Complaint Review: Home Theater Systems

Well, we may be pretty laid back in Australia but we eventually catch up! We now have another of the US of A's "marketing" ploys in Queensland. I was just about to get into my car at the local shopping centre and a young guy yelled out "hey mate do you want to buy a home theatre system". He had just got out of a white van (unsure what brand but had Predigo as the model Rego number 137HIY).

I immediately thought of all the reports on ROR about two guys in a white van selling speakers so I thought I'd play along. He took me over to the van - opened the side door and asked me if I knew anything about this fantastic product that was all boxed up and looking new. I said I did and he then said that it was surplus to a job they had just finished and was now legally his and he then gave his offsider a high five.

He asked if I could read and I answered a little. He pointed to the output on the spec sheet on the box (which incidentally only stated 100 watts - nothing to get excited about!!) and then asked if I could lay my hands on some cash and I said of course. Then he pulled the "invoice" out and said these are worth $1600 but I'll do you a deal. By this time I realised it was the exact scam that you guys have been putting up with for ages.

I said that I didn't recognize any of the brand names and he pointed out printed on the carton was "made in USA". I then said look I have to go but thanks for the entertainment - I have enjoyed reading about this scam on www.ripoffreport.com but it is certainly a pleasure to have you attempt it in the flesh. He choked and then said that he doesn't have the internet so I walked away and his parting words were "we are famous eh"

Both guys were Australian - early twenties and clean cut so beware fellow Aussies they are out there trying to scam you!!!

Wally
Warana
Australia

*EDitor's Comment: Rip-off Report confirms contact info, salesman misrepresentation ripoff