Sonic Cameras Scam...!!!! - Page 2

ScamVictim9999 · 01-10-2009, 06:23 PM

Just got a full refund to the credit card, less shipping after they gave me a return auth. Do not give up!

Shipped their junk back UPS, insured and with signature required. Photographed contents and box before sending.

Koala47 · 01-26-2009, 07:11 PM

I placed an order through Soniccameras.com for a Panasonic AGAG-HVX200 package deal that included a lenses, a tripod, steel carrying case, and other accessories all for around $3500.

Later that same night, I was called by a representative of Soniccameras.com going by the name of "JASON" who told me that he was just confirming the order, but then suggested that I in fact should change my order. He claimed he was a camera expert, and that there was a different camera that people were trading in their Panasonic for in droves, the Sony FX7, and that the difference between the cameras was like "night-and-day." He told me I'd just missed a sale they had on the camera but he'd let me get the deal anyways because they appreciated customer loyalty. He also said he'd throw in some lenses and a bunch of other stuff and get me a great package deal. After a lot of talk he convinced me and directed me via phone to the camera on the website. I noticed that the camera he was talking about didn't say it shot in 24p, which was one of the main assets I needed, but he assured me that the new FX7's shoot in 24p/60p and that he'd make sure I was sent one of the new ones. He said he'd change my order for me and make sure I got all the discounts, and that was the end of the conversation.

I looked online a bit but couldn't find any info about Sony upgrading the FX7 to shoot in 24p/60p, and I got nervous and called Sonic Cameras back and used the extension I was given to talk to Jason again. He assured me that yes, the camera being sent to me, the FX7, does in fact definitely shoot in 24p/60p, which I emphasized was a major function that I needed, and was why I'd been convinced to switch my order.

When I finally received the camera and equipment in the mail, it was not at all what I was lead to believe. The camera sent to me does not shoot in 24/60p, it's just a consumer-brand camcorder that shoots 1080i. It is a Sony-FX7, but its copyrighted 2006 (definitely not making it one of the "newer" models) and only shoots 1080i, not 24p/60p like I was promised. After doing further research I believe that there is no "newer" FX7 that shoots 24p. Jason was just flat-out lying to me. The "great deal" I was given was not at all great. Just a bunch of crappy non-pro equipment that looks like it's already been used. Worst of all the final bill mysteriously lists no prices for any of the items, but just one enormous "Continental Package" price of almost $5,000! That plus a mysterious "insurance fee" that was never discussed plus inflated shipping cost brings the final price tag to $5,497.63, far more money that I was lead to believe I'd be paying, for some old used equipment and the wrong camera.

I called back and used the extension to talk to Jason, and he was very short with me, not at all friendly like when I first talked to him. He said that if I had a problem with the order, I'd have to call back tomorrow and speak to someone else, because he "couldn't do anything from here." He gave a different extension, which I called today several times with no answer. I'm afraid they aren't going to let me return and I'll be stuck with this crappy stuff I didn't even order.

Koala47 · 01-26-2009, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScamVictim9999

Just got a full refund to the credit card, less shipping after they gave me a return auth. Do not give up!

Shipped their junk back UPS, insured and with signature required. Photographed contents and box before sending.

Which address did you send it back to? The Marine Park address is a fake, I think.

ScamVictim9999 · 01-26-2009, 10:28 PM

The address on the invoice (it's not fake see Sonic Cameras, SonicCameras.com). It's just in Brooklyn not "Marine Park".

I got a return number from them after a couple of hours and several people on the phone. Do not accept what you did not order, do not accept offers to exchange what you have. Keep calm - they will not. Consult with your credit card company. If you send it back, photograph box and contents, send it UPS, insured and with adult signature required.

Report them to BBB, FBI, NY attorney, VISA.

blueranger · 02-11-2009, 10:56 AM

I was a victim of the classic bait and switch. I ordered a Nikon 18-200mm lens and got the email that I needed to call and confirm. Once I did the I was transfered to Jason who upsold me to a better lens (the sigma 18-200) saying it was better (more expensive on their website), and that he would give me a great deal and post date my invoice since I missed the deal last week. He was very smooth and once I said yes thats when the nightmares started.

Sparing you the details I got my merchandise and called to send it back. They told me I needed to include a check or money order for the refund ammount (they tried to charge me shipping and insurance which I refused to pay since it was free shipping on their website) so I thought I was getting off easy for just a 10% re-stock. He would not give me a RA number unless I said I was going to include a money order. I said I would, but sent it back without one, insured, signature required. Low and behold I was credited back my full ammount today, so I got off easy.

Stick to your guns, dont let them push you around, and you will get your money back!

Koala47 · 02-11-2009, 02:17 PM

So at this point I'm past the 2-week return policy they have listed on their website, and when I called them that was the reason they stated that they would not accept a return. I argued with them about how they had sent me the completely wrong equipment and overcharged me and I should be able to return anyways. They were very rude and threatening on the phone and when I threatened to pursue legal action and report them to the BBB they said to go ahead they could beat me in any small-claims court and that they were a multi-million dollar company with great lawyers. They even threatened to report ME to the BBB, which is completely ridiculous. After I refused to back down they said they would refund me $1000, but not accept a complete return. Is there anything else I can do? I reported them to the BBB about a week ago but have received no updates on that.

ScamVictim9999 · 02-11-2009, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Koala47

I argued with them about how they had sent me the completely wrong equipment and overcharged me and I should be able to return anyways.

True

Quote:

Originally Posted by Koala47

They were very rude and threatening on the phone and when I threatened to pursue legal action and report them to the BBB they said to go ahead they could beat me in any small-claims court and that they were a multi-million dollar company with great lawyers. .

Have you seen their office? See link in post further up. They are rude and abusive to everyone, don't take it personally.

Set the credit card company on them - tell them you want to institute a chargeback. They did not send what you ordered. Explain it to the credit card company - tell them about this site, etc. Report them to everyone.

nob3241 · 04-14-2009, 09:39 AM

Just cancelled an order with Sonic Cameras. They are crooks! I ordered a Canon 24-105 f4 IS for $689.00, a great price, which I figured was too good to be true. Turns out, I needed to order a mount (plastic or metal) to be able to use it. The cost for the metal mount was $299.00 for a total of $988.00, still not a bad price but I was afraid it would arrive with no glass. I have never purchased a lens where I had to buy a mount seperate.

Buyer beware if you deal with Sonic Camera.