Complaint Review: Singer Lazer Storm

ACCORDING TO THE FTC...

Unordered Merchandise

...You respond to an advertisement offering a free "trial" pair of pantyhose. To your surprise, you receive four pair with a bill.

...You receive a pocket knife that you never ordered. Despite your objections, the company continues to send you notices demanding payment and threatening your credit rating.

What do you do when you receive merchandise that you didn't order? According to the Federal Trade Commission, you don't have to pay for it. Federal laws prohibit mailing unordered merchandise to consumers and then demanding payment.

Here are some questions and answers about dealing with unordered merchandise.

Q. Am I obligated to return or pay for merchandise I never ordered?

A. No. If you receive merchandise that you didn't order, you have a legal right to keep it as a free gift.

Q. Must I notify the seller if I keep unordered merchandise without paying for it?

A. You have no legal obligation to notify the seller. However, it is a good idea to write a letter to the company stating that you didn't order the item and, therefore, you have a legal right to keep it for free. This may discourage the seller from sending you bills or dunning notices, or it may help clear up an honest error. Send your letter by certified mail. Keep the return receipt and a copy of the letter for your records. You may need it later.

Q. What should I do if the unordered merchandise I received was the result of an honest shipping error?

A. Write the seller and offer to return the merchandise, provided the seller pays for postage and handling. Give the seller a specific and reasonable amount of time (say 30 days) to pick up the merchandise or arrange to have it returned at no expense to you. Tell the seller that you reserve the right to keep the merchandise or dispose of it after the specified time has passed.

Q. Is there any merchandise that may be sent legally without my consent?

A. Yes. You may receive samples that are clearly marked free, and merchandise from charitable organizations asking for contributions. You may keep such shipments as free gifts.

Q. Is there any way to protect myself from shippers of unordered merchandise?

A. When you participate in sweepstakes or order goods advertised as "free," "trial," or "unusually low priced," be cautious. Read all the fine print to determine if you are joining a "club," with regular purchasing or notification obligations.Keep a copy of the advertisement or catalog that led you to place the order, too. This may make it easier to contact the company if a problem arises.

Q. Where can I go for help in dealing with unordered merchandise problems?

A. Always start by trying to resolve your dispute with the company. If this doesn't work, contact your state or local consumer protection office, local U.S. Postal Inspector, or the Better Business Bureau in your area for help. The Direct Marketing Association, 6 East 43rd Street, New York, New York 10017, also may be able to help you.

www.ftc.gov
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SAMPLE COMPLAINT LETTER

(Your address)
(Your City, State, Zip Code)
(Date)

(Name of Contact Person)
(Title)
(Company Name)
(Street Address)
(City, State, Zip Code)

Dear (Contact Person):

On (date), I purchased (or had repaired) a (name of the product with the serial or model number or service performed). I made this purchase at (location, date, and other important details of the transaction).

Unfortunately, your product (or service) has not performed well (or the service was inadequate) because (state the problem).

Therefore, to resolve the problem, I would appreciate your (state the specific action you want). Enclosed are copies (copies, NOT originals) of my records (receipts, guarantees, warranties, cancelled checks, contracts, model and serial numbers, and any other documents).

I look forward to your reply and a resolution to my problem, and will wait (set a time limit) before seeking third-party assistance. Please contact me at the above address or by phone (home or office numbers with area codes).

Sincerely,

(Your name)

(Your account number)
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ACCORDING TO THE FTC...

Automatic Debit Scams
Fraudulent telemarketers have found yet another way to steal your money, this time from your checking account. Consumers across the country are complaining about unauthorized debits (withdrawals) from their checking accounts.

Automatic debiting of your checking account can be a legitimate payment method; many people pay mortgages or make car payments this way. But the system is being abused by fraudulent telemarketers. Therefore, if a caller asks for your checking account number or other information printed on your check, you should follow the same warning that applies to your credit card number - do not give out checking account information over the phone unless you are familiar with the company and agree to pay for something. Remember, if you give your checking account number over the phone to a stranger for "verification" or "computer purposes," that person could use it to improperly take money from your checking account.

How The Scam Works
You either get a postcard or a telephone call saying you have won a free prize or can qualify for a major credit card, regardless of past credit problems. If you respond to the offer, the telemarketer often asks you right away, "Do you have a checking account?" If you say "yes," the telemarketer then goes on to explain the offer. Often it sounds too good to pass up.

Near the end of the sales pitch, the telemarketer may ask you to get one of your checks and to read off all of the numbers at the bottom. Some deceptive telemarketers may not tell you why this information is needed. Other deceptive telemarketers may tell you the account information will help ensure that you qualify for the offer. And, in some cases, the legitimate telemarketer will honestly explain that this information will allow them to debit your checking account.
Once a telemarketer has your checking account information, it is put on a "demand draft," which is processed much like a check. The draft has your name, account number, and states an amount. Unlike a check, however, the draft does not require your signature. When your bank receives the draft, it takes the amount on the draft from your checking account and pays the telemarketer's bank. You may not know that your bank has paid the draft until you receive your bank statement.

What You Can Do To Protect Yourself
It can be difficult to detect an automatic debit scam before you suffer financial losses. If you do not know who you're talking to, follow these suggestions to help you avoid becoming a victim:

Don't give out your checking account number over the phone unless you know the company and understand why the information is necessary.
If someone says they are taping your call, ask why. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Companies do not ask for your bank account information unless you have expressly agreed to this payment method.
IT'S THE LAW: Since December 31, 1995, a seller or telemarketer is required by law to obtain your verifiable authorization to obtain payment from your bank account. That means whoever takes your bank account information over the phone must have your express permission to debit your account, and must use one of three ways to get it. The person must tell you that money will be taken from your bank account. If you authorize payment of money from your bank account, they must then get your written authorization, tape record your authorization, or send you a written confirmation before debiting your bank account. If they tape record your authorization, they must disclose, and you must receive, the following information:

The date of the demand draft;
The amount of the draft(s);
The payor's (who will receive your money) name;
The number of draft payments (if more than one);
A telephone number that you can call during normal business hours; and
The date that you are giving your oral authorization.
If a seller or telemarketer uses written confirmation to verify your authorization, they must give you all the information required for a tape recorded authorization and tell you in the confirmation notice the refund procedure you can use to dispute the accuracy of the confirmation and receive a refund.

What To Do If You Are A Victim
If telemarketers cause money to be taken from your bank account without your knowledge or authorization, they have violated the law. If you receive a written confirmation notice that does not accurately represent your understanding of the sale, follow the refund procedures that should have been provided and request a refund of your money. If you do not receive a refund, it's against the law. If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately. Tell the bank that you did not okay the debit and that you want to prevent further debiting. You also should contact your state Attorney General. Depending on the timing and the circumstances, you may be able to get your money back.

For More Information

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

I HAVE CALLED YOUR BOGUS NUMBER A THOUSAND TIMES! Did you even read my first message or were you too busy copying and pasting your rebuttal? Why would I call 1-800-716-8667 again that eventually tells me to call 1-800-716-8667 again for assistance? Why don't you save us both the time and aggravation and just post the information on how to send back this product and give me my money back? DO NOT send me another rebuttal unless you are going to give me the information I have requested above. I am reserving my space for people who can actually help me and not give me a carbon copy response.
WAKE UP CARMELA!! There are 61 other reports on this page and about 100 more under the name Singer. I seriously doubt we all made the same mistake, Singer Lazer did. Why don't you get your manager to respond? I would be very interested in what he/she has to say.
Why is the return to sender bar code invalid on my box Singer Lazer Storm shipped via FED EX?
Whats this bit about "please be adviced that the vacuums we're offering on tv is a new version of motors"? What the heck does that have anything to do with anything?
This whole thing is a complete outrage!

***Please call the customer service 1800-716-8667 for more assistance

***Thank You.

I never ever agreed for an extra set of vacuums to be sent to me or to be charged to me. Your response has enraged me. If you have time to make meaningless rebuttals you have time to make good on your TV offers. I WANT MY MONEY BACK!!!!! If you have not noticed there are about a hundred other people on this site that have the SAME problem I do. GIVE THEM THEIR MONEY BACK!!! I have sent this web information to my credit card company so they can see I am not the only victim. They probably have other customers that have been ripped off in the same way and this site may help get their money back as well as mine.
P.S. Where is that free steamer? And if I did order the extra set of vacuums (which I never did) then where is my other steamer?

Update Submitted by the original author
Submitted: 10/5/2005 9:45:40 AM Modified: 10/5/2005 9:45:40 AM

Singer Lazer Storm Shipping Comment For People Who Did Not Receive Their Order


I received all four of the vacuums (that I did not order) one week later. So for the people out there that still have not gotten your order and Singer is telling you it takes 4 to 6 weeks... BULL. All these people are going to do is to continue to flat out lie or place the blame back on us (the victims) and then probably get away with our money.
P.S. Another thing I want to know is why they have people committed to rebuttals and no one working in the returns department?

I received all four of the vacuums (that I did not order) one week later. So for the people out there that still have not gotten your order and Singer is telling you it takes 4 to 6 weeks... BULL. All these people are going to do is to continue to flat out lie or place the blame back on us (the victims) and then probably get away with our money.
P.S. Another thing I want to know is why they have people committed to rebuttals and no one working in the returns department?

I never ever agreed for an extra set of vacuums to be sent to me or to be charged to me. Your response has enraged me. If you have time to make meaningless rebuttals you have time to make good on your TV offers. I WANT MY MONEY BACK!!!!! If you have not noticed there are about a hundred other people on this site that have the SAME problem I do. GIVE THEM THEIR MONEY BACK!!! I have sent this web information to my credit card company so they can see I am not the only victim. They probably have other customers that have been ripped off in the same way and this site may help get their money back as well as mine.
P.S. Where is that free steamer? And if I did order the extra set of vacuums (which I never did) then where is my other steamer?

***This is in Response to your order please be adviced that the company never double charge customers. When a customer is placing an order they will be offered for a second set of buy one get one lazer storm vacuum and you agreed for that.

***Our TV offer is a buy one get one lazer storm vacuum for 3 low payments of $39.95 plus s&h or 1 payment of $119.85 plus s&h. and please be adviced that the vacuums we're offering on tv is a new version of motors.

***Thank You.


Company
Singer Lazer Storm
Address:
4540 Worth Street
Los Angeles California 90063
U.S.A.
Phone Number:
800-716-8667
Fax:


I ordered the Singer Lazer Storm Vacuum on September 17 or 18, 2005. The TLC infomercial offer was buy one Singer Lazer Storm Vacuum get one free and get a free Singer Steamer plus shipping. I asked to have my payment for the vacuum to be the three monthly payments of $39.99 that was advertised on the infomercial.

But, what I got was four Singer Lazer Storm vacuums and charged $293.90 (full price) at one time for them.
I have tried calling repeatedly with holding for hours and no answer the phone eventually disconnects. I have further become more increasingly irritated by the teleservice that was used because they were less than helpful with any questions I had (maybe because it is located in India!).

I got an e-mail from Singer Lazer Storm customer care to expect a response in 24 hours. Ha!!! Try 192 hours and still no response. I want my money to be refunded but I am nervous about sending them back and getting stuck with the bill. If anyone has had a similar experience with this company please post it so I can send a copy to my credit card company and stop these rip-off artists.

P.S. You can buy this product from LTD Commodities for one payment of $59.00. I wish I would have found this before I paid $293.90.

Tiffany
Mooringsport, Louisiana
U.S.A.

***This is in Response to your order please be adviced that the company never double charge customers. When a customer is placing an order they will be offered for a second set of buy one get one lazer storm vacuum and you agreed for that.

***Our TV offer is a buy one get one lazer storm vacuum for 3 low payments of $39.95 plus s&h or 1 payment of $119.85 plus s&h. and please be adviced that the vacuums we're offering on tv is a new version of motors.

***Thank You.


Company
Singer Lazer Storm
Address:
4540 Worth Street
Los Angeles California 90063
U.S.A.
Phone Number:
800-716-8667
Fax:


I ordered the Singer Lazer Storm Vacuum on September 17 or 18, 2005. The TLC infomercial offer was buy one Singer Lazer Storm Vacuum get one free and get a free Singer Steamer plus shipping. I asked to have my payment for the vacuum to be the three monthly payments of $39.99 that was advertised on the infomercial.

But, what I got was four Singer Lazer Storm vacuums and charged $293.90 (full price) at one time for them.
I have tried calling repeatedly with holding for hours and no answer the phone eventually disconnects. I have further become more increasingly irritated by the teleservice that was used because they were less than helpful with any questions I had (maybe because it is located in India!).

I got an e-mail from Singer Lazer Storm customer care to expect a response in 24 hours. Ha!!! Try 192 hours and still no response. I want my money to be refunded but I am nervous about sending them back and getting stuck with the bill. If anyone has had a similar experience with this company please post it so I can send a copy to my credit card company and stop these rip-off artists.

P.S. You can buy this product from LTD Commodities for one payment of $59.00. I wish I would have found this before I paid $293.90.

Tiffany
Mooringsport, Louisiana
U.S.A.

***This is in Response to your order please be adviced that the company never double charge customers. When a customer is placing an order they will be offered for a second set of buy one get one lazer storm vacuum and you agreed for that.

***Our TV offer is a buy one get one lazer storm vacuum for 3 low payments of $39.95 plus s&h or 1 payment of $119.85 plus s&h. and please be adviced that the vacuums we're offering on tv is a new version of motors.

***Thank You.


Company
Singer Lazer Storm
Address:
4540 Worth Street
Los Angeles California 90063
U.S.A.
Phone Number:
800-716-8667
Fax:


I ordered the Singer Lazer Storm Vacuum on September 17 or 18, 2005. The TLC infomercial offer was buy one Singer Lazer Storm Vacuum get one free and get a free Singer Steamer plus shipping. I asked to have my payment for the vacuum to be the three monthly payments of $39.99 that was advertised on the infomercial.

But, what I got was four Singer Lazer Storm vacuums and charged $293.90 (full price) at one time for them.
I have tried calling repeatedly with holding for hours and no answer the phone eventually disconnects. I have further become more increasingly irritated by the teleservice that was used because they were less than helpful with any questions I had (maybe because it is located in India!).

I got an e-mail from Singer Lazer Storm customer care to expect a response in 24 hours. Ha!!! Try 192 hours and still no response. I want my money to be refunded but I am nervous about sending them back and getting stuck with the bill. If anyone has had a similar experience with this company please post it so I can send a copy to my credit card company and stop these rip-off artists.

P.S. You can buy this product from LTD Commodities for one payment of $59.00. I wish I would have found this before I paid $293.90.

Tiffany
Mooringsport, Louisiana
U.S.A.

***This is in Response to your order please be adviced that the company never double charge customers. When a customer is placing an order they will be offered for a second set of buy one get one lazer storm vacuum and you agreed for that.

***Our TV offer is a buy one get one lazer storm vacuum for 3 low payments of $39.95 plus s&h or 1 payment of $119.85 plus s&h. and please be adviced that the vacuums we're offering on tv is a new version of motors.

***Thank You.


Company
Singer Lazer Storm
Address:
4540 Worth Street
Los Angeles California 90063
U.S.A.
Phone Number:
800-716-8667
Fax:


I ordered the Singer Lazer Storm Vacuum on September 17 or 18, 2005. The TLC infomercial offer was buy one Singer Lazer Storm Vacuum get one free and get a free Singer Steamer plus shipping. I asked to have my payment for the vacuum to be the three monthly payments of $39.99 that was advertised on the infomercial.

But, what I got was four Singer Lazer Storm vacuums and charged $293.90 (full price) at one time for them.
I have tried calling repeatedly with holding for hours and no answer the phone eventually disconnects. I have further become more increasingly irritated by the teleservice that was used because they were less than helpful with any questions I had (maybe because it is located in India!).

I got an e-mail from Singer Lazer Storm customer care to expect a response in 24 hours. Ha!!! Try 192 hours and still no response. I want my money to be refunded but I am nervous about sending them back and getting stuck with the bill. If anyone has had a similar experience with this company please post it so I can send a copy to my credit card company and stop these rip-off artists.

P.S. You can buy this product from LTD Commodities for one payment of $59.00. I wish I would have found this before I paid $293.90.

Tiffany
Mooringsport, Louisiana
U.S.A.