I was going on vacation for about a month and wanted to purchase a above average, point and shoot digital camera to take with me. So I went to the CNet site to do comparisons and research cameras. I found one that suit my needs and noticed a link from CNet to thecameraprofessionals.
The camera professionals advertised a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18K for $249 NEW. I go ahead with the purchase and recieved a e-mail about having to call them directly to confirm my order (which I thought was their concern for my security) which turned out to be upsell call. The sales rep told me I had to get the bundle package which would supply me with the camera battery and charger, software, USB cord, lens cap. This would tack on extra $50 to my order. During this call I paused to think about and at the same time the rep was being very pushy and rude. He kept saying "you want it or not, I got other customers I got to talk to" over and over. I grudgingly agreed and within a couple of days I recieved the "camera."
Before the camera arrived I recieved a "order invoice" that says I would be billed $399! So I tried to call the customer service to cancel my order and could not get through. I was always put on hold and I couldn't wait anymore (wait time 30-45 minutes before I hung up).
When the camera arrived, it looked like it was a refurb. Not in original packaging. It came in a white box with everything thrown in with very little to no packing material for protection. Pretty angry at this point.
I call thecameraprofessionals and trick the sales guy into transfering me to returns since they never pick up the customer service line. I told them that I wasn't happy with the item, wanted a refund and a RA number so I could be done with this issue. Got a RA number and sent it back the same day I recieved the "camera."
This is where it gets weird. I did get my credit card credited and end up buying a camera from our local xxxx camera shop and head out on my vacation, out of country. During my vacation my credit card was used without my authorization and unkown charges from different on line companies (companies I would never have ordered from) are charging my card. Thecameraprofessionals was the only place I ordered on line from during the time period before I left for vacation. I believe as "revenge" for my return they ran up charges on my card. So now I'm disputing all these charges and have since closed my credit card.
So buyers beware! Major rip off! Check your credit card statements if you made a purchase from this company!
Vinylarmdj
Suisun City, California
U.S.A.
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