Assist 123

This company claims to provide a directory assistance service which is sold via telemarketing and through various Internet sites. The company offers the service as a 30 day trial for a cost of $3.95. As an incentive the company offers a $100 gift card to those who purchase the service. If the service is not canceled within the 30 day period the customer is charged $9.99 monthly until the account is canceled. The monthly fee is automatically debited to the credit or debit card used to purchase the trial offer. The service claims to provide phone numbers and addresses driving directions traffic reports restaurant recommendations weather and driving conditions sports scores and stats movie show times and city guides.~~We urge caution. We have received reports that this company intercepts calls that consumers attempt to make to other businesses concerning billing or customer service issues. We believe these call interceptions may be accomplished by using some kind of spyware. In some cases callers report they were not aware that they were speaking with a third party company and unknowingly provide credit or debit card numbers or other personal information. Callers report that whoever intercepts the call offers a $100 gift card if they will agree to provide a credit or debit card number to be billed either $2.95 or $3.95. Those who agree to the charge are actually agreeing a trial month of the Assist 123 service. If not canceled within the 30 day period respondents are automatically billed $9.99 per month until cancellation. Some reports indicate the calls may be intercepted from a foreign call center. ~~The $100 gift card is allegedly not a gift card. Card users are required to make purchases but can earn 3% cash back. Complainants have also reported that their credit or debit cards also incur unauthorized charges or debits from unfamiliar companies.~ ~ ~