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1&1 Internet SUCKS

Tuesday, January 09, 2007 10:54 PM

UPDATE 1/13/07 - I received notice from 1&1 stating that they have indeed canceled my account in accordance to the 90 day-money back guarantee! Hurray!

1&1 Internet Sucks I'm constantly searching for a different web host for my ASP.NET stuff, and in my investigating, I recently made the mistake of signing up with 1&1 Internet (or 1and1 internet)..

The post that follows is rather lengthy, and outlines my entire correspondence with 1&1 Internet thus far. The readers digest version is this:

I signed up, assuming there was a 90-day money back guarantee, which is plastered all over their site. I read the Terms & Conditions, and NOWHERE did it mention that it was not applicable. In fact, it was quite the opposite, it explicitly says that it IS applicable. Anyway, I was informed RUDELY by 1&1's "customer service" that I would not be getting my money back, due to some hidden Terms & Conditions.... We went back and forth on emails, and I called and yelled. All to no avail at this point.

The moral of the story is:

1&1 Internet is deceptive and fraudulent. DO NOT SIGN UP. You will be cheated.

Alas, hindsight is 20/20, and only now do I know that I'm not the only one who has fallen victim to 1and1's fraud...

What a shame.

My encounter with them and all of our correspondence back and forth is below....

.................................

I initially signed up because the were able to offer unlimited domains with their Windows hosting package, which is something GoDaddy (my current host) never was able to do. So, I figured I'd try them out, given that they have a "90 day money-back guarantee - no questions asked"... riiiiiight, no questions asked my ass.

Literally hours after signing up, I discovered that GoDaddy DOES offer unlimited domains! (They never used to) With that, I had no use for my 1and1 account, so I decided to cancel it. I HADN'T UPLOADED FILES OR ANYTHING. NOTHING.

Blah blah blah, I cancel my account with 1&1's online cancel utility, blah blah. Time passes, and I send an email to verify that I wont be charged:

Just to confirm, I have not been charged for this purchase correct? I cannot tell if my credit card was charged for the purchase yet or not. I just signed up a few days ago.

To which I recieve this response from Neil Lacerna of 1&1:

With regards to the package that you've purchased, we have a 90 day
money back guarantee. It means that you will received your money back,
and that will debited directly to your card.

Hurray! (I thought) No problems!

Boy was I WRONG.

A few days later, lo and behold, there's a charge on my credit card from 1 & 1 Internet services for $30. "Oh, they must be going to reverse that charge", I think to myself. So, I fire off a friendly email...

On 1/02/2007 my credit card was charged for this invoice, even though I have canceled my account according to the "90 days money back guarantee". In fact, I only had my account for less than a week. Please reverse the charge to my credit card. Thank you.

Here's where it gets interesting.... I get this response from some guy named Jim Reitnour:

There is one thing you are overlooking.  You signed up for a promotional
offer that included a 1 year contract.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR 50% off
7. 1&1's Money Back Guarantee does not apply for this special offer.

WTF!!!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!?!?! This was mentioned NOWHERE on ANY of the pages on or around the signup page!

(I'm furious just typing this post... *sigh*... calm down dusty)

I actually had read through the Terms and Conditions, both on the page I signed up on, and on the 90-day money back guarantee site... All of those T&C's contradict the email I recieved...

From the 1and1 Money Back Guarantee Terms and Conditions page..

The 1&1 Money Back Guarantee applies to Instant Mail, Instant Website, Linux and Microsoft Shared Hosting, Microsoft SharePoint or Exchange Hosting and eShops.

From the CHECKOUT PAGE:

A full refund (minus software shipping and handling fees and bandwidth) will be given through the 1&1 Money Back Guarantee for all our web hosting packages if you cancel your account within 90 days.

The only place you can find this so called "50% Off Terms and Conditions" is buried DEEP within the site. Click on the T&C Link at the bottom of the page, then hidden in the left navigation you are supposed to see those terms and conditions.

I send a handfull more emails, my anger escalating with each one that goes unanswered.

I finally decide to give the billing department a call... I start off polite, but I can only be given the run-around for SO LONG before I get REALLY ANGRY. 30 minutes of my anger rising later, I find out that my only course of action is to send and email to the allusive (and probably black hole) complaints@1and1.com (who, by the way, aparently have no PHONE, as I was not able to be transfered there... surprise, surprise).

So, I send them one final email...

Dear Complaints department,
I have been trying to cancel my account per the "90 day money back guarantee", and have been given the complete run around, which I'm sure you're aware of.

EVERYWHERE on your site mentions the 90 day money back, INCLUDING on in ALL VERBIAGE on and surrounding the signup page.

I'm not telling you anything you don't already know, though. Not only was the person below rude, the "billing supervisor", Ian, I spoke with refused to be helpful at all. I'm sure that's policy. He told me to contact you here as my "only resort".

I simply would like my account canceled. I signed up, did not even USE it (no files uploaded, no domains, no bandwidth). I canceled less than 24 hours after signing up, assuming I could get my money back "no questions asked".
Please respond.

Alas, all I can do now is wait. Tomorrow, if I don't hear back, I'm REALLY going to be pissed, and I will call them again and yell some more. And I will continue to do so daily until all is right, or until my contract is up - whichever comes first.

Comments

Bend It 1/9/2007 11:27:12 PM
Contact the BBB (Better Business Bureau) and lodge a formal complaint. Then use your account (since it's paid for) to host a website describing your story. Go over to various web host review forums and post the link to the site and watch as panic ensues - if it gets popular enough, they will terminate the account - and along with it goes your contract - you will receive a partial refund, better then nothing.
BlackSeedOfVengeance 1/9/2007 11:28:57 PM
Good luck my friend! its better that these hacks are taken out sooner rather than later.
Noah 1/10/2007 6:05:44 AM
bend it's got it right - use their resources against you, and make them come crawling back to the table
Noah 1/10/2007 6:05:59 AM
bend it's got it right - use their resources against _them_ ( i meant), and make them come crawling back to the table
Noah 1/10/2007 6:06:23 AM
ps dude u read my email(s)?
Brian 1/10/2007 6:14:19 AM
Don't use your account! Instead, dispute the charge with your credit card company. That's your best bet right now. However, if you start using your account, the hosting company can come back with the fact that you are, indeed, using the account you paid for and should be charged for it. I'd only do that one after all other options have been exhausted.
Noah 1/10/2007 10:00:31 AM
And where are the goddam flames. You cant just have a slash through it. You need some flames. FLAMES!!!
Bob 1/12/2007 7:49:32 AM
I just went through the checkout and it seems clear that if you elect to have the 50% off discount that you are stuck in a 1 year contract. Ive had nothing but good experiences with 1&1, but that could be because I never wanted to cancel my account. Good luck to you though!
Hashi 1/19/2007 3:03:45 PM
Dusty, I just had the exact same experience TODAY.


I have never experienced such fraudulent business practice. What truly is so criminal about this is that they will continue to charge us for the next one year! I tried to settle it through my credit card company but they said regardless of how hidden the note is or how misleading the package details are, because its in the Terms a conditions they cannot do anything about it. They suggested i put a complaint with the BBB.

But all i care about right now is getting my refund and preventing any more charges to my credit card... and they just refuse to do either! Please let me know what happens.
Dusty 1/19/2007 3:11:52 PM
@Hashi - Have you emailed complaints@1and1.com? When I called and yelled at the billing department, they told me to send the complaints dept an email, which I did. After a few days, they responded and said I would be getting my money back! Now, they haven't put the money back on my credit card yet, but at least there's hope.

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Let me know how it turns out!
MUST READ!!! 1/31/2007 7:15:11 PM
I am quoting their "cancelation confirmation" e-mail

"Should you not receive this e-mail message, you can request that it be
re-sent by accessing the cancellation tool at https://cancel.1and1.com."

That's right. IN the e-mail they are saying that if I do not receive it I can request it later. And how the fudge am I supposed to be able to read this if I do not receive it???
Fern Dumas 2/7/2007 11:17:16 PM
1and1 took 170 of my domains of the internet...zap!
does that tell you something ?
http://cottagenorth.com
Le Blogue 2/8/2007 12:05:36 AM
You want a $5.95 domain ?
Have you read the contract ?
I am challenging the validity of 1and1 Internet's contract. No way can they make me waive all my rights . If the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania want to side with 1and1 Internet, that is their problem. I sent the Attorney General, Hon. Tom Corbett , a copy of The 1and1 T&C , and should that be acceptable to the State of Pennsylvania, where 1and1 have their offices,Then I say , The Fathers of Confederation will turn over in their graves for the sake of an internet contract.
"Wether or not you receive this it will be deemed to have been received ? " VERY VERY Scary ! BOOO !
http://1fax.biz
fern dumas 2/8/2007 12:26:20 AM
WWW= What a Wonderful World !
I am down in the dumps, I found a void in cyber space, Nobody wants to talks to me. ICANN , INTERNIC,1and1 Internet ,Tom Corbett ... and then to make matters worst , my 170 domains have wondered off in Cyber Space....
Alas...Then , I go to my mail Box , and "Blessed be Dustyd.net " I have an Email !
Seriously, Thank You !
and Yes I do want to keep in touch.
Since I have been dealing with 1and 1 things came to a halt so badly I am looking forward to receiving spam.
http://1and1group.blogspot.com 100 percent satisfaction
no questions about It !
Pixles 2/8/2007 12:30:49 AM
and what was in your wallet?
http://1fax.biz
Brian McGuire 3/14/2007 5:07:30 AM
good luck i am currently trying to cancel a contract with 1and1 with my windows server i have had it for a year and have noticed that i still have to have it for another year "something that was not pointed out to me" i am also having some other issues with them ... so good luck

This is my recent email to 1and1.co.uk technical support, who over the last few weeks have been driving me crazy, I am on the verge of F*****g going mental with them.

In my opinion they dont listen and dont want to I only have three servers and an exchange account with them, a lot for some but for these guys I am little and not to be seen nor heard as long as I pay them my money they dont care..

If anyone is thinking of going with 1and1 dedicated servers DONT the servers are good but these guys support is shocking.

anyway here we go
-------

Sometimes the way that you treat your customers is verging on the diabolical

Tonight I have a problem with email not being delivered from my root server, so I try the usual, reboot the server – restart the services – see if there is a mail blockage etc but nope nothing out of the ordinary.

So I decide to phone your support which at 2100 hours UK time goes through to the US

My problem is that I can send mail from one server to another and also to my exchange account “internally in 1and1” but no mail is arriving at any outside email i.e yahoo, hotmail, any other domain name etc..


I explain this to the support personnel, who says its not our problem it must be with your server “now this happens a lot when I speak to one of you guys” now how can it be my server when it is leaving the server to go to another server “no settings have changed since it was last working and it was working well”..

What do we pay our money for every month??? What is the point of you guys if you don’t even want to help?

I run an IT support company and when a client says they have a problem I try and find the root of the problem, providing them with a service, not telling them its nothing to do with me…

I have also been passed from pillar to post on my request for the termination of my windows server, now I have said time and time again it does not work for my company’s needs so I would like it shut down “I am quite willing to pay for the contract to be terminated” BUT NO ONE LISTENS…

What is happening am I just small fry and you don’t want to waste your valuable time on me??? For a good few years I had passed my compliments onto many a person who now have servers with you guys, but this will be stopping from now on and I will be saying what a dam shambles you guys are, you don’t listen and you don’t answer any support requests, so why should anyone go with you?? I wonder.

I only have two small problems and want them answered. 1 why are emails not reaching an external source and 2. when can my question on my windows server be answered to a satisfactory result?

I will also be putting this email on my blog, emailing internet journalists and magazines and also trying to generate support for people to stand up to your lack of respect for the small trader, you should be held accountable some way..

As you can see I am raging at what I see is a disgrace.


Fern Dumas 3/14/2007 6:57:56 AM
1and1 Internet get Disgruntled customers on a regular basis. Over and over again similar cases are repeated. 1and 1 are very aware of what they are doing, and it is nothing less than A Scam and a Rip- OFF. Their way of getting money . I think of them as deceitful theives using GESTAPO tatics . I resent ICANN , as they allow 1and1 to continue as a registrar. Feel totally at ease to file a complaint by using my http://1and1easybutton.com
I and 1 claim they are the best and the biggest and again , I disagree , I think they are the worst of the worst and I think their complaining customers will eventually show them up for what they truly are. I would like to see that happen now rather than eventually. You can lodge a complaint from http://cottagenorth.com home of the 1and1 EASY Button
http://1and1easybutton.com
Fern Dumas 4/10/2007 6:38:38 PM
The Easy Button still exists but it has a different portal http://1and1easybutton.com
Topic for today: INVESTIGATE 1and1. Who is going to do it ?
http://investigate1and1.com
submitcomments@yahoo.com
Ramy Elsohagy 5/21/2007 6:51:13 PM
I wish i checked this website a few days ago….
I signed up with that awful company , the order was placed in process , they charged(actually overcharged) my credit card , 6 hours later they sent me an email asking to me send them my passport copy !!!!! otherwise the order will not processed and they claimed that my credit wasn’t charged yet ALTHOUGH i checked it with my bank and it was deducted from my account , i called them for more tha 1 hour (internationl calls) billing dept. sends you to customer support , customer support sends you to Admin , admin sends you back to billing department, it’s awful!!!! i called my bank and repoted it was lost since i no longer trust them so i wont have any further charges , i cancelled the service WHICH i paid for and didnt get and i didnt get any refunds because simply they say they didnt charge my credit card, so í filed complaints to www.ic3.gov (internet crime complaint center) and www.econsumer.gov as well as www.bbb.org (better business bureau), also i appreciate the effort made by Dimitry building the website http://1and1sucks.info to sign a petition to be sent to ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) against 1and1.com
For all those who were victims like me , i strongly ask them to file complaints in these 4 websites i mentioned above so someone will take an action against this FRAUDING COMPANY


1&1 Hater 6/21/2007 1:07:09 PM
1&1 is the worst. They hit me with a late charge because I failed to update the expiration date of my credit card!?!?! No calls...just an $18 charge. I just switched 12 hosted accounts off because if this chickensh*t policy.
Sherry Galloway 7/13/2007 9:17:56 PM
I see I'm in the same boat as many, how do you cancel if they won't listen and just keep charging you? They have threatened my credit rating and I have had nothing to do with the site, It never even became a site....it dissapeared and was never accessible with 2 out of 3 domain names. The info just left, and after several calls made late at night (2 at 1:00 am) I still received no help, one of the girls even said...yah we've had numerous problems with that package and I would just cancel and go to the "deluxe" package...glad I didn't now. All I want is advice on how to get rid of them, every attempt made to fix it was a nightmare... you are paying for nothing. I have the confirmation of cancellation, but got the same runaround about the 1 year contract crap, which I would have never agreed to. They too sent me to the bogus complaint dept. You can yell all you want to, but what do I do now?????? They said that the complaint compartment could possibly get me out of the so called contract. Has anyone ever been able to cancel?
Shawn MAngeot 7/27/2007 4:59:50 PM
I understand your frustration, I am having problems with them aswell, trying to use their control panel and webmail is like trying to get orange juice from a lemon, because these guys are a real lemon. I was charged an aditional 14.97 for some DSC plus that I didn't even know was ordered on my account untill I saw it on my CC. I believe I am going to have to call my law firm and have them review the contract and probably have them write a letter to 1&1. Companies like this make me sick to my gut.
Unhappy 8/8/2007 3:05:59 AM
I've had a similar problem to many others, but with 1 & 1 uk. Under UK laws contracts are either fixed term or ongoing. An domain contract is fixed term, ICANN doesn't allow anything else. Yet 1 & 1 seem to think they have the right to renew on your behalf without your consent and when they are nto in a position to expect payment. Then they resort to their debt collection agency to collect the fee for a service on a contract you never agreed to. IF that doesn't work they have their solicitors (based at the same address as the debt collection agency) write that they are considering legal action. For a 10 pound initial fee that they awarded themselves by renewing the contract without leave, they then add 30 odd pounds of debt collection fees, and then threaten to add 50 pounds of legal fees + court costs. (In the UK such small claims are handled in a small claims court with out lawyers... so presumably the 50 pounds is for the letter!)

In the UK complaints can be made to:
http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
David 8/15/2007 8:38:07 AM
I have had a horrendous experience with 1and1. I have been a client of their since 1999 - have given them increased business at one point hosting with them over 100 domains and recommended them to my clients. By blogspot - an activity which takes time - has been born out of my sheer frustration with them. They are so incredibly inept, customer unfriendly and downright incompetent that I am in the process of taking my sites, one by one, off them. 1and1 deserve to go out of business!
JFH 10/1/2007 2:42:20 PM
I just found out that 1and1 is playing this dirty game. Same story, tried to cancel a VPS that I tried under the 90 day cancellation offer - only to be told that I "ordered special software" that cannot be cancelled - now I have to pay for a whole year?!?!? Absolutely untrue and unbelievable. 1and1 are major scam artists.

Kenneth Yu 11/8/2007 8:38:50 AM
Dusty, I had a little run in with 1&1 as well, and I am writing a blog about it, collecting info from the net.

Perhaps I think it'd be a good idea for your to remove their logo from this entry. There was a guy getting sued in his blog expressing concerns about a spam company.. because he used their logo in the blog.

Bob Pate 12/30/2007 2:16:31 PM
1&1 internet makes bile rise to the back of my throat. I hope all the employees and their families rot in hell for eternity. They suck. I had the same damnitable experience as most of the commentor in this blog.
Regards, Bob
PS I am now with bluehost. A most enjoyable experience.
Clint Lenard 1/6/2008 10:25:03 PM
1and1 IS HORRIBLE... They're the absolute WORST company I've ever dealt with in my life. And ICANN? Ha... what a joke! 1and1 straight up slaps their faces with their own accreditation agreement and they sit back down and act like fools...

Not sure how this company has NOT had some form of Class Action lawsuit against them. It REALLY boggles my mind, to say the least.

Sorry to hear all of these stories. I wish GoDaddy had been slightly less expensive... I would have never had to deal with this sh!tty company. =(
razzman 1/19/2008 10:34:16 AM
I can't believe that I didn't find your blog until AFTER I signed up with 1&1 and was taken by their smokin' promotional offer. I have been unsuccessful loading my website onto their system for 3 weeks and dozens of e-mail messages and phone calls. I have provided numerous screen shots. They are all "offshore" and have difficulty with English. Typically, someone responds with instructions on how to take a screenshot. Geez. The above is all great advice since I also will be faced with trying to back out of promotional offer after just 30 days of horror. The moral of the story is? YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR! I left a good host provider because they were 4 times the cost. BUT, if I had a problem, a guy in Woodstock, IL picked up the phone, without a script, speaking perfect English fixed my problem pronto. I feel like such an idiot right now.
1&1 Victim 2/2/2008 5:46:10 PM
My entire 1&1 account - paid up to JUNE 2008 - is LOCKED. I cannot access any files, emails, photos, or data.
Oct 2007, 1&1 tried to charge $11.98 to my (recently expired) credit card for 2 domains I had already cancelled in May 2007. They tell me they sent an email saying that I must give them a current CC or else they will send the account to a collections agency.
If they did send this email, I missed it.
By Dec 2007, my account was locked, my domain and prepaid domain names unavailable. Unless I pay $30 to NCO, my credit record will be tarnished.
My many, many phone calls and emails have been unbelievably apathetically or rudely received.
It's not really about the money. I feel that quite unjustly, my current domain and all it's contents are being held for ransom.


1&1 Mugged Me Off!!! 2/13/2008 4:35:11 PM
Well when I signed up, It sounded good. £2.50 ($5) a month (only for a month and then goes up to £5 ($10) a month which is not found when you signup. Then when you get your credit card bill you get charged £7 ($14) odd quid a month because the signup price is ex vat!!! And I'm stuck with them a year because I ordered their crap cd and got £2.50 ($5) off 1 months payment!!! They have been charging me £7 ($14) a month and then 6 months in they charge me £42 ($84) to my credit card. And I was told that they were taking 6 months payment in advance and I am still being charged £7 ($14) a month!!! They should go to hell!!!
pixles 2/13/2008 7:40:26 PM
It has been a while since 1an1 ripped me off, it was a learning experience . They may still be a major service provider , I do not really know. For myself I am quite content being away from them in Cyber Space and in the real world . I have a gut feeling that one day , they will have their just rewards. Don't let them drain you it's not worth it ,they will drag you down to their level.
Mikey 3/6/2008 9:24:43 AM
GROW Up. Read a contract before you sign it. I've been with 1&1 for over 8 years. They are phenomenal. A great company that listens to it's customers. They don't hide anything and are always up front. Not to mention their customer support is the best in the industry.
Bob 3/6/2008 11:21:47 AM
Look at the posts. It's better than 30 to 1 that 1&1 sucks, Mike. Besides, opinions of 1&1 employees don't count.
Mikey 3/6/2008 11:40:39 AM
Bob, I don't work for nor have I ever worked for a Hosting Provider. It's clear from the postings that there are an awful lot of very Simple people that don't understand a simple contract. I host over 40 domains with 1 & 1 and have never had an issue that wasn't resolved in less than 24 hours. Haters tend to follow haters. It just kills me those that defend Dusty just because he didn't read the promotional stipulations.
JFH 3/6/2008 12:29:27 PM
1&1 is a very dishonest company as evidenced by the fact that they offer "free" 90 day VPS trials that CANNOT be easily cancelled contrary to their advertising blurb. It has nothing to do with not "reading the contract" - 1&1's business practices are misleading, dishonest and unethical. Period.

Nothing YOU say will change that fact.


pixles 3/6/2008 1:33:39 PM
Mickey is ok ! Having good service from 1and 1 is like winning a lottery. Congrtas Mickey for being one of the select few.
Regarding growing up , Yes do read the terms of contract and also search Google and Yahoo for 1and1, scams , rip-offs,reviews,class actions, and so on...

Mickey 3/6/2008 1:57:42 PM
Having been a customer for 8 years maybe I am on cruise control with them. I haven't had to do any new business with them for years. I've pretty much just kept things status quo with the exception of adding domains to my hosting account. Good luck with you ventures, sounds like 1&1 may not treat new customers they way they once did.
le blogue 3/6/2008 2:58:10 PM
I have no anamosity for Mickey, unless he is an employee of 1and 1 - (Of course that would change my stance)-
There are dirty rotten companies on the Internet that prey on their victims. Some prey on kids with child porn , Some prey on simple good trusting folks whom have confidence in a system which they believe to be ethical and moral and within good business practise guidelines. They simply trust everybody
and never suspect they could be sent to collection with words such as "FREE" "100 percent satisfaction Guaranteed!" . There is no damn way that Mickey read 1and 1's contract , or he would not be calling it simple.
1and 1 's Contract is far beyond any laymans ability to comprehend. In the contract there are issues such as "
Whether or not you read an email you will have been demed to have read it , that is simple in the sense of stupidity . Perhaps Mickey wants to say it is a stupid contract and is lacking in terminology, then I would accept the usage of "simple"
1and 1 claims to have millions of clients, I am not suprised if there are thousands of "MICKEYS" . They should nontheless show sympathy and compassion for the clients who feed a hudge collection enterprise and have their good credit ruined because
they embarked in an agreement with 1and1 . I am not speaking from hearsay did a number on me and listen to Mickey if you wish
or take my advice "BUYER BEWARE !!!"
mini widget 3/6/2008 3:10:24 PM
Before Mickey comes back with his next reply .....
May I suggest , search the Internet and post elewhere because I am tracking this blog...
You can bulshit most people most of the time , but not here.
This is only a suggestion, don't let me intimidate you, you have been a 1and 1 customer for 8 years ? That is a long time ,just keep in mind it's never to late to learn, and heaven forbid that 1and 1 becomes your teacher....
Dusty thank you for your contributions to enjoyasble surfing !

Upset Emma 4/9/2008 8:13:41 AM
I've had my account with 1and1.co.uk for just over 3 years, never had a problem until recently.
I've got 3 contracts, 3 website packages and 9 domains with them.
The have locked all of my accounts, even though they haven't expired yet, I've recieved bills and threatening letters from some finance company.
Since the 29th Feb I have been emailing 1and1 on a daily bases to 8 email addresses of theirs. I've called almost daily and only got through ONCE to a guy called John Valentino in the Phillipenes who couldn't do anything to help. and I have also faxed them.
In this time, I've had what seemed like an automated response as it was unconnected to my complaint from someone called Joseph Quinn.
One of my websites is an ecommerce shop, not only have I been unable to trade as all of my domains take you to a 404 error, but I'm worried that the reputation I have spent over 3 years building is now beyond repair. My customers can't even email me as 1and1 have also blocked my email accounts!

I really don't know what to do to rescue my domains and business.

Any suggestions?

mini widgets 4/9/2008 1:51:54 PM
EMMA you really don't know what to do to rescue your domains and business ? " Start fresh with GO-DADDY that is a reasonable option "....
Come back and read this blog often and you will realize that you are not alone . "Also re-organise fast before the 1and 1 Internet collection agency totally ruin your credit and reputation ."
I believe 1and 1, is a company operating out of hell !
I have been burnt like you and like so many others.
When you ask "Any "suggestions ?" I reply = Don't count on a solution for your problems - An Attorney from heaven such as
" Daniel Webster" is not likely to show up ! The Better Business Bureau , The FTC , The Attorney General's Office , are all anticipating a letter From "Upset Emma" so they can toy with you and keep the ball rolling for 1and 1 ...
Optimal slogan:
"THE INTERNET IS FULL OF SUCKERS JUST WAITING TO BE TAKEN IN !"
Engrave that on a Brass plaque and send it to 1and 1 requesting they post it in their front lobby. They may do it as the English language seem to be out of their realm and they will think it is an award from Tom Corbett


Bob the maniac 4/10/2008 5:28:19 AM
Emma I am sorry but you are dealing with a totally dishonest and disreputable company which is why they are not members of the BBB. I could give you some advice on what to tell them but I won't because law enforcement takes threats too seriously. There is nothing wrong with telling you they can go to hell and I hope everyone that works there burns in hell for eternity (and their children too.)
Bob the maniac 4/10/2008 5:30:08 AM
PS Dusty is doing the world a great favor with this site.
Upset Emma 4/10/2008 6:53:24 AM
Thank you for your feedback, i'm in the UK so not sure if that effects anything? I've sent a copy of my complaint letter to trading standards and to citizens advice and I've been in contact with Nominet too.

Because 1and1 have locked my account I can't get into the domain management bit to transfer domains

still working on a way to save my domains and nominet have been pretty helpful so far for my .co.uk domains and still working on their options, might lose my .com's altogether though.

Started getting letters from some finance service called arveto with loads of charges on it.

Still haven't had a proper reply from 1and1 and tried calling again this morning.
pixles 4/10/2008 7:50:58 AM
I canceled my credit card and stopped 1and1 charges just in the nick of time, I had filed a Federal Trade Commission report. They were trying to charge me for their free trial and they backed off.
My conclusion is better to have a canceled credit card than to have those dispictable people dip into my assets.
EMMA if that is an option for you ,better consider it fast as although your account is blocked , you are automatically on auto renew like everyone else. I think you signed up to your worst nightmare and a learning experience.
Welcome to 1and 1's One hundred percent customer satisfaction guarantee. You will be satisfied whether you like it or not, one way or another, even if its by breaking away from them. 1and1 - are above and beyond reason so ,
MITIGATE YOUR LOSSES as best you can while you can


Upset Emma 4/10/2008 8:38:01 AM
The bit that I find hardest to believe is that I've been happy with the 1and1 packages I had for just over 3 years and it's only now that they have become a nightmare, my billing isn't even due and there isn't any reason for them to block all 3 of my accounts


pixles 4/10/2008 10:49:33 AM
Emma they were probably overworked, they have over Five Million customers each one probably has to wait his turn to get shafted ! Now you can relate to what some of us were saying. Read Mickeys statement he has been 8 years and still going , Maybe they just can't do us all.... but trust me your not just one of a chosen few , search the internet and you will see.
Now you can proceed to describe your three happy years or keep us updated on your 1and 1 collection series and nasty e-mails . And do not forget:"As a final step to complete the process and activate your cancellation request, you will need to visit a 1and 1 URL ...
YOUR account may be frozen but to 1and 1 you are a long long term client, 3 years is not life, and I think that is what they are counting on. Don't think you just walk away from 1and1. There is a ritual you must follow in order to cancel the contract you unknowingly signed . Do you think i am kiddiing ?
Keep in touch with 1and1 digruntled groups, 1and1 scams, 1and1 rip offs , with Dusty Davidson,
1and 1 will shortly be contacting you to fill a are you satisfied with our services services SURVEY " THEY SORT OF ENJOY THAT "
http://survey.1and1.com (the link may translate to German it will not go to the survey as they have unique numbers for each customer )
Upset Emma 4/24/2008 7:46:38 AM
Well so far I have cancelled my contracts or so I assume I have, although on one of the confirmation emails it asked me to click to confirm I wanted to cancel and then took me to a page saying the link had already been activated...
I did get a pop up survey but the submit button wasn't a real button.
I don't think I have got rid of them as I still keep getting random emails asking me to buy more things!
I've switched to UKSW although the process isn't quite completed yet and 1and1 don't seem to have actioned one of the automatic requests I made.
but that's where I'm at, if I can't rescue my business domain then I'll have to rebrand
Nominet have been a great help and the citizens advice came back with advice for a small claims court case - but I don't really want to take it that far!
Bob the maniac 4/24/2008 7:58:24 AM
I'm surprised they haven't asked you to fax anything yet. Those dirty bastards. I remember I had to fax a printed and signed cancellation form. Anyway your only a few months into the fight. You've only finished round one my dear...it's been 3 years since I finished my 2 year fight with them and I still have high blood pressure and night sweats.
Regards, Bob
Pixles 4/24/2008 6:01:46 PM
Time is of the essence ! It is difficult to forget a thing such as 1and1 , they have away of getting way under your skin and way into your pockets if you let them.- contrary to Bob the maniac
I find comfort in finding bits and pieces of my imput in cyber space... I just am reminiscing on what I left at complaints.com over a year ago , and it remains there in full view as a red flag for the ususpecting innocent prey .
1and1 Internet
BUYER BEWARE !
I signed up for a hosting program and five free domain names at 1and 1. They offered a 50 percent discount for six months..

I felt very confident in doing so as , 1and 1 offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee as well as a 90 day no questioned asked refund guarantee and their reputation is important to them , so stated and displayed in plain view on their website.

I canceled my account in the first 24 hours , 1and 1 accepted to cancel the account immediately but with an expiry date at the end of one year ? Apparently the terms are that if you accept the discounted offer you are bound to their one year contract and the satisfaction and money back does not apply to you because the 90 days have past ?. They have no reference to anything that says there is a cooling off period to cancel the account ( This period I believe is granted according to law).

They are planning to send me to collections within seven days and they want me to activate my credit card so they can charge the first payment of $59.95 more or less. Does the small print superceed the large print and even if it does is it ethical ? How can this company be permitted to operate as it is doing ? The Better Business Bureau published a report and 1and 1's status is classified as UNSATISFACTORY . I never used their hosting package could not navigate it , they did not send me any bonus deals as I did not want them, they diid not provide Norton Security or anything else , even The Free Domains were immediately blocked and my account was frozen. My company name "PIXLES INC" which is my Intelectual Property right is caught in this mess, it is non functional, as 1and1 took the liberty to render it non functional. ... I CANN has a policy that a domain name cannot be transfered for 60 days and no exceptions.

I am discovering all sorts of items I had missed , for instance the 160 plus domains I registered are automatically renewable without my input at the end of the registration term . and I get billed for it. I think I have disabled the account so this will not happen but I am not certain. I am finding information about having to fax them to cancel accounts and I am not certain what all is involved . My recomendations is really truly BEWARE !

It is a complex arrangement and you may have more than what you think you are bargaining for....
Maybe 50 years from now Dirty Bastards will be defined in the dictionary as synonymous with with 1and1...

Fern Dumas 4/25/2008 6:44:01 AM
My compliments to Dusty Davidson. i just searched 1and1 rip offs at Yahoo ! And Dusty's website is in the number 1 place in the search results. Bank Raid had a very prominent position on the web and he exposed 1and 1 for what they are in a major way. He had to back off for several reasons . 1and1 got a lot of people in their clutches by advertisng in major magazines. Let's hope they get it all back on the Internet. I am appauled that some lawyers have not volunteered to help get rid of them, I am hopeful the day will come...meanwhile thanks Dusty !
DUSTY DAVIDSON FOR THE PEOPLE !
Bob the maniac 5/6/2008 5:37:55 AM
PS My site is NOT hosted by the evil 1&1 internet. May they burn in hell.
Annoyed kiwi 5/7/2008 8:18:00 PM
I wish I had taken the time to do some research BEFORE signing up with these con artists.
I signed up for a hosting package and made the mistake of using the free domain name option.
I cancelled the hosting within the time and got a refund. But they would NOT let me keep my Domain. I could not pay them for registration (which I offered to do) nor could I have it transfered.
I was told I would have to wait until it became available to the public.
Someone at 1&1 decided they wanted my domain and it was never released for public purchase. So I can only say that they STOLE my domain and eventually stopped returning my communications.
DO NOT DEAL WITH 1&1

Congratulations on your site, may you be well rewarded for your efforts.
angry 5/19/2008 1:46:43 PM
Bob the Maniac, you say you finished your 2 yr fight with them. Did it get resolved? Was your credit ruined? Did you get your credit fixed? I'd like to know how you brought an end to your fight. It would be nice to see an end to it in the future.
Bob the maniac 5/19/2008 7:38:12 PM
Finally after the faxes, phone calls, emails, and charges, it was finished. I ended up paying all that they demanded so I kept my credit. (I can't remember exact amount but it wasn't more than a couple of hundred but I needed to keep my good credit) It was done thank god.
fuck up 5/20/2008 1:42:54 PM
you're just nothing but a retard and pea brain
noticia! 5/20/2008 1:47:18 PM
you were jumping from one hosting company to fuck up one
take some consideration fuck yourself and dig a hole for yourself maybe the world will bow down in front of your dead and bloated body
JFH 5/20/2008 2:29:23 PM
I closely followed the information presented earlier on this site and it helped to get my VPS account closed - after they tried to RIP ME OFF!!! (by saying I agreed to one year?)

Here's how I did it...

Dear Complaints Department,

Customer ID xxxxxxxxx
Contract ID xxxxxxxx

I have been trying in vain to cancel my account per the "90 day money back guarantee", and have been given the complete run around, which I'm sure you're aware of.

EVERYWHERE on your site mentioned the 90 day money back, INCLUDING on in ALL VERBAGE on and surrounding the signup page.

I have since found MANY COMPLAINTS on the Internet about 1and1 and it's unwillingness to make cancellations within the 90 days as promised.

I'm not telling you anything you don't already know, though. Not only was your staff extremely rude, the "billing supervisor", Ian, I spoke with refused to be helpful at all. I'm sure that's policy. He told me to contact you here as my "only resort".

I simply would like my account cancelled. I am cancelling within the 90 day period.

Please respond !

John Doe

Here's the response I got...

Dear John Doe, (Customer ID: xxxxxxxxxx)

Thank you for contacting us.

Here is what I can do.
I can set your package to cancel at the end of the month.
You wouldn't be billed for this service again.
In addition, you will receive a refund.
Would you be interested in this?

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,
Damion Son
Technical Support
1&1 Internet

Here's my reply to THAT "Here's what I can do for you" BULLSH!T!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm cancelling NOW before ANY BILLING and not at the "end of the month"

Cancel the VPS server NOW within the 90 DAYS as requested.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!

and finally - here's their reply cancelling the contract and refunding payment??? (stupid bastards never got any money off me)...

Dear John Doe, (Customer ID: xxxxxxxxx)

Thank you for contacting us.

The account has been set to cancel today. You should see the refund on the next invoice.

--------------------------

My great appreciation and thanks goes to the owner of this website for providing the necessary information that helped me deal with these 1and1 azzholes... THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!


pixles 5/20/2008 3:34:27 PM
JFH -AKA/jOHN DOE. I truly hope your problems are resolved, I am not however convinced that you are in the clear yet. Keep all your correspondence as they undoubtely will deny anything that was said when you get your next bill. Keep us posted on the next SOB'S move and your tentative cancelation and imaginary refund...
JFH 5/20/2008 7:27:15 PM
pixels - yes that did resolve everything - this all took place many months ago and they never got a cent - besides which my credit card number changed so they have no way to bill.

The tricky bastards tried "help" me by offering to "set your package to cancel at the end of the month." ... the end of the month being beyond the 90 days free trial.

They have nothing but contempt for their customers.

What a sick, shameful, nasty way to run a business!!!!!!!!

BUYER BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pixles 5/20/2008 8:33:01 PM
We need five million more like you and 1and 1 can be purged from the Internet. The dictionary and foul language are not adequate enough to cover what I have to say about their contract and policies. The sad part is the organizations with the authority to shut them down , close their eyes to what should bring them to a halt and subsequently protect consumers interests.



Upset Emma 5/22/2008 8:12:40 AM
And the nightmare continues! I've managed to rescue my domains - Thank you Nominet and Tim at UK Superweb (Tim is a Star!) (well I say rescue- I'm still waiting for one to complete)
After paying off their collections agency,
after having an email from said collections agency comfirming that the matter is now closed,
After completing cancellation with 1and1 and NEVER actually getting a response to my complaints,
After paying fees to nominet and uk superweb to rescue my domain because 1and1 refused to release them
even now my domains are with a different company...

I'm STILL being billed by 1and1 and STILL getting letters from their collection agency!

What on earth is that all about and how do I stop this nightmare!?
J Midgley 5/31/2008 2:04:28 AM
My wife got a letter from 1&1 on the 10th of May 2008 threatening legal action and additional fees if she did not give them her credit card details and pay for packages she had purchased.

My wife's problem is that like me she had never even heard of 1&1! Neither of us had ever visited the 1&1 website or bought anything from them.

As I understand it 1&1 sell webspace and domain names and internet shops. We have no need for webspace as we have nothing to say and no intention of setting up an internet shop. My wife has advanced multiple sclerosis and would be unable to do this in any event. If she did it would compromise her insurance payouts and benefits.

Yesterday she received a letter from some debt collection agency requesting we pay them the £75 ($150) she owes them for these packages (unspecified).

What next?





bob 5/31/2008 6:59:45 AM
It would be nice if someone would take a baseball bat to their heads and beat some sense into them. Better yet, if you have l33t skillz, pown their site.
Upset Emma 6/2/2008 9:34:17 AM
It's still getting worse, I got another demand for a whopping £86 from a company called Smiths (apparantly this is part of Avarto - 1and1's collection agency) This letter refers to an account number which isn't the same as the account numbers I had with 1and1 and no explination of what the bill is for!

Just how many bills do I need to pay off before this nightmare ends! I've paid out hundreds already this year and I don't even know what I'm paying for or how to get it to stop! My domains aren't even with them anymore!

Ohhh and be warned! The automatic cancellation procedure malfunctioned for all 3 of my accounts and guess what!? This means 1and1 will bill you for a whole extra year!

Phu 6/9/2008 12:17:14 PM
Be careful, once they got your credit card number. If you are cancel the account they still bill out. If you change your credit card, they will send your account through NCO debt collector. And NCO will screw you over by put a bad mark on your credit report. These 1&1 Internet guys are out to get you. Rumor is they are ready belly up due to lack of subscribers.
Pegasus 6/23/2008 7:51:23 PM
I just had a nice conclusion to my 1&1 fraud. I contacted the Office of the Attorney General in Pennsylvania via their website.

Short answer? BBB sent me a letter showing "unsatisfactory" and the Attorney General sent me another letter showing my account was "Free And Clear" as per a letter from "Joseph Quinn (joe.quinn@1and1.com).

Apparently this company (1&1) does not like nasty letters from the attorney general. If you have a problem, state your case on the AG of Pennsylvania's web site and let it roll from there... Problem Solved. If there are enough complaints then criminal indictments are soon to follow for fraudulent practices.

Just because you put it in your "terms of service" doesn't mean it's legal! Let the force of Law come down on these people.

Be a Lion, no a Sheep.
dan 6/30/2008 6:15:49 PM
glad you got your money back. 1and1 are a bunch of thieves. i still cant believe they have not had their registrar privileges revoked for unfair billing practices.

they just dicked me around for a few months and i had to pay their collection agency. they renewed my domains on my expired credit card after conventiently notifying me via 1 email that went directly to gmails spam folder. kept my expired domains online for 4 months so i had no clue they had even expired/failed to renew... then held my domains hostage until i paid their collection agency.

THEN made me give them a new credit card in order for me to transfer my domains AWAY from them which costs no money
bob 6/30/2008 7:09:01 PM
It's a wonder an irate customer hasn't visited their f@#king data center with a super soaker and their business office with a shotgun.
Kelli J. Jack 6/30/2008 9:33:33 PM
1 & 1 Internet is a horrible company, but some recourse is possible! Not only am I a very disgruntled customer after they lied to me repeatedly after reselling a name I had registered and paid for with them, but I am an investigative journalist. In the last 8 months, I have written more than 30 articles, interviewed more than 200 people who have been blatantly wronged by 1 & 1 Internet, talked to several consumer groups and interested attorneys, and worked with over 60 radio and TV stations on this story. Everyone has been very interested, and the investigation continues. If you have had an issue with the company, you can do the following make a difference, and get your justice:

1.) File a complaint with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office at www.pa.gov, or call the investigator Madelaine Dakour directly at (215) 560-6790. They have already received a large number of complaints, and have escalated the investigation, so make sure and contact them.
2.) File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau where they already have a completely Unsatisfactory rating by going to www.bbb.org
3.) File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov
4.) File a complaint with your state consumer advocacy group through the Attorney General’s office or Secretary of State’s office. Indiana’s is www.indianaconsumer.com
5.) Explore your state’s legislative code and find out where they stand on mandatory arbitration clauses. The Federal Arbitration Act has been shot down by state courts if they find the 1 & 1 contract to be “unconscionable” and without “mutuality” as they offer nothing for the consumer. More and more courts are ruling in favor of consumers, especially with terms and conditions that allow for illegal activity. Breach of contract, fair trade laws, fraud, and consumer laws are the tip of the legal iceberg for 1 & 1.
6.) I’m working with station affiliates of each of the major TV networks, and you can help by contacting your local station through the main sites at www.cbs.com, www.nbc.com, www.abc.com, and www.foxnews.com. Contact the investigative reporter, or simply send a news tip to the newsroom and they will follow up. Chances are, they are already aware of the major problems with the company.
7.) Keep meticulous records!

My lawsuit is pending, and I’ve been inundated with law firms wanting to take on the abysmal business practices, or lack thereof, with 1 & 1. The blatant disregard for the consumers has gotten the attention of the legal community, media, and consumers all across the country and by banding together, we can get some justice. You do not have to succumb to their tactics!

Best wishes,
Kelli J. Jack
President
Lines, Inc. Media
8425 Woodfield Crossing Blvd.
Suite #100
Indianapolis, IN 46240
(317) 469-7529

Rob 7/3/2008 10:17:34 AM
I agree, I thought I cancelled 1&1 months ago and just found out it never got cancelled. Of course they have no record of the cancellation and refuse to credit my account. I spoke to some supervisor called "Mr. Damion" (fake name) and he said I could not talk to his supervisor. They are without a doubt 1&1 Internet is the most difficult online hosting company to deal with. STAY AWAY!
Chris 7/6/2008 1:09:10 PM
Thanks for the posting, I thought everything seemed to be to good to be true w/1 & 1. It figures that they are saving money on by holding everyone's feet to the fire with absurd legal agreements and skimping on good customer support. I appreciate the heads up.
mackdog57 9/9/2008 1:21:59 PM
After signing up for a website with www.1and1.com, I saw right away I did not like it and I cancelled in less than 24hrs w/o building or publishing a site(They have a 90 day money back guarantee). At first they acknowledged cancellation, then about a week later I got an email saying they tried to charge my credit card and it was denied(I stopped my card from paying them anything as soon as I cancelled). I replied, explaining the cancellation and reminded them they had confirmed it. Several times over next 3 wks they sent the same exact email about not being able to charge my credit card and I kept replying to them. It was like they were not reading my replies. Finally, I just quit replying to them. Now they have turned my account over to a collection agency and have hurt my credit, and they still will not respond to my attempts to contact them except with a canned message that does not make sense. Be very careful dealing with this company, there are many better hosting companies out there, no need to deal with one that will mess your credit up through no fault of your own.
They also advertise a very good price, but as you go through the site builing wizard, they try to sell you add-ons on every page. If you took them, it would make 1&1 the most expensive hosts on the market. Total rip-off. Try Hostmonster, great price, I paid 3yrs advance 4.95/mo total, great features,great customer service.I think it is about 6.95/mo if you pay month at a time. Still a great price. Unlimited domains on same account, I have 2 different websites on my 4.95/mo account now.
eric ferrara 9/13/2008 4:43:33 PM
Hi- I am considering a CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT against this horrible company. Anyone interested in joining forces, or already have a class action suit pending, contact me at eric(at)east-village.com!
Someone with sense 9/17/2008 11:57:11 AM
It's funny to read all you cocksuckers who think that this is a horrible company. Pay your bill on time, you won't get locked. Don't spam, you won't get locked. No pornographic images, you won't get locked.
Grow up business folks. Grow up and learn what accountability is.

Have a nice day .
Nancy 9/30/2008 7:24:08 AM
I had two websites on hostmonster for over a year and last weekend they migrated my site without a proper back up and completed DELETED both of my entire websites along with 900 other websites. If you have had problems with hostmonster in the last three years, please get in contact with me to join a class action law suit against them. They are claiming zero responsibility for the horrific act. Not only do they expect us to rebuild our websites at our expense they are expecting us to be o.k. with the loss of revenue this has also created. Hostmonster generates millions of dollars each month in revenue. Corporate America - enough of your passing the buck. It's time for us to stick together and make them pay for their mistakes. Please contact me to join the class action lawsuit.
305 494 9304 icoachyou@gmail.com Nancy
bob 9/30/2008 8:47:14 AM
"Someone with sense", your dead Grandma is sucking Satan's cock in hell.
Kelli 9/30/2008 9:26:58 AM
Unfortunately, the idiot that posted "sense" earlier has a bit of a language problem and knows nothing about business, or how to read. This company's horrible practices have been all over the news, state Attorney General is filing suit, and it has nothing to do with "not paying a bill", "porn" or "spam". It has to do with a greedy poorly run "company" that scams customers, and that is why they are in trouble. Pay attention, and you would have known that, although by your limited grammatical skills illustrated here, I'm guessing you work at 1&1?
bob 9/30/2008 2:12:38 PM
Actually, I have a double degree in Physics and English and minored in Precached Hypertext Protocols.
Kelli 9/30/2008 4:41:03 PM
Then you should know better than to make ignorant comments like you did here. I learned that well before I got my Masters and PhD; to research before I speak.
bob 9/30/2008 7:10:04 PM
Hey lady...or dude, I'm a veteran of the 1&1 internet experience. I walked in the valley, and came out the other side. I should be allowed verbal indiscretion from time to time. I've got all the research I need to speak.
Kelli 9/30/2008 7:38:13 PM
Of course you have the right. So does everyone else on this site, and you attacked the group with your "indescretions", so we have the right to state or case. If you're done with 1&1, then why you are bitching is a mystery. The rest of us will fight our battles accordingly, and we will win. If you had done the research you claim to have done, then you would clearly see that the tens of thousands of people who have filed complaints against the company have very valid arguments. Case closed.
Steve 9/30/2008 7:40:43 PM
You go Kelli! Why would someone who has their issues resolved search out a site to attack others will legit complaints? What a loser he is. Sounds like you are going to ignore him from now on. Good move...
bob 10/1/2008 3:34:49 PM
I resolved my issues with 1&1, but it took 2 frustrating years and fantasies of going to their place of business with the goal of violent retribution. So I still say I hope that if the employees of 1 and 1 internet have children, I hope those children die in front of their parents. After all they work for an evil company and deserve that special hell on earth. Hey all I wanted was someone to host my website for fucks sake.
Dave W. 11/24/2008 3:17:08 PM
It's a shame to see how long these issues have been going on now. My issue started when their system didn't properly delete a number of my domains after I attempted to delete them well in advance, and they still attempted to bill me for them. Fortunately for me, my credit card information needed updating, so I was able to correct the amounts through their Customer Support department - so I thought. After obtaining clear documentation of which domains would be renewed and which would be canceled, I promptly updated my credit card info so they could bill me, but apparently 1and1's Billing Department wasn't aware of my communication with Customer Support, so they sent me an uncorrected invoice with a much larger amount than I actually owed - and in the meantime, charged my credit card for only a small portion of what I actually owed...? Then, I received a letter from a collection agency, and discovered my account and remaining domains had been locked! The amount requested by the collection agency doesn't sync at all with the other two. 1and1 refuses to send an updated invoice and tells me that the collection agency is unable to provide a detailed breakout. In other words, they can't even tell me what they're billing me for...! In addition to having collection agency charges I never should have had to pay in the first place, they can't provide any information guaranteeing that they won't erroneously request additional payment and continue to keep my account locked, even if I were to pay the amount requested by the collection agency. I am hoping to resolve this without formal action, but have already put a few colleagues with law/policy backgrounds on notice after reading all the negative info out there on 1and1, and am hoping 1and1 chooses to resolve this issue voluntarily very soon. (Fortunately I live in PA, which presents a few advantages.) One of my next steps will be to update other blogs as well so others know that this is continuing, perhaps even posting the chain of conversations for entertainment if they continue to unresponsive. I've been very good about saving all the documentation so far, and it's blatantly clear that they've contradicted themselves. It makes completely no sense to me, unless this is some scam to "steal" some of my remaining domains upon discontinuing my service... I have difficulty thinking an organization could be *that* disorganized, and if it is, I feel really bad for the employees who are actually trying to provide decent service...and who will eventually find themselves out of work if this type of pattern continues.
pixles 11/25/2008 6:37:11 AM
And another one bites the dust, not much new in Dave W's story. It may be a shame but the issues are always ongoing.
Don't feel to sorry for 1and 1 emplolyees there the ones who hang up on you and they voluntarily block you, cut you off, make all sorts of mistakes so you in the end , you can be a client of their own private collection agency
Bob 12/7/2008 7:56:58 PM
Here is a url of 1and1's unsatisfactory rating with bbb.
http://www.dc.bbb.org/report.html?national=Y&compid=1040770
JFH 12/7/2008 8:15:40 PM
Wow!!! That BBB link shows 652 complaints against 1&1 in the last 3 years with 281 of those in the last year alone... amazing... just think how many complaints not even registered with the BBB. There could easily be ten times that amount - literally thousands of people with complaints... 1&1 SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THE FBI FOR FRAUD!!!
Kelli 12/8/2008 11:51:53 AM
The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office has escalated this company to the next level before filing a suit too, and we keep in touchh on a monthly basis. Every time I talk about this joke of a company on the air, my phones light up, all with disgruntled customers. Don't worry...we'll get 'em!
mediaConsumer 12/19/2008 9:58:44 AM
Wow, you saw and ad that said FREE FREE FREE and there were strings attached? SHOCKING! I have used 1and1 for years and everything is fine as long as you keep your card up to date. Of course I don't expect little things like service for 5.99/yr. That's why my actual hosting is done by theplanet.com . Stop whining.
Kelli 12/19/2008 10:16:40 AM
What you fail to realize MediaConsumer, is that some consumers of us who had contracts with 1&1, and they have breached those. In addition, they are fraudulent in their advertising of 99.99% uptime, and have now been ordered to stop advertising that since it an outright lie. Good for you that you have had a good experience. You might try finding a "1&1 Rocks" site, but doubt you will have any luck with that. Those with real concerns have every right to voice our thoughts here on a website that was set up to put victims of 1&1 together, and do something about them. It's a little strange that you would seek out a site entitled "1&1 Sucks" to judge others, especially when you don't know the details of the concerns. Hmmmm..
Steve 12/19/2008 10:31:05 AM
You go Kelli! What a loser to sit around and write a post on a blog designed for consumers trying to find a solution to a problem. Guess you had a hard time finding that "1 and 1 Rocks" site, huh MediaConsumer?
HAHAHA 1/21/2009 1:18:08 PM
For any of you whining about the BBB not doing anything and 1and1 not caring about letters from the BBB, it is because the BBB has no authority over anything. They try and force companies to pay insane amounts of money for a "BBB satisfactory rating". In all reality, no one really cares what the BBB thinks. It's funny to know that so many people out there somehow manage to get into collections over a 3.99 a month hosting package.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
CindyMike 1/27/2009 5:37:03 PM
Any advice? My son, who was 17 at the time, but had a debit card, signed up for some promo package, under the impression that he could cancel after the first 3 months which I guess were paid at sign up. He cancelled before the 90 days, and clicked on the confirmation link. He received email that it had been cancelled. What he didn't receive was a notice that, by the way, it was cancelled as of the end of his first year. He thought it was cancelled and stopped using it.

He got billed again in the summer and I told him to dispute because he had cancelled. Eventually the dispute was settled in 1and1' s favor because they said he had a contract, and the bank didn't get involved in contract disputes.

He was not aware of this one year contract. We let that first disputed payment go and thought it was over. The bank had issued a new debit card number, so they couldn't take any more money out. I called 1and1 during this dispute, mentioned that he had cancelled..discussed that he had a one year contract that he didn't know about. I wasn't there, I don't know what it said, but he was pretty sure he was getting an intro trial price or he wouldn't have done it.

I then mentioned that he was only 17. There's no check box to verify your age, they don't ask d.o.b. Ooops wait, buried in the terms is where it says you must be 18. Therefore, they said, he committed fraud and they could pursue fraud against him. I feel that he couldn't commit fraud because he was too YOUNG AND STUPID to have, that's why under 18 can't sing contracts (generally). Plus the 18 year old is one line, buried in many, not something a 17 year old would read, they are so used to clicking accept, because there is no choice if you want the product-usually software downloads.

Today we received two collection notices for $29 and $18.95. I'm having him check his emails to see if he got any bills he "forgot" to mention. I'm thinking of writing to them and disputing based on the cancellation email, the misleading practices (90 days guarantee) and that I feel the contract is unenforceable. I was going to cc: the BBB and CPA and atty Gen'l. Or, should I wait for a response and just threaten to involve them in my first letter? Any thoughts out there?
pixles 1/27/2009 7:22:39 PM
1and1 bottom feeders

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bob 1/28/2009 4:54:35 PM
1&1 Internet employee's should be made to watch their children bull whipped.
F.Thompson 1/30/2009 2:37:59 PM
I am taking them to court. Wont get into details just yet, but they're screwed. Hoping for punitive damages on top, considering the fraudulent actions they are well known for.
Kelli 1/30/2009 3:58:55 PM
Congrats! I have also filed suit, and people are being added daily. Our charges include fraud, malicious intent, gross misconduct, and breach of contract. We have also done several stories that have been broadcast both regionally and nationally, and of course 1 & 1 never has any comment, even with a microphone in their face. They are so done!
Please keep us posted on your progress and we will do the same.
LessEvilThanVerizonOrComcast 2/7/2009 12:45:38 PM
I've had good experiences with 1&1 over the course of a couple years and a few sites. I've cancelled accounts and received refunds in a timely fashion. I've transfered accounts between Windows and Linux accounts when necessary with no problem. I'm not saying that the above gripes aren't legitimate, but I've had nightmare scenarios with a variety of web hosts big and small. I've found GoDaddy to be one of the most annoying to deal with, but no egregious problems. Hostgator and Bluehost are both mediocre. I have more than one site go down with each of them, once for 2 days. The folks at ADDR are straight-up scam artists who, out of nowhere, attempted to bill me and several other customers for almost 10 years of fees for accounts that had been cancelled all that time. And I've spent over a month month dealing with a mid-sized company called Millennium Hosting trying to get a refund that they falsely claimed they had already credited to my account.

It's luck of the draw sometimes, but keep in mind that far more people are going to post their "1&1 sucks" stories than their "I'm perfectly happy with 1&1" stories. I wouldn't consider this a representative example. Who knows though? Maybe I'll run into a problem down the road. I've found very few web hosts to be consistently reliable from both a technical and billing standpoint, regardless of pricing. Best of luck to all who are having problems.
Bob 2/7/2009 3:35:44 PM
I've deal with bluehost and godaddy. Both are good companies to do business with. 1&1 internet is out to scam people out of their hard earned bucks. It's as simple as that.
Jonathan Jarvis 2/26/2009 11:00:08 AM
I just want to voice my similar terrible experience with 1and1. I'm on the fourth day (and still counting) still trying to get a hold of a customer service supervisor. Calling and emailing several times everyday.
Greg 6/16/2009 2:44:34 AM
I solved my problem easily.

I searched the website for any name I could find - which turned out to be the Finance Director and then sent them an email saying I would pay their charges but claim them back in the small claims court citing the finance Director on the paperwork.

6minutes and a phone call from their legal department later all solved :)
John 10/16/2009 10:49:44 AM
Greg - who was the finance director you contacted?


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