National Association of Professional Women

I received a call from this organization this morning. I joined back around April or May for a 'reduced' but still pricey membership fee after 'qualifying' for an 'interview,' and then 'being accepted' after said 'interview.' I was left with the option to elevate my membership level to get additional benefits. The initial call felt pushy: It wasn't an offer being made that would hang around, you *have* to accept it then, or it becomes unavailable. (Red Flag)

The call this morning was much more pushy. They have my credit card information on file (important later).

It started very non-sequitur: The female 'professional' on the end of the line was complaining about how tired she was, and that she was going to go out to a group event this evening, and seemed to need reassurance that the experience would be worth it (Who are you, and why are you calling me?!), and eventually got around to telling me I've been 'selected for VIP.' I asked if this was follow up for the possibility to step up in membership. 'No, this is different, and you've been selected, and you're getting a commemorative plaque for no charge and by the way **mutter mutter something something four digits** is that OK?'

Me: "*repeats four digits* I'm sorry, what was that?"

Them: Great! We'll get that started for you.

That was them drafting $995 from my bank account. I hemmed them down to try to get off the phone, and said I wanted to talk to my work to see if this was something my employer would support. That is apparently almost $495 additional from my account.

Both transactions are showing on my account, and the only refund notification I have received an e-mail for is the initial $99 membership fee.

The whole process is unethical. I'm sure there are fantastic benefits available to those in the higher tiered memberships, but this is not how they should be sold.

I received nothing in writing.

I have not put my signature to anything physical. To be frank, I feel like a victim of fraud. And my rent is due. They swiped almost $1500 from my account, and it needs to be returned immediately.

I clicked the link to join for free - then recieved a call detailing all of the great benefits of the membership. Then they hounded me for money - there could nto have been more types of memberships and price points. I almost fell for it, but thankfully I was at work and had to leave for a meeting. then they basically told me this was only available now and thatI needed to pay today or they could nto process my membership. needless to say - I am not a member

I recently registered my new business in Arizona and received an unsolicited invitation from NAPW by post. I visited their website and signed up to be a member. There was no membership fee mentioned anywhere. There was information about complementary membership on the website.

I got a call from one of your representatives, Lauren. After a nice interview during which Lauren encouraged me to talk about my achievements, I was invited to Join NAPW. After I accepted and all the benefits of being an elite member was then explained to me, I was then asked if this was the "package" that I wanted and then informed of the cost of $989 LAST. I was then asked for my credit card information for the elite membership package. I declined to give this information as I was not prepared to submit such a large payment. I was then encouraged to pay up front and asked why I couldn't pay during the telephone call, I declined again after which Lauren began quoting less expensive options as low as $99 per year.

Review: I was very excited when I recieved this call. You are kind of pressured into signing up right then and not having time to do reserch. The price went from in the 900;s to the 400's to 199.00. When I did some reserch they are not backed by the Revdex.com and I don't do busniness with anyone who isn't. They tell you its 199.99 and then another 99.00. I tryed to call back after I did some reserch and noone answers. I don't want this membership and I don't want any dealings with them. After getting on the site I really don't see all these conections they claim either. I just wan't my money back and to be done with this. Thanks youDesired Settlement: Refund and not to be charged anything else from them

Business

Response:

Review: On September *, 2013 [redacted] from the National Association of Professional Women called to tell me I was chosen as women of the year. She requested payment of $495.00 to be able to access the seminars in New York and my local chapter. She called me at a bad time, first thing in the morning, and I gave her my credit card information. Later in the day I talked to the rest of the members of the Board of directors for the Egyptian Cat Rescue of America, Inc and we all agreed that the fees were substantial for what we would receive in return. We are a new start up charity and facing many expenses; the fee to be “women of the year” and have access to the seminars is not something we can afford right now. In the state of Connecticut I am able to request a full refund by law with-in 3 business days, which I did in writing via email.

I requested the very same day, Sept * 2013 for a full refund of my fees by email to [redacted]. I did not receive an email in response from her. My credit card statement was not credited the fees so I sent a second email requesting a refund from [redacted], still no reply. Then someone did call me on the phone and I requested again my refund, she said the credit or customer service department was handling it and started to laugh. I don’t remember her name but it was not [redacted].

At this point I think this is a scam and want a refund of my money from the National Association of Professional Women. Any reputable company would have refunded my money the same day and/or at least acknowledge my request. I did not use or access any of the supposed benefits that this fee was for.

I will also be filing a complaint with the Revdex.com.

Sincerely,

[redacted]Desired Settlement: Full refund of $495.00

Consumer

Response:

Hello,

A full refund check was sent to me. Thanks for your help in this matter.

Sincerely,

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: NAPW Sales Representative contacted me under the guise of a free introductory membership, only to start pitching $999, then $799, then $199 membership options. Sales tactic was high pressure and inappropriate, preying upon new business owners.Desired Settlement: I have received no service and no membership benefit for the duration of my membership (7/*/13 to present), even after directly messaging my local chapter representative in [redacted], with no response for five months. All benefits outlined in the original high-pressured sales pitch are smoke and mirrors and simply do not exist.

Business

Response:

Per [redacted]'s request, a refund is being issued for $199 representing the cancellation of her membership. As the charge occurred nearly 8 months prior to the refund request, the refund must be issued by live check. This check has been requested, and should arrive within the next 2-3 weeks. Unless we are directed differently, the check will be issued to [redacted], and mailed to the shipping address she used to purchase her membership. The check will be mailed to:

Review: I cancelled membership with the National Association of Professional Women two years ago. When a membership renewal charge appeared on my credit card last month, I called and was told my membership had never been "officially" cancelled, though I had made the request. Per the service representative, the company failed to process my cancellation, resulting in my being charged against my authorization both last year and this year to the tune of $1000.

I was dubious of their claim I was only charged $99 last year, as it would indicate a 1000% increase in their membership fee. I will double check my bank statements to confirm, or submit a second complaint if I find there have been further misdealings.

When I called to complain, they did promise to issue refunds - a check in the amount of $99 for last year's fees, and a credit card refund for this year's.

After some research, I found that NAPW's strategy is to upsell their products by claiming they are "awards" and then encouraging professional women to pay for them. I'm aware there are other businesses that operate in this way, and it is at best deceitful and at worst criminal. While I would hope the company does some good for their members to have been recognized by Forbes, I am dismayed by my experience with them, which casts the National Association of Professional Women as nothing more than liars and thieves. The Revdex.com records for this business confirm my suspicion. I hope to protect others from dealings with NAPW in the future.Desired Settlement: More than anything I would like this business, and businesses like it, to be prevented from operating.

Consumer

Response:

At this time, I have been contacted directly by National Association of Professional Women regarding complaint ID [redacted], however my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

[Your Answer Here]

Actually, I contacted the business--twice. First, to make my initial complaint. Second--after further financial investigation--to request refunds on additional unauthorized charges.

NAPW agreed to reimburse all unauthorized fees. My issue is not resolved because I am still waiting for full reimbursement.

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

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

This member was refunded (to her credit card) the amount of $989 on January **, 2014. Refund checks in the amount of $198 and $99 were mailed to her, respectively, on January **and February **of 2014. She is fully-refunded at this time.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and agree the matter of refunding unauthorized charges has been resolved. That the charges occurred in the first place remains a concern and a problem, and I sincerely hope NAPW improves their membership renewal process to include more transparency and accountability in the future.

Sincerely,

Review: I was given a trial period with a reduced price and once I signed up and found out how much the normal price would be I told them I didn't want the membership anymore. I was told it was an authorized system so I didn't have to worry a year later they took the money out of my account and caused me to be over drawn and I don't want it. I called them and they would only give half of my money back and now my bank is saying they may not let my dispute it because I authorized it the first time I just want my money back. I don't want the membership, I'm a college student and can barely get by on what I make now I can't afford $199 to go for that when I have bills to pay. Please help me!Desired Settlement: For them to give back all my money and pay the over charges they caused for taking it in the first place.

Business

Response:

We have investigated this claim and one of our team has spoken with [redacted] to go over the results of the investigation. We have resolved this matter directly with her.

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: In April 2013 [redacted] from NAPW called to offer additional services for a fee and I told her I wanted no such services now or ever, as I was already dissatisfied with the prior membership fees charged the year before. As I mentioned in my last conversation (in April), I wanted complete termination of the relationship, cancelation of the membership and be done with NAPW calls. And as I expressed in a follow up email I sent, I "did not accept any other good or service that would imply any sort of charge at all". Yesterday, December [redacted], 2013, as I was reviewing my statement I found an unauthorized charge of $789 on behalf of NAPW. I am filing this complaint after several emails and voice messages.Desired Settlement: 1-Terminate membership and disable any automatic billing

2-Full refund and remotion of my credit card information from data base

3-No more contact (besides the refund)

Business

Response:

[redacted] spoke with our VIP Department on December *, 2013, at which time she was issued a credit of $394.50 and her membership was turned off. I have further directed our Customer Service team to issue a full and complete refund of an additional $394.50. This should appear on [redacted]'s statement in the next 3-5 business days, depending on her bank's practices. I trust this matter is resolved. Should she have any further questions, [redacted] may contact me directly at [redacted]

Review: I was charged $1,188.00 to join the National Association of Professional Women to help me launch a new business. They siad that they had a mentor group and support form professional women in my industry. I was told I could use the NAPW logo on my website as endoursement. I also paid for a glass desk plaque which I never recieved. I have tried to email National Assocaiton of Professional Women to get assisstance in their mentoring. I get no response just to check with my "local chapter". There is no local chapter! I got charged a lot of money for no help there is no one to connect with! I want my money back what a scam! I thought I was going to be part of something special and help grow my business. But there are lists of women but you can't connect with them. I tried email the president of the company, I tried calling. they just charge a large sum of money and offer nothing in return!Desired Settlement: Refund the $1,188.00 back to my visa. I think that this should be shut down! Women have a hard enouigh time starting a business without getting ripped off by other women!

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.

[redacted] completed an application for membership in NAPW. On August **, 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. The primary benefits are

available through our online portal, where members are able to network via our

secure message center – reaching out to other members. 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. However, [redacted]’ membership card was mailed to the same address appearing on this

complaint. This went out on August **, 2014.

The NAPW

was established to provide busy women, whose schedules may limit opportunities

to attend live networking events, with a membership-based online networking

organization whose primary benefits - at

all levels - are found through our membership portal (www.napw.com). This connection is vital to those who live

outside of the areas served by the over 300 Local Chapters the NAPW hosts nationwide,

like [redacted]. It is not necessary for members to network face to face only

within the framework of a local chapter – reaching out to others in your area

to meet informally is encouraged. Most

local chapters were established when the interests and schedules of the members

in that area grew great enough to require a local chapter be created.

[redacted] did choose the highest level of membership – as a new business owner,

she has access to myriad resources and benefits, including seminars on

marketing, using social media to grow her business, regulatory and tax

compliance. The cost of those alone make her membership valuable. Additionally,

this level of membership provides a higher profile on our website, free

admission to our conference and networking events, and access to exclusive

deals with partners who provide exceptional services for business owners.

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]

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.

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 to

maximize her benefits, utilize her membership tools and access all of the

resources specific to members who are eager to grow a business. 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, including opting out of her automatic membership renewal.

[redacted] did contact us on September **, 2014

and spoke with one of our membership service representatives regarding her

membership. The information above was discussed with her – and we refunded most

of her fee without reducing the level of her membership. We also requested that one of our specialists

reach out to [redacted] and spend time going over every aspect of her

membership so that she would be thoroughly versed in the benefits and resources

available to her. This is a tremendous value for the net cost to [redacted].

As per her conversation with our membership

services representative, we have issued a credit to [redacted]’s account and

we have also deactivated the automatic renewal function of her

membership, so that it will not renew.

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 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: I actually have numerous complaints about this organization beginning with their high pressure sales tactics while I'm at work. A year ago, I paid a lesser amount than what they originally asked for membership in a professional organization to get them off the phone so I could get back to work.

Today,I noticed a charge against my credit card for $199 was made on 4/*/15. I called the number associated and learned it was this professional association. I was told that I was automatically renewed for another year. The customer representative told me I was told it would renew when I paid for the membership. I doubt that.

I received no notice. She said that they sent emails but they may have gotten caught in spam filters.

The customer service representative said that their policy is to auto renew and that they don't give refunds. I belong to other real professional associations where I pay my membership fees with credit card and where I receive a bill in the mail for my renewals, which I am free to simply not renew. The customer servicer representative says it;s their policy to not refund but that she will give me $100. She told me I couldn't dispute the charge because of their policy.

I want a refund. I did not authorize the charge. I have no intention of renewing.

I am convinced that the National Association of Professional Women is a scam. The same high pressure sales tactics applied for the membership were attempted several times last year. Two that I recall were something about an award I won and another time for a mention in a publication of some kind. I resisted those attempts thinking I wouldn't give them a cent more. Now, they've taken $199 more.Desired Settlement: I want my $199 back.

Business

Response:

We are sorry that[redacted]’s experience with the NAPW has been less than ideal – we do strive toprovide 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] authorized the April *, 2015 charge reflecting her annual membershipdues. During her initial enrollmentinterview, our representative went over the membership, beginning with the mostcomprehensive package – part of the goal of the interview is to determine thebest package to fit the member’s goals and budget. We want them to get themaximum benefits for the money, which is why they offer the options in theorder they do. Ourrepresentative also explained that NAPW uses an automatic renewal process,designed to protect [redacted]’s enrollment in and uninterrupted access to thebenefits provided by NAPW and its business partners. Prior to concluding the interview, ourrepresentative specifically informed [redacted] that her annual membership wouldautomatically renew. [redacted] had theopportunity to opt out of our automatic renewal program at that time. 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 interview isavailable for review if required. Duringthe initial enrollment interview, our representative explained that [redacted]would receive an email (within 24 hours) containing login information foraccess to our members’ portal. Ourrepresentative further explained that [redacted] should review our Terms &Conditions. Subsequent to logging in butprior to accessing her benefits, she was required to review and accept thoseTerms & Conditions. Therein, she wasprovided with the details of our automatic renewal policy, which was previouslyexplained during the initial enrollment interview. Throughoutthe year, NAPW made available to [redacted] a comprehensive membership servicesstaff, which is qualified to field all inquiries and would have been able towork with her had she elected to opt out of her automatic renewal (or any otherquestions she may have had). NAPWpublicizes the 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, including opting out of herautomatic membership renewal. From dayone of [redacted]’s enrollment with NAPW, we communicated via email using theaddress she provided: [redacted]. Email was clearly the primary communication channel, by which [redacted]received her monthly newsletters and numerous other organizationalannouncements. This email address isdifferent than the one posted here, but we never received a bounce back noticeand [redacted] did not advise us of a change in her address. We do rely onmembers to keep us up to date with those changes. Apostcard reminder was mailed at the end of February to the address provided byher at the time of enrollment, which is the same as the one provided here.Additionally, well before it was processed, NAPW sent [redacted] a courtesyreminder of her upcoming renewal transaction via email, and another reminder aweek later. We havereviewed all of our records. [redacted]did not contact us to cancel her scheduled renewal prior to processing, asrequired by our Terms & Conditions, so her renewal was processed as shepreviously authorized. We also reviewedher conversations with our VIP department, she declined upgrades to hermembership, but never requested a cancellation. [redacted] did contact us on April **, 2015 and all of this was explainedto her. As per her conversation with our membershipservices representative, we have issued a credit to [redacted]’s account and wehave also deactivated the automatic renewal function of her membership, so thatit will not renew. We take the claim that a member was "scammed" or that acharge was unauthorized very seriously. We are also deeplyangered by the claims that NAPW takes advantage of women whenever someoneforgot about the terms to which she agreed or failed to use her membership andwants us to bear the financial burden of her oversight. NAPW provides an amazingvalue for the membership fee. Included in ALL memberships levels arewebinars, seminars, discounts, perks, online networking access and in-personchapter affiliation as well as a myriad of other benefits. Ourorganization is growing, expanding and moving forward through numerousinitiatives, strategic alliances and corporate affiliations; offering membersadditional avenues to ASPIRE, 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 150 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. 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 [redacted], 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 were rated within the top 100 Best Websites for Women in [redacted]2013. Our corporate partners include prestigious and well-known brands like[redacted], and [redacted]. Internationally prominent women, like [redacted] and [redacted] have been featured speakers at ourconferences – each sharing her journey in building her reputation as aprominent business figure. [redacted] isour President and National Spokeswoman. These are women to whom integritymatters and they would have no part of the NAPW if we were any kind of scam. Quite frankly, there are negative comments on any and everything.Iconic brands such as [redacted] – even localrestaurants – receive complaints and criticism from customers who were nothappy with a product or service. However, despite those opinions, millions ofus continue to shop at [redacted], buy [redacted] cars and purchase [redacted] productsagain and again. As professionals, if we all believed everything we see on theInternet was true, rather than informing ourselves and making our own judgments,we would all view the business world very negatively.

I have spent most of my life in Dallas-Ft.Worth and Boston working with professional women. When I moved to Ithaca, NY, I had hoped to connect to other professional women and hoped NAPW would help me with that. Instead, a woman on the phone used "high-pressure sales tactics" to first ask for a membership of over $700 and then within 2 months Marisa contacted me to describe the VIP benefits and for another $1900 I could upgrade my membership because I was selected for "VIP" treatment and offers. I tried to contact my local Ithaca chapter. They didn't have meetings organized and the only person who kept messaging me was a woman who did psychic readings. I complained and asked for a refund, but instead of listening to my complaint and addressing it, Kelly in Billing kept telling me it was my fault I had not told them about this sooner. Instead of really listening to me, she told me that I could still use all of my online benefits with my membership and try to connect with others online because travel in our Northern winters is difficult. But why should I pay a full membership rate when I do not get the full membership benefits? My main reason for joining NAPW was for the local connection, but that seems to have fallen through. I am so disappointed with this group.

Review: The organization called me to say I was "approved" of a membership, around June [redacted], 2013.

Since I was caught off guard and did not understand the scope of the "pitch" from the person on the other end, I gave my credit card info

for what I thought was a "free" membership. Then at the very end they said this was a fee paid membership and did I want to make any additional

purchases? IE: plaques, etc.....

They said I would get ID cards, be able to attend educational seminars, etc....

All of which have not arrived at this writing, July *, 2013.

The salesperson that signed me up is [redacted].

I do not need a $795.00 "ID card".

And no services/products to warrant a large membership fee for.Desired Settlement: Please review this company and ask for a refund on my credit card.

I looked them up and there are many google results for NAPW "scams".

This is a company that baits and switches with slick salespeople, and they really don't offer anything for this high priced

and absolutely useless membership.

Their phone number is: [redacted]

Thank you.

Business

Response:

Review: I had found a promotion online to enter for a chance at becoming a FREE member of NAPW. I received a call at work a few days later regarding this. (If our call was indeed recorded that day I would LOVE to be able to hear it again to make sure what I believe was exchanged could be verified.) After responding to her questions about the business I was involved in and such she said I was approved for membership and went on to tell me about the fees. I responded very hesitantly with paying, and asked if I could have time to think this over. She insisted that this be completed now as when we hang up the phone, basically so does my invitation to become a member. She went through a vague presentation which still left me unclear of the advantage. She then asked for my credit card information to get the membership started. I told her I didn't want to give it to her and she insisted again that I must. I was receiving the call at work with limited time on the phone. I wanted to hang up on her but I felt that would be morally wrong so I continued. I didn't want to give her my card information, however after a few additional minutes I was talked into purchasing the membership all the while so upset and unsure what I was getting into. I was so mad at myself for letting her push me around! Membership information was mailed out to me and I started getting emails from the company. My credit card has also been charged $99 for the annual maintenance fee as well as the initial $489 to join. I have tried numerous times to get my membership cancelled and obtain a refund only to speak to another rude associate named [redacted] who stated there were no bosses above her in the company and it was her choice who received refunds or not. She did offer to reimburse one fee of $99 but am unsure if that was processed or not. I have called back and was told that I could leave a message for another person and someone would call me back within 24 hours as they have over 500k other members, making my membership feel it was never important or special in the first place.Desired Settlement: First I want my membership terminated. I will be in contact with my credit card provider to stop payment should it try to come through. I would like a total refund of what this company has collected from me in the amount of $588.00.

Business

Response:

Our records show that this member spent a total of $988 for a Preferred membership, and $99 for her lifetime profile setup and maintenance fee. The $988 fee was charged back to this member's credit card, and should already have appeared on her account. Due to the passage of time, the $99 profile fee could not be automatically charged back to her card, so NAPW has cut a company check in that amount, which has been sent to [redacted]. If she does not receive this refund check within the next few business days, she should feel free to contact me directly at [redacted].

Business

Response:

First, I apologize for any perceived miscommunication with this member. I have personally reviewed our files, including the recording of the member's initial membership sales call, and found them to be compliant. The member was informed about the benefits of her Standard membership, including the deeply discounted continuing education and other educational benefits available through our partners (Rockhurst University / Star12 / Lorman), participation in our annual National Networking Conference and in local chapters of her choice, including the Providence chapter boasting 71 active members and nearly 1000 members nearby.

Review: NAPW recently renewed my membership without my permission. They claim that in all initial phone calls that they mention this detail, but unfortunately to my recollection they did not. They refuse to refund the $199 that they charged my Debit card. They are issuing a $99 credit back to my card, until they complete a compliance review. They have been reported by other women for fraud and this isn't the first scam they've pulled. I want them (as many other women want them) discredited. They advertise themselves as a professional association, but they ARE NOT. When professional associations say you have won an award they do not make you pay for it - this one does. They start out their phone calls saying congrats you have won an award from our Association, but then they slip in that on top of this membership fee you have to PAY for your award. This is not what a professional association does. They are simply a business scamming poor professional women who are searching for actual Professional Associations who can help them get ahead and network.Desired Settlement: I want ALL of my money back within the week! No excuses. They are lousy scam artists preying on professional women who are just trying to network and get ahead in their professional lives. This business is NOT on the up and up.

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: I received a call from a representative to interview for membership. At the conclusion of the interview, I was accepted and asked for my credit card information for billing. Membership was $789. When I received an invoice in the mail, I realized that I was also charged a profile set-up fee of $99 that I was not informed of at the time. I was upset with the unknown charge and the "high-pressure" tactics used to get me to purchase membership into the organization; thus, I decided to cancel the membership. When I called the billing department at ###-###-####, I was greeted by [redacted]. I informed her that I was calling to cancel my membership and she placed me on a brief hold that resulted in a disconnection of our call. I called right back and assertively let her know we had been disconnected and she apologized and proceeded to handle my request-- this time without needing to place me on a brief hold. She refused to cancel my membership and provide a full refund and informed me that the membership is non-refundable. I assured her that had I known that in the beginning that I would not have purchased the membership and I insisted a refund. [redacted] persisted in delivering me information that should make me reconsider cancelling my membership, despite me telling her that I was not at all interested. Eventually, she told me she would speak with the finance department and she placed me on a hold for less than 15 seconds. Upon her return, she told me the "best" she could do was offer me $589 of my $789 payment and a full refund of $99 for the profile set-up fee. She refused to give a full refund and insisted that I maintain membership for a year at $200, although I asserted to her that I was not interested in the least bit.Desired Settlement: I desire a full refund to my credit card.

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: They will not stop calling me at my place of business and now on my cell phone....Desired Settlement: make them stop calling me please

Business

Response:

[redacted]'s contact information has been removed from our system 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: I had ask them to not charge me as I was not interested in their services after their misleading phone advertisement.Desired Settlement: I would like a full refund

Business

Response:

member was refunded by check

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.

Nevertheless, I believe their unethical business procedures should be made known so as to form a class claim.

Sincerely,

Review: In March of 2014, I applied for the NAPW membership after seeing an advertisement on [redacted]. I was under the impression that I would get a complimentary free membership when I filled out the form. A few days later, I received a phone call from a representative with the NAPW who did a 30 minute interview to decide if I was qualified for their membership. The representative stroked my ego and made me feel good. Then suddenly, I was asked which membership I wanted, the $700 one or the $1000 dollar one. I didn't realize until then how much this was going to cost. The representative never quit talking and made the assumption I wanted to spend that much. I could tell that she was reading from a computer, but she had made me feel good and gave me the impression that spending that much money was a good price from what I would gain from it and I felt pressured and gave in. I spent $988. I was never told at that moment that I would not get the money back. After getting off of the phone I immediately had buyer's regret and considered calling back to tell them never mind. But she had made it sound like I was going to benefit greatly from the expensive membership that I decided I would give it a try.

Then last week, I get another call from a representative telling me that I had won the Woman Of The Year Award and of course, that made me feel even better, she told me that my membership would be ungraded to the "Executive VIP" membership, and that I would also be receiving a certificate of achievement in a mahogany frame. Then, surprise again, she wanted MORE money! In other words, I was pretty much paying them for an award and upgrade. I told the representative that I couldn't afford it, but she kept pressing by telling me she would lower the price to "only" $300 dollars. When I told her again I couldn't afford it, she still pressed on and offered to break it up in payments. This woman couldn't get a hint. I told her I would call her back within the next week saying I needed to talk to my husband, but in reality, I had no intentions at all to give them more money.

Later that weekend, I started talking to a woman, who told me she had also gotten the same phone call about winning the "Woman Of The Year" award, but she too, didn't buy into it, and that she then did research on the company. She advised me to do the same because there were a lot of people who were not happy with the way this company presses for money. When doing my research, I was shocked to learn that she was right, that many women felt pressured and gave them a large amount of money only to regret in later. Some even complained about the customer service and how they were supposedly told their money was nonrefundable as well when later requesting their money back. After doing my research and reading non-favorable comments about this company, I highly regretted my decision to give them almost a thousand dollars before doing my research.

Monday, May **, 2014, I called, leaving a voice mail since it was Memorial Day, and sent out an email, not being happy with what I had discovered. The following days, it was a game of phone tag until today, May **, 2014, when I was finally able to get on the phone with someone in billing. She pulled up my email I had sent and my account and asked why I wanted a refund. I told her that I regrettably gave them almost a grand for a service I had not used, and had not intention of using, and I would like to have my money back, because I had heard of other women getting their money back, and I was now being affected by the unthought out financial decision. The women then went on to tell me that she would give me my next year's membership for free. I didn't feel like she had listen to me and my problem. When I told her that wasn't what I wanted, she told me a refund was not optional. I told her I knew other women who had received all of their money back. She still, wouldn't listen to what I was saying and just started talking about how I would benefit so well from this membership and going on about how great it was and worth it, not giving me a chance to speak Every time I would try to say something she just kept talking. Frustrated with not being heard, I started talking over her, and she was getting mad at me because I was trying to tell her something. I was then getting mad because I am trying to tell her why I have an issue with everything she is say, and she just kept getting madder and madder and trying to talk over me. Then it became a screaming war, her at me and me at her. I wanted to voice my issues and she wouldn't let me talk. Finally I gave up trying to talk and she then said she could give me half of what I paid. Thst wasn't good enough but I was done trying to talk to this woman after her deliberately talking over me going on about how great this membership was and wouldn't listen to me. She said I was over the 60 days and could only give me half.

I have only been over my 60 days, by 2 days. I looked at my account, I became a member on March **, 2014. I first contacted them Monday, May **, 2014 requesting my refund. My 60 days had not been up when I contacted them. Receiving half of my money is not acceptable when I first contacted them before 60 days was up. I feel that I was pressured into spending a large sum of money immediately without first knowing the membership price. Their is no price listing on their site and therefor, once on the phone with them, they stroked my ego and made me feel pressured to spend a large amount of money. Then later, calling me for more money and no matter how many times I informed her that I didn't have the money, she kept trying to get my money anyways. Then the unproffessionalism of the lady from the billing department for not letting me speak and when I voiced how unhappy I was and I had heard so many complaints, she started talking over me, and pretty much telling me that I shouldn't listen to the other women who had issues with them, which to me, says a lot of the company when they don't want their customers to do research on them.Desired Settlement: I want my full refund. That's all I ask, I will back away and they will never hear from me again. That is my money, that I financially need and they know that but refuse to satisfy my complaint. I am requesting that the Revdex.com help me to get the rest of my money back.

Business

Response:

This member has been refunded in full. As the transaction took place over ninety days ago, she will receive a check within ten business days for the amount due.

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:

The NAPW repsonded saying that I would receive a check WITHIN 10 business days. After 10 business days after their response I called billing and a woman named [redacted] answered the phone. After I told her the situation she then became huffy and seemed to longer want to help me. Finally she said that they mailed the check the day before which made me upset because I was told I would receive a check in 10 days, not that they would send one in 10 days. It's now been almost a week and I still have not received a check. When I called back, [redacted] answered and I asked for a manager. She got even more huffy and puffy with me and no matter how many times I asked for one, she wouldn't put one on the phone. Finally, being frusterated, I hung up. I am concered that they never sent one at all until after I had to contact them again. I can not continue waiting for them when they already lied to me and the Revdex.com when they told me I would receive a check in 10 business days. I would like my money by the end of the week. If it does not arrive tomorrow June **, Then I want a new check over nighted to me.

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

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

We mailed check [redacted] to the address you provided in this

complaint on June **, 2014. Please understand that because the original

transaction took place well over two months ago, we are unable to issue a

credit to the card that was billed. This is our standard practice for refunds.

Therefore, we had to send a request for a check to be issued. This process can

take up to ten business days as it is outside of our normal protocols – we apologize

if the initial response was not clear that it would be sent, not received

within that period. Once the checks are issued, they are sent via First Class

US mail and the time of actual delivery to your address will vary.

We issued this refund to you as a courtesy - you called to cancel your

membership two months after joining, well after the standard limit for refunds.

You stated that you had immediate second thoughts - but never contacted us

until May. We took into consideration the changes in your circumstances and

offered a partial refund. You demanded a full refund because "other women

had received full refunds". When someone asks for a refund, each

case is considered individually and there are some circumstances in which a

full refund is authorized. Since your membership enrollment in March was

completed with your authorization and consent and all protocols were followed,

your benefits were activated and available for you to use, you immediately

received your login information to access those benefits and your membership

card was sent within a few days, you were not entitled to a full refund,

especially not sixty days after you became a member. However, we do not like to

make people unhappy, and so a full refund was authorized. Please understand

that because the original transaction took place well over two months ago, we

were unable to issue a credit to the card that was billed. This is our standard

practice for refunds. Therefore, we had to send a request for a check to be

issued. This process can take up to ten business days as it is outside of our

normal protocols. Once the checks are issued, they are sent via First Class US

mail and the time of actual delivery to your address will vary.

You called us a mere five days after being told that the check was sent; one of

those days was a Sunday. Moreover, your latest response in which you accused

our representative of being “huffy and puffy” and refusing to assist you,

required that we investigate those claims. We have reviewed the call, and the

representative to whom you spoke was not huffy and puffy. You asked to speak to

her boss, but refused to give your name so that she could assist you and waited

about ten seconds before hanging up. This call is available for you to hear,

should you request it. Our representatives are fully authorized to handle

almost every question or concern of our members, and our protocols require that

they pull up the record of every member with whom they speak and make notes so

that if a call is dropped or the person needs to be called back, the information

is there for any other member the staff to review to better assist our members.

This is not an unreasonable request, but your compliant presents it as

such. Our representative did call you

back, but you did not answer, and so she sent a request to her supervisor to

look into the matter.

You should have received your check by today, unless the address

you provided here is incorrect. If that is the case, it will come back to us,

and we will send it again once you provide the correct address.

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 joined the NAPW via phone on 3/**/13. I was asked to pay on my credit card $789 to join, which I was told also included publishing my name and business in their directory, which served a national data base. I was told I would be featured in an upcoming issue, with my picture and information, and was called back to make sure the infomation was correct. I was also told about access to meetings.

When I received my March credit card bill there was an additional charge of $99 on 3/**/13. When I called them back, they told me it was a one time advertising charge.

I was called again 5/**/13, and informed they wanted to put me in their more select group, and that would include publishing my name, picture, and information to a wider group. This time the fee was $495. The woman who called made it sound like a much more expansive form of getting my name out.

I was called again on 7/**/13, and asked to pay an additional several hundred dollars for a premium membership, which also included a book that I could send to the Library of Congress. I told the woman that I was not paying them any more money, as I had yet to see any evidence that they had honored any of their promises. She said then I would not be published in their directory at all. I told her again I was paying no more money. I believe they have false advertising, and I have received nothing from them at all.Desired Settlement: Refund of $789 + $99 + $495= $1383

Business

Response:

We deeply regret this misunderstanding. This dues and fees that this member incurred upon inception was originally discussed and verbally authorized; to clarify, the $99.00 fee is a one time profile set up fee billed automatically five days after the member's inception, and NOT any advertising fee. This member was contacted and offered an opportunity to upgrade the membership, which she opted to take advantage of; the VIP level of membership allows members unlimited and free access to the networking platforms and educational tools available to NAPW members through Star12 National Seminars training, additional exposure with an expanded VIP profile in additional to various additional ancillary benefits. NAPW has delivered on everything that was discussed upon the investment in these memberships. Despite this, I have requested that the member be credited in the amount of $1,383.00. From my understanding, this typically takes 3-5 business days for the funds to appear. Should you have any further questions, you may contact me at ###-###-####.

Regards,