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Report: #111801

Complaint Review: American Entertainment Distributors - Hollywood Florida

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  • Reported By: Littleton Colorado
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  • American Entertainment Distributors 2514 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 200 Hollywood, Florida U.S.A.

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Unfortunately, I am also a victim of American Entertainment Distributors. I purchased a machine on 8/25 for $36,900. When I purchased the machine, I was told they had secured 4 high traffic locations in the Denver area - all of which I would have first right of refusal. After waiting 3 weeks to speak with the locations department, I was informed this was not true and offered mediocre sites. I attempted to call my sales person, Thomas Kling, only to be rejected and forwarded on to the customer service department. So, I decided to be proactive, find my own location and make the best of a bad situation. I found a great location and now have no machine. And, as everyone knows, the company is now shut down.

All day, I have been on a quest for knowledge. And, here's what I know:

The FTC investigated and has charged AED with freud. They have substantial evidence that American Entertainment misrepresented themselves to investors, promising location assistance, strong sales figures, delivery of machine within 60 days, etc. In addition, there is evidence that they paid their references (which most of us called)to help them "close the deal."

The FTC has appointed a receivor to sift through the rubble and figure out what assets are left (if any), determine who has been sold a Box Office Express, where these orders currently stand, and work with AED to discuss any possible settlements.

The receivor's name is: Gerald Wald, 305-358-5900. Call him, leave a message (you probably won't reach him in person) and let him know your name, number, etc. Eventually, he'll be in touch.

The contact at the FTC handling this case is Debbie Matties. You can reach her at 202-326-2047. She can give you the details of the investigation.

I am sickened that companies like this exist and by the people who run them. Like everyone else, I am upset that I didn't see this coming, but we'll get through this. And, in the end, AED and it's management team will get what they deserve.

Good luck to all of you.

Debbie
Littleton, Colorado
U.S.A.

EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back!

HERE IS WHAT RIP-OFF REPORT SUGGESTS YOU DO:

Go to your bank within 60 days of the charge, or as soon as you know about the charge, don't delay, and tell them that there has been fraudulent activity within your account. Explain that you wish you file a dispute, and demand that they assist you in accordance with Federal Regulation E.

According to the majority of victims interviewed by Rip-off Report, those who immediately called their banks to dispute the charges did not get very far. Many victims got the following responses from their banks: we could not do anything for you or you waited too long; it has been more than 60 days.

If the bank is says that you have waited too long, explain to them how you called their 800 number as soon as the charges were found, and were told by the bank that nothing could be done. Remind the bank that they failed to assist you properly at the 800 # , and instead, provided you with an inadequate explanation of your right to dispute. Tell the bank that it's their fault time has expired, and since they gave you the wrong info to begin with, they will just have to deal with it, take the loss and reverse the charges.

Tell them the truth; this was unauthorized and your account was NOT to be charged! Keep emphasizing how you never authorized anything! Direct them to the hundreds of victims reports that were filed on Rip-off Report.com. And if you're at the bank, walk them over to their computer and make them go to this site! If you are on the phone with them, tell them you will wait while they access this site! Either way, be persistent!

DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER!

Let them know nicely, that you were advised to Report them (the Bank) and this situation to the Banking Commission in your state. Since each state has a different name for the agency/comptroller over banks, find that name before you call or get to the bank so you can throw it in their face. The more knowledgeable you appear to be, the further you will get.

And just continue to demand the Federal Regulation E form! The bank CAN, MUST and WILL reverse the charge! But, you must be persistent; ask to speak to the supervisor or the area manager for all the branches in the state.

Let the bank personnel know you are meeting with the media later in the day, that you would much rather they do the right thing (as most other banks have) by looking at the complaints and immediately reversing the charge(s) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the Media if necessary so you are telling the truth.

If you have to, be loud (but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics should still work. The bank can easily fax or mail to you the Federal Regulation E dispute form.

CHARGES TO YOUR CREDIT CARD

If the charge was to your credit card (not debit card, check card, or checking account), contact the credit card company as soon as possible to request a dispute form. Consumers usually have a little longer to dispute fraudulent credit card charges (up to 6 months), but it is better to act right away. In this type of situation, credit card disputes are usually successful since fraudulent companies often won't contest the disputed charge. In rare cases, credit card companies will review disputes, but refuse to reverse the charges. If this occurs, complain to a manager and let them know you will be filing a report here.

Remember Don't let them get away with it! Make sure they make the Rip-off Report .. The more Reports filed on a Company or individual, the more likely it is that the authorities, media and attorneys will want to take action.

And good luck Let us know how you do!

ED Magedson Founder, Rip-off Report.com & Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com
EDitor@RipoffReport.com
badbusinessbureau.com
www.ripoffreport.com

Don't let them get away with it.
Make sure they make the Rip-off Report!

We are not lawyers.
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We are Consumer Advocates.
...the victims' advocate

WE are Civil and Human Rights Activists

We are a Worldwide Consumer Reporting News Agency
...by consumers, for consumers

CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.

This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 10/06/2004 04:08 PM and is a permanent record located here: https://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/american-entertainment-distributors/hollywood-florida-33020/american-entertainment-distributors-aed-ripoff-misrepresented-lied-hollywood-florida-ed-111801. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year. Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report. READ: Foreign websites steal our content

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REBUTTALS & REPLIES:
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0Employee/Owner

#10 Consumer Comment

Do you need help with a machine?

AUTHOR: Chad - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Wednesday, October 13, 2004

I want to first say to everyone that doesn't have a machine... "I hope you can get your money back and go after them for all they've got!"



I was also offering any support or partnering with those of us who have a machine to help each other with the many issues that can occur by operating these machines.



I currently have 1 machine and hinging on 100+ locations. I may have been one of the last to get a machine up and running on July 15, 2004. My installer cut his leg with a box knife during the unpackaging and I had to help one other person tilt up a 900 lbs machine. Our machine has been up and running with an ever increasing response partly due only to my computer knowledge and experience.

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#9 Consumer Comment

Riello report

AUTHOR: Byron - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Wednesday, October 13, 2004

I resent the implication that I was trying to collect victims names. I was just trying to be helpful. I didnt know if I could post the notice. I will be happy to paste it in below:



Public Statement

October 11, 2004



Riello Technoware Engineering S.p.A. (Riello) is a company in Italy that manufactures dispensers of various media products such as DVDs.

Automated Entertainment Dispensers, Inc. (AED I) purchased dispensers from Riello in Italy. AED I was responsible for any and all marketing, selling, installing and providing of technical support services to customers in the United States. Riello has been informed that AED I contracted with American Entertainment Distributors, Inc. (AED II) and Universal Technical Support, Inc. (UTS) to perform marketing, sales, installation and technical support services to the customers in the United States. AED I, AED II and UTS are all Florida corporations (the Companies). Riello does not have any contractual obligation with any of the Companies other than the supply of products to AED I and the training of its technicians. The contract between Riello and AED I specifically excludes any involvement or responsibility as to the marketing, selling, installation and technical support of its products in the United States.

Riello has no outstanding orders with AED I. Riello delivered to AED I all dispensers that were ordered by AED I. Except for orders from AED I, Riello did not accept any orders from any other person in the United States. There are no other Riello's authorized distributors, resellers and technical support firms in the United States at this time.

On October 1, 2004, Riello was made aware that the Companies were seized by the FTC pursuant to an order by Federal Court in Dade County, Florida. The FTC is alleging a variety of claims against various parties, including the Companies. A related criminal investigation of various parties by the US Postal Service is also pending. The FTC has confirmed that neither Riello nor its USA consultant Lilia, Inc., is a party to any of these claims or investigations.

Subsequent to the FTC seizing the Companies, Riello has been informed of various alleged wrongful marketing and sales tactics on the part of various parties. Riello is without sufficient information to determine whether the FTC's allegations are true. To the extent any wrongful acts were committed, Riello was unaware of those activities. Riello will, to the extent possible under the principals of international law, fully cooperate with the ongoing FTC investigation.

Riello has been informed by the Court appointed receiver of the Companies that the likelihood whether the Companies remain operating business concerns will depend upon the outcome of a hearing before the Federal Court scheduled for October 8, 2004. The purpose of the scheduled hearing is to determine whether the current Court order that restrains the Companies from conducting business should remain in place. If Federal Court determines to keep the order in place, the appointed receiver has informed Riello that he will take actions to liquidate the Companies.

On October 8 the Court decided to postpone the hearing to October 13 because some of the defendants did not have legal representation. When the Court decision will be made available, Riello will release a new statement with updated information.

Riello fulfilled all of its orders from the Companies prior to it learning of the FTC seizure of the Companies. Riello has no outstanding orders from the Companies. Until such time as the issues surrounding the allegations made by the FTC against the Companies are resolved, Riello will not accept any orders from any person or entity within the United States for its goods and services pending outcome of the above described matter.

For all other inquiries regarding this matter, we recommend that you contact the Court appointed receiver for the Companies.

[

good luck everyone,



Byron

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#8 Consumer Comment

statement on AED from Riello - hearing on Oct. 13, to determine if the FTC injunction is going to stand or not

AUTHOR: Byron - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, October 12, 2004

Everyone:



I spoke to a very helpful person at Riello ( the Italian company that makes the dvd dispensers).

He sent me the company's statement on AED and the FTC shutdown of the company. Apparently there is going to be a hearing on Oct. 13, to determine if the FTC injunction is going to stand or not.



(((REDACTED INFO, READ BELOW)))

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#7 Consumer Comment

The more I read, the worse I feel...

AUTHOR: Erin - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, October 11, 2004

I too would like to thank Debbie for providing names and numbers...I have been reading this site all morning and the more I read, the worse I feel. I've contacted the Better Business Bureau and they encouraged me to file a report, so if you haven't done so, please visit their website to file a report: www.bbbsoutheastflorida.org



The BBB rep also gave me the numbers for the Florida Department of Consumer Affairs: 954-756-5350 and the Florida Department of Consumer Services: 850-488-2221. I've left messages with both and encourage everyone to do the same--let's get the word out!



In addition to this, my business partner and I plan to set up a message board on our machine website. Please check www.dvdcentury.com over the next several days as it takes some time for the server to post changes to the site. We're hoping to use the site as a message forum for everyone to exchange names and contact information and post any updates or progress.



Best of luck to everyone...we'll get them in the end!

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#6 Consumer Comment

Duped in Phoenix too!

AUTHOR: Brett - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, October 11, 2004

Thanks Debbie for the numbers you listed above. I've left messages with both. I've also posted my on complaint on this site. I've been trying to submit complaints to the internet fraud department and DOJ. I hope we can all rally together to bring this theieves to justice. It's hard to admit that I've gotten "taken" and thought I did so much due diligence, that how could I be wrong. If anyone else has some suggestions on what to do next or have gotten anywhere with anybody, please let us know.

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#5 Consumer Comment

takes a pretty incredible person to be positve in hard times and Im impressed

AUTHOR: Lissa - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, October 10, 2004

DEBBIE



I just wanted to compliment you on your positive response to Rick. It takes a pretty incredible person to be positve in hard times and Im impressed. Im trying real hard to just get over the devistation of not knowing what to do with 3 machines and over $100,000 invested. Any suggestions on how to keep my head up? I read all these different reports every day and I just dont know what to do or understand exactly what is going on. I called Gerald Walds # and got his assistants voice mail and left a message and also called Debbie Matties and left a message. I just wonder if I will ever hear back and wonder what else I need to do. I would love to be able to talk with you but I dont know how to give you my info. since they wont let us put it on this web site.



If you have any help for me please respond to this letter.



Thank you for all the support you have provided up to now on this site.

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#4 Consumer Comment

takes a pretty incredible person to be positve in hard times and Im impressed

AUTHOR: Lissa - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, October 10, 2004

DEBBIE



I just wanted to compliment you on your positive response to Rick. It takes a pretty incredible person to be positve in hard times and Im impressed. Im trying real hard to just get over the devistation of not knowing what to do with 3 machines and over $100,000 invested. Any suggestions on how to keep my head up? I read all these different reports every day and I just dont know what to do or understand exactly what is going on. I called Gerald Walds # and got his assistants voice mail and left a message and also called Debbie Matties and left a message. I just wonder if I will ever hear back and wonder what else I need to do. I would love to be able to talk with you but I dont know how to give you my info. since they wont let us put it on this web site.



If you have any help for me please respond to this letter.



Thank you for all the support you have provided up to now on this site.

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#3 Consumer Comment

takes a pretty incredible person to be positve in hard times and Im impressed

AUTHOR: Lissa - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, October 10, 2004

DEBBIE



I just wanted to compliment you on your positive response to Rick. It takes a pretty incredible person to be positve in hard times and Im impressed. Im trying real hard to just get over the devistation of not knowing what to do with 3 machines and over $100,000 invested. Any suggestions on how to keep my head up? I read all these different reports every day and I just dont know what to do or understand exactly what is going on. I called Gerald Walds # and got his assistants voice mail and left a message and also called Debbie Matties and left a message. I just wonder if I will ever hear back and wonder what else I need to do. I would love to be able to talk with you but I dont know how to give you my info. since they wont let us put it on this web site.



If you have any help for me please respond to this letter.



Thank you for all the support you have provided up to now on this site.

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#2 Consumer Comment

Good Luck

AUTHOR: Debbie - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Friday, October 08, 2004

Thanks for your response. I am sympathetic with you. And, like you, had looked forward to having a high-traffic location in the Denver area. This whole situation is terrible. I never would have thought that I would be a victim of a "con" but you live and you learn. I am trying to find humor in this ordeal - laughing at the names of the people we worked with - Mauricio, Caesar, etc. Kind of like a Sopranos episode....



Anyway, count your blessings for what you have - family, good health, friends. AED will get what they deserve. In the end, they will lose. We'll all be OK. We're good people. Let's not let them take our dreams and confidence away.



Take care.

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#1 Consumer Comment

Also taken in Colorado

AUTHOR: Rick - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Friday, October 08, 2004

Debbie,



I called all the people you listed. Thanks for all the work! We also live in Colorado and were taked by AED! We wired money to them on 7/21 and have not seen the machine! I was also told the same thing about the Denver area. They keep telling me about Book's Towers, Qwest Bldg, and many locations in downtown. But I guess all that is irrelevant if there is no machine! I am also sickened! I don't know what else to do! I jsut found out today about this. After I wired them the money they were great. My location manager called me every week with updates! I got a certified letter in the mail that the machine was backordered and expected delivery was 10/15. So I haven't been to concerned until I didn't hear from my location manager this week.



Then I tried to call him! NO ANSWER!!! So I started looking and found this website. Now I am just sick! Is there anything else we can do??



Rick

Nederland, CO

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