Stupid, Stupid, Stupid! If it's too good to be true it it probably is.
Sony HDR-FX100 at just over half price. Was called back (on a Sunday, first red flag) and bamboozled into a $4,600 deal for a $3,199 list camera plus totally worthless 4 year maintenance contract (they list at ca. $500 and Sony offers it at $329) plus third rate totchkes (lens cleaner, filter kit and a table top tripod that wouldn't support a fruit fly).
Called back again to cancel and was fast talked with a $700 dollar discount (what a deal!). Called again to cancel order after it was received, to be offered a further $200 off, insisted on an RMA number and after interminable harangues was faxed an agreement which required me to pay a $600 restocking fee before I could get an RMA number and a return address. The package they sent is opened, but the contents are untouched with the seals intact.
I have disputed the charge with American Express who variously advised me to return the package and hold onto it which latter I did. An overpriced camera in the hand is worth something. The billing address (from American Express) is Infinity Cameras, 1965 MacDonald Ave. Brooklyn NY 11223-1805. Another rip off site claims it to be a Sushi Restaurant. Google Earth isn't quite accurate enough to tell.
This appears to be the address of a Marble Purveyor and a couple of other firms. UPS will not give me the address of the shipper other than to say it was C M Photo, citing their confidentiality agreements.
My research so far finds connections to numerous internet scams under a multiplicity of names. They seem to be extremely adept at concealing both their true identity and their physical location. If I can find the physical address of this outfit, I will be happy to fly to NY, and the confrontation might be more contentious than they expect.
I now have an nationally respected Private Investigation Company investigating the case.
We have reported to NY BBB and tomorrow will file complaint with the NY Attorney General's Office.
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