Amazon SA "Protection and Refund" Trap

Not a pleasant experience. Be very cautious when processing a transaction with these guys. There are far better customer centric retailers in SA that actually do care! My horror experience with Amazon SA started on Friday 14th June. We saved for months to spoil my son on his very special birthday. Excited we placed our 1st order for R17k on Amazon SA only to find out that the order was canceled by Amazon SA the next morning and the money taken from my bank account. Phoned the call centre immediately and they told me it was canceled as it was deemed *****ulent due to the "high value" and they wanted to "protect" me... Odd that you "protect" me by taking the money from my bank account! I've asked to re-instate the order which was not possible but they told me not to worry as I will receive a full refund immediately. I should have seen the Red Flags with the not to worry. I explained that I still wish to buy the gift for my son to which they rep**** that the "glitch" has been resolved and I can just re-order on Saturday 15th. Guess what? Amazon SA this time killed the order immediately once again "protecting" me against myself and as a small fee taking another R17k from my bank account but this time very odd only 3 days later on Tuesday 18th June. Why take the money when they cancelled immediately? To date (6 days later) no refunds received and Amazon SA has taken R34k from my bank account putting me in a position where I have no cash to buy the gift for my son from a more reputable retailer. I called several times and were told that I should've read the conditions which clearly state refunds could take between 5 to 7 days. I explained my predicament not being able to buy a gift and if they could not at least reinstate one of the orders with a simple reply of No and I will have to wait for my refund which could now take several days!!!! When I've asked for my call to be escalated or to speak to the person in charge I Was told it is not possible. Seriously go and learn from other reputable retailers in SA! At least try to support your customers. I will never buy from Amazon SA again and have now approached my bank to assist in recovering the money from these Sharks. This is bordering on ***** and a very clever way to hold onto cash. I hope to get my money back from them. I guess I should be grateful that Amazon SA "protected" me and for that you deserve a STAR. Shocking Amazon SA! You "never to return" potential Customer. Cheers