I am an experienced internet purchaser. I was looking for a Pioneer BDP-HD1 Blu Ray player. Stuff 2 Buy USA had it for ~$50 less than the nearest competitor.
I used Froogle as my search engine and Stuff 2 buy appeared on Google Base beta (apparently anyone, without any screening whatsoever, can have their "business" listed on Google Base).
I searhed the net for any fraudulent activity concerning this company and found none. I then placed my order through Paypal for ~$1400.
Several days go by and I decide to call their support number. The first thing I notice is that the business is in Fairfax, VA (area code 703) and the support number is a Sprint PCS number listed with Solomon Powell in Richmond, VA.
I call the number and sure enough I get some guy on a cellphone! He tells me my item is not in stock (his website claims he has 10), but will ship out next week. Now I'm staring to sweat.
I go back and look at the website. It is amateur at best. Obviously a slapped-together BS storefront. He doesn't take VISA or MC, just American Express. It's now starting to look like a scam.
Some more research reveals this guy James Powell has another "business", Best Bargains USA and has scammed a number of people.
Of course, Paypal was of no help to me. I am now in that 10 day waiting period, at the end of which I get an apology.
Sadly for James, I am not poor, and I am going to get law enforcement on this fellow and get him off the streets. I only live 3 hours away and we are going to visit his "shop" in Fairfax, VA. (He actually lives in Richmond, VA)
1212 southbury ave
richmond, va 23231
(804) 591-9052
I have spent considerable time posting this info around the net. He has been removed from Google and Google Base. I am now in the process of having his American Express privileges revoked.
You have been warned!!
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