Consumer fraud alert:
Advertised on a web site was a coupon code for 20% off at shapefx.com, it looked like a good deal, so I shopped, used the code "shape20" as instructed, witnessed the 20% being deducted from the order, then clicked the "submit order" button.
Later, I got an email confirmation confirming my order, but the order total was not the same as the order I submitted. The 20% off was put back on, even though the web site deducted it at the time of order.
I then contacted the company, and they said they have no knowledge of the "shape20" offer code. So I emailed them 43 site links that are advertising the code for them, said "Well then why is your web site programmed to deduct 20% when the code is used? I didn't click the "submit order" button until I was sure it came off!" They answered all of my questions with patronizing emails, getting me no where, and refused to honor the offer.
Then I remembered that Speigel.com scammed me the same way 6 years ago, and caused all my checks to bounce by charging an unauthorized amount to my debit card. This dispute was like de ja vu.
Because I found this dispute all too familiar, I did some research and found out that Shape FX is owned by Spiegel, and they have been getting away with this for many years because people are trusting and don't compare the amount charged with the order amount, (plus the order screen disappears after you submit the order, and the confirmation they email has the unauthorized dollar amount as well).
I let the site owners who advertise the code know about it, but because the coupon does work when you try it, and they don't actually submit the order they test on, they can't see that it is a fraud that has been going on for many years.
Try it for yourself: www.shapefx.com SHAPE20 is the promo code advertised in 43 places — they still allow their site to honor the code, even though they know they will be renegging it... After all it's free advertising!
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