ComplaintsforNational Safety Commission, Inc.

• Initial Complaint

  11/09/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Date of transaction 11/6/2021 I used my CC to pay for a driver's class my Mom had to take due to receiving a speeding ticket. The initial charge at the time of registration was a total of $40.19. However, after she took the course she was presented with additional ways to receive her certificate and when she selected these my card was charged 2 additional fees totaling $35.90. So the total cost of this "Lowest Price Traffic School" course was $76.09. They advertising their 4 hour class for $5.95, but once you sign up they start presenting additional charges if you want to actually get the necessary documents you need. The website used is https://www.lowestpricetrafficschool.com The company name is apparently: The National Safety Commission, Inc. P.O. Box ****** ************, FL ***** Fax ***** ******** Email ************************************ Additionally, they apparently stored my credit card information or the additional charges would not have been possible. That is against PCI compliance. I contact them on 11/9/2021 and was told because my Mom selected the additional receipt options for her certification after taking the course, they would not refund me. To be clear, we had already selected how she wanted to receive the document when we registered her so why ask at the end? Please also note that they charged $29.95 to send an email and $5.95 to send a text. Who in the world would agree to pay $30 to get an email!!! In my opinion this is a scam that should not be allowed. I would like this company to refund the $35.90 to my card. FYI: Their website shows they are a BBB member.

  

  Business response

  12/14/2021

  
  We at LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com (“LPTS”) pride ourselves on our superior customer service and value delivered to our customers via our products and services. We are sorry to hear that one of our customers was not satisfied with their purchase experience and have issued a full refund to the customer. We take seriously our unconditional commitment to provide products and services that exceed customer needs and satisfaction. We hope that this refund is taken as a demonstrative exhibit of our most sincere apology for this customer’s experience.
  
  In addition to customer satisfaction, LPTS also takes very seriously any claim that it does not comport with industry standards in marketing and selling our products. As such, I have taken the opportunity to respond to the customer’s claims below.
  
  The customer alleges that once a consumer is registered for the Basic Driver Improvement Course the consumer is then presented with additional delivery options at varying costs to obtain the required document (although the customer does not specifically identify the required document, we take it to mean the course completion certificate). To be clear, the course completion certificate is always free at LPTS as is the standard USPS delivery method. That is, a customer may elect to receive the free course completion certificate (assuming the customer has successfully passed the course) and have a hard copy delivered to them at no cost to the consumer. However, as the customer indicates although does not fully explain, LPTS does offer expedited delivery options at an additional charge to the consumer. These expedited delivery options are optional and in no way required to be purchased by any customer in order to receive their course completion certificate. See screenshot attached itemizing the charges in the shopping cart to be charged the customer before the customer enters any personally identifiable or payment card information and, thus, before the method of payment is charged.
  
  The customer also implicitly alleges that the prices of the products and services purchased changed between the time in which the customer elected to purchase the product and the time at which the customer’s card was charged. This is simply not true. As mentioned above, a shopping cart that includes the price of the course and the applicable fees is displayed on the check-out page and is displayed before the customer enters any personally identifiable information or payment information. As you can see, the shopping cart displays the price of the product purchased, plus the applicable fees, along with an explanation of those fees next to the line item, and clearly notes that the course completion certificate is “free”, as is the standard delivery option (see attached screenshot  number 1)
  
  The customer further claims that LPTS charged her to email the course completion certificate and provide her with status updates via text message. This is true. As mentioned above, and as evidenced by the below screenshot (provided by way of example), standard delivery of the certificate to the customer is always free of charge; however, if the customer elects an expedited form of certificate delivery, then they are charged an additional, corresponding fee. The additional, corresponding fee – like all other prices for products and services offered by LPTS – is displayed to the consumer prior to the customer’s payment card being charged for the selected amount. The additional fee depends on the type of expedited delivery or other service that is selected by the customer, all of which are optional. Note that delivery of the certificate by USPS is free  to all of our customers, as shown in the attached screenshot number 2.
  
  In addition, the customer also raises whether we appropriately retain credit card information in order to process charges for additional products and services a customer may elect to purchase after the initial registration. As explained below, LPTS does not store customer credit card information in order to process any charges to a consumer’s credit card at a later time. While payment processing solutions and their compliance with industry standards may not typically be a public-facing part of our customer experience (or any customer experience), it is certainly a fundamental aspect of our business and who we are as a company. As such, we welcome the invitation to offer additional insight into important steps we take to safeguard our customer’s payment card information.
  
  Data security is of enormous importance to us. As such, we partner with some of the best in the industry to safeguard our customer’s personal information. We work with a leading third party payment processor that is a validated Level 1 PCI DSS compliant service provider and have integrated their PCI-compliant payment platform at LPTS. This unique platform enables the customer to enter their payment card information on their computer and send it directly to the service provider without LPTS being involved in the so-called “conversation”. That is, when a customer enters their credit card information, neither LPTS’ website or our servers, not even our employees, are able to view or retrieve the customer’s credit card information necessary to complete a transaction. Everything is handled with and by our payment processor via their integrated PCI-compliant payment platform.
  Finally, and while we can appreciate that we may not be able to please everyone, we firmly believe that offering additional products and services as add-ons to the base price of any of our products provides the most cost effective and versatile shopping experience for our customers overall. By unbundling each additional product and service, and clearly displaying the cost of each option prior to and during the checkout process, our customers are able to compare the value of each option and determine if its right for them. For example, if a customer does not want expedited delivery of their course completion certificate they are able to obtain it for free, which provides them with an overall lower cost of the course than if we were to unilaterally build that cost into the product. By not doing so and giving our customers options, we deliver freedom of choice, a tailored and customized service to fit their individual needs, and remain competitive in the marketplace by offering a lower base price than others for those customers not looking to spend more than the bare minimum.
  
  I hope that this clarifies and resolves the customer complaint received by the Better Business Bureau. Should you have any questions or concerns,  please do not hesitate to call one of our customer service professionals or contact me directly. I have provided by direct contact information below.
  --
  
  ********* ** ********* 
  
  SIH Corp. | General Counsel, VP Business Dev.
  
  1*** *** *** ***** *** | ***** ***** ****** ** *****
  

  

  Business response

  01/06/2022

  We at LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com (“LPTS”) take seriously our unwavering commitment to provide products and services that exceed our customer’s needs and offer excellence in customer service and satisfaction. Thus, we welcome the opportunity to further clarify our customer’s questions and concerns regarding this matter. I have taken each point made by the customer and responded in turn below.
  
  “My credit card was first charged on 11/4/21 for $5.95, $5.95 and $28.29. (These are the charges they refunded.)”
  
  This statement is true and correct.  Per our records, the refunds for each of these charges were issued on 12/14/2021.
  
  “On 11/6/21, after my mother completed the course, my credit card was charged again for $5.95 and $29.95. When these charges occurred I had NOT entered any credit card information, so if they had not stored my cc information how did they charge me again? (These are the charges I wanted refunded.)”
  
  Per our records, the customer is correct that on 11/6/2021, the customer’s card was charged for $29.95 and $5.95. To be clear, however, these charges were for separate, yet similarly priced, products than those that the customer purchased on 11/4/2021 (see above reference to three charges on 11/4/2021 for $5.95, $5.95 and $28.29). These charges were also refunded to the customer on 12/14/2021.
  
  Further, and as explained in our initial response, LPTS does not store credit card information in order to process charges for additional products and services a customer may elect to purchase after the initial registration. That said, we understand that from a customer’s perspective it may appear to be the case. To be clear, however, we partner with a validated Level 1 PCI DSS compliant service provider and have integrated their PCI-compliant payment platform at LPTS. All of the payment information entered by a customer is provided directly to the service provider, who in turn processes the credit card transactions. LPTS does not receive and thus cannot store all of the customer’s credit card information necessary to complete a transaction. Everything is handled with and by our payment processor via their integrated PCI-compliant payment platform.
  
  “At no time did I say the prices had changed. I said I had been charged twice, but they were [sic] different amounts, as listed above.”
  
  We hope that the explanation offered above as to the different charges helps clarify that the customer was never charged twice for any of the same products. To be sure, each of the charges from 11/4 and 11/6 were for uniquely different products purchased by the customer on those respective dates, all of which were refunded to the original method of payment on 12/14/2021.
  
  “Based on the fact that my card was charged twice, I did NOT receive a 100% refund!”
  
  Again, the customer was refunded for each of the five charges made to the customer’s card on 11/4 (three on this date) and 11/6 (two on this date). Per our records, all of those amounts were refunded on 12/14 as follows:
  
  11/4 Charge: $5.95 USD    Refunded: 12/14 7:38 PM
  11/4 Charge: $5.95 USD    Refunded: 12/14 7:37 PM
  11/4 Charge: $28.29 USD  Refunded: 12/14 7:37 PM
  
  11/6 Charge: $5.95 USD    Refunded: 12/14 7:39 PM
  11/6 Charge: $29.95 USD  Refunded: 12/14 7:39 PM
  
  We sincerely hope this helps clarify the outstanding questions raised by the customer with the Better Business Bureau. In the event the customer has any further questions concerning the issues raised in the complaint, we are more than happy to discuss them. Please do not hesitate to call one of our customer service professionals or feel free to contact me directly. I have provided by direct contact information below.
  
  ********* ** *********
  E| *********************************
  D| (**** ********

  Customer response

  01/07/2022

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

  Better Business Bureau:

  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 

  Regards,

  **** ********

   

• Initial Complaint

  10/26/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased a 4 hour driving school. The total cost was supposed to be about $10. They then had extra fees totaling it to around $30. After paying the $30 it informs me it takes 15-30 days to receive the certification. Which is obviously fraudulent and dishonest business practices since they are knowingly are aware everybody is pressed on time to submit the certificate to the court. Due to my license being suspended since don’t pay the $30 for rush fee. After paying the 2nd $30 and being told 30min delivery I am informed I have to pay another $5 or I will not receive it today. It violates FTC consumer laws to purposely delay something ordered by the court to only charge more knowing the customers will be forced to pay. This company are just as bad as any criminals that are in prison. They are literally stealing peoples money. The name “lowest price traffic school” is also false information.

  

  Business response

  11/08/2021

  LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com (“LPTS”) is in receipt of and thanks you for your feedback regarding your recent buying experience. We are deeply sorry to hear that you are dissatisfied and apologize for any frustration this has caused you. We value our customers, and your satisfaction is of paramount importance to us. As such, we have issued a full refund to your original form of payment.  We take seriously our commitment to provide products and services that exceed customer needs and expectations, including the manner in which those products and services are advertised and delivered on our website.

  
  Once you select the course you need the from the registration page, the fees are clearly displayed and explained on the right side of the page. Below is a link demonstrating this;
  ************************************************************

  
  The certificate will be sent via USPS, this is included with the cost of the course. If the deadline is eminent, we offer expedited shipping via email for an additional fee. This option is clearly explained as well as the cost are explained prior to purchase.

  
  You selected an optional service, Rush Certificate Processing for $9.95. This service submits your certificate to the state first. This is an optional service; it is not required for processing the certificate. It can be declined on the same screen.

  
  The email delivery was purchased on 10/26/2021 at 8:39AM and the certificate was emailed within the hour to ********************* and submitted to the state of Florida on the same day at 8:43AM.

  
  We have a lowest price guarantee and if a lower price is found and we verify it upon your request we will match the price.

  
  Notwithstanding these disclosures and the above reconciliation of your account with us, we again sincerely apologize for any confusion or frustration this experience has caused you. It is our intention to clearly and effectively disclose all information, including all applicable charges, prior to a consumer’s decision to purchase any product or service.
  
  We trust that this clarifies and resolves the complaint submitted to the Better Business Bureau. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
  
  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  09/08/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On June 17, 2021 I used Lowest Prrice Traffic School (4 hour class for $5.94) for a ticket I had recieved the month before. They are charging me $9.95 a month - I'm sure for some random thing they say I signed up for on their confusing and complicated website. It is full of hidden fees that you can't go back and change once you get to the check out .After the multitude of pop-ups and every way in the book of them trying to make more money I have ended up paying them $94.04! After a phone call to them because I'm being charged $9.95 every month since, I was refunded $45 by a very snarky representative and I feel I deserve more of a refund because after researching the average price is still half that.

  

  Business response

  09/16/2021

  **************************** (“LPTS”) is in receipt of and thanks you for your feedback regarding your recent buying experience. We are deeply sorry to hear that you are dissatisfied and apologize for any frustration this has caused you. We value our customers, and your satisfaction is of paramount importance to us. As such, we have issued a full refund to your original form of payment.  We take seriously our commitment to provide products and services that exceed customer needs and expectations, including the manner in which those products and services are advertised and delivered on our website.
  
  A review of your account indicates you signed up for the Safe Driver Continuing Education and Defensive Driver Program.  You have the choice of a 7 day free trial. During the trail, you can log into your account, click on the subscriptions tab and cancel.   Also, you could decline the offer by checking the box at the bottom of the page.  We have included a screen shot of the page as presented at registration.
  
  As previously stated, we have issued a full refund for all the charges.  Please allow 24-48 business hours for the refund to appear on the card used for purchase.
  
  Each of the additional products we offer in the registration process can be declined when offered by checking the No Thanks button at the bottom of the page.  We apologize for any misunderstanding this may have caused you.
  
  Notwithstanding these disclosures and the above reconciliation of your account with us, we again sincerely apologize for any confusion or frustration this experience has caused you. It is our intention to clearly and effectively disclose all information, including all applicable charges, prior to a consumer’s decision to purchase any product or service.
  
  We trust that this clarifies and resolves the complaint submitted to the Better Business Bureau. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
  

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩