Optima Cigs
Complaint 210176 Details

signed up for a free trial kit, where I was only to pay $4.95 shipping for a starter kit of e-cigs. I got a notice from Paypal today saying that there was a charge to my account in the amount of $116.93. They are opening an investigation, but suggested I call Optima to see if they would do the honest thing without a hassle... what a joke that turned out to be! I called the company, who stated they shipped refills that I didn't order, charged my account and charged me for the "free" starter kit! It took forever to get the CS rep (Kevin @ext. 209) to listen to me and acknowledge that I didn't want to purchase anything, never did, never will. He kept telling me how much he would continue to take from my account, and what he would continue to ship to me. He wouldn't acknowledge that I don't even smoke, and that the only reason I got the kit was because it was free and for a friend.... so why would I want the refills he was trying to cram down my throat??? I eventually, after nearly screaming, got him to listen and agree to cancel my account, and issue a return authorization, so I could return the unordered refills once they do actually arrive. I was promised a partial refund of around $70 for the refills, but he said I had to pay for the so-called "free trial kit." This is unsatisfactory. I agreed to a shipping charge of $4.95 and a FREE trial... that is it... not all of these other crazy charges. I am disabled, and unemployed. The amount that was withdrawn from my Paypal account was nearly all of my money. I would never have ordered the free trial for my friend, had I known it was a scam. Per Optima's CS rep Kevin, I was supposed to receive the RA via email within 20 minutes. I waited over an hour and got nothing in my mailbox. I had to call back and talk to another rep to get the RA #. I have filed a dispute with Paypal, as well, in hopes that they will be able to give me my full refund, but that could take weeks to resolve, if it is resolved. I decided to do a Google search on this scam to see if others had encountered similar problems, and found many complaints on various websites. I was advised to file complaints with the BBB and Florida Attorney General's office... both of which can be done online. I'm so upset by this... I realize I'm rambling, a bit. I don't even smoke... I got the "free" kit for a friend who smokes, in hopes it would help him quit... making it all the more upsetting.