ShopFlash, Miliex Power Storm Vacuum TV Ad Scam Torrance California

I responded to a television ad in June 2006 for the ShopFlash "Power Storm Vacuum." I was looking for a compact vac that would work well on stairs with carpet. This looked like it might be perfect. The "Power Storm" was an upright vac and appeared to have enough power to do a good job. I ordered a two-vac package for $120, thinking I might give one as a gift. Then ordered extra filters for $18. Add $37 shipping and I was into them for $175.

The vacs arrived and after some assembly I tested one. I realized the vacs were junk. Really cheap. I decided to send them back for a refund. Got a return authorization number. Then I carefully repackaged everything and spent another $37 on return shipping.

I got USPS confirmation on the return shipment, and I did receive a credit back on my card - but only for the $18 filter pack. I called and finally spoke to a real person (not easy) and they did confirm that the order had been received on their end.

I never got the $120 refund for the actual vacs back on my card. I gave it some time, but when I tried to call back I was told that the company was in the process of being bought and I would have to visit a "customer service" website for further action. The address was bogus. The woman who gave it to me said it was "milinex.com." Later automated messages at their number said go to "customerservice@miliex.com." No such luck!

Altogether I'm out close to $200. These people were total scam artists, obviously intending to stay in business just long enough for the TV ads to run and clean up. The cheap-o vacs probably cost them about $10-$20 each. Everything else was pure ripped-off profit!

I understand I'm not the only one scammed by these crooks. Well, we can't believe everything we see I guess.

Hayden
Greer, South Carolina
U.S.A.