediately due to these false and unethical business practices. I was told that my membership could be discontinued but that I wasn't entitled to even a partial refund.Desired Settlement: I want at least the prorated amount of membership dues returned to me based on the bad business practices and lies told by this organization.

Business

Response:

A full refund will be issued to this member. Due to the fact that the original charge is over six months old, we will be issuing a check and mailing it to the address shown in the complaint. This should be received within two weeks.

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: NAPW charged a renewal fee of $199 against my credit card without authorization. I was told previously that there would not be a charged for renewal. They have refused to refund the money. I have called NAPW several times, and each time I am given a different story. An employee named [redacted] said she could not speak to me because the issue was being reviewed by the Dispute Department. She could not give me a person's name or a number to the Disputes Department. She said they were in a different building. She also could not give me an estimated time for resolution. When I called, back and spoke to a different person, I found out that there is no Dispute Department. There is one person there ([redacted]) who handles complaints. She works in the same office as [redacted]. NAPW did not have authorization to charge my credit card, they should not have charged me anything for a renewal, yet they refuse to send me a refund.Desired Settlement: My desired outcome is a full refund.

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 $199. This check should be issued within the next 7-10 days and will be sent directly to the member's address on file? ([redacted]).

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted]. I was told on 4/[redacted]/14 that I will receive a check but I have not received it yet. If I am refunded by NAPW the matter would be resolved and the issue can be closed to my satisfaction. Thank you for all of your help in dealing with this issue.

Sincerely,

Review: I saw an advertisement for NAPW and thought it was a beneficial association to look into. I called and left a message, and was contacted by a membership representative who discussed the different options for enrolling. I agreed to and paid for the Preferred package at $789. After receiving my log-in information I went to my profile and started reading the Terms and Conditions, wherein it states that a FREE membership is available but without as many perks. I realized my particular membership representative, [redacted], had never once mentioned this option to me and I feel that this was dishonest of her and NAPW to not explain and offer all of the options to me. I feel that this is just dishonest and deceptive and most certainly do not want to be associated with an organization that misleads its prospective members.

I have made 8 (eight) attempts to contact the NAPW starting Nov [redacted] (including today Dec [redacted]), and am not able to get in contact with anyone. I have left 2 voicemails and sent an email. I did receive a call from [redacted] on Nov [redacted] but when I call the number she left me, it goes straight to voicemail. I am infuriated at the lack of response to my inquiries and therefore I have contacted my credit card company and disputed the $789, as well as the $99 account activation fee. Besides the dishonesty, the lack of "Customer Service" you provide is just despicable.Desired Settlement: I would like the NAPW to refund my credit card company the $789 and the $99, and take me off any and all contact lists.

Business

Response:

Our records reflect that this member was refunded in full and her membership account deactivated on December **, 2013.

Review: I received a notice via email on Feb **, 2013 from NAPW that my membership was scheduled to renew. I sent an email to this company requesting that my membership be cancelled. I immediately began receiving phone calls from this company. On Feb **, 2014, I spoke to [redacted], id [redacted], requesting that she cancel my membership. She very rudely informed me that as part of my "terms of contract" I would be unable to cancel my membership since it was within 30 days of renewal. I informed her that I had requested this cancellation within one day of my renewal notice. She started asking me if this was a "cost issue". When I repeatedly informed her I wanted to cancel my membership, she became more and more nasty. I asked to speak to her [redacted] and she said she was the person I needed to speak to and there were no [redacted] available. I hung up and called the main number and spoke to [redacted]. She did NOT want to cancel my membership and wanted to ask me about my conversation with [redacted]. I must have asked her 25 times to cancel my membership!!! She finally agreed to do so and advised that I would receive a confirmation email - which so far - I have not received. I found NUMEROUS complaints about this organization at both Revdex.com and on [redacted] - it's hard to imagine that these businesses can continue these kinds of practices.Desired Settlement: A confirmation email that my membership has been cancelled and removal of all my information from their databases! I don't EVER want to be contacted by this business again!

Business

Response:

Per [redacted]'s initial request, on February **, 2014, her membership renewal was cancelled. Her membership did not renew with the association on her anniversary date (March [redacted]), and she is no longer a member. She spoke with a representative and on the [redacted], and received notification that her membership was cancelled during the call. She then received email confirmation on the on the [redacted], and both email and voicemail confirmation on the [redacted], per her requests.

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: I contacted NAPW's billing department to issue me a refund on my credit card of my initial membership charges from November 2013 in the amount of $888.00. This was stated to me as an annual membership fee, however NAPW charged my credit card again in the amount of $995 on Feb **, 2014 stating an "upgrade to VIP" and "renewal of membership." Their membership structure and pricing is variable according to their high pressure sales tactics. Since it has only been a few months since their initial charge of $888 ($99 + $789), there is no possible way they can bill me for a new year's membership. This second time, they contacted me to say that their organization has selected me for a "VIP reward." However it was only at the end of the phone conversation that they stated they would be billing me for an additional new annual membership fee of $995.00 in exchange for this reward. I am appalled at the high pressure sales tactics and lack of integrity of this organization, which claims to be a professional organization for helping women. They have refused to refund my initial $888 from November 2013, despite my calling their billing department on the phone and stating a clear request for a refund of all charges.Desired Settlement: 1) A refund to my credit card of my charges from November 2013 in the amount of $888.00. 2) I would like the new charges of $995 to be cancelled. 3) I would like to be removed from any "auto-renewal."

Business

Response:

[redacted] contacted NAPW on Feb **, 2013 to cancel her membership charges from Oct 2013.

Review: I joined the National Association of Professional Women in December 2012 and was charged over $1,200. I agreed to this fee since I was told this would not be a recurring fee and would be a lifetime membership. If this was represented as an annual fee I would not have agreed to it nor signed up for the membership. I did not participate in the site. I added a brief profile of myself but since I was starting a new business I did not want to be a featured member nor was I participating in local meetings. I was patient with this since I was working on my new business and knew that I had a lifetime membership.

In early December 2013 someone warned me that my membership may only be for a year and that I would be charged again. Alarmed I called the National Association of Professional Women billing department. They told me they sent me a renewal notice via email. I save all my emails and did not get an email regarding renewal. I told the woman that my membership was lifetime. They said it was not lifetime but they could reduce the fee to approximately $250. I told them I wanted to cancel since the representations made to me were false and misleading. She said I only had a choice of renewing at the $250 since I agreed to the terms and conditions. I told her the only reason I agreed to the terms and conditions when I went into the site is because I wanted information on the terms of my membership and the only way to get past the initial screen was to accept the terms and conditions! She apologized but had no resolution for me. I asked her if they saved the recordings from me being sold last year on a lifetime membership. She said yes and would look up the recording. I haven't heard from her. She then asked me if the $250 was acceptable. I told her that she isn't giving me a choice! I can't cancel and my only option is being charged $250.

I am very upset at this. I will be reporting them to the [redacted] advertising department as this is where I was enticed to join and it was free to join. I believe their advertising is deceptive and misleading. The representations made to me were false. I do not have a lifetime membership and now have spent of $1,400 with this site and have requested that my membership not renew next December 2014.`Desired Settlement: I would like a refund of all fees that I have paid to them. OR they honor that the $1,200 I paid last December 2012 was truly a one-time charge and a life time membership and reverse the $250 charge made in December 2013.

There are thousands of women getting scammed by their false and misleading advertising.

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 was refunded in full on 1/*/14.

Business

Response:

Again, we must refute [redacted]'s claims that she was misled or told that she had a lifetime membership. We have reviewed her initial interview during which she claims this was promised. At no time was she told that this was a lifetime membership - in fact - when she was advised of the annual renewal, she replied "Okay." We have this call available for review by the Revdex.com or [redacted].

It is our position that we have been more than responsive to [redacted]'s complaint - we fully refunded her renewal fee. The membership benefits for which she paid her initial fee for her first year were as advertised and as she was advised by our representative.

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 read the other complaints that have been filed with the Revdex.com for NAPW and read that the "salespeople" making these calls have made numerous false assertions in order to get someone to sign up. They are most likely paid on commissions that get someone to sign up. I have asked for a copy of the original recording several times but have never received it. Again, I would NEVER have paid $1,000 for a annual membership of anything. If the original recording hasn't been "doctored" I would love to hear it. I will be able to have a professional let me know if the recording has been tampered with.

Refund my original fee - make me whole as if this entire scam didn't happen or this case will never be closed.

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Review: I received a call this morning from a blocked number and it was the National Association of Professional Women (NWAP). She started off the conversation very nicely, fluffing me up and stroking my ego. It didn't take long for me to realize she was reading from a script, but I wanted to see where it would go. About 10 minutes later she congratulated me for my 'outstanding work' with my business and within my community and that I was officially approved into the organization. I found this funny since we've only lived here a little over 3 months. Without pause, she immediately asked me how I would be paying for the $995 membership. I politely said I was not going to be purchasing a membership, that my allocated funds needed to go back into local community networking. She stated she that was fine and that I could just purchase the $750 membership. This time I was still polite, but more firm stating I was not going to be buying a membership. I didn't know anything about the association, what they had to offer and how it would benefit my business when I have to network/advertise so closely to my location. "I don't want anyone to miss out on the great benefits our association has to offer, so I'll just sign you up for our basic membership for $450, how do you want to pay?" I responded saying, "I don't think you get it, I will NOT be buying a membership, I do not WANT to buy a membership. Your organization has nothing to offer me and I'm having to relaunch my business 1500mi from where I originally opened. Again, I will not be buying a membership. Please remove me from your system and do not follow up with me" She then got nasty, losing her pleasant voice, about how much of a mistake I was making, but she's going to give me a complimentary membership and send me the welcome packet anyway. That's when I ended the phone call.Desired Settlement: I would like this company investigated more, possibly by the attorney general of the state. I would also like to receive no more information from them via mail, email or phone.

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 $995. This check should be issued within the next 7-10 days and will be sent directly to the member's address on file ([redacted] / Bakersfield, CA).

[redacted]

Thank goodness for the Revdex.com reviews! I almost said yes to the NAPW. I felt some pressure from the NAPW representative who wanted me to sign up at the highest level/cost of $900+. When I said no, she brought it down to a lower level/cost of $700+. When I said no, again, she offered the $99 one-year trial. She spoke with me for over 20 minutes, but when I told her I did not have a credit card on me to pay for anything, she then began to close out the conversation, stating that I should take her number and call her. Wow! Smells like a scam to me.