Online Kids Academy Refused to Cancel My 144-Hour Education Package
Approximately two months ago, I purchased a 144-hour online education package from Online Kids Academy through Instagram. At the time of purchase, I was told that I would make monthly payments, and I approved the contract based on that understanding. My daughter was initially enthusiastic about the program, but she eventually did not want to continue because of school-related fatigue, the difficulty of some of the lesson content, and several internet connection problems we experienced. For this reason, I requested that the program be canceled.
When I called by phone, I was transferred to different people and eventually to the finance department. I was told that I had signed a contract and therefore had no right to cancel, and that they could only freeze my account. I was also told that otherwise I would have to deal with legal proceedings and court action. Instead of canceling the program, they said they could only freeze my account until July 1. I clearly stated that I wanted to completely cancel the program.
Despite all of this, approximately $71 was charged from my Akbank bank account without my authorization. I absolutely did not authorize this payment for this month, and I do not accept money being taken from my account without my consent. I have also contacted my bank to dispute the transaction and requested information regarding the authorization.
Despite my cancellation request, I received an email stating, “Under the contract you signed at the time of purchase, we cannot cancel this package. A 12-month, 144-lesson package was purchased, 17 lessons have been used, and 65 days have passed since the package was purchased, so we cannot process a cancellation. If payment is not made, we are required to refer the matter to our legal department. Alternatively, we can offer you an additional account freeze period.” In other words, my cancellation request was denied, and I was pressured with the possibility of legal action if I did not continue making payments.
I live in Konyaaltı, Antalya, and throughout this process, my child has not continued the education program, yet I have been denied the ability to cancel and money was taken from my bank account without my authorization. I request that Online Kids Academy terminate my contract, permanently close my account, and refund the approximately $71 that was charged without my consent. I also explicitly request that no further automatic charges be made to my bank account or credit card under any circumstances.
