Scam

[bugspop1]

I was looking around online for an mp3 player to take with me on vacation back in July. I found a site offering a 5th Generation mp3 player for $98.
The ad said it was a 5th Generation mp3 player, had a Patented Click Wheel Design and the ad also says iPod, iPods in the discription. I took the model number and copied and pasted it into Google, this number brought up all knids of iPod ads. I compared this ad to the ad at Circuit City, they were identical, word for word. I figured this mp3 player was a refurbished or didn't meet Apple Quality Standards. I did check Resellerratings.com but didn't find this company's name anywhere, good or bad. I finally decided to go ahead and purchase it. I was almost finished ordering when it came up this was a C.O.D. order only. I e-mailed this company and asked what was up with that, they said this was the only way you could purchase an item unless you were a reseller. Against my better judgement I went ahead and agreed to it.

The mp3/mp4 player arrived on July 20th, 2007. I had a money order waiting. I opened the brown box it was in. There was a Smaller box inside. The box had a picture of Jonny Deap on it and on the inside it had pictures of U2. My oldest son who recently purchased a 30gb iPod from Wal-Mart said the box looked like his iPod box. We opened up the smaller box. He looked at the player and said, it looks like my iPod. But then we started noticing differences. It really didn't bother me too much that it wasn't an iPod but what did bother me is that it didn't work right. The player shows up as a 30gb drive on my computer. I transferred all my music to the player and it all shows up while connected to the computer. Once I unplug the player I only have about 2gb of music on the player. When I tried to add more music it crashed my computer. I tried another computer and this time the computer said the mp3 player was corrupted and that I should scan & fix the drive. When I did the scan and fix I lost all of the music I had transferred. I again copied the music and the same happened again (scan & fix). I also couldn't get the player to recognize my movie clips. I had loaded the programs that came on the disk that came with the player, it had a mp4 converter and a AVI converter but the manual said the player could only play AMV files. I did download a AMV converter from the internet but the player didn't recognize these files either.

The following day I e-mailed the company about the player being defective and told them what was wrong with it. Someone named Karina e-mailed me back, she asked for my Order ID #. I again sent an e-mail containing my Order ID # and again a told them what was wrong with it. I again received an e-mail from Karina, she asked "what was wrong with it! Once again for the third time I e-mail a description of what was wrong with it. I never heard from her again. I e-mailed this company everyday for over 1 month with no response. I tried their Online Chat but they never seemed to be Online or if they were they wouldn't take my chat. I tried the 1-800 number; it was a number for a company named Computer City. I did leave 1 message but my call was never returned. Ever since I was able to leave the 1st telephone message, the mailbox has been full.

I kept trying e-mailing them sometimes 50 times a day! Finally one night around 3:00AM I was able to catch someone named Allison at the online chat. She kept telling me the same BS, I was past my 14 day return policy. She also kept saying I could send it back and they could fix it for $35. LIKE I WOULD EVER GIVE THEM ANOTHER PENNY! I finally got frustrated and end the chat! About a week later I tried another e-mail at another e-mail address. I did receive a reply; I don't remember the jerks name. He kept telling me the same BS Allison told me. I tried to explain to them all of this wasn't my fault, it was the fault of their company not returning my messages!

I did send a letter to Apple hoping that they might show an interest in shutting this company down. Apple sent me a letter back wanting more information. If they had looked, I had already sent most of the information they were asking for again. They gave me an e-mail address to send the information to. I sent them a copy of my sales receipt, and a copy of this company's website. I did offer to help them in any way I could. I offered to send them the mp3 player if they wanted it.

I'm done with this company don't care about the money! I do care that this doesn't happen to anyone else. Now, bet you want to know the name of this company? One last thing before I let you know this companies name, they have changed the model number since my purchase, but the ad remains intact and is written word for word. Finally this company's name is:
DEALS-DIRECT INC
Here is a link to there site: http://www.deals-directinc.com

They should be avoided at all costs. Let all of your friends and relatives know about them. Also let your enemy's know too!

[nomaxim]

Welcome to RR.

The WhoIs info for them shows;

domain: deals-directinc.com
created: 09-Mar-2007
last-changed: 07-Aug-2007
registration-expiration: 09-Mar-2008

nserver: ns5.secureserver.net 208.109.78.180
nserver: ns6.secureserver.net 208.109.80.75

status: CLIENT-TRANSFER-PROHIBITED

registrant-firstname: Omar
registrant-lastname: Salem
registrant-organization: TheComputerCity.com
registrant-street1: 1231 Knollwood DR
registrant-pcode: 33837
registrant-state: FL
registrant-city: Davenport
registrant-ccode: US
registrant-phone: +1.4044283495
registrant-email: digitalstyle surat @yahoo.com

This company seems to go by numerous names per the BBB.
Click the links for each BBB report below.
The Computer Wharehouse- File opened 19SEP2006, unanswered complaints 1.
Computer City Inc.- File opened 18DEC2006, unanswered complaints 43.
PC Memory Co- File opened 19APR2006, unanswered complaints 11.
Thecomputerwarehouseinc.net- File opened 22AUG2006, unanswered complaints 25.
Computer Parts Supplier Co, Ltd- File opened 13DEC2005, unanswered complaints 12.

All these business's have the same address's.

1231 Knollwood Dr., Davenport, FL 33837, Polk County
-and-
8297 Champions Gate Blvd #522, Champions Gate, FL 33896, Polk County

Also, not one of the 92 complaints with the BBB has been responded too. Therefore they all have a 'unsatisfactory' or 'F' rating with the BBB.

And I would like to point out that the websites 'Contact Us' page gives this address;

Location:
Herndon, Virginia 20170
USA

Have you tried filing a complaint with the Florida Attorney General?

EDIT:
Oh, and 'Google Earth' shows the address at 1231 Knollwood Dr., Davenport, FL 33837 to be a private residence, it's a house.

[bugspop1]

nomaxim,
Thanks for the Reply. I did find out Computer City was another name for this company. The 1-800 number used by Deals-Direct INC is answered as Computer City! I will write a letter to the Flordia Attourney General. Any Idea on the Address for them? I will also forward the addresses you posted for these Companies to Apple. Maybe this will help to shut them down! I was all ready to post this reply but I decided to send a message off to Apple before I forgot to. The message is off to Apple with all of the information you supplied, thanks!

[nomaxim]

Originally Posted by bugspop1

I will write a letter to the Flordia Attourney General. Any Idea on the Address for them?

Originally Posted by nomaxim

Have you tried filing a complaint with the Florida Attorney General?

Just click on the link, then click on 'Consumer Complaint Form'.

Originally Posted by bugspop1

The 1-800 number used by Deals-Direct INC is answered as Computer City!

Yes, I saw that and I have documented that in the post above.

I would also point out that the website, at this time, does not say that the items are iPods. Example-http://www.deals-directinc.com/productmain.asp?ID=152

PRODUCTS > MP4 Player Mini

4GB MP4 with FM Radio Digital Audio and Video Player (Green)

Your favorite songs: The MP4 can carry up to 1000 songs on the 4GB flash drive.

Photos to : iTunes 5.0 lets you import single images or entire albums directly from your Mac or PC, and includes a slideshow feature to put your pics to music.

In living color: The 1.8" LCD display lets you see photos in vivid color. Built-in backlighting makes it easy to see your screen indoors and out, and with 176 x 132-pixel resolution, clarity has never been better.

Easy navigation: The touch-sensitive Click Wheel lets you find songs fast or scroll through thousands of photos in seconds.

Listen longer: Up to 55 hours of battery life.

USB and FireWire compatible: Move an entire album from your computer to your MP4 in seconds.

Fun and games: Keep yourself entertained with built-in games.

Stay organized: With the calendar, to-do list and alarm clock/timer, you’ll never miss an appointment. The MP4 also has an analog-style world clock feature so you’ll know what time it is no matter where you .

System requirements:
Mac:
USB 2.0 or FireWire port (USB requires Mac OS X v10.3.4 or later)
Mac OS X v10.2.8 or later
iPhoto 4.0.3 or later (recommended)
iTunes 4.7 or later (included)
Windows®:
USB 2.0 or FireWire port or USB 2.0 or FireWire card Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 or later, or Windows XP Home Edition or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later Adobe Photoshop Album 2.0 or Elements 3.0 or later (recommended) iTunes 4.7 or later (included)

Features:
* Memory: 4GB
* Battery: Lithium Rechargeable Battery - 55 + hours of operation
* USB 2.0 version with capacity: 2GB/ 4GB/ 8GB
* 1.8" screen; 65,000 full-color OLED display
* Headphone Output: 9mW 2@32Ohm
* Frequency Range: 20Hz-20KHz
* Sample Frequency of the Recording: 8KHz
* File Type: Multi formats support: AMV, MP2, MP3, WMA, WMV, ASF, WAV etc.

* Video Format: It supports all popular movie file formats, including AVI, DivX, ASF, WMV, MPEG, QuickTime, and RealMedia..
* Voice Recording Length: AG8 / 36 hrs (128M) 72 hrs (256M) 108 hrs (512M)
* WMA Bit Rate: 12 Mbps - 14 Mbps
* MP3 Bit Rate: 7 Mbps - 8 Mbps
* Supports: 9 Folders and 99 playable folders in each file
* ID-3 tag support with repeat, follow-read and contrast function
* Electronic album and picture browse
* Super-long and VOX voice digital recording from mic. or radio
* 7EQ: Normal/ Rock/ Pop/ Classic/ Soft/ Jazz/ DBB
* 13 languages support: English/ French/ German/ Italian/ Spanish/ Portuguese/ Swedish/ Czech/ Dutch/ Danish/ Polish/ Japanese/ Chinese
*
Specifications:
Battery requirements:
Battery life Up to 55 hours
#/type of batteries Rechargeable lithium ion (included)

General features:
Play modes Normal, Repeat All, Shuffle, Shuffle Repeat, Program, Repeat Program
Playlist editing No
Track search Yes
Auto resume Yes
EQ/Bass boost No
Headphone type Earbuds Yes
Remote No
Includes :
- 4GB MP4 Player - 4 GB
- USB 2.0 Cable
- Charger
- Earbuds
- Software CD
- Arm Strap
- Instruction Manual
- Original Retail Box
- Warranty Card ( 1 Year )

Warranty Parts 12 Months
Warranty Labor 12 Months

Dimensions: Depth 0.3 inches
Width 2.1 inches
Height 3.8 inches
Weight 0.1

If that is not the same one, then please post a link to the one you ordered so that I can document it for legal reasons.

[bugspop1]

Sorry, I didn't even notice the link for the Flordia Attourney General! I'm a bit slow these days! I'm on some pretty heavy medication for my back. Yes, I purchased a 30gb player. The ad was an exact Copy and Paste. I compared it to the Circuit City Website. This ad does have the word iPod and iPods in it. Compare it to the Circuit City ad, you'll see what I mean. Here is the link for the Deals-Direct Inc ad: http://www.deals-directinc.com/productmain.asp?ID=8
Here are two parts of the description that have the word iPod / iPods in them.

Overcoming the gap: If you have a favorite live album you know how annoying and intrusive gaps between songs can be when you’re ready to rock. The new iPods eliminates this pause and supports gapless playback for continuous, seamless music.

Ports: This iPod features two ports—a dock connector and stereo minijack. Audio and composite video can be routed through the minijack.

I think they changed maybe two words in the description and also the Weight in the description is different too! Now, it doesn't say iPod at the top in big bold letters but it might as well. If you look at the picture at the deals-Direct Inc. website it's of an iPod. Below is a picture of the Black Counterfeit iPod I was sent. I also included a picture of the box (picture of iPod is the outside of the box and the picture of U2 is the inside of the box). If you note on the picture of an iPod the iPod has the Pause/Play button at the bottom of the Patented Click Wheel. On the player I was sent the Pause/Play button was in the middle and a Record A/B button is at the bottom of the so called Patented Click Wheel. I've also included a copy of the picture of the White iPod I ordered from the top of the Deals-Direct Inc Ad, so you may compare the two. If I can offer you any more information, please feel free to let me know what you need!

[nomaxim]

Your catching on just fine. They claim it is a iPod when it in fact a fake, and you documented it. Apple is likely already pursuing that angle.

Let's see about getting your money back.

How did you pay?
Hopefully it was with a credit card, not a debit card or other method. CC's carry fraud protection which is covered by various State, Federal laws and the CC company's themselves. Times vary, but 30-60 days from the time it appears on your printed statement is the norm.

If you used a CC then call them, tool-free number on the back of the card, and see if you are covered. Basically you want to dispute the charge. You may be able to do a charge back since the goods were "not as promised/advertised", it's a fake and therefore you were defrauded. This means that the CC company will refund your money and charge the merchant back, hence the term 'charge-back'. The CC company will then go after them for the money. You will likely have to return the item.

If it was a debit/check card then call your bank. However, these are usually not covered in most states. I say that because I have seen reports of debit/check cards being covered in CA. and one case where a VISA debit card was covered in another state (VA. I believe).

If you used a pay service like PayPal, contact them. Personal check or wire-transfer, your out of luck.

PS.
It wouldn't hurt to file a complaint with the BBB either, do so here. Even thou this company has a history of not responding it will show that you tried to resolve the matter in good faith.

EDIT:
Damn, if you haven't yet. Be sure to leave a review here as well. They are listed here at RR, but under Computer City, four reviews since 28NOV2006 current 0/10.


The Computer Warehouse Inc, six reviews since 6SEP2006 current rating 0/10.

PCMemoryCo net, 18 reviews since 9JAN2006, current rating 0/10

Leave your review under Computer City, and I'll contact the staff about these guys having multiple names and review pages.

[bugspop1]

No, I paid COD. This will be the last time that I use COD! I don't have a credit card and I won't use my debit card or a check with a company I don't know anything about. I figured if I paided COD I would get the mp3 player. If I just paid, who knows if I would have received anything. Guess it was a lose, lose for me! I really don't care about the money any longer. What I do care about is that this could happen to someone else. I've learned from this experience and from now on will only deal with companies that I'm familiar with (newegg, buy.com etc...). I will try to sit down and send a few letters tonight. Looks like BBB & Florida Attorney General. I do have a few other addresses of places to write. Guess I could just Copy & Paste the letters that I sent to Apple, or maybe the descriptions that I posted here. I'm glad I've saved my letters, my memory isn't that great any longer because of the med's I'm taking. I've had 5 back surgeries and I'm still in a lot of pain so the doctors have me taking 3 pain killers, all narcotics. I really don't need this aggravation. It doesn't help with my back as the muscles tend to tense up! I'm also trying to get on Disability and dealing with Doctors and Attorneys doesn't seem to help with the back either. I should just let this matter drop, but I'm too stubborn and I don't want someone else going through the same thing! Thanks for all the help. I have sent out an e-mail to everyone in my address book telling them about this company, I asked them to send it to everyone in their address book too. If they do what I ask maybe the word about Deals-Direct Inc. could spread like wildfire (only wishful thinking). Someone at my job suggested writing Apple as they would most definitely want to stop counterfeiting of their product. I have posted this at three other forums but I've received quite a few (if it's to good to be true then it most likely is)! I don't need someone pointing that out. I feel stupid enough for falling into this trap. What I wanted was help or advice in what to do to stop these people. What I have received from you is just that, help and advice! Thank you!

[bugspop1]

nomaxim,
I was finally able to file a complaint with the BBB today. I'm starting to file my Complaint with the Florida Attorney General. I do have a question: Which do you think I would be better to file this under, Consumer Complaint Form or Protecting yourself from Consumer Fraud?

Never mind I saw that you posted it earlier: Consumer Complaint Form
I was just getting ready to start when I saw my choice of the two. I went and looked back at your posts to see if you had listed it, and yes you did. Sorry to bother you. My memory isn't what it use to be. Maybe I can purchased some new and improved memory at Newegg!

[bugspop1]

The message is away to the Florida Attorney General! I'll have to look at another site I posted at to see who they suggested I should contact. I know that the Attorney General was one of the ones they suggested but I didn't know it was Florida where I needed to go I thought it was Virginia.

It's the Internet Crime Complaint Center is where they said to file with.
They also said to file with Reporting Economic Crime Online project, but this is if the crime is in Canada and or if your a Canadian Resident.

[bugspop1]

All done with the Internet Crime Complaint Center. It says:

The IC3 is co-sponsored by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C). Complaints filed via this website are processed and may be referred to federal, state, local or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for possible investigation

Let's hope that one of these does some good. It's about time for bed now so I'll get back to this tomorrow or maybe Tuesday. Think I had 1 more place to file at. I'll have to look for the address. Thanks again for all of your help!
BTW I'm a bit slow, what is block type?