Complaint Review: Sweepstakes Clearinghouse

I have been a customer with this company for several years. I have purchase several items from them. A lot of times the items are not what the photo presented. However my last purchase(which will be my last),
I ordered (1)Drum Set Account #21984152 for 168.00 from this company on layaway. I was sent a much higher bill in my billing cycle. The amount rose from $168.00 to over $200.00.

I called the company to find out why the invoice was so high. I was told by the receptionist that They added on my State taxes and shipping cost to the balance. I further told her that at the time of purchase it did not mentioned any State taxes of shipping charges any where on the dicount coupons or the form that you fill out.

I told her that iI wanted my money back because I paid $50.00 down. She told me that I would lose my money. Every month thereafter they would charge me extra money against the total. I began paying the balance of electronically to keep a track of my payments.( see below)

SWEEPSTAKES CLEARINGHOUSE Account Number: ######52
1555 REGAL ROW PO BOX 569600 DALLAS, TX 753569600
Payee Phone Number: 1-214-915-7100
Payment Date Payment Amount Payment Account Payment Status Reference # Action
06/15/2004 $50.00 #### CHECKING Pending VBZB6927
04/20/2004 $50.00 #### CHECKING Paid TB2B29U4 Inquiry
03/15/2004 $50.00 #### CHECKING Paid 6BCBR982 Inquiry
02/13/2004 $50.00 #### CHECKING Paid 5B9BF9U9 Inquiry
01/15/2004 $50.00 #### CHECKING Paid 7BZBL9N9 Inquiry
2001 - 2004 Wells Fargo. All rights reserved.

I paid $50.00 on jan 15th, Feb 13th, Mar 15th April 20th 2004 for a total of $250.00 I just recieved an invoice from them dated 4/27 closing date for the total of 98.89. With the next payment 5/27/04.

I believe this company is completely ripping off people from Texas. I believed that $250.00 is enough money for this drumset that cost only $1680 with the discount coupon.

Vince
90047, California
U.S.A.