SPOT Automatic Charges on Credit Cards

[Drewski Canuck]

Just got bombed with $241.79 from SPOT without my authorization on my credit card.

Had to call the credit card company to investigate and reverse what was an unauthorized charge.

For a service that I have not used, on an outdated device, for an amount more than a new device, this was fantastic.

Anyone else have this experience with SPOT?

Worst part is, there are a lot better devices out now, so why they would try and gouge is beyond belief. I won't be back.

Drewski

[artie]

I was thinking of buying a spot so what would be a better device? Will spot let you sign up without using a credit card or bank card?

[dumoulin]

What the heck is SPOT????

[averagejoe]

Originally Posted by dumoulin

What the heck is SPOT????

http://international.findmespot.com/

Basically a GPS device that lets you send im safe or need help messages and what not.

[crudedude]

The exact same thing happened to me. I had cancelled it a couple of years ago and of course my better have looks after the finances and asked me one day what was this charge on the credit card? I looked at it sure enough they had charged me for 18 months after I deactivated the spot. After talking numerous people they finally credited my credit card back the full amount.

[nelsonob1]

They just contacted me by email to confirm that policy was going to expire and I needed to renew. When I did not renew they called to confirm that I was OK without service and I just arranged to renew in the Spring.

My annual service plan is $60 but I only have the basic unit. What do you get for $241?

[nelsonob1]

Originally Posted by dumoulin

What the heck is SPOT????

Every hunter should have a SPOT. Its a hunters best friend. I don't go hunting or hiking without one.

[avb3]

Originally Posted by nelsonob1

Every hunter should have a SPOT. Its a hunters best friend. I don't go hunting or hiking without one.

Why?

I agree they are a great tool, but I wonder how many today can no longer use a compass, map and dead reckoning. Sad to see bushcraft that was used for hundreds of years disappear so quickly.

[blgoodbrand1]

Originally Posted by avb3

Why?

I agree they are a great tool, but I wonder how many today can no longer use a compass, map and dead reckoning. Sad to see bushcraft that was used for hundreds of years disappear so quickly.

A spot is going to replace any of those, if you don't know where you are it isn't going to help you. I use mine for work as I have to check in on 2hr intervals and often is is my only source of communication. If there ever is a major issue / injury it could very well be the difference between survival or not. Bushcraft only goes so far when your legs are broken.

[bdub]

Originally Posted by avb3

Why?

I agree they are a great tool, but I wonder how many today can no longer use a compass, map and dead reckoning. Sad to see bushcraft that was used for hundreds of years disappear so quickly.

It doesn't replace bushcraft, it just gives your loved ones some piece of mind when you are out and about.

[nelsonob1]

Originally Posted by avb3

Why?

I agree they are a great tool, but I wonder how many today can no longer use a compass, map and dead reckoning. Sad to see bushcraft that was used for hundreds of years disappear so quickly.

I agree that bushcraft is essential but as others have said, SPOT is not a navigation tool. It is an emergency transponder that is very effective and affordable.

[Okotokian]

Originally Posted by avb3

Why?

I agree they are a great tool, but I wonder how many today can no longer use a compass, map and dead reckoning. Sad to see bushcraft that was used for hundreds of years disappear so quickly.

I think you are thinking of a GPS. A compass can't call emergency rescue or let your wife know you will be home late.

[dumoulin]

Originally Posted by nelsonob1

Every hunter should have a SPOT. Its a hunters best friend. I don't go hunting or hiking without one.

Sounds like a good tool to have if you're out in the bush or back 40's.

[Bearbreath]

I carry a spot anytime I'm hunting outside cell service. Very important piece of kit.

Haven't discontinued service yet, but when I do, I'll keep an eye on my statements.

[elkdump]

Originally Posted by dumoulin

What the heck is SPOT????

It is an electronic thingee for persons incapable of using a compass , a topographical map or exhibiting basic common sense,,,

[kritz]

I use mine for when I snowmobile in the mountains, a good added option to have in your backpack in the backcountry.
I also do know that they send me a contact through the email I have set up confirm that my subscription is coming due and that I will be auto charged to the credit card I have provided unless I contact them. ( it is probably in the agreement terms I clicked on also way back) Hopefully it is not the case of just deleting these thinking it was spam, or that it went to you spam and now it is SPOTS responsibility.

This is just my dealings with SPOT over many years. I have never had to use the service , but it is a great tool to have in my backpack. I never use lots of things I pack but the one time I do! Worth every penny.

[blgoodbrand1]

Originally Posted by elkdump

It is an electronic thingee for persons incapable of using a compass , a topographical map or exhibiting basic common sense,,,

This is completely incorrect as well as an irresponsible response which obviously comes from a lack of information and education.

[elkdump]

Originally Posted by blgoodbrand1

This is completely incorrect as well as an irresponsible response which obviously comes from a lack of information and education.

lmao, a lot of people think they are invincible because they have one of those in their pocket,

Just press the button and life saving help will be there immediately, no matter what the location or what the weather , etc,etc,etc

You feel safe with one in your pocket ? No sweat off my azz ,,,

[kritz]

Originally Posted by elkdump

It is an electronic thingee for persons incapable of using a compass , a topographical map or exhibiting basic common sense,,,

its a good laugh when people spout about stuff that they know nothing about on forums

[mxz1997]

I found it interesting how many people are to "tough" to carry satellite communication. I wonder if they have never been in the bush very far. I carry a compass/map ect but I regularly travel 60-100 Kms into the bush with snowmobile. I know exactly where I am and how to walk out but I have no intention of doing that. Why would I when a quick message can send one of my friends in to get me. Have also flown into very remote lakes to fish. Compass won't do much good there either. I much prefer a sat phone or Delorme over Spot cuz when someone should come get me, it's one of my buddies, not some Stars Helicopter

[honda450]

Our company probably got at least 20 SPOTS. You check in at the end of the day. Never used yet in a emergency situation but they have them. We also have GPS tracking in all our trucks.

We used to use SAT phones. Some jobs we had to check in every 2 hours that was a pain in the azz.

I also have one for personal use. But also linked to the company I work for. They pay for it. hehehe

[Rather Be Hunting]

Spoke to a search and rescue tech one day, who mentioned that an EXPERIENCED hunter was late getting back from a sheep hunt in the mountains a couple years ago, and they were called in.
Found his truck at a trailhead after much searching, as he left only general info on where he was hunting, and they finally did find him. Apparently he was successful and had safely dropped off the first load of meat to his truck and was coming out with the second when he fell about 30 feet and got badly hurt. They determined that he survived for a day or so on the ledge, then finally expired. If he had a SPOT with him it could have made all the difference in this case, according to the search team! I've carried one in the packsack since then. Each to their own!
RBH

[blgoodbrand1]

[Q UOTE=ROA;2710897]Anyone actually try use one of these things? Only time I have heard of someone using one it didn't work![/QUOTE]

I use one everyday, every even hour when working. Never had an issue.