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Membership Enticement?
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Scams & Fraud
Membership Enticement?
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I sent AARP a check on March 1st for a one year membership. I did so in hopes of getting that nifty looking travel bag that they were advertising as a membership enticement for joining. I
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Cat:827966ee-6d39-4ef7-98a5-0157a43092f8Forum:b90a5c24-5453-42fa-b1f5-851b8a98e4aa
Cat:827966ee-6d39-4ef7-98a5-0157a43092f8Forum:b90a5c24-5453-42fa-b1f5-851b8a98e4aaDiscussion:bfd425fd-086f-421b-9fad-5a4f845537f3
Forums » Money » Scams & Fraud » Membership Enticement?
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Membership Enticement?
posted at May 30, 2012 2:42 PM EDT
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Posts: 1
First: May 30, 2012 Last: May 30, 2012 |
I sent AARP a check on March 1st for a one year membership. I did so in hopes of getting that nifty looking travel bag that they were advertising as a membership enticement for joining. I wanted the bag for a trip that I was taking at the end of April. Well, in two days it will be three months since I joined and no travel bag. After complaining once I was sent, after returning from my trip, a stupid little cooler baggie that wouldn't even hold two cans of beer with ice. I wrote another letter and received no reply. However, their super duper nifty difty travel bag is still being 'offered' on all of the advertisements to get new people to join. I'm sure glad that I only signed up for one year. This is how they lose people. Scam the oldster and the oldster won't know the difference. I think that at this point they may have to offer me more than just the travel bag as an enticement for me to stay. Anyone else?? |
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Re: Membership Enticement?
posted at September 30, 2012 11:18 AM EDT
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Posts: 1
First: September 30, 2012 Last: September 30, 2012 |
In Response to Re: Membership Enticement?: I joined and didn't receive my travel bag. Called and was sent out immediately. A small cheap red canvas bag. Nothing like the pic described or I would not have called them. Yes, it was enticing! |
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Re: Membership Enticement?
posted at October 24, 2012 7:17 PM EDT
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Posts: 2
First: October 24, 2012 Last: October 24, 2012 |
Hey look! Someone posted one on eBay! I sure wouldn't say this would encourage me to renew my membership. Comparing it to the one in the offer, it is the same bag, but the pics and description here sure don't make it sound impressive. It is only 7" deep by 4.5 inches wide! |
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Re: Membership Enticement?
posted at October 24, 2012 7:20 PM EDT
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Posts: 2
First: October 24, 2012 Last: October 24, 2012 |
Her is one of the bags on eBay... http://www.ebay.com/itm/Thermal-mini-lunch-carry-hand-Bag-perfect-size-for-one-person-AARP-logo-inside-/160904476439?pt=US_CSA_WH_Handbags&hash=item2576a77717 It sure isn't very impressive. Only 7" deep by 4.5 inches wide! I compared the photos with the one in the ad and it is the same "insulated travel bag", but the ad photo sure makes it look better! |
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Re: Membership Enticement?
posted at March 6, 2013 12:32 PM EST
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Posts: 1
First: March 6, 2013 Last: March 6, 2013 |
I was almost enticed, as I was in the process of buying me a travel bag for my daily commute, but after reading these posts, I realize that AARP is still in the business of bait-and-switch! When I had my own business I almost sih=gned my employess up for their medical insurance through Hatrford, they made it sound so good, but when you closely looked at the policy/benefits/restrictions, it was a hot mess that I am glad I didn't join. After receiving this membership enticement for the travel bag, I thought, "now is the time to give AARP another chance; afterall they are offering a quality bag - something that we all could use--------not! |
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Re: Membership Enticement?
posted at March 7, 2013 9:49 AM EST
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Posts: 330
First: March 1, 2013 Last: April 23, 2013 |
Hi, I would suggest you register a bait and switch complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. You can file through ftc.gov/complaint or a similar website like ftccomplaintassistant.gov I think. Be sure to give all the details and evidence of the bait and switch. You can also complain to your state attorney general office about this problem. The fact that you made so many efforts to work with the AARP with no satisfaction from this organization should bolster your case. Good luck! R https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/ https://www.ftc.gov/complaint 000. |
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Re: Membership Enticement?
posted at March 7, 2013 9:53 AM EST
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Posts: 330
First: March 1, 2013 Last: April 23, 2013 |
Video on How to File a Complaint With the Federal Trade Commission http://www.ftc.gov/video-library/index.php/featured-videos/how-to-file-a-complaint-with-the-federal-trade-commission/1402334828001? Hope it helps. R |
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Re: Membership Enticement?
posted at March 28, 2013 9:54 PM EDT
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Posts: 18
First: March 24, 2012 Last: April 1, 2013 |
Wow! Amazing! I renewed my membership at the beginning of March, my account shows I renewed, and today I get an email, Xxxx, your AARP membership has expired – rejoin today and save up to 22% on your dues!
How stupid does AARP think we are? |
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Re: Membership Enticement?
posted at May 13, 2013 5:35 PM EDT
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Posts: 1
First: May 13, 2013 Last: May 13, 2013 |
After reading all the posts about the what appears to be a really nice red canvas tote bag, it looks a bit like mis-representation and false advertising. We always pay for 5-years at a time and IN MY OPINION I think a nice little "thank you" gift would be appreciated. -- but it should at least resemble the article being advertised. |
Forums » Money » Scams & Fraud » Membership Enticement?
