So, y'all heard of the HCI Direct - Silkies Pantyhose scam?

[xiphias]

There's this company. Sends you (well, Lis, anyway) a FREE TRIAL pair of pantyhose. Then they keep sending you pantyhose and insist that you pay for it -- at a pretty annoying price.

So, we just ignored it, because, according to the FTC, if a company sends you unsolicited merchandice, you get to keep it and don't have to pay.

We continued to ignore it.

Eventually, we got a thing from a collections agency, RMCB. So, Lis doublechecked to make sure that Silkies was a known scam -- it is, the FTC website refers to it specifically -- and I found the collection agency's website at http://www.retrievalmasters.com/

I found their phone number there, and their toll-free phone number, 800-666-8097

I called them, and got connected to a customer service agent. It took a while for her to find the account, because they "keep the pantyhose ones in a separate system." I got the impression that they feel that that's not really part of their REAL business. I told her that we had no intention of paying, because the FTC says we don't have to, she asked what state we lived in and for our zip code, I gave it to her, and she said, "Okay, disregard the letter, have a nice day."

Don't pay for Silkies - HCI Direct merchandise. It's a scam.

Comments

[undauntra.livejournal.com]

You might want to check to be sure it's not on your credit record.

[msmidge.livejournal.com]

How bizarre. A pantyhose scheme?

[ladyrage.livejournal.com]

so basically i can just get a whole bunch of free pantyhose? hehe. I wonder if those "buy 1 get 12 free" cd offers are a scam too. Because they keep sending you stuff after your initial order. hmmm.

BMG is better at this stuff than HCI is. . .

[xiphias.livejournal.com]

The record clubs don't fit like that, because they're really clear about what you're agreeing to do if you buy 1 get 12 free. (and, for the record, that's how we got most of our CDs. . . they can be a very good deal if you're careful and know the tricks)

The thing with Silkies is that they're downright deceptive about what they say that you have to agree to, and what they say you DID agree to, afterwords.

I enjoy these Panty hose

[(Anonymous)]

I have been a customer of this company for approximately 8 years --- It is a convenient way to KEEP hose in stock and have never been treated ugly by them ---- Thanks for listening to a GOOD WORD! Mary Blankenship

Re: I enjoy these Panty hose

[xiphias.livejournal.com]

I'm somewhat curious as to how you found my journal.

Glad to know I am not the only one!

[(Anonymous)]

Found this site when I went to Google and typed in HCI Direct to complain to the company directly for their unethical tactics! Was happy to know that it was an established fact and not just my "witchy" side taking over. My only regret is that I sent the darn things back and paid for the postage. Not interested in being reimbursed for postage but would like to know how to stop this maddness and make sure they NEVER send me another thing. Thanks.

Re: Glad to know I am not the only one!

[(Anonymous)]

Sorry, should have signed the above message! Farley

[(Anonymous)]

I got up early this am to write something scathing to Silkies stinking Pantyhose regarding the package I received. Yes in a moment of weakness I sent in for the "free sample", got them,hated them,threw them away. Now I have a bill for 13.96 and am mad as hell. I just got my credit in good condition and I'll be damed if I am going to lose that over PANTYHOSE!! So you say don't pay? Call the 800#? Did doing that stop the little -----? So glad I saw your link.

Experience with mysilkies.com

[(Anonymous)]

As you, I replied to an offer and sent for and received free Silkies - then received unwanted, additional Silkies and collection letter. I tried to settle by calling the collections agency, RMCB, but no luck since RMCB has no account on my behalf - yet. Later, I found the website and the toll free number (1-877-745-5437). I talked to a customer service representative and let her have cleared my account. She promised to cancel my account and not to send any more products, she assured me not to have to pay nor to send back the products already received.
Ursula

Re: Experience with mysilkies.com

[(Anonymous)]

Well, thanks to the original poster, I solved this problem in about 10 minutes! The lady Tina #18 said i should disregard it.. i will be removed. I didn't get collection calls or anything. This was my first shipment. But I called the collections person anyhow. I made note on the invoice and filed it away just in case for the future. THANK YOU!! Laura

Love My Silkies....

[(Anonymous)]

I have purchased hose from Silkies for over 20 years. The company is very reputable and I have never had a problem or been treated rudely from any representative. I also knew, though, upon requesting the free pair that a decision would have to be made whether to remain a member or cancel. I made the first move in requesting the free pair, just as all of you did. Difference is I enjoy the convenience of not ever being without hose and home delivery. They have many styles, colors and sizes to choose from, not just the free sample type. And a small consolation is that part of the money I spend on hose can be redeemed for nice gifts. Just wanted to put in a good word among all the derogatory. Remember, buyer beware. Nothing is truly free. It will at least cost you a little time and effort. Thanks for listening.

Re: Love My Silkies....

[(Anonymous)]

It's not a matter if you love your silkies or not. This company is sending out little cards in the mail asking people if they would like a free pair of hosiery. They never state that they will send additional pairs of that you will have to pay for your pair that is suppose to be free. The hosiery is good quality, but it's their poor business tactics that is making people complain about them. They don't even offer a phone number to call about your account that you never even asked for. This is a very shady business and it doesn't look like they will be in business much longer if they keep this up.

Another recipient of the panty-hose scam

[(Anonymous)]

Just wanted to say that upon receiving these things, my wife told me and I looked up the issue on the internet.
I got in touch with the collection agency even though they had not yet gotten that far with me.
They said they are not going to even attempt to collect on this account. I can only assume that they have gotten so many complaints about this that they are dismissing any issues from this client of theirs.

That having been said, I think the best thing to do if anyone receives these so-called "free" panty-hose is to immediately report it with the Better Business Bureau if you can. Also call the Collection Agency to make sure they know about you. Every additional complaint they get is one step closer to them dropping these HCI people as a client.

You can reach them at 800-666-8097.

Best of luck all.

PS - in the event of a class action suit, making this phone call also helps to get you on the record. There is a website (do a google search for HCI direct - first hit) where a law firm is collecting names for a class action law suit. Put your name and phone number on their records so they can make a case against these HCI bozos.

Re: Another recipient of the panty-hose scam

[(Anonymous)]

I used to get Silkies on a regular basis when I worked as a waitress back in 1982-1984. It was a very convenient way to be sure I always had hose on hand. By the way the Silkies hose are excellent, only Amway's are better, (but their's are also a little more expensive). The "regular" basic pantyhose that Silkies sells is nowhere near as good as the Silkies.
Recently, I have joined them again when I needed hose and trouser socks for my last job. Their trouser socks blow away the brand I was buying in the store. No more pulling them up all day!
One has to JOIN Silkies, or HCI direct to get the hose. To get the free pair, one must (usually) mail a postcard for their offer, or you can join on line. Right on the postcard it says that when they send the free pair, they will also send more pairs of their regular hose at the normal price, but you will be charged only for the accompanying pairs, and that they will then send hose every four to six weeks( I forget which). It also says that if you do NOT want the other "non-free" hose, you may return it and there is NO obligation.
If you send for anything free, you MUST check the conditions! If you send for a magazine, the subscription will start, and you will be expected to pay for the rest of the year as well, to name a more common sales ploy. Are you suing Good Housekeeping as well?
READ people, READ! This is the only way to avoid these surprises! I cannot believe that in this day and age, there are still people who have not heard that you can't get something for nothing! Or that if something sounds too good to believe, it IS! There is NO free lunch!
Think about this for five seconds! If you were trying to get people interested in subscribing to a pantyhose delivery service, and you were giving away free hose to do it, how would you go about it?! Like the magazines do? Or just hope for more business?? How will you pay for the free hose and the mailing? Companies and the people who run them are not rich, they BECOME rich because of smart marketing plans!!!!!
I think I'll start a company..................

Follow-up

[(Anonymous)]

One last thing - when I called the collection agency, all I had to do is tell them my wife's name, and they already had the address.

Hmmmm.... now how could that be, considering we only received the package yesterday! I think this tells me that the company is just sending the products out, and then immediately listing the recipient with the collection agency. Which means this is definitely a scam because if it was a legitimate business, they would not be referring to the collection agency the same day they send out the package!

[(Anonymous)]

?

[xiphias.livejournal.com]

Yes?

Silkies Pantyhose

[(Anonymous)]

HCI Direct Inc. PA Better Business Bureau Rap Sheet:
http://www.easternpa.bbb.org/report.html?compid=W80000933

Here is a letter I sent:
To:HCI Direct Inc.

Well - I'll be quick as I am sure your in-box is flooded with these.
I'd hate to be a Customer Service Rep for your company.

My wife ordered a free sample of your nylons and of course, like
thousands of other "customers" received an invoice for product she never
ordered. The artificial account number is: 103280872-1. A quick search
of the internet revealed that your scam is epidemic. The Eastern PA
Better Business Bureau file on HCI reads like a rap sheet.

Nevertheless:

1) Remove us from your database
2) We expect to receive no further direct solicitation for products
under the HCI Direct Inc. name or entities
3) We expect to not be contacted by any collection department or agency
representing HCI Direct Inc.
4) If we receive any correspondance other than confirmation of my
requests, you will be contacted by our attorney.

As a company operating in the United States, please stop screwing your
fellow Americans.

Regards,

Re: Silkies Pantyhose

[(Anonymous)]

I have many pairs of silkies hose, I just love them and I'm a guy. I wear them every day to school and to my part time job at McDonalds in Tallahassee, Florida. I have been wearing pantyhose since age 6 now I'm 17. No my mom does not know, she would whip me bottom red if she knew I was a nancy boy.

Praise God for silkies.

6 simple steps to stop HCI Direct from ever bothering you again

[(Anonymous)]

Here's what you do:

1)don't call -- email so you have a copy. E-mail them at mysilkies@silkies.com and cc a copy to pcropora@silkies.com

2) Place in your subject line " Legal Notice to IMMEDIATELY Cease and Desist"

3) write the following in the body of your email, as the facts fit your case:

To whom it may concern,

My name is _________ __________ and although I contend I have no lawful Silkies account, you have assigned me the following number ________________.

Please cease sending me -- and attempting to collect for -- merchandise I didn't order. You are attempting to collect an invalid and unlawful debt.

Your actions are in violation of PA state Unfair Trade Practices law and several federal laws which may already include the FCRA.

Upon receipt of this email, you must cease reporting any derogatory credit information until the validity of the alleged debt is confirmed.

I intend to report your actions to your state attorney general, the FTC, and other law officials and regulatory agencies . Furthermore, I intend to seek private right of action in this matter by contacting attorneys representing consumers in class fraud actions. Needless to say, remove me from your marketing list.

(closing to email)

4) Keep your copy of the email should they continue trying to shake you down.

5) I'd check out the attorneys trying to put together a class action suit: http://www.girardgibbs.com/hci.html. There's an online form you can fill out and submit to them. (NO I don't work for that firm, I was just burned bad by HCI Direct like the rest of you and discovered too late what to do.)

6) If you still want to do something after all that, you can also file a complaint with your state attorney general, or PA's state attorney general since HCI Direct is domiciled in that state. You can also complaint to the FTC, but basically they wait until they get enough complaints from the separate states.

HCI Direct

[(Anonymous)]

My perspective on HCI Direct and its new name "Silkies" is that it's kind of like a book club. They send you a book and want you to pay for it unless you do something to the contrary.

However, in defense of them--I have been using their pantyhose for over 15 years and find them to be the best-fitting, best wearing pantyhose I have ever found. Everyone's body is different, but I have been using them for many years and do think their product is excellent.

Like anything "free" you sign up for, you have to read the fine print.

Re: HCI Direct

[(Anonymous)]

WHATEVER-THERE WAS NOT FINE PRINT!!!

Wow

[(Anonymous)]

I find all of this extremely interesting. I've been ordering from HCA or Silkies for about 10 years. I was just looking for their HCI Direct site to cash in my certificates that I'd earned and was brought to this string of postings. (BTW, several years ago I purchased a really great high-chair for my niece with these certificates.) I'm not saying that some of you may not have been affected by somekind of marketing scam or something, but my own personal experience is that they have always been really great with me. It is a contract that you engage in when you send for the free pair of hosiery. If you don't want to join, then send the rest back....geesh.

Re: Wow

[(Anonymous)]

where where where do we send them to? I am glad that you had a good experience, that is your choice to do business with them. I however refuse to perpetuate their business of scaming people and damaging credit by falsifying information...these are all abhorrent business practices...

fyi

[(Anonymous)]

i know that this is a scam because i never order anything from them and they sent me panty hose and when i came to this web page and seen that i'm not the only one it made me feel better and then i called rmcb and the cust scv rep also told me to disregard the notice but also keep in mind that rmcb is not responsible for what there client do. when i called i was very upset with the cust scv rep and was nasty to her but i had to calm down because she was just doing her job like i have a job to do. so just don't take your anger out on the collection agency remember there just doing there jobs again they are NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THERE CLIENT.

thank you
2222me

HCI Pantyhose

[(Anonymous)]

I called the 800-666-8097 number and they told me they couldn't find my account number. My number is nine digits with a dash and then another number and for whatever reason they don't "keep those accounts in their database". The service person said that I needed to send a letter to RMCB asking them to stop sending these pantyhose and clear my account. Also the 877-745-5437 number I got from a post above is always busy.

What I did was send an email to mysilkies@silkies.com asking them to close my account like someone posted above. The cced address in that post is invalid now (I believe that's the email of the president).
Here is the address you write to to stop these stupid bills:

RMCB
2269 South Sawmill River Road
Elmsford, NY 10523

Scam

[(Anonymous)]

I do agree that this is a scam... My wife just recieved a bill in her maiden name, something she hasn't used for 3 years now, now why on earth would that happen??? Heck she would have been happy to pay if she had requested, let alone recieved pantyhose from them. The bill for 13.96 just showed up out of the blue

silkies pantyhosed- emphasis on the word ...HOSED PART 1

[(Anonymous)]

WANT TO KNOW HOW I FOUND THIS WEBSITE? BECAUSE MY MOTHER IN LAW HAS BEEN A VICTIM OF THE SILKIES SCAM, AND BECAUSE BY THE WAY...IF YOU RETURN OR ATTEMPT TO RETURN THE STOCKINGS....YOU ARE IN FOR QUITE A RIDE. After ignoring the notice we got for the free trial, we received the big bill and the free pair of knee highs. We attempted to send the package via UPS to a PO BOX in Philadelphia,you can't send a tracked package to a box. Thus, the adventure I call-what is your address?I looked up HCI Direct on the internet which pulls up no real address but about 50 scam alerts for their company.I read through and find this article about the direct mail scam and the FTC. Then I begin looking up the name HCI Direct in verizon site.I started with PA because PO Box is in PA. I find also an address in Lancaster SC. The first phone call I make is to Benslam PA-215.244.9600 where I reach Marie, I give her my mother in law's account information. I told her we did not order this, I want it cancelled, please give me a direct address to send this to. Marie at extension 284 advises me to send them to 1592 Silkies Blvd in Lancaster South Carolina. I look that address up both on the UPS shipping site and the Map Blast site, Map Quest, and another database that the telecom industry uses to verify phone number to location. That address does not exist according to three major mapping sites. I call Marie back. She advises me that they have been shipping to this address for years. I tell her I can't verify it is there another address or a telephone number that I can use to verify the address.

Panty HOSED part 2

[(Anonymous)]

After a few minutes of hmming and hawing.. she says "oh my, that address is 1792 Silkies Blvd and she changes the zip code from 29722 to 29720 ..an honest mistake right? SURE>she wants to get off the phone but I ask her politely to please hold while I veryify that address-OH MY SHOCKING>>>that is not a valid address either.I get a phone number for the location-803.283.6800 where I reach Iris...who is a worker for a textile plant, they do not "disclose" their address, but verify that the two that I have are incorrect. They do not answer with anything near Silkies or HCI direct, but Iris thinks that the textile plant might manufacture the stockings-she gives me a# for SILKIES-800-989-3695;not one of these phone numbers or addresses is ANYWHERE on the many invoices or 5000 pieces of additional mail in the SILKIES MAILER.I call the 800 number, and hold for about 10 mins. I imagine because they inundated with many irate people who have received a huge bill for products they did not order-Anyhow, I go back to another number I find on the internet-215.244.9990 where I reach Karen.I explain my situation to Karen who tells me that I can send the pantyhose to the address in Lancaster where I explain to her that I cannot. She swears I can, but then I mention how I found the information for her company on the Federal Trade Comission website...and how I can't evidently send the merchandise to a PO BOX and get a signature of their receipt...I also point out that I can't send merchandise to an address that does not exist, an anonymous address that IRIS will not give out, and I prefer to send it directly to the address-HCI Direct Inc 3369 Progress Drive, Bensalem, PA 19020 which is at (215) 244-9990. Karen won't give me her extension, or accept the package...in fact she says she can send me shipping labels to save me the shipping fees! WOW THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN USEFUL TO ME TO BEGIN WITH< and would have save Marie time when I reached her at extension 284!>(this is also listed on the bill that states you can send them the receipt for shipping if you return the merchandise and they will refund you the shipping cost-Halleluja! Where the hell do I send it?)OH YEAH!I CANT>THE ADDRESSES DON'T exist. At any rate, I ask Karen to speak with her supervisor and a name and address, I repeat the 3369 address..she is befuddled how did I get that address, I explained again my search on the internet, my visit to the Federal Trade Comission website, and GLORY BE>...Karen tells that that is not the address, tells me I am welcome to keep the merchandise free of charge and that the account has been cancelled out! I explain again that I do not want the merchandise, and I do not want to see my mother in law's credit damaged by this, I emphasise that I will be checking to make sure, and that I will contact a lawyer if this is the case! What a surprise...the merchandise can be kept free of charge! WOW-Why then did I receive a bill-Karen apologizes, recommends that I donate the hose to charity,and disconnects the call.(Probably a last ditch effort to save herself from the firey pit of hell for lying for that company.) Now that I have ranted and editorialized, if any of you stuck with me...here is my point.... If you have been victim to this, please, feel free to use any of the addresses and phone numbers listed above. I imagine, after enough complaints and enough of the "You are welcome to keep the merchandise for free" maybe they will go bankrupt and quit scamming the poor unfortunates that actually believe you can get something for free. IF YOU ARE AN EMPLOYEE OF SILKIES OR HCI DIRECT...the world is desperate for jobs, but if you lay down with swine...well, we all know what you get. KARMA BABY KARMA>..MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE...maybe someone will give you their "FREE" silkies that were donated by HCI DIRECT.

Re: Panty HOSED part 2

[(Anonymous)]

Hilarious post! A little hard to follow however. I take it the bottom line is: call, write, send them a message, cancel your account, keep the damn pantyhose and let them take their lumps for practices unbecoming a legitimate biz in the good ol' US of A. Like you said, Karma baby! They're in for a world of hurt and frustration. BUMMER!

SILKIES PANTIES FOR FREE

[(Anonymous)]

WHERE DID YOU CALL TO CANCEL THAT THINK. I JUST ACCEPT A FREE PAIR AND NOW I RECEIVED A LETTER THAT I WILL RECEIVED MORE AND I WILL NEED TO PAY IT. THEY DO NOT EVEN PUT A PHONE NUMBER TO CALL.

Re: SILKIES PANTIES FOR FREE

[xiphias.livejournal.com]

800-666-8097

I can't remember WHERE we found the number.

Silkies panty hose

[(Anonymous)]

I have worn Silkies panty hose for years. You get what you order. In order for you to get the free pair, you or someone else must submit your name and address to the company. If you don't want to receive further hosery orders you must notify the company.

Re: Silkies panty hose

[(Anonymous)]

Ya, you must notify the company, but where the heck do you notify them? They give you a bill with a phony address and no phone number to call. What kind of lagitamate company sends you anything without a 1-800 number to call in case there are any problems? Not one that I am aware of besides the phony "SILKIES" company. I rather go to the store and buy a pair of panty hose, thank you very much!!!

THANK YOU

[(Anonymous)]

Hello,
I am writing to thank the people who took the time to post this site! I also had the same thing happen to me. I was very upset to find no phone number on the billing statement, so I decided to go online and try to find a phone number for this phony company called SILKIES!! It was to my humor that I found all these scam sites about this company. I was glad to see that there was a phone number to call and get the situation all straightened out. I'm just glad I acted on it right away!! So thank-you to who ever made this website supplying me with a number to call so that they wouldn't also steal my money!!!