Comments About EI Billing Post

[Istaria CS]

We're sure there's going to be lots to say. We will be paying careful attention to this thread and would like to remind everyone that we will err on the side of caution when comments or replying on this issue.

Just so everyone knows, the team over here is happy that there is a definitive direction for us to head in and we can put all our effort into Horizons.

Horizons CS

[C`gan]

I'll be the first.

So, EI is not handing over the funds for the remainder balances of those accounts they've billed? My last billing was in May on a 6 month plan. The next bill would have been November. Instead, I need to resubscribe my account now as well?

[Vahrokh]

Why did I expect they'd do that?

[Istaria CS]

Originally Posted by C`gan

...EI is not handing over the funds for the remainder balances of those accounts they've billed? ...resubscribe my account now as well?

Yes - you will need to contact PayByTouch at 866-729-2986, option 3, and cancel the existing subscription. You can then ask PayByTouch to issue a refund, or dispute the charges with your credit card company.

If you have trouble, contact us at http://support.istaria.com and we'll work with you.

Horizons CS

[Deth]

Could you clarify the following please.

"Virtrium believes that you should not be charged for a service that you attempted to cancel or if you were playing Horizons, pay money to a company that was not actually operating the service. We strongly encourage you to take the action you feel is most appropriate. Virtrium is behind you as a consumer and we're here to help."

Do you mean all the billing EI did? or do you mean any billing after your July take over date?

[Hal`cyon Sskyler]

*Shakes fist*


AAAAANNNDDDDEEEERRRRCHEEEEEEECK!!

In all seriousness, this show just how much damage Ed and crew caused to the game. I hope everyone is able to properly deal with PayByTouch and get everything resolved. Best of luck to all.

[Istaria CS]

Originally Posted by Deth

Could you clarify the following please.

"Virtrium believes that you should not be charged for a service that you attempted to cancel or if you were playing Horizons, pay money to a company that was not actually operating the service. We strongly encourage you to take the action you feel is most appropriate. Virtrium is behind you as a consumer and we're here to help."

Do you mean all the billing EI did? or do you mean any billing after your July take over date?

EI was no longer legally operating Horizons after July 18, 2007.

We have heard that many people have submitted cancellation requests to EI and that at least a portion of them have not been taken care of. We think if you were paying for a service you canceled, you should consider pursuing a refund.

If have been billed for your subscription after July 18, 2007 or you had a subscription that was active (overlapped) past July 18, 2007, you may also consider requesting a refund since EI is no longer providing the service you paid for.

Horizons CS

[C`gan]

On a side note, when PBT was pinging the 99¢ charges, I put in to my credit card that all future charges from them were fraudulent. I'll make sure to phone them to get it canceled. I'm not going to be entirely hopeful they give a refund for all four months.

[LaughingOtter]

"Once you have their money, never give it back."

It's a pity that EI is still refusing to behave in an honest and ethical manner, but after the past year it's hardly a surprise.

Just as a personal suggestion, anyone who lost money to EI might talk to the consumer protection office of your state Attorney General's office about filing a complaint and/or what other options might be available.

Best of luck to everyone who has been impacted by EI's misconduct.

[Peaches]

This is sad news indeed. I wish everyone good luck in getting what they deserve, their money back.

[Lunhilde]

So.. normally I wouldn't care and would just let it go.. but.. for the sake of.. constancy.. should I check my CC bills and make sure I was not charged past the July 18th date, and if so, follow the suggested steps for a refund?

*large innocent doe-y eyes*

[Istaria CS]

Originally Posted by Lunhilde

Should I check my CC bills and make sure I was not charged past the July 18th date, and if so, follow the suggested steps for a refund?

If you had an active subscription with EI Interactive for Horizons, we suggest you check your credit card bill. Alternatively, you can call PayByTouch and ask them if you were billed and confirm your account is canceled.

Horizons CS

[Kumu Honua]

This is one of the exact reasons that I use a prepaid credit card for all online transactions. There is only money on the card when I am about to make an online payment.

Once that payment is made, even the most corrupt thieving Ed Andercheck can't get anything else out of me. Any "Extra" charges would be denied, any "Reoccurring without permission" charges would be denied. Even if someone stole my card information they would get nothing for it.

Even inept billing is no problem. Double bill? First is fine, second is DENIED!

[Lunhilde]

Yes, I never cancelled my sub and it was tranferred to EII. So I will call my company and go over my records this evening.

[RuneDragoon]

Phew, my account was cancelled for them.

[Ann]

I jus got off the phone with paybytouch and they have refunded a total of 8 charges made since july 18th. that will show that they r willing to help and refund. but i am also glad we can go thru paypal now....in over 7 yrs i have never had a problem with them so thats my route.

thank you for the information so promptly and giving the information needed for dispute/refund.

[Aaelefein]

Well fortunately I didn;t have any problem as I cancelled, via PBT, back in February.

What I do what to say is, Thank you Virtrium! Thanks for stepping forward in all honesty, by disseminating this information so that your player base that has been affected by EI's inept and probably fraudulent billing practices can take appropiate steps.

This, among smaller steps you have taken, is probably the most powerful statement that you intend to kepp running and improving Horizons for as long as possible.

Aaelefein

[Arietna]

I even cancelled that credit card and got it reissued with a separate number after being billed twice AFTER I cancelled.. PbT refunded my money with no problem, but I took the extra step to be sure.

[Amerelium]

Can't believe what kind of bozoes those guys are - Ain't there laws against this sort of thing? They still operating? Savage Eden ain't it? - We should tell the players...

[Drasdil Redin]

After all that went on, I'm not surprised VI had trouble "negoitating" with EII/PME/whatever. I cancelled via PBT some time ago and then the credit card I had been using expired, becoming non-chargable. Lucky timing I think, otherwise I'm guessing I would have had to have the card cancelled. Finally, while there is inherent risk in any electronic financial transaction, in all the years I've used credit cards (mostly debit) either online or in a brick and morter, I've never had any trouble. Just have to be careful about to whom you are giving your information. *shrugs*

*waiting and watching*