SHOPDIGITALDIRECT.COM Bait and Switch Brooklyn New York Internet

Stupid, Stupid, Stupid! If it's too good to be true it it probably is.

Sony HDR-FX100 at just over half price. Was called back (on a Sunday, first red flag) and bamboozled into a $4,600 deal for a $3,199 list camera plus totally worthless 4 year maintenance contract (they list at ca. $500 and Sony offers it at $329) plus third rate totchkes (lens cleaner , filter kit and a table top tripod that wouldn't support a fruit fly).

Called back again to cancel and was fast talked with a $700 dollar discount (what a deal!). Called again to cancel order after it was received, to be offered a further $200 off, insisted on an RMA number and after interminable harangues was faxed an agreement which required me to pay a $600 restocking fee before I could get an RMA number and a return address. The package they sent is opened, but the contents are untouched with the seals intact.

I have disputed the charge with American Express who variously advised me to return the package and hold onto it which latter I did. An overpriced camera in the hand is worth something. The billing address (from American Express ) is Infinity Cameras, 1965 MacDonald Ave. Brooklyn NY 11223-1805. Another rip off site claims it to be a Sushi Restaurant. Google Earth isn't quite accurate enough to tell.

This appears to be the address of a Marble Purveyor and a couple of other firms. UPS will not give me the address of the shipper other than to say it was C M Photo, citing their confidentiality agreements.

My research so far finds connections to numerous internet scams under a multiplicity of names. They seem to be extremely adept at concealing both their true identity and their physical location. If I can find the physical address of this outfit, I will be happy to fly to NY, and the confrontation might be more contentious than they expect.

I now have an nationally respected Private Investigation Company investigating the case.

We have reported to NY BBB and tomorrow will file complaint with the NY Attorney General's Office.

Chris ****
Tucson, Arizona
U.S.A.