I hope this helps...
I was almost scammed before and I really did research. I was offered a membership card via phone which offers discounts on hotels and restaurants...after an hour, i called back to say i am no longer interested and guess what, they are already asking me for a cancellation fee of 2K... considering that the card transaction is still floating since they will require me to sign it.
One thing that I sure know that we can really ask DTI for help on this.
I also know that :No Return, No Exchange Policy is not encouraged by the government.
In case you dont know..sa dept store sa SM, you are allowed up to 7 days to return something and replace it as long as you don't ruin tags. In fact, my husband returned a replaced a skechers sandals after a week of use because it was already damaged after using it for three days. We were after the money spent for the sandals quality (1700+)...and happily, they agreed in replacing it... just dont throw away receipts.
Going back... putting this in mind... i did the following:
1. Searched DTI's website
2. Looked for the section on customer welfare or anything that deals with customer or consumer services.
3. Got the name and started emailing the contacts.
After a few days, Bangko Sentral contacted me if the problem was the credit card provider... i said no...and the next day, DTI called me informing me that I was already the 4rth person who had the guts and wits to call them and that they already contacted the company involved. The next day, the agent's supervisor called me stating that I no longer need to worry about the cancellation fee and it was already settled with the bank (to my relief..
Apparently... these providers will tell you that you are not allowed to cancel...but believe me... you could. just ensure that you have not lost all papers and you can save all related calls, transactions, informations, emails pertaining to your efforts on communicating with them...and of course...you should do it immediately after full knowledge that what you got was worthless.
Since then, to prevent from this happening again:
> I allow myself at least 5-10minutes right after the conversation to search or verify via internet.
> Refrain from entertaining because I tell you...if you are not strong enough... you will be persuaded.