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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?
—Check out our forum if you are interested in venting on the “Green Millionaire”—
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?
[...] Mapawatt Blog, which helps people conserve energy and water, “Concerned Consumer” writes: “Just [...]
Thanks for this information. i ‘ve been wondering about this since I see it on television constantly. I was about to look into what it was about when I came across your post. i assumed it was another scam but had to verify. Thanks again.
Same here!!!My bad I should have read the terms and conditions. Anyway I just call customer care today and they promised they will refund the $29.95 to my credit card.
I too was taken and I can’t find out how to make sure this is cancelled. The book was worthless.
This is one of the worst scams I have come in contact with in a long time. $29.95 every 60 days for an eMagazine. Seriously?? I had NO idea this charge was coming after I ordered my “free” book. Even after the charge, I have watched the commercial multiple times. I think you must have an 80 inch TV and watch it in super slow motion to catch the fine print. Really, I am embarrassed that I fell for this and paid for the extra charge. I think this company should be ashamed of using the “green earth” concept to simply make a TON of $$ through a scam. Truly shameless, from my point of view.
This IS a SCAM! They got me for $89.95 though instead of $29.95! I have called, of course they are not open! I am calling my bank and them first thing Monday. Don’t give rip off artists your money!
What is the number to stop green millionaire?
Anything attached to Intellius is the same way. FOUGHT tooth and nail to get it taken care of…eventually they did pay me back, but only after I threatened a phone call to my attorney. I asked to speak to a supervisor and was told there was not one available, I asked for the supervisor of the super…and yet non available, so I asked who I could speak with, and they replied no one, so I asked if they were the owner of the company. I explained that I would call until I got someone on the phone who would help me. So after more threats and F bombs they repaid my account.
They got me for $89.95 also- I called and got a service agent right away- the agent tried to get me to maintain the membership but I refused and insisted on cancellation and refund. eventually they agreed. I used my American Express card and so I contacted AMX- fortunately American Express is following up on the refund for me and will block all/any charges from the vendor in the future. Some folks don’t believe the yearly service fee for American Express Card membership is worth it but this kind of crap is exactly why I am an American Express cardholder.
They got me too 89.95, I need a phone # to call.. would you please.. thanks
Hi, I guess I was stupid enough to fall for the TV ad and got the book for shipping cost only. Is there any way to make sure he doesn’t bill me any more and how do i cancel.
I am sorry for all of you, hope you get your money back, and thanks to you all. Yes another scam! and the saying “too good to be true” is working. My question is why are these people allowed to go on public television and lie! I WILL NOT EVER LISTEN TO THESE KIND OF “GOOD” THINGS. SHAME TO THESE TYPE OF HUMANS! And think of this: if somebody is asking for just 1 dollar and 1000 people is giving it…..yahoo… towards becoming a millionaire!!!!!!
Thank you to everyone who submitted a reply. I was about to request my free copy.
I won’t try my luck. Appreciate the heads up.
Thank for the heads up, i juat saw the commerical. Decided to investigate before buying. Thank for all the information. It did sound to good to be true.
Pam G.
I need help stopping the charges. Does anyone have their phone number? I can’t find it.
People have posted it in these comments.
Check your credit card statement. If you were charged, there should be a phone number listed in the detail section of the charge.
according to my bank the phone # for Green Millionare is 1-877-213-8238
I was charged $89.95 too.
Just check my cc card and found out that the Green mollionaire company tried to bill my card $89.00 dollars.This is a shame that they do this to people that is honest.I am going to get touch with my Attorney General.This is a scam and they know it.
all you have to do is read, understand what you are reading, follow the instructions and you will not be charged unless you want the product being offered.
Stop complaning and READ
Happy customer:)
What if the people behind Green Millionaire “conveniently” place text where most people don’t look for it?
I have ordered the Green Millionaire book and find the ideas useful. However, I did something that most of you good folks didn’t or haven’t thought of. I USED A RELOADABLE MONEY CARD for the purchase. Try if they might to take money from it, but there’s nothing left but four bucks! Wake up, read the fine print, and stop using your debit card online for ANYTHING. Reloadable money cards are the way to go for the internet minefield.
Most reputable companies I’ve heard of, if their product is a good product and the company stands behind it, guarantees their product and offers a refund if not satisfied. GM Agent, does your company offer such a guarantee on it’s product line? Also, is there anywhere in the T&C stating all sales are final and no refunds? Can you share with us your personal success story using your product? Oh wait, someone who has found success using this program and has become a millionaire wouldn’t be working a customer service job, unless…you don’t use the very product you sell and don’t trust it yourself?
Unfortunately, I may also have fallen for this scam, but I think I did actually cancel it right away so I wouldn’t be charged. Oh, and the fact I never received any confirmation or notification that I was being charged other than discovering on my bank statement. And the fact I never received any product in return for the money taken from my account. Hmmmm.
The right thing to do as a reputable company is to apologize that the information was not clear as to the obligation of the consumer refund all money taken from that consumer and assure that for future business, these complaints would be resolved and rectified.
I just called my CC company and they did charge me 30 bucks. im calling the green millionare but their phone isnt working. How the hell do I get out of this now?! CC company that cancelling my card wont ensure that im still charged and affects my credit… is that true or what?
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.
I ORDER THE BOOK THEY TOLD ME I HAD 14 DAYS TO REVIEW THE BOOK. BEFORE THEY CHARGE MY CARD. I RECEIVED THE BOOK ON 09/03/10 AND THEY CHARGE MY CARD 09/08/10. IN WHICH THAT IS 5 DAYS. I RETURNED THE BOOK ON 09/04/10 AND NOTIFIED THEM BY PHONE AND BY THEIR WEBSITE. I FOLLOWED THEIR REFUND TO POLICY TO THE LETTER. I SPOKE WITH KAREN AND TOLD HER I WAS RETURNING THE BOOK AND SHE SAID FINE. I ASKED HER DO I NEED A CANCELLATION CODE AND SHE TOLD ME NO!!! THIS IS A PURE SCAM!!!!!!!
Oh for the love of Pete! I says that you are billed if you do not cancel. Dont you read!!!! The guy have to make a living to and the print shops dont print for free, the publisher does not publish for free, the editors do not edit the book for free. The author is just trying to help everyone out from wasting away their money on crap. If he gave it away for free he would loose his house.
Start reading and maybe you dont have to leave such mean messages on the internet about someone. Be nice.
THE GREEN MILLIONAIRE IS A COMPLETE SCAM…UNBELIEVEABLE THEY PUT THESE PEOPLE ON TV AND LET THEM RIP THE PUBLIC OFF…THEY SHOULD BE JAILED….THEY ARE THEIVES…
Thanks for the heads up Chris, I was going to order the book.
its not hard at all to talk to a live person, in fact I signed up and got the free book (Which actually does have some great tips!) unless you’re a complete retard you would see either before or after that it is also a trial and then you simply call during business hours and wala they take care of anything you want cancel or keep.
I called today and spoke with one of their customer service representatives. Thanks to Micahel Orth above who found the number. It is nowhere to be found in the “free” book and their website doesn’t seem to be working. The phone # for Green Millionare is 1-877-213-8238.
What worked for me is the following (speak with authority-they took YOUR money and you want it BACK–remember, say what you mnean, mean what you say, BUT DON’T SAY IT MEAN.
As soon as the rep says hello, disarm them with a very positive, cheerful statement like, “Hi ___________, how are you??
“Is you day going well?”. Next tell them you’re an attorney, or that you have consulted one. I need to cancel the subscription to The Green Millionaire e-newsletter and get a refund for my $____________ (my case was $29.95).
They’ll say “I’ll see if I can help you out”, at which point you’ll say, “I appreciate it, _____________ (say his or her
name throughout the call-people LOVE to hear the sound of their own name!). Next, say, “I’m really glad you’re helping me ___________(name) because I started the paperwork for a lawsuit, but now I can throw it way–that is, if you refund
my money”
Politely end the call when he helps you. Unlike the fellow above, NO F-BOMBS. You catch more flies with honey.
Best of luck.
Great advice Mark. I always try and use customer service rep’s names!
thank you so much, this is great and so helpful
we actually CANCELED the debit card and somehow 60 days later they are STILL doing it, bank says thats too bad….
Today is November 24, 2010.
My first reply to this forum was August 25, 2010 (see above).
So far 92 days has passed since then, more if you count from the exact day I was scammed. NO BOOKS YET.
I also fell for this “free” offer. I ordered the book back in December 2009. I paid off my credit card and just happened to want to look through all my past tranactions. I was shocked when I saw 4 charges for $29.95 each for green millionaire. There was a four-month gap in 2010 when they didn’t charge me; probably because my credit card had expired. Of course they managed to pick up where they left off when I was issued another credit card. Anyway, I didn’t notice this mess until today! I called Green Millionaire, spoke with a very nice woman who immediately apologized for the misunderstanding and will refund the $120.00. I thought I was going to have for fight for the refund. Anyway, these days I’m much more careful and always read the fine print first on anything I do online.
Got me too, they have cancelled the phone #! Cancelled my card and they said
they’d reimburse the THREE 29.95 Charges….
They charged me for the price of 88 dollars. Then when I called them to say that I wanted my money back they said, “we have a strict no refund policy.”
They ended up giving me a 44 dollar refund, because there was some special offer going on at that time
But I didn’t have that 88 dollars in my bank account to begin with, so I got hit with an over draft fee as well.
You can get your money back if you used a credit card. Just call the credit card company’s number listed on the back of your card and tell them you want to dispute the bill.
I BOUGHT THE BOOK, READ THE FINE PRINT, CALLED TO CANCEL THE EMAILS AND NO PROBLEM! I DID CALL WITHIN THE TIME FRAME! NO ADDN’L CHARGES TO MY CARD!
Does anyone know of any lawsuits against this con-artist?
ifish4eyes, You can’t sue someone because you didn’t read the fine print. The article above clearly shows excerpts from their website that says it is a trial. If you order the book and don’t cancel before the 14 days are up YOU GET CHARGED $29.95. So what is the scam or grounds for lawsuit.
Just to be clear, I think it is a rip-off too because most of the info in the newsletter is verbatim what is already in the book. I didn’t receive the e-zine until a week after I ordered the book. FYI, the 14 day trial if for the e-zine, not the book. You pay $1 for the book, that’s it. Even if you cancel, you keep the book. Anyway, I called customer service and told them I didn’t receive the newsletter for a week, so I actually only got a 7 day trial. So, they gave me an additional 14 days trial. So, I received a total of 3 newsletters before the end of the trial. I ended my trial BEFORE the trial ended and was NEVER charged.
So again, I ask where is the scam? They were very helpful and accommodating and dealt very honestly with me. There is a big difference between a rip-off and a scam. It is perfectly legal to sell worthless information if people are willing to pay for it. It is a whole different matter to promise someone something and not deliver what was promised.
Good point. I agree it’s not a scam, they’re just preying people they knowingly mislead (they bury the fine print below the scroll bar on the page).
Now the good news. If you look at the top right of this page, you can get a truly FREE ENERGY SAVING GUIDE from Mapawatt! There is a catch though: Just sign up for our newsletter list! But there is absolutely no cost and I guarantee you the information in our energy saving guide is much better than Green Millionaire’s!