In August of 1999 I attended a National Grants Seminar that was followed by a ROMA Computer Solutions offer to all attendees to lease PC's and laptops along with free internet business website startup and free internet access (netgenie.com - out of business).
At the time I knew nothing of laptop prices, this was my first purchase. I was told that the business I could start up on the web would generate more than the sufficient dollar amount to cover the monthly lease fee of $144.95 that I had agreed to pay out for 39 months. I never got the website business off the ground but I still honored the contract out of loyalty to my own word.
Since then, the monthly amount of $144.95 has steadily risen to more than $165.00, but I didn't complain because I understand the need for income increases which naturally follow increases in the cost of living. I would honor the term of the contract and then ask for the fair market value at the end of the lease's term as per the contract agreement options.
According the contract, I was to contact ROMA in writing 60 days before the end of the lease agreement so that I could opt to either (1) return the laptop, (2) purchase the laptop, or (3) continue to lease the laptop on a month-to-month basis. According to Ventura, CA Information, ROMA Computer Solutions does not exist. There was no one to contact, and my bank cannot tell me who is taking the money from my checking account. However, they have offered a solution to situations like this where unauthorized debits are made to the customer's account: cancel the account and lock the perpetrator out.
Technically, ROMA does have the authorization to take one more payment which I intend to allow. But once this happens, I will be closing the door on them. If they wish to pursue the matter they will have to contact me directly, but I will not be taken advantage of in the mean time. Anyone who is facing the same dillema should do likewise!
Jason
San Francisco, California
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