Manay Software

Manay Software

August 17, 2005 Deception at its best and fraud at its worst! It was April 13-05. when I read a computer column in the Montreal Gazette about an offer for a free trial of “Open Office” a program similar to “Microsoft Office”. Having forgotten the web page listed in said article I searched the web and found that (www.manay.com) was offering this item. I ordered this on line and had to provide my Visa # in order to pay $ 4.95 US for shipping and handling, which I did. On the 22 April I received a pack of 4 CDs and noticed a customs declaration on the face stating that this material had no commercial value since they were “Sample CDs”. During the weekend that followed I installed the CD for the office suite and after trying the various features decided that it did not match the Microsoft program I was used to. (I had no interest in the other programs and viewed them as other samples as stated on the declaration) When I examined the package I noticed that they would charge me (no price was given) if I kept the CDs beyond 10 days. I went to the web address shown on the pack,(www.manay.com/CD2017.html) in order to cancel this free trial and avoid further charges. Having difficulty since the site was temporarily unavailable I tried to find a telephone number for them by calling information in the area of Sachase Texas (Zip 75048, the address shown on the mailer) but they do not have any listed phones. (I also searched all of Texas to no avail). Subsequently when “Visa” sent me their documentation the address of the company was indicated as being in Frisco Tx. (Zip 75034)They make it very difficult to contact them in order to speak to a live person so as to resolve a problem of their creation! Finally I was able to log onto the web page to cancel which I did and a few days later was advised by Visa that a charge on my card for $39.90 U.S. was being made by a company in Texas and asking if I had authorized it? I replied no and Visa therefore cancelled my card and issued me a new one. Then the charge appeared on the new card May 4. I then e-mailed Manay telling them that I had cancelled this free deal and their charges were not authorized. Well correspondence went back and forth and I returned the CDs to them at my expense. It seems that once your credit card # is in their possession they take the liberty of charging any and all amounts they see fit without the approval of the card holder. As of today July 1-05 I have not received my refund and my e-mails to them go unanswered Oh yes they also wrote me that the terms of use states that charges for the software will incur after 10 days. Since I cancelled within 10 days of receipt, the timeframe was honored. However in my case it seems that the 10 days commenced when they received or shipped the order, not allowing for delivery to Canada, passing “Customs” etc. Also normally “Terms of use” relate to liability and reengineering disassembly etc. but not about price. To sum up in this case they acted with deception at its best or fraud at its worst! Their offer is one that you surely can refuse!! P.S. I have copies of the pack with customs declaration and e-mails. Donald Click this link to e-mail the message author: Email User