I placed an order with CCI Camera City for a Minolta Maxxum 5D camera Kit in which the camera and a Minolta 18x70 lense was included in their advertisement. Shortly thereafter, I recived an Email confirming my order.
The next day, I recieved an Email which requested that I call "Max" at 800-896-2626 ext. 216 to confirm my order.
When I responded to their request, I was told that the camera advertised in their advertisment was an inferior model manufactured for the oriental market and that if I wanted one made for the American market, I would have to pay a higher price. "Max" also tried to sell me additional accessories at a price which was about three times the price for the same items from local vendors.
Although I believed that they were pulling a 'Bait and switch' I accepted the camera kit at a higher price. Subsequently, I contacted Minolta Corp who told me that there was no difference in the cameras sold in the Asian market from thoe sold in the U.S.
When I opened the package, the camera body was there but the lens which was advertised as part of the Kit, was not there.
Calls to Camera city, got only an offer of a $50.00 discount or a chance to return it at my own expense and pay a 'restocking' fee before I got a refund on my purchase. I turned that offer down and requested that CCI fulfill our contract by sending the lens.
When, after 6 weeks, no lens had arrived, I contacted the company whose credit card I had used for my purchase. After complying with their request for copies of the sale information that I had in my files, the credit card company credited the amount of the purchase back into my account.
Although CCI Camera City still has an opportunity to rebut my complaint, I anticipate that, at a minimum, they will be forced to recognise that Fraud carries with it, the possibilities of undesired consequences.
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