The Green Millionaire : Buyer Beware!

* Update - 4/16/12 - FTC orders Green Millionaire founder has to pay 2 million in damages!
I recently had a friend and reader suggest I check out this great new free book he found called The Green Millionaire. He said I could get a free copy at the website (I'm not even going to link to their site because it's too close to a scam for my taste). When I went there, I saw something that looked very "scammish". Anything promising "free" anything immediately sets off my alarm signals. So I did a little digging (a.k.a. google) and found this article from Fibomercials and Scams.

Basically, you sign up for the "free" book and they need your credit card for the $1 "shipping and handling" charge. But the devil is in the details! The fine print says:

*Start your free trial today and we will also send you a free 14 day subscription to The Green Millionaire eMagazine. Just pay a $1.00 processing fee. You will have 14 days to try The Green Millionaire eMagazine and discover how to become wealthier while saving the planet. If you like the simple, powerful solutions presented in the program, do nothing. At the end of your free trial period you will be charged the discounted price of $29.95, and every 60 days thereafter.

And then gives you the number to call to cancel your subscription. I wonder how hard it is to get through to a live person?

After doing my research I asked my friend to check his credit card bill and guess what? Here was his reply:

Argghh!!! Looks like I’m in the scam wheel. I didn’t even know it was from an infomercial (which I never watch). I think I found the link through another referral.

Well I got the book, and it’s OK. Nothing earth shattering, but some good ideas. I’ll give you my copy if you want it… I’m too pissed to hold on to it. They did charge me $29.95. I will dispute with my CC company, and maybe cancel my card.

So, if you need some green tips then go ahead and get your "Green Millionaire" book, pay $29.95 every 60 days or take the trouble to cancel your "subscription". Or you can read this blog and the other great resources that are out there that cost you nothing. I won't say it's free though because I do "force" you to glance at ads. Hey, a guy has to eat (I just bough some nice grass-fed steaks) doesn't he?

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Comments

ckmapawatt Tue, 09/07/2010 - 07:43

GM Agent, Why the need for two different Terms and Conditions? Why isn't the eMagazine that people have to pay for mentioned in the infomercial?

Anonymous (not verified) Sun, 09/12/2010 - 05:47

Chris, we have 2 different billing programs. There is the $29.95 for every 60 days or the full year for $89.95 it depends on what website you use to link to the main site. But that is the program explanation for both programs we offer.

Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 08/06/2010 - 15:07

I got suckered by these guys aswell. I just got off the phone with them and they said that since the trial period was over that they could not refund me. The second I mentioned the Better Business Bureau and the attorney general's office she changed her tune, put me on hold for a minute then came back and said that I will receive an email within 24 hours and a full refund for the $89.95.

Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 09/06/2010 - 03:34

I just saw the commercial, then went to the website. I read the small print, I decided I didn't want to pay $15 a month. Therefor I did not put my CC info. Only an idiot would give there CC info to "anyone", to have access to all of there money (scam or not),without reading the small print,for that matter,without reading every word that site had. I found this site while looking for another site to order the book without the e-mag.So quit complaining and always read the small print. Nothing is free, you get what you pay for.

Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 08/20/2010 - 20:57

It may have been 29.95 It is now 89.95!for an automatic subscription. Viewing is only for 14 days. I bet that starts when they send it to you not when you receive. One day over and it is a nonrefundable. Here are the terms. Terms & Conditions Free Trial Offer Terms: When you order your free copy of the “The Green Millionaire” you are also subscribed to “The Green Millionaire” eMagazine. Each eMagazine is filled with information and links to keep you up-to-date on the latest green products, and ways to save you money and our planet. If you like the valuable content and receiving these eMagazines, do nothing and your subscription will automatically renew. After a 14 day trial period you will be billed the low price of $89.95 and every 365 days thereafter. If for any reason you feel the Green Millionaire eMagazine is not for you, simply call customer service 1-877-213-8238 during the trial period and you will not be charged. No obligation, no hassles. Customer Care: If you have any questions, please call us toll–free at: 1–877–213–8238. Green Millionaire Customer Care is open from 6:00 am to 5:30 pm (Pacific) Monday through Friday and 7:00 am to 3:30 pm (Pacific) on Saturday. Return/Refund Policy: All orders are subject to applicable sales tax. Shipping and processing fees are non-refundable. All sales after the free-trial period are final. The Green Millionaire eMagazine fees are non–refundable. All Green Millionaire eMagazine subscription fees after the free–trial period and any renewal date are final.

Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 10/06/2010 - 16:31

This is called "Forced Continuity" Marketers have been doing this for years. It is a shitty policy that brings ill will to your potential long term customers. In internet marketing it is usually done by offering you some type of informational program or a sure fire way to make money quick. There will be a small matter of fact line telling you that you will be automatically be entered in Joe Blow's great instructional 100 month program where he will teach you to make a million dollars each and every month.

Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 08/05/2010 - 13:53

Does anyone have a working phone number to this outfit? The 800 number they supply never works. Thank you.

Anonymous (not verified) Sun, 09/05/2010 - 09:10

It is a scam when you are not given a CHOICE. In order to get the FREE book you MUST sign up for the e-mail subscription and then go through the hassle of canceling if you don't want it. You should be able to make this choice from the get go.

ckmapawatt Mon, 11/08/2010 - 21:30

Great advice Mark. I always try and use customer service rep's names!

Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 08/19/2010 - 17:52

First I'd like to say Greenmillionaire did not send me. I was just looking at some of the complaints and to see if anyone would ever take the time to write something positive rather than negative...I wish that some of the clients I speak with on a day to day basis who have poisitive experiences with us leave comments...Greenmillionarie provides the details online and send them in the book grant it everyone knows only a handful of customers read t and c but ultimatly it is the customers responsibility...is it ethical yes is it moral prob not...in the end it is a business...I am sorry to see so many negative comments but would like to say that it is not a scam if u call in 14 days u will not be charged if u dont as stated u will be. Bottom line is if u are interested in purchasing the book great 1.95 get 14 days free for the EMag to get additional info if u dont like it or want to be charged call us back to cancel...We provide the t and c in the book because we want u to read it for a reason otherwise we would just leave it online as we are obligated to not also send it to you in the book.

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