SUBMITTED: Thursday, August 19, 2004
POSTED: Friday, August 20, 2004
Check out the following I found from the Spokane Better Business Bureau!! (http://www.spokane.bbb.org/alerts/alerts.html?newsid=399&newstype=1)
SPAM BEING SENT BY ADTECH DIRECT: COMPANY HAS UNSAT BBB RECORD
Date: June 3, 2004
HAVE YOU RECEIVED THIS SPAM TODAY?
“Attention All Healthcare Workers: Doctors, Nurses and Staff:
You Must Respond By 5 P.M. Friday, June 4, 2004.
Through a special arrangement, Avtech Direct is offering a limited allotment of BRAND NEW, top of-the-line, name-brand desktop computers at more than 50% off MSRP to all Doctors, Nurses, Staff and Associates who respond to this message before 5 P.M., Friday, June 4, 2004.
Avtech Direct is offering these feature rich, top performing Desktop Computers with the latest Intel technology at an amazing price to all who call:
1-800-884-9510 by 5 P.M. Friday, June 4, 2004”
The name of the company is clearly stated in its SPAM: Avtech Direct located at 22647 Ventura Blvd., Suite 374, Woodland Hills, CA 91364. Their SPAM goes on to state a variety of details about the type of laptop computer you will receive for as low as $299.
Our concern and subsequent warning to you is that this company has an unsatisfactory record with the BBB of the Southland, CA. (Full report at: www.labbb.org) This company's business is selling computers via mail (flyers to schools). But, as you can see by their recent SPAM, they are currently targeting medical healthcare professionals. The BBB of the Southland rates this company as having an unsatisfactory business performance record based on concerns regarding the pattern of complaints and the failure to comply with Spam Laws.
Most complainants allege the company sends an unsolicited e-mail selling computers at more than 50% off MSRP through a special arrangement with a limited time offer to teachers, students and faculty members. Some customers complain that the company is a spam operation. One customer tried to find out how the company received the email address, but no one answered the call. In another case, the customer claims they never gave permission to email them. Other complaints concern problems with canceling. In one case, the customer cancelled, but was double billed. In another case, the customer could not email the company to send a request to cancel because their inbox was full. One customer claims non-delivery of the computer.
The company responds to the unsolicited e-mail complaints by removing e-mail addresses from their system and explained that they obtain email addresses through a batching source from hospitals, schools, and government agencies. To the complaint regarding the delivery, the computer was sent and the double billing issue was responded to with an explanation that the order was shipped prior to receiving the cancellation and a refund was provided.
The CAN-SPAM Act requires all commercial e-mail messages to include the sender's physical street address, an opt-out mechanism, and prohibits messages with misleading subject lines or message headers. Upon reviewing this company's e-mail solicitations, we verified this company is not in compliance.
The Federal Trade Commission's Mail Order Rule allows the seller 30 days to ship ordered products to the buyers unless otherwise specified at the time of purchase. If the seller cannot ship within the 30 day period, they are required to notify the buyer in writing of the delay, and give the option of waiting or having their money returned within seven days. Credit card payments must be credited within one billing cycle.
Be aware of this company's offers PRIOR to purchase or transaction. And don't forget, CHECK a Business OUT with the BBB before agreeing to anything!
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Shame on you AVTECH!!