Western Digital Rebate RipOff THEY NOW SAY THEY WILL PAY I was ripped off on a $70 rebate NOW THEY SAY THEY WILL PAY Lake Forest California

Finally, after numerous unanswered emails, and a threat to sue, I was contacted by a cordial Mr. Ross Hunt of Western Digital who said they would pay me and that no ripoff was intended. I think he is an honest guy who doesnt really see what is going on at WDC's rebate centers. His web check at REBATESHQ showed that I had a valid rebate submission and a check was being prepared. WDCs rebate agent (REBATESHQ in Miami) however sent me a postcard denying payment and saying I had failed to submit a receipt (A LIE). Maybe the rebate agent is ripping off WDC by claiming to pay rebates that they actually deny. Anyhow, I yelled and screamed and finally it looks like I will get paid. Its shouldn't be this hard.

Here is the text of Mr Ross's email and a VERY HELPFUL DIRECT DIAL phone number for rebate problems:

>>My apologies for the problems you experienced in obtaining your Western Digital rebate. I have asked the rebate company to investigate what went wrong with your entry. I have also instructed our rebate house to immediately issue you your $70 check for the Western Digital Hard Drive you purchased.

Please understand that Western Digital issues hundreds of thousands of rebate checks every year. We make every attempt to honor those rebate submissions that meet all of the purchase requirements. We also follow up on e-mails of those consumers who report a problem with their rebate submission. We offer both web and telephone assistance... both at our rebate house as well as at our corporate office. Be assured that this was not an attempt to rip off you or any other Western Digital customers. If you experience any additional problems, please contact me directly at 949-672-7441.

I checked the rebate house web site and found that you did have one valid rebate that was received on 1-24-04 and that a check was in process. We will expedite this check to you.

http://www.rebateshq.com/weblogic/rebateshq/parago/trackRebateByCustomer

Once again, please accept my apologies for your inconvenience and your check should arrive with seven working days.

Regards
Ross Hunt
Manager, Retail Programs
Western Digital

Mark
Palo Alto, California
U.S.A.