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ActBlue.com
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Fraud
By: Oct 12, 2018They made charges to my debit card for donations I did not authorize. Have complained three times and received no response.
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My demands:
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Complete restitution, acknowledgement of their actions and for the Democratic Party to publicly apologize and fire them.
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User Recommendation:
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Stay away
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Resolution:
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Unresolved
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Also reported:
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Monetary damages:
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$25.00
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- Did you find this complaint useful?
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Yes (30)
No (9)
- Leave a comment
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Actblue recurring contributions
By: Oct 02, 2018After reading the complaints here I contacted Actblue. They told me that it is the campaign that designs the form including the checkbox for recurring - so if it is checked by default that is the campaigns choice. I've used AB a lot and had no problem with them. Complaints about recurring etc should probably be sent to the campaign?
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My demands:
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For people to realize who the culprit is.
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User Recommendation:
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I recommend them
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Resolution:
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Unresolved
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Also reported:
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Monetary damages:
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$0.00
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- Did you find this complaint useful?
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Yes (14)
No (19)
- Leave a comment
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Took More than I pledged without admitting the donation in any form
By: Sep 20, 2018On 9/17/2018 I made a donation of $3.00 with a 50 cent tip. Checking my bank statements the following day I find ActBlue had taken $53.00 out of my account. Numerous emails on their various website plus messages left at the only phone number available has netted no response.
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My demands:
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Want them to return the $49.50
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User Recommendation:
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I don't recommend them
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Resolution:
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Unresolved
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Also reported:
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Monetary damages:
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$49.50
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- Did you find this complaint useful?
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Yes (30)
No (4)
- Leave a comment
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Unauthorized charges
By: Sep 11, 2018You have been making unauthorized charges to my CitiVisa card in the last few months: 3 chrgs of $27.50 & 3 chrgs of $11.00; I want these unauthorized charges refunded to my account & no more charges made!
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My demands:
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Credit this amount back to my CitiVisa account
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User Recommendation:
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I don't recommend them
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Resolution:
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Unresolved
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Also reported:
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Phone:
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617-517-7600
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Monetary damages:
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$115.50
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- Did you find this complaint useful?
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Yes (29)
No (7)
- Leave a comment
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Charging Paypal account monthly without authorization
By: Aug 06, 2018I am assuming I made a donation initially to a political cause, but then without my knowledge or consent ActBlue.com began charging my PayPal account every month.
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My demands:
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I would like my money refunded
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User Recommendation:
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Stay away
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Resolution:
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Unresolved
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Also reported:
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Phone:
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617-517-7600
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URL:
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Monetary damages:
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$247.50
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- Did you find this complaint useful?
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Yes (51)
No (7)
- Leave a comment
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Recurring donations scam!!!
By: Jul 07, 2018😆 act blue-WARNING TO ANYONE DONATING TO ACT BLUE!
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I will not ever donate via ACT BLUE again, as it’s nothing but a big rip-off / scam!!
It has on several occasions turned my one time donation into a monthly recurring donation without my consent on my credit card!
And even after I requested my money back several times, they have not responded to me!
Please find another method of sending a payment and proof that this is a bonafide non-profit organization.
Thanks, but no thanks from a former contributor in Hawaii.
Sent from my iPhone-
My demands:
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1-apology 2- agreement to stop ripping off online donors
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User Recommendation:
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Stay away
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Resolution:
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Unresolved
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Also reported:
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Monetary damages:
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$500.00
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- Did you find this complaint useful?
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Yes (42)
No (4)
- Leave a comment
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Comments:
Nemo
Oct 28, 2020 2:44 AM
I have filed a “dispute claim” against ActBlue. My story mirrors, fragments of many others’ experiences. It all adds up to “theft by deception!” It’s unbelievable that this is not a “new scam” yet ActBlue is still active. This is just unbelievable and disheartening! I plan to file complaints with AGs, BBB, etc.
Suzanne
Oct 19, 2020 9:57 PM
About ten years ago, I made two small one-time donations to two congressional candidates through ActBlue. I didn’t check my credit card statement for several months but when I did, I saw that not only had ActBlue turned my onetime payments into monthly donations but they had been paying themselves for administrative costs associated with maintaining their organisation. I did not give them permission to credit my account with anything except the initial onetime payments. When I made my complaint they tried to convince me that I had given them permission and I was refused a refund. I did, however, put a stopover. My credit card and since then, I have refused to make donations through ActBlue. This is unfortunate because there is no other way to make quick and easy donations to the candidates I want to support. In my opinion, ActBlue is a corrupt organisation and the democratic party does us all a disservice by allowing it to continue as the fund raising branch for the party. CORRUPT. DISHONEST.
Debbie Mumma
Oct 17, 2020 12:35 AM
I'm running up against the same problem but for a different reason. No one calls back, no one emails back and a blank page shows up every time I try to stop my recurring charge. I'm calling the Better Business Bureau and slam dunking this POS company every place I can think of!
Byron Hall
Sep 29, 2020 9:33 PM
The RNC definitely is! The DEMS or as I refer to them the DimoKKKrats are the MOST unethical group around. Besides, I am tired of using YouTube and seeing that bonehead Biden and Stacey Abrams asking for money!
joseph
Sep 21, 2020 5:36 PM
Bunch of nonsense bs your spilling. I wouldn't surprised if act blue is just what it says, a conservative led initiative to act blue in the attempt to mislead blue voters into thinking they are supporting blue causes and candidates when in fact the money is being used and sent to republican causes.
Judgeforyourself37
Sep 06, 2020 7:17 PM
When I donate I do so via check and I send that check via USPS, never ever use your credit or debit card for an On Line donation.
Judgeforyourself37
Sep 06, 2020 7:14 PM
I follow two rules. 1. Do not answer any call if you do not recognize the number. If a friend or relative is calling to tell you that they have changed their phone number, they WILL leave you a message giving you their new number. 2. If you decide to answer an unknown number, DO NOT, I repeat. do not give them any information no matter how "legitimate they seem to be." The FBI will not call you. The IRS will not call you. Medicare will NOT call you. I have had umpteen calls from "Medicare" telling me that they "want to give me a a back, arm or leg brace that 'my doctor' ordered for me." When I decide to bait them I ask them the name of the doctor who "ordered that brace," inasmuch as none of my doctors is a orthopedic doctor, they hem and haw and say that the information is "private." Times are tough but those scammers never stop trying to scam the public out of their hard earned money.
Kerryman
Aug 23, 2020 5:56 PM
You and your fellow Trump fans/marks should wake up. Gullible? You got played by the NYC thief.
Kerryman
Aug 23, 2020 5:54 PM
Many entries sound like Donald-style attempts to sow chaos and doubt? Do I need new batteries?
robin
Aug 20, 2020 3:31 AM
you have good knowledge of actblue marxists - how did you acquire such precise experience, eh?
robin
Aug 20, 2020 3:26 AM
I think it is enough to email them for a refund without raising temp. I got mine pronto. r PS : we all miss the little square activated by default “ pay monthly”... next time , click on pay one time.
Cbla2376
Aug 13, 2020 11:37 PM
I was researching a comment made on Facebook yesterday about antifa.com taking you directly to the Biden/Harris website. Indeed it did and I tried to back out immediately but my fingers slipped and I accidentally hit the $100 donation. I do have my information saved to act blue because I would occasionally make very small donations to different candidates. I was stunned to realize the $100 came out of my account immediately. I went back to check act blue and found out that yes indeed it was sent to the Biden campaign but here's the thing. I had no intention of donating to anyone and I did not receive a confirmation that I had made a donation or anything. It was simply an in and out deal under the antifa.com and had nothing to do with the Biden campaign. I contacted my bank And they tell me I have to wait 5 days because I had already had an established relationship with act blue. That was this morning. I will be going back in the morning and contacting them and telling them about all of the complaints. I am finding them all over the web.
Nativesunshinestate
Aug 05, 2020 3:52 AM
#metoo
Judgeforyourself37
Aug 04, 2020 3:23 PM
We never, ever use a credit card On-Line to donate to any candidate. We have donated to Biden's campaign and will do so again, but via check, not a credit card. So, stop dunning us for money. Oh, BTW, do not ask people to make telephone calls for Biden or any Democrat, as everyone is receiving too many scam calls, that a call from any campaign will bring a negative response.
Joe White
Aug 04, 2020 12:37 PM
Works like the voting machines their supporting tech companies supplied. Defaults to Democrat across the board. Leave one blank, or vote someone else and then "go back" and it resets all votes to Democrat. Mail- out ballots pulling the same BS..Republicans getting DNC forms..they send them back requesting Republican..they get sent Democrat again..this is "permitted" warfare methodology for the New Marxist Democratic Party. Read up on what they believe is allowed for "your greater good" ..
Joe White
Aug 04, 2020 12:22 PM
Act Blue is simply the donation service used by the Democratic Party as it was set-up as their "Activism Arm" used for all DNC supported Activities such as BLM. So your donation may have eventually gone to your candidate. HOWEVER their methods, like their now admitted Marxist policies, are unethical. That is their tenant of Marxism- anything unethical, lying, cheating etc, is OK for the greater good of Communism- research it yourself. Their donation webwite works like their voting machines- default to all "Democratic" nominees. Leave one blank, or make a typo for a non-DNC and it reverts to The DNC member automatically..sounds like the "auto monthly donate" on their web site too...lol
June M
Aug 04, 2020 11:29 AM
Act Blue just charged my card 2 extra $15.00 charges on my account as well. They are sneaky, don't engage.
Kevin D
Jun 27, 2020 11:01 PM
dont donate to DemoRats they are all crimminals...
WRightStar
Jun 26, 2020 7:26 PM
Last fall I checked my cc-charges and found four monthly $25 charges to an off-shore Hispanic Rescue organization that neither I nor anyone in my household had knowledge of. These charges started in July 2019 and were not authorized. But my request to cancel and refund was rejected because "If you had not authorized these payments you would have cancelled them." Total nonsense! Since June 2019, I've never authorized a donation through ActBlue, but there were a few more false charges costing me less than $210.
wyyzerd
Jun 21, 2020 4:38 PM
They raised 20M dollars on the back of George Floyd and used 200K to bail out rioters and looters (they collected 3 times that in fees on these donations). Where's the rest? Since antifa is the majority of the people bailed out and they are designated a domestic terrorist group, is that fitting behavior of a 501c non-profit? I thought we seized funds from organizations that support terrorism.
Boomerful
Jun 07, 2020 12:13 AM
WHAT KIND OF DISHONEST SCAMMERS WOULD PURPOSEFULLY DECEIVE AN INNOCENT DONER BY AUTOMATICALLY DESIGNATING THE DONATION AS A REPEAT DONATION WITHOUT THEIR EXPLICIT PERMISSION? THAT IS STEALING! WHO DOES THAT? ACTBLUE.COM is nothing more than a progressive SCAMMER preying on gullible liberals. Wake up people.
Boomerful
Jun 07, 2020 12:05 AM
They are doing this service for Democrats. Like attracts like. You might want to educate yourself about the "NEW" Democrat party: Their ruthlessness. Their lies. Their crass over-take of the mainstream media. Do some deep research about them. Believe me, this is NOT your mother's Democrat party. The Chi-Comms have arrived (Chi-Comms also MASTERS IN THE COMPUTER FRAUD AND HACKING SPECIALTIES. They have professional offices FILLED with "employees" who work 24/7 hacking and stealing and ripping off American victims through the internet, the www.)
Boomerful
Jun 06, 2020 11:59 PM
I've never had this problem from the republican party.... Yes, they ask for money. (All politicians do) But I can easily fill out questionaire's without donating ANY money) Maybe there's some truth to the rumor that conservatives are more ethical.
Boomerful
Jun 06, 2020 11:55 PM
BUT WHY WAS THE 'BOX' CHECKED FOR REPEAT, MONTHLY DONATIONS IN THE FIRST PLACE?? Just a "computer" glitch? NOT.
Boomerful
Jun 06, 2020 11:53 PM
Regarding the liberal Democrat background of Actblue, it is not surprising that they're ripping off your account. I suggest you find out what STATE this scam is centered in - Then contact the Attorney General office of that state. I wish you best of luck getting your refund back from these scoundrels. Just Stay On It until you get satisfaction. (And, doesn't this TELL you something about the liberal left Democrats associated with Actblue?)
Tyler
Jun 03, 2020 1:07 PM
I’ve never had any problem with ActBlue. Every single app you download defaults to a recurring subscription unless you opt out. Act blue asks you directly before you submit a payment if you want to set up recurring donations, all you have to do is uncheck the box...this feels an awful lot like magas spamming false complaints to create uncertainty in the platform. I’m not saying definitively either way bc I can’t know for certain, and if you have had a problem, Im sorry, but I’ve had 100% SATISFACTION, great platform to donate directly to democratic candidates. Do your own hw folks!
Frederic de Javanne
May 24, 2020 2:30 AM
So you're the one.
Frederic de Javanne
May 24, 2020 2:29 AM
Class action lawsuit... proceeds to individual candidates.
glenda martin
May 23, 2020 2:17 AM
The blues are theives on the internet also. Go figure. The socialist only know how to steal our money or they can not get paid and be crooks at the same time. I noticed when I received their e-mail I said NO I would not vote for Biden that was the end so I said yes on my husbands and checked all no's it brought me to the begging for money page. Obviously all you people will vote for the liberal crooks so maybe you will wake up and their stealing from you is only the beginng.Go ahead and vote for the lying,cheating Democrats Sleepy Joe will never make it. I believe There are still enough patriotic citizens in the U.S.A. that still have common sense and will not let another Obama regime control our country. Every time he speaks he knows not what he says unless his wife is there to cover for him.Maybe she is our first female President. Can you remember Manchurian Candidate (the original)? Glenda C Martin
Janet Reynolds
May 18, 2020 1:40 PM
Act Blue posted a $1000 charge on my credit card which I did not make. Had to cancel my credit card.. Impossible to contact anyone. The phone is never answered at Act Blue. I will never donate again which is sad since we need to get rid of Trump.
James James Warwick
May 17, 2020 3:20 PM
Why does anyone have to do anything - First of all it is not easy. This is a fraudulent company and I have had numerous problems with them over the past several years. I have had to change my card numerous times, and somehow they are able to get my new account number and continue to charge my new account. I have complained to the AG of Massachusetts, but they are unwilling to do anything (since she also has an account with ActBlue). I have gone to ActBlue web site and it doesn't work. No one answers the phone and leaving a message doesn't get a response. This is so frustrating and the Democrats need to see this. I have complained to Bernie, and my congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, both beneficiaries of ActBlue, and they have done nothing. Bank of America and Visa have told me they have had tens of thousands of complaints about ActBlue. The only way I think they have infiltrated my card is from a check I sent recently. Now I am on their recurring payment for people I do not even know. This is fraud and the officers should be in jail. It makes me think twice about supporting Democrats.
Beverly Norman
Apr 29, 2020 11:06 PM
Before I discovered what my husband was doing, they added another $500 charge to the already $4,500 in charges to his charge account. Trying to find a way to stop the charges was a challenge since all the direction they gave for discontinuing the donations were deceiving. We change CC numbers and ask them to accept no more charges from actblue. You can not talk to a real person it is a recording that repeats itself on what they call a Costal Crossing service. I still don't know for sure we are out of the woods with them. I finally discover after going from their pages of instruction when "discontinuing" never appears, that you had to click on "OTHER" to get to any opportunity to discontinue the account.
Unhappy
Mar 09, 2020 3:41 PM
Act Blue sets its default to "recurring contribution." I've asked them multiple times to make this "opt in" instead of the default but without success. I've pretty much stopped using them and instead write checks directly to the campaign I'm supporting.
Cynthia Buskohl
Feb 19, 2020 6:27 PM
I’ve had the same problem with a $150 donation that I didn’t recognize & a $40 donation that went to a be wrong candidate. Their customer service does not return calls & emails are standard, probably robo replies, with no follow up. Is there any way to contribute to political candidates other than Act Blue? I’ve searched & searched but can’t find anything unless possibly mailing a check monthly via USPS.
MIMI Landry
Jan 25, 2020 7:08 AM
How do I get to my actblue account?
Jean Metcalfe
Jan 04, 2020 6:38 PM
I tried going into my ActBlue account and it said I was not signed up for any monthly donations; yet they have been charging my Discover card for the last 3 months. I tried calling them and left a message and they have never returned my call. I am going to dispute the charges with Discover and never again will I donate a single penny to anyone who uses Act Blue.
Alice J Nolan
Dec 23, 2019 8:15 PM
I also donated to a Democatic candidate....I thought! It was ActBlue and when I realized who and what they were doing I contacted my bank and had them blocked.
Susan M. Richman
Dec 18, 2019 1:09 AM
If you have never had a problem you are lucky. You seem to think those of us who have just aren’t paying attention. That isn’t the case. This is a very dishonest organization and they do a real disservice to Democrats. I have had multiple issues with them. The last time they simply charged my account a $250 a month recurring donation. I threatened to report them to the Texas attorney generals office and they reversed the charge. There are many online appeals that I would have contributed to if ActBlue wasn’t so unscrupulous so they are hurting Democrats.
Lynnetta Restrepo
Dec 09, 2019 6:05 PM
I did click donate once, but charged another amount and the phone # on cc statement was "disconnected/no longer in service" They are a scam using a fake phone #.I had to cancel my VISA and get a new card. I will NEVER donate thru actblue again.
Dee
Nov 08, 2019 12:20 AM
I agree completely. It’s a scam for donations if you are interested in the topic. I don’t do them any more off Facebook!
Liam Devine
Nov 06, 2019 11:10 AM
Hello, Sending probably my 5th or 6th email by now. I was told email was the fastest way to get a response... its now been four days... I have called several times. I don't understand why I have not even heard one word from you. I actually heard back from the Sanders campaign itself, and they told me that I would be able to get it back and gave me your number and email again. Im not sure if everyone in every ActBlue position is on holiday, but this is crucial to me, although maybe not to you. I am a non-working college student studying abroad, and I know am unable to go grocery shopping or do much else. I will keep emailing and calling everyday. Maybe I will have to make my Dad or partner just drive to your location in Boston and start banging down the doors. For such a large organization, I don't really see how this is happening. I know that those within the establishment are afraid of Bernie, so this should be even easier, as you have the opportunity to take money from him. Please respond and show that you actually care about people who have contributed to your site indirectly through donating to candidates. I not sure who else to contact, maybe the BBB... Please respond, or do anything for that matter Sincerely, Someone who has donated to you MULTIPLE times
JaneQPublic
Sep 11, 2019 2:10 PM
Well, you certainly took THAT out of context and jumped over the cliff of confusion! There is a HUGE difference between questioning a politician and the allegation that an entire election is 'fixed'. If an election is believed to be fixed beforehand, it discourages voters from voting at all and THAT most definitely erodes a democracy. BTW - My election work involved much more than 'checking off names at the polls'. And I do hope you continue to donate blood where it is needed. I have also done likewise.
sandialady
Mar 28, 2019 7:27 AM
You are right. It seems that most candidates only use ActBlue and I cannot find another way to donate. In 2016 they charged me for a monthly donation to the DCCC. I have never donated to the DCCC as I despise that organization. With the campaigns for the 2020 election already heating up, candidates need to find alternate ways to donate for those of us who will not use ActBlue.
sandialady
Mar 28, 2019 7:18 AM
This happened to me in 2016. My one time donation to Sanders became a monthly donation to the DCCC . If you use ActBlue just be sure and check your credit statements.
Inkognita5
Mar 20, 2019 5:15 AM
I did UNclick the recurring donation box but Act Blue still charged two additional donations (about two days apart--so not a monthly recurring) against my credit card. Act Blue doesn't answer their phone nor do they respond to email--clearly the sign of a scam operation. i disputed the charge through my credit card company who sympathized with me and said they've had a lot of complaints about Act Blue.
Phil Katz
Feb 27, 2019 5:32 AM
Act Blue is still at it; they seem (financially) addicted to the "default to make it monthly" scam. I know no other place in normal commerce or philanthropy where this is common practice. Twice, already, I've missed recognizing the default setting and "had my pocket picked" for 1-2 extra unintended donations pulled, before I knew it. Then had to go through whole process of complaining to credit card company to reverse the extra ones. I donate multiple 100's of $ monthly to (D) candidates of my choice. But these Act Blue Scammers need to be shut down and replaced with an outfit with ethical business practices.
Mac Coombs
Nov 15, 2018 9:25 PM
Was billed twice for donation and only received one receipt, so I know I didn't hit DONATE more than once. Won't donate again through them. Emailed directly and through website and no response. Left voice message, no response. No good reason for double charge. They think people don't look at their accounts? Shameful.
Bob
Oct 24, 2018 7:33 AM
#1 - it's pretty easy to ask for a refund from whichever entity you donated to, rather than dispute a charge through your credit card issuer. You could have tried that too. #2 - "they never would give me the total amount I donated in the primaries, which is an FEC requirement." ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??! It is in no way incumbent upon ActBlue to tell you how much money you've donated. Keep better track of your own finances. Seriously, what is wrong with people?
Amy
Oct 23, 2018 12:46 AM
DO NOT DONATE THROUGH THESE SCAN ARTISTS or YOU WILL REGRET IT. My father was also scammed by ActBlue to the tune of $117 per month, every month. This was through a total of 19 seperate contributions on 13 seperate days each month. It WAS NOT easy to cancel these on line. One was cancelled through their form and the others were not able to be cancelled. You can not reach anyone by phone and they do not respond to emails. Eventually I had him cancel the credit card and have the charges disputed as fraudulent. BEWARE!
bmorejoe
Oct 03, 2018 2:41 AM
Just talked with AB about this ko thing. Apparently the campaign sets the form up, including whether recurring is already checked - so complaints about the form should be directed at the campaign.
Jim Haguewood
Jul 13, 2018 5:34 PM
I agree, and have changed my recurring contribution to a one time only contribution several times. They change it very quick and respond with an email showing the change. I have used ActBlue numerous times and have had no trouble whatsoever with them. If you make a recurring contribution by error it can and will be quickly changed. When you get the email receipt from them it has an option near the bottom of the receipt to edit your contribution. It is simple to use and works well.
jjhman
Jul 03, 2018 4:01 PM
Since most Democratic candidates are using ActBlue I have a sneaky suspicion that these complaints represent a disinformation campaign against a primary source of Democratic funding.
Karen de la Carriere
May 07, 2018 8:02 PM
ActBlue has been fraudulently taking $25 a month out of my Paypal account for several months. I paid $25 to "Animals Facing Extinction" which is a front group that then places a recurring payment for ACTBLUE which is a political left wing party. Lucky for me, I am connected well with the fraud department of Paypal and 5 different complaints have been filed. These pleas to help animals need to be outed as fraud for the bait and switch that they are.
August Saunders
Apr 18, 2018 2:03 AM
I'm beginning to think that this isn't ACT Blue that's making these recurring charges. I have made some donations to ActBlue, but never recurring. When I went to the account it did not reflect the charges made to may account only the ones I know I authorized. My bank is great and is refunding me the money that was taken out. When I tried to email ActBlue with the email address they provided, it came back undeliverable. [email protected] Maybe it should be .org. I'll retry and send it as such.
Sharon Mackwell
Apr 02, 2018 6:17 PM
My problem has been resolved.
meyati
Mar 24, 2018 11:00 PM
I hate it. I get an Email to sign a petition or fill out a survey. One the submit page, they demand a donation. Not once do they say-Can't right now. I've been submitting for petitions and leaving the donation part blank. Some of them send me an email and say that I didn't finish the process. I think this is destroying the rank and file of the Democratic Party. Right now, I want to see how I'm paying-I'd like to donate, but need to check my info-
Doctor L
Mar 05, 2018 1:37 AM
Please post any information as to who received the funds, name, address or phone number. I will investigate and see to it that they wished they were ever born. They will rather hope drug dealers, the mob or icis got this info instead of me.
Doctor L
Mar 05, 2018 1:31 AM
What a scam, it made me realize only a far left mind can entertain. It came right after a message came up asking to wish Michele Obama a happy birthday, well its not the 4th or 5th of March its in Jan. What a Bogus scam. The FBI should nail this company to the wall with prison time at hard labor and repo of all assets.
James Mullen
Feb 09, 2018 12:45 AM
I donated a couple of times. Unchecked the box for recurring monthly payments, no problems. But I only do this through PayPal. Recently I went to donate, using PayPal and in each attempt I was sent to PayPal and in returning from PayPal I was turned down. An error occurred during your payment option, please use another credit card and try again, they say. That's OK with me. No way am I using some other means of donating. I use PayPal for most everything and never had an error using it. Something doesn't seem right. Besides I've never been bombarded with so many emails asking for more money. I'm unsubscribing to all of them, Act Blue, red to blue, green to purple, need, want, please.
GB
Feb 07, 2018 6:44 PM
I paid a $35. one time stop payment fee with my bank, the pending charge was stopped, and any future charges will be stopped . Also filed "Dispute" with my bank , they return money to my account in 10 days ,then the banks fraud department retrieves the money from ActBlue as an unauthorized charge.Then I filed a complaint with my states Attorney Generals' business fraud department. They mail you a form or you can fill out a complaint form online. Takes Time, but worth it. With enough complaints to the Attorney Generals across the U.S. could force action against ActBlue. They need to be shut down. GB
John Ewing
Feb 01, 2018 2:55 PM
Like all the rest ... I made a 250 donation to Ed Meier's campaign on Dec 31, clearly making sure it was indicated as one-time. Nonetheless, on Jan 31, another 250 donation popped up on my Paypal account. Disputed it with Paypal (they responded immediately). Wrote to Actblue to complain, but heard not a word back. Wrote also to Ed Meier's campaign, and heard nothing back as well. I now see that ACTBLUE does this regularly. It needs to get shut down. This will erode Democratic support .... maybe not enormously, but over time it will matter.
WnRedworth
Jan 24, 2018 3:52 PM
A democrat organization acting fraudulently? This is something new indeed.
Penny Brannon
Dec 20, 2017 6:21 AM
Well, I just found out ActBlue has been taking money from my Paypal for the whole year. I do not have an account with ActBlue. I made a one time donation for something, probably for some women's cause, but it turned in to a monthly donation. I always look at what I donate and how often, this was a one time donation. After reading the reviews, I realize they do this all the time. They hope that there is a person like me who doesn't check their paypal account every single day, so won't notice it. I'm not a happy camper. I cancelled this on paypal. I've lost money. Hopefully, they'll reimburse it. If not, they won't get any more money from me.
brt6735
Dec 19, 2017 9:09 PM
Just received my credit card statement and discovered that ActBlue had added 2 unauthorized campaign contributions for Doug Jones senate race. Apparently ActBlue gets your credit card number, they feel free to fraudulently add more contributions. (This was not a recurring contribution.) A search (unfortunately belated) of the internet shows numerous complaints about ActBlue's unethical business practices. Aside from contacting your credit card company to dispute the charges, scammed individuals should also file an online complaint form with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as well as with your state's Attorney General's Office. Just complaining on the internet is insufficient. You must notify the government agencies who have the legal authority to stop ActBlue's fraudulent practices.
Michaela Lauer Conover
Nov 05, 2017 6:27 AM
People like my mom and her husband did UNCHECK the recurring donation which ACTBLUE had pre-checked on the form. They had a little money taken at first a few times and they didn't really notice. All of a sudden their credit card showed thousands of dollars taken out. They have canceled their card(s), but are unable to contact anyone. The number they call has a recording that says they prefer you contact them by email and they ignore emails.
Speider Schneider
Oct 27, 2017 5:48 PM
Seven months later... what do you think now?
Larry C
Oct 22, 2017 2:36 PM
I donated $5.50 and got an email thanking me for my $200 donation. How does this happen? hmmm. Called my bank immediately and act blue will not see a penny from me again. Good bye.
Kilia
Oct 02, 2017 6:03 PM
If Actblue doesn't refund the un-authorized money they took from you, I recommend that you sue them!
Russell Popham
Jul 28, 2017 4:25 AM
There may be mistakes made, sometimes by the users themselves and sometimes by this organization, but I can say as someone who's used ActBlue for the past 6 years, that I've never had this problem, ever. Every donation I make is a one-time donation, and I've made literally dozens and dozens of contributions (at least 40, maybe 50) and in varying amounts from $5 to $100, and never had any problems at all.
vischimp
Jul 22, 2017 2:02 AM
Actblue charged me over six hundred dollars over 6 months. One $30 contribution somehow exploded into recurring bills of $55, $20.90, $30, 16.50. I finally noticed it after 5 months when I saw in one month's billing $55 billed three times, $20.90 billed twice, $16.50 billed twice. I have I finally got them to respond and they said they would refund half, but could not do the rest because it was more than 90 days..Even if we had clicked recurring there is no way the other charges should have hit over and over again...
Paul Kemnitzer
Jun 15, 2017 10:33 PM
The same thing has happened to me. Made on $25 donation plus $2.50 tip to ACT Blue and hit NO when asked if wanted to make it monthly. Then I see they've made two $27.50 charges over fist two weeks of June. Call your bank and report it as fraud and have your debit card cancelled. Bank will send you a new card and credit your account and challenge ACT Blue on the charges. Also, go to actblue.com/cc and follow the instructions to look up a donation and see what your donation setting is. They had set mine to weekly until June 20 (although I no longer trust them so wouldn't be surprised if they continued), and click on option to cancel monthly donation. You should receive a confirmation email which you should keep. Will never donate to them or through them ever again!
stickist
Jun 08, 2017 7:35 PM
This kind of UI design is the hallmark of a shady, but "legal" operation. They intentionally designed the weekly thing to be hard to see. ALL such "automatic payment" things must be opt-IN, not opt-OUT, in any ethical operation. The more I read here, the more I realize they are absolutely not safe, and while probably just on this side of the "Fraud" line, it is by design, intentional, and I hope soon some AGs will pay attention to this scam.
stickist
Jun 08, 2017 7:16 PM
Have your credit card company cancel the card and issue a new one. Actblue is incredibly unethical now.
stickist
Jun 08, 2017 7:15 PM
EXACT same, and when I wrote to them, they ignored my complaint itself, focusing only the fact the account they drained was now empty, saying they turned off the weekly (unauthorized) debits, and now everything should be just fine, right? It was about the most incredible, purposely fake and obviously gaslighting thing I'd seen from a business. They are not ethical. All such repeat donations have to be opt-IN for any ethical purpose. Actblue is NOT such an ethical company, and judging by the other reports here, this is a common thing. I can only wonder how many who do not know where or how to report are being scammed right now. Millions of dollars, if this tiny sample is any indication.
stickist
Jun 08, 2017 7:07 PM
That's nice, but all such should be opt-in, never opt-out. It is highly unethical to do otherwise, and Actblue has shown they are exactly that - unethical.
stickist
Jun 08, 2017 7:06 PM
I also had this happen on a debit card. Without my knowledge, for Ossoff's campaign (which desperately seeks money in the most expensive campaign of its type, ever), they started taking weekly $25 payments, with NO notice to me. It only stopped when the approx. $300 in the account was drained, and I got a "we had a problem with your card" email. When I sent them an email demanding the funds back, they wrote, essentially, "Thank you for the money, we won't be taking any more (now that your account is empty)". Gaslighting, bullshit, and highly unethical.
SbirdScott
Apr 26, 2017 4:03 PM
I agree...Act Blue used to ask you if you wanted recurring or not...no longer...I am closing my account with them. I am really angry over this crap..I did print out my Contribution Summary...so I will do what I can to stop this scam. Also, you will not talk to a real person when you call
PH_factor
Apr 24, 2017 8:14 PM
Same problem. Gave them one time donation and they made it recurring. Reported it as a scam.
Speider Schneider
Apr 12, 2017 11:00 PM
Oh, please. Have you not witnessed what has gone on since the debates? Erode our democracy by questioning politicians? It's a patriot's duty to question politicians and the system. That's why we have checks and balances built into our government. And don't volunteer as an expert because you volunteered to check off names at the polls. I volunteer to give blood but it doesn't make me a fountain.
Speider Schneider
Apr 12, 2017 10:57 PM
Because I had to try instead of facing what we have now. Unfortunately, like the DNC treason against Sanders, the democrats have fallen flat as a party.
Lee Fierman
Apr 11, 2017 9:40 PM
If you think that they are "fixed", why in the world would you donate to any candidate? DUH!!
Peggy Craft McFarland
Mar 26, 2017 4:51 PM
Same thing happened to me. Act Blue has refunded a portion of the money. I am going to call Maura Healey.
Kerm Jensen
Mar 25, 2017 8:59 PM
This seems to be their business model. On their website I cancelled future charges and emailed a demand for a refund.. If they do not respond in 24 hours I'll charge it back via the card company and file a complaint with my state attorney generals office (in Oregon they actually keep track of complaints), the campaign I intended a single donation to, FEC, etc.
Harry Bunting
Mar 20, 2017 1:24 AM
They don't want you to see the area of "their" website that allows them to charge you every month. Your best bet is to have you CC company deal with these SCAMMERS. They got about $1000 from me and did it by charging me $375, $300 and multiple $3, $5, $10. I got back the $375 and ALL monthly contributions. I am now working on the $300. I do not recommend ACTBLUE for anything, you actually don't know if ACTBLUE is giving your money to the organization you are interested in giving money too. There is a "large" book that lists all charity organizations and how good they really are. ACTBLUE is NOT high on the list.
Barb
Mar 14, 2017 5:19 PM
I have just tried to do just that and when I went to the candidates sight and clicked on donate it went directly to ActBlue! I have to research on how to donate directly but it sure should be easier than this.
Barb
Mar 14, 2017 5:15 PM
I also received a thank you for a monthly donation! I knew I hadn't checked anything so went back to donation page and really looked and saw a line for monthly donation with a checkmark in it. Now, I try to be thorough, but missed that! It was in smaller print and the checkmark was a VERY light grey and easy to miss. I guess the thank you was at least a warning but I usually open them and check the amount and file it. I was lucky all the way around but the practice felt deceptive to me. I went in and changed it to a one time donation and sent a message through "contact us". I never received a reply which also speaks volumes to me. I live on SS and don't have a whole lot of money to donate and it was only $3, but I still feel they'd get a lot farther with honesty.
Em McCarthy
Mar 13, 2017 9:54 PM
How nice for you.
Em McCarthy
Mar 13, 2017 9:53 PM
I had the same thing happen and I could not get it to stop. It took me months to stop it and during that time I had to dispute numerous unauthorized charges to my credit card. Also, they never would give me the total amount I donated in the primaries, which is an FEC requirement.
catcookie
Mar 01, 2017 2:37 PM
They have been charging my account since november. I've been trying to get them to stop it was only a one time donation.
Greensleves
Jan 30, 2017 8:30 PM
Twice this month, one on the 22nd and just today they have taken money out of my credit card account! They ARE a sham! I have called and left a message and have e-mailed them twice w/o a reply. I think now I will turn them into the BBB. I don't like any organization taking advantage of me and especially in a fraudulent way.
joneshello
Jan 14, 2017 5:00 PM
Go into your ActBlue account and unclick the box that gives monthly donation permission. It's easy. Make sure whenever you donate to any cause that the box is not checked. They all give the choice. I've donated through actblue several times and have never had a problem.
CurtisF
Dec 05, 2016 8:57 PM
I had the same thing happen twice, the last time just today (12/5/2016). I intended to give 2 one-time donations to a friend's (ultimately successful) bid for Congress. Both were generous gifts (in excess of $1000), and both times ActBlue turned them into a monthly gift.
JaneQPublic
Oct 22, 2016 9:25 AM
PLEASE do not erode our democracy by making such unsubstantiated allegations. I have worked the polls and I know what the procedures are. Elections are NOT 'fixed', despite what some notorious 'sky-is-falling' douche proclaims for the sake of scaring people into voting for him.
JaneQPublic
Oct 22, 2016 9:21 AM
Yep - ActBlue did the same thing to me a few days ago. Fortunately, I spotted that in the reciept they sent and IMMEDIATELY cancelled the 'recurring' designation. Tonight, I made a small donation to a candidate's campaign - SPECIFICALLY stating the total amount was to go to that candidate alone. When I got my receipt, I see that ActBlue SPLIT it between the candidate and a PAC. I immediately sent ActBlue an email protesting this MISAPPROPRIATION of my donation. I also sent a notice to the PAC telling them what ActBlue is doing and asking them to NOT use ActBlue. I will donate - but ONLY through a trustworthy venue. ActBlue is NOT TRUSTWORTHY from my experience.
skipedw
Aug 09, 2016 10:11 PM
Same problem here, too. I closed my ActBlue account as far as I can determine.
4Catz in Metro Detroit
Jul 20, 2016 4:17 PM
Never had any problems
Speider Schneider
Jul 15, 2016 10:46 PM
Same problem. In donating to several different candidates (so I was quite familiar with the system), one donation "flashed" past the "make it monthly" and BINGO! I was charged every month for six months. While I do support the candidate and the amount was small before being caught, I will be closing my ActBlue account. Besides... the elections are fixed.