NEW YORK - The internet makes it easy to find retailers with good deals, but sometimes those deals will cost you money. The Attorney General of New York is going after electronic retailers that offered deals nationwide.
Attorney General Andrew Cuomo got consumers who were ripped off across the country $665,000 in restitution. He reached an agreement with seven online electronics stores located in New York, two of which will close as part of this deal. The AG alleges the stores engaged in illegal and fraudulent business practices that cost consumers hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The stores sold camcorders, cameras, and projectors at significantly lower prices than their competitors. Once customers placed an order, the AG alleges consumers got calls to sell them upgraded products at inflated prices. If the consumer did not make the purchase, the AG alleges the orders were placed on backorder for months or canceled. If the consumer ordered the extra merchandise, the allegations are that consumers got less than what was promised or something they didn't order. Upon return, additional fees were charged.
Camera Wiz and Sonic Photo are closing as part of the agreement. Best Price Camera, Foto Connection, 1 Way Photo, 86th Street Photo, and Broadway Photo, LLC. are changing their business practices. They are companies consumers that have prompted consumers to call for action. Generally, consumers report having luck when they threatened legal action.
If you think you qualify for restitution, you need to complete a claim form with the
New York Better Business Bureau. The Bureau will evaluate the claims and issue the restitution until Dec. 31, 2009.
