D & S Distributors' advertising was misleading in several instances. Just to mention a couple, 1) they indicated that their product was a book, when, in fact, I received a few photocopied sheets tied together with one staple. 2) They indicated that this was something revolutionary and new — never seen before. For a sense of urgency, they said only the first 1000 orders would be filled.
Product was just a rehashed HUD Refund Tracer procedure which I had seen. When received it was about 14 typewritten pages held together with on staple in the upper left corner. That was their book.
The HUD website itself warns against attempting to earn fees in this manner, and they provide a free service for anyone who is eligible to receive refund (s). They have a Consumer Alert, warning viewers about people like you offering HUD tracer opportunities.
I did not feel that it was a usable bit of information and it was guaranteed. I returned it by regular first class mail on December 21, and I feel that it has had sufficient time that I should have received my refund ($39.95). As of March 6, no refund has been received.
Since their first DR mail, I have received another direct mail advertisement with the business name changed somewhat. This time it is D.S. Enterprise. The address is the same however, and with this ad, the name was (fictitious or real?), Dennis Shields.
Time line
Date Received Advertisement November 1
Ordered November 3 ($39.95)
Check Cleared November 10
Date complained that product hadn't arrived November 11
Second Date complained that product hadn't arrived - December 6
Product received December 12
Product mailed back First Class Mail December 21
BBB final response
BBB Serving Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties of Southern California at www.labbb.org. Re: Complaint #98084999 - D.S. Enterprise
Although we have tried to obtain a response to your complaint from the company in the hope of reaching a mutually acceptable resolution, they have ignored our requests. We are, therefore, closing this complaint.
Your unanswered complaint will become part of the information we report to the public on this company for the next three (3) years. Also, should any government agency request our files on this company, your complaint will be included.
The BBB suggested that if I never received a refund take it to a Small Claims Court. I can't imagine what it would cost to go through a small claims court to recover $39.95; me in WV and they in CA.
Ralph
Buckhannon, West Virginia
U.S.A.
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