The College Network-collecting sales tax

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Jun 27, 2008

i got one a couple of weeks ago... in the trash it went along with everything else from tcn....

chaxanmom · Jun 27, 2008

i got one a couple of weeks ago... in the trash it went along with everything else from tcn....

yeah i'm thinking that's what i would do with it too. if they didn't collect sales tax umpteen years ago then that's sorta on them, not you. still have your contract with the dollar amounts on it? keep it in case they try to pursue this. you agreed to a certain amount, i could be wrong but i don't think they can come in later and make you pay more for their mistake. nice try though.

CSLee3, ASN, BSN, LVN, EMT-P · Jun 27, 2008

YOU GO SPADEQUEEN!!!

Those people should be in jail for extortion. Crazy pricing, crazy interest and taking advantage of people. I am glad I used Chancellors when I was in EC. Yes, I paid a lot of money but at least it was interest free and I have the week long careplan practice lab in Indy, paid for. BTW, it was awesome week and really prepared me. I know Chancellors and the like aren't for everyone, but the difference between them and TCN is you know what you getting with them at half the cost of TCN and no interest. PLUS they send you a book at a time, whereas TCN sends them all up front so they can say you have all the "merchandise" not "pay up". What jerks. I hope the taxmax gets them soon!

How is YOUR Studies going SPADEQUEEN? Hang in there. One of my Pals, TraciLVN is in Racine today! Wish her luck. I taught her "everything" she knows...LOL

ERDude,RN:clown:

bockwich · Nov 2, 2008

I see that I am not alone. My notice went into the trash also, but now I have received a notice from a collection agency saying I have been turned over for unpaid debts. How can I protect myself? I already have felt ripped off by TCN since I signed up, have 3 more payments to go and have never used them. I only kept paying because I said I would when I signed the contract. Everyone I know that signed up experienced the same thing, after signing up they claimed after re-evaluation they had to add an extra course, and of course more money. A lot of my friends just quit paying them, but I did honor my committment. This is how they repayed me.

I could gripe on and on, but I guess my main question is this, is anyone starting a class action suit against this and how do I get onboard?

Thanks..Mike in texas

TLAandy · Nov 4, 2008

I have the TCN books, have not received anything like this. I have also not had any problems using the materials. Nothing added later after a "re-evaluation." Guess I am the exception to the rule. I loved their material, it was sooo easy with their study guides, almost felt like I was cheating, I have 3.86 with EC, thanks to them. I didn't use any other resources. Hope I don't get something in the mail. Guess I will be looking at my contract also!!! :mad:

chaxanmom · Nov 4, 2008

I got a re-evaluation letter. I just emailed and told them no thank you. I didn't have any problems. They have to have your consent to add another product on anyway. :)

What exactly are you planning on suing them for?? The sales tax deal?

bockwich · Nov 4, 2008

I must say there have been some good responses to my post.

I probably just spouted off too much about suing them, which would probably cost me more than the amount they are trying to add.

As for re-evaluating and adding more to my account, I never authorized anything. I just got a letter stating they had added it per their rights as decribed in the contract.

Also they have turned me over to a collection agency who is hounding me now and hurting my credit reputation, which believe it or not, I try to protect.

After posting on ripoffreport.com I have since discovered there are many more people this is happening to and a class action suit is in probably in the works for Texas residents who are being charged this fee for years of College Network's billing mistakes. If it happens I will jump on the bandwagon.

I am sorry to admit this but I am being petty and I know it, I could give up and pay them. I just don't believe companies should be able to make up the rules as they go and decide 3 years later they are going to make you pay more. This has become personal for me. I discovered their approach was not right for me in the beginning, but they would not let me out, so I honored my committment and payed the notes for 3 years. All but the first book are still sitting in a closet unopened and I want nothing further to do with these people but to pay my last 3 notes and be rid of them. The thought that they are still reaching out to get me for more money irks me.

I fully expect some of you will think I just have a problem and should pay them and get over it. You are probably right I will admit, I just cannot find it in myself to do it.

I apologize to all of you for ranting and raving, thank you for listening.

caliotter3 · Nov 4, 2008

Why am I not surprised?

chaxanmom · Nov 4, 2008

I must say there have been some good responses to my post.
I probably just spouted off too much about suing them, which would probably cost me more than the amount they are trying to add.
As for re-evaluating and adding more to my account, I never authorized anything. I just got a letter stating they had added it per their rights as decribed in the contract.
Also they have turned me over to a collection agency who is hounding me now and hurting my credit reputation, which believe it or not, I try to protect.
After posting on ripoffreport.com I have since discovered there are many more people this is happening to and a class action suit is in probably in the works for Texas residents who are being charged this fee for years of College Network's billing mistakes. If it happens I will jump on the bandwagon.
I am sorry to admit this but I am being petty and I know it, I could give up and pay them. I just don't believe companies should be able to make up the rules as they go and decide 3 years later they are going to make you pay more. This has become personal for me. I discovered their approach was not right for me in the beginning, but they would not let me out, so I honored my commitment and payed the notes for 3 years. All but the first book are still sitting in a closet unopened and I want nothing further to do with these people but to pay my last 3 notes and be rid of them. The thought that they are still reaching out to get me for more money irks me.
I fully expect some of you will think I just have a problem and should pay them and get over it. You are probably right I will admit, I just cannot find it in myself to do it.
I apologize to all of you for ranting and raving, thank you for listening.

No apology necessary. :) Did you notify them that you did not want the additional module? Do you still have your contract?

See, here's my thing with TCN. When people sign a contract to pay for modules that they received then it is their responsibility to pay for them and really there's nothing to gripe about there. It's not TCN's fault if you don't use the modules. *However* this adding on without your consent is a problem and so is the sales tax. I would look over your contract and/or have an attorney look it over. I would ask them about the sales tax issue too because I'm not so sure that's even legal. Pay what you owe them but yes I'd consult an attorney before I paid for anything additional. I would do that ASAP if they are already into collections. It's your debt if you don't follow the necessary steps to dispute it.

I've seen people on here ranting and saying they will sue TCN simply because they won't let them out of their contract. That's like ":rolleyes: pul-eease" but this is different. Might actually be a legitimate legal issue. That's what I was trying to find out when I asked what you planned on sueing over.

justme1972 · Nov 4, 2008

I would call the State of Texas if I were you and report it.

Most states have tax laws that say you can charge tax on merchandise...but not a service.

chaxanmom · Nov 4, 2008

I would call the State of Texas if I were you and report it.
Most states have tax laws that say you can charge tax on merchandise...but not a service.

That's iffy with TCN though because the modules *are* a product. They offer both a product and a service so which are they charging sales tax on? I would love to hear an attorney's perspective on this so if anyone does consult one make sure you post an update!