This company represents themselves as "non-profit" promising to donate free used but refurbished computers to needy children. Back in May I was in contact with Victoria Wittren via e-mail, who calls herself the vice-president of the company.
Since I live across the country, Victoria told me she would ship me a computer for my son if I would be willing to pay for the shipping cost of $75, which I agreed. I then asked about the software on the computer and she stated it was only Windows 95. I asked if she had software to upgrade to at least Windows 98. She said she could do that for me at an additional $75 for a total of $150 for the computer. She even said it would be paid COD, so I didn't have to pay until I received the package.
I agreed and we set the date of delivery beginning of June. I received the package in a terrible state-it was dented and had tape all over it. She sent it through the regular mail and did not even pack it with packing material to protect it. When I set it up it did not work as she had promised it would. She said it was in working order when she sent it, so it must have been damaged in the mail. It supposedly had been insured, so she told me to send it back to her and she would 1) send me another computer and 2) reimburse me the additional $50 I spent to send the damaged computer back to her when the insurance money came in.
It is now February and I have yet to hear from her or receive the computer or money. I sent her countless e-mails, written letters and tried to call the phone # but it was disconnected. I did contact the BBB and they told me the company "appeared to be out of business or moved" and were unable to reach them. They could do nothing further and told me to contact the Washington State Attorney General's office, which I did, and they gave me the same response-they moved and they could do nothing futher to help me. Now, not only did I not receive a computer for my son, but I am out a total of $200 from a company that claims they "help children."
I have found their new website and noticed in the contact section their address had in fact changed, but I wonder why the BBB or state attorney general could not find them? I have recently sent them another e-mail but was again ignored.
I would appreciate any help in this matter and I hope I can warn others not fall victim to their scheme. It wasn't just me who was hurt, it was my son also, and I don't want any other children to be hurt as well.
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