Beware Medic Alert

[Patrick A]

Medic Alert is a good service. I am not saying that it's not. What I am saying is beware of their billing practices. I was looking at my bank account today. What do I find but 2 withdrawals from my checking account for Medic Alert Foundation.
Last year when I renewed our memberships I used my Check Debit card. They automatically withdrew the yearly fee's. I call them this morning the person I talked to said it was already set up for automatic withdrawal. They could have cared less. I only think that they should have at least sent a reminder or bill that they were going to take this money out of my checking account. I am sure glad that I was only trying to balance my checkbook and not wondering why I had checks bouncing all over the place.

[Goofproof]

Medic Alert is a good service. I am not saying that it's not. What I am saying is beware of their billing practices. I was looking at my bank account today. What do I find but 2 withdrawals from my checking account for Medic Alert Foundation.
Last year when I renewed our memberships I used my Check Debit card. They automatically withdrew the yearly fee's. I call them this morning the person I talked to said it was already set up for automatic withdrawal. They could have cared less. I only think that they should have at least sent a reminder or bill that they were going to take this money out of my checking account. I am sure glad that I was only trying to balance my checkbook and not wondering why I had checks bouncing all over the place.

I ran into the same thing with OnStar for my truck, I used the card and they used it without telling me. I had them turned off and the SAT Radio too as well as the phone. We will go back to living without them... Jim

[Muse-Inc]

Thanks for posting this Patrick, past time for renewal, they left a msg wanting me to update & likley wanting me to ante up too. Accident or no, I'll be careful how I pay for this. Thanks!

[Uncle_Bob]

Hey Patrick,

My bank allows me to generate virtual credit card numbers on line that i can set my own amount and expiry date for.

Every time i sign up for a service using a credit card i always use generate and use a virtual number because when they come to renew it has expired.

this is very useful for signing up for trial offers where you need to provide a credit card number but then they make it impossible for you to cancel before the trail period ends, when they go to bill my card number its expired

[chunkyfrog]

Cool; I'll ask my Credit union about that.
BTW, UB: tasty, yum.

[sleepycarol]

Uncle I don't understand how that would work. Could you explain a little more?

Don't have to get into long explanations, just a little more info though would be appreciated it.

[Uncle_Bob]

Uncle I don't understand how that would work. Could you explain a little more?

Don't have to get into long explanations, just a little more info though would be appreciated it.

i can't provide a working link without being logged into online banking, so cut and paste ...

Learn About ShopSafe

Add an extra layer of protection when you shop online. Use ShopSafe® to generate a temporary credit card number, and complete your online purchase with confidence.
What is ShopSafe?

ShopSafe is a free service that allows you to create a temporary card number, expiration date and security code each time you make an online purchase. This number links directly to your real credit card account number but keeps your card number completely private and protected. The ShopSafe number is used just like your credit card—a merchant never knows it's not your real credit card.

* Purchase securely—and with peace of mind
You can shop online without exposing your real credit card number.
* You can use ShopSafe for recurring payments
The ShopSafe service allows you to set your Valid Thru date for up to 12 months in the future. The recurring monthly payment feature allows you to securely manage your monthly bills.
* Use ShopSafe anywhere your Bank of America credit card is accepted
Merchants do not need any special software or applications to process your ShopSafe account.


How it works:

Shop online as usual. When it’s time to make your purchase, just log in to ShopSafe. You will need your physical credit card to view the 3-digit security code located in the signature line on the back of the card. Enter your spending limits, and ShopSafe will automatically generate a temporary account number, with expiration date and security code, that allows you to complete your purchase while protecting your privacy. The ShopSafe temporary account number works just like a regular credit card. Each ShopSafe number can only be used at one merchant, but you may reuse the same ShopSafe number at the same merchant.

[rosiefrosie]

Uncle I don't understand how that would work. Could you explain a little more?

Don't have to get into long explanations, just a little more info though would be appreciated it.

i can't provide a working link without being logged into online banking, so cut and paste ...

Learn About ShopSafe

Add an extra layer of protection when you shop online. Use ShopSafe® to generate a temporary credit card number, and complete your online purchase with confidence.
What is ShopSafe?

ShopSafe is a free service that allows you to create a temporary card number, expiration date and security code each time you make an online purchase. This number links directly to your real credit card account number but keeps your card number completely private and protected. The ShopSafe number is used just like your credit card—a merchant never knows it's not your real credit card.

* Purchase securely—and with peace of mind
You can shop online without exposing your real credit card number.
* You can use ShopSafe for recurring payments
The ShopSafe service allows you to set your Valid Thru date for up to 12 months in the future. The recurring monthly payment feature allows you to securely manage your monthly bills.
* Use ShopSafe anywhere your Bank of America credit card is accepted
Merchants do not need any special software or applications to process your ShopSafe account.


How it works:

Shop online as usual. When it’s time to make your purchase, just log in to ShopSafe. You will need your physical credit card to view the 3-digit security code located in the signature line on the back of the card. Enter your spending limits, and ShopSafe will automatically generate a temporary account number, with expiration date and security code, that allows you to complete your purchase while protecting your privacy. The ShopSafe temporary account number works just like a regular credit card. Each ShopSafe number can only be used at one merchant, but you may reuse the same ShopSafe number at the same merchant.

Nice to know! Thanks Uncle_Bob!

Rosie

[chunkyfrog]

Only Bank of America card?
I was hoping Visa!

[LinkC]

My Visa (thru my credit Union) has a similar feature. I use it for virtually EVERY time I buy online. (Pun intended...) Don't want the "real" number floating around out there.

[Julie]

I have an idea... every time you sign up for automatic withdrawal, make a note of it and keep it together with your ongoing budget items, in red if necessary, so you are periodically reminded of it and won't be surprised when it takes place!

[Kerwin]

MedicAlert’s highly trained staff has extensive medical knowledge and will consult you on how to prioritize and customize the engraving on your MedicAlert product to ensure that emergency health care providers know how best to treat you in an emergency. There goes through Oasis Immigration Network.
I used it and do you ?