Todd
San Francisco,#2Author of original report
Mon, March 03, 2008
Another article (link below) that celebrates the success of Niu Niu Ji while downplaying the tactics used by his companies to profit from unsuspecting consumers. It's unfortunate that these articles on Mr. Ji's businesses don't illuminate the seemingly common occurrences of keeping their "customer support line" secret or being totally inaccurate in their tracking and reflecting of the consumer's completion of the required transactions necessary to claim their "free" prize. In other words, I don't think the primary complaint is about the vagueness surrounding the word "free" (as the FL Attorney General's previous lawsuit suggests), rather, the means by which Mr. Ji's businesses continually place their consumers in a position of needing to go above and beyond any reasonable responsibility to protect their own interests. For example, in my own experience, Mr. Ji's business (then registered as Niu Tech, in North Carolina) reported back to the N.C. Dept. of Justice that they would not include their official "customer help line" on their website as they felt it was sufficient that the number was listed in Rip Off Reports (in fact, in the initial report that I had posted!). Customers who shared the experience of not having the number of their transactions accurately reflected back to them via Mr. Ji's businesses would then send the business numerous emails via the website's form (not an email address) and would rarely if ever receive a response. With the 90-day time limit for completing all required transactions, the inaccuracy of Mr. Ji's business' account of the consumer's completion of their required purchases left the consumer in a difficult situation, thus leaving one needing to prove (through faxing documentation, were the consumer savvy enough to save screen shots and other documentation of having completed the necessary transactions) that Mr. Ji's company was in error. And, because Mr. Ji's "official customer help line" was not posted on their website, the consumer would be lost unless they took it upon themselves to Google Mr. Ji's business, by chance read my report on Rip Off Reports, and find the appropriate number by which to contact Mr. Ji's business. That tactic is not doing business ethically, in my humble opinion. In this way, Niu Niu Ji and his business should be held accountable for unethical business practices. The only missing element is whether or not there was intent behind these methods of separating consumers from their money via the tactics utilized by Mr. Ji; or was it just poor and irresponsible business management? Either way, Mr. Ji should call his next business "BuyerBeware.com". At least now, Consumer Incentive Promotions has a contact phone number included on their contact page (a revolutionary concept!): (561) 674-9700 Said article: http://www.onepaper.com/stcroixvi/?v=d&i=&s=News%3ALocal&p=1203138118&f=p
Todd
San Francisco,#3Author of original report
Mon, March 03, 2008
Ah... some sense of justice begins to prevail. :) Every once in a while, I like to keep up w/ the "Free iPod" pseudo-scam and post to ROR when news occurs. Can you believe that this guy gets awarded a Rhodes Scholarship for creating such a huge scam..? Only in America! A few things: First, the name of Niu Niu Ji's company has changed to "World Avenue", ne NiuTech, followed by Jinius. They have since relocated, it seems, to the U.S. Virgin Islands (where U.S. laws protecting consumers are probably more, ahem, "flexible"; see the documentary "Life and Debt"). Second, the following link will lead you to an article written about (and almost celebrating) Niu Niu Ji's "accomplishments" of getting the Rhodes Scholarship while also creating a huge network of scam sites that have led to a less-than-satisfactory rating w/ the FL BBB. http://www.floridatrend.com/article.asp?aID=45145 Third, in addition to any above contact info, its possible you may be able to contact Niu Niu Ji personally if you join the professional/social networking site LinkedIn. This link is to Niu Niu's personal page. http://www.linkedin.com/pub/0/364/a76 And, fourth, last but not least, the next link and subsequent text are regarding Niu Niu's Company (World Avenue) being sued by the Florida State Attorney General for Deceptive Advertising!! Phew! Only 3 or 4 years since I've been aware of their operations..! Keep filing complaints w/ the FL A.G. when appropriate! Thanks all! http://myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/D524FCB6D8B788B485257340004EA48D Attorney General Bill McCollum News Release August 23, 2007 en Espaol Media Contact: Sandi Copes Phone: (850) 245-0150 Internet Company Sued for Deceptive Advertisements of Free Gifts ~ Lawsuit alleges consumers may have been deceived about requirements to obtain gifts or prizes ~ TALLAHASSEE, FL Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced that his office has sued a Delaware company headquartered in Boca Raton, alleging the company's advertising may deceive consumers about offers of free gifts or prizes. World Avenue U.S.A., LLC, and company chief executive officer NiuNiu Ji are named in the Attorney General's lawsuit, which cites significant problems stemming from the company's internet marketing practices, including concerns that consumers may be misled as they attempt to claim free offers of merchandise. My office is vigilant about anything that appears to be a deliberate attempt to misinform or mislead Floridians, said Attorney General McCollum. I urge all consumers to be very cautious of any free gift offers. Things that sound too good to be true usually are. The Attorney General's Economic Crimes Division has been investigating the company, which has operated under the name NIUTech and a myriad of others, since 2006. The investigation revealed that consumers typically encounter the company through e-mail solicitations, internet pop-up windows, or paid advertisements linked to Google and other search engines. The advertisements convey that consumers can receive free merchandise if certain program requirements are met. The Attorney General's investigation focused on determining whether or not the promotional merchandise was actually free, and, if not, determining whether the terms and conditions for receiving the promotional items were clearly and conspicuously disclosed, in a manner which would not be likely to mislead consumers. After extensive review of the company's promotional offers, investigators concluded that neither the Program Details or Terms and Conditions found on the websites associated with the company's offers clearly disclosed important caveats to the promotions. Disclaimers should have stated that every free gift required the consumer to make one or more cash purchases, that the combined dollar amount of purchases required to receive the gift could exceed the retail value of the free gift. The total cost necessary to obtain the free gift should have also been disclosed. Additionally, the lawsuit cites concerns that consumers were misinformed about the process for obtaining the free prize, including misleading statements about when the process would conclude. Notice of the Attorney General's lawsuit was sent to governmental authorities in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where Niuniu Ji has relocated. Corporations similar to World Avenue have already been formed in the Virgin Islands, Ireland and Bermuda. The Attorney General was contacted by a government official in the Virgin Islands, who was investigating the businesses' request for various tax incentives. Those requests are currently still under review. Below is a compilation of names under which World Avenues has been known to conduct business: The Useful, LLC, Jinius Corporation, Net Radiance, The Useful.com, Emarket Researchgroup, Netprime, Theuseful, Theuseful.com, Earn-Free-Gifts, Get a Gift Online, Online Easter Gifts, Great Gift Rewards, Funny Free Clips, America's Top Brands, Your Smart Rewards, Incentive Reward Center, Superb Rewards, Consumer Incentive Reward, Get Your Free Bracelet, Online Gift Rewards, Premiere Gift Center, Your Exclusive Rewards, Online Mother's Day Gifts, United Opinion Panel, Consumerincentivepromotion, Mychoicerewards.com, Incentivegiftcenter.com, Productopinionpanel.com, 123specialgifts.com, Topgiftincentives.com, Exprewards.com, Myselectgifts.com, Incentive gift center, My choice rewards, Product Opinion Panel, 123 Special Gifts, Top Gift Incentives, My Select Gifts, Program Reward Center, Online Reward Center, Choice Survey Group, My Premium Rewards, American Survey Panel, Online Survey Panel, EMarket Ads, National Survey Panel, Credit for 1 Year, Consumer Taste Panel, Brand Survey Panel, Shield Your PC, National Issue Panel, Smart Gift Rewards, My First Savings Bond, My Great Rewards, Premium Products Online, Consumer Gift Center, Exclusive Gift Center, Exclusive Gift Cards, My Great Incentives, Consumers Choice Rewards, Reward Gift Center, My Cool Rewards, Top Choice Incentives, My Exclusive Rewards, My Supreme Rewards, Premium Holiday Gifts, Reward Center USA, Exp Rewards, Jinius, Free Hot Gifts, I Got My Free Gift, Hot Gift Zone, Online Promo for You.
David
Hollywood,#4Consumer Comment
Sat, December 02, 2006
Hi there! Did you try calling them on the phone or contacting them via eMail? I maintained contact with them the entire time, and even when my vouchers could not be found, I was able to FAX them to them. I have received a Compaq Laptop and a SLVR cellphone so far. I did the offer for a Nintendo DS last week, and it is out for shipment already. All I do is keep copies of everything, keep on top of all the offers, and keep in constant contact with the company. They WANT to give you your product. Sometimes things are backordered and may take an extremely long time to receive. That was the case with the SLVR for me. I had to wait an additional 2 1/2 months beyond what I was expecting. BUT - during the entire time I kept in phone and email contact with them, and they kept me informed and abrest of the situation the whole time. And in the end I was rewarded with my SLVR. As for items not being properly reflected, all it takes is talking to both the company that you got the offer through and the reward company and explaining to both what you are looking for. Sometimes it takes several months for the offer company's information to reach the reward company. It is of no fault of the reward company - it is the red tape of the offer company that causes those delays. I have had this experience myself, and once again, the constant communications kept me informed all the time and I knew that 2 of my offer responses for my Laptop would take about 8 weeks to be registered. And in the end, one of them was not - one phone call to the reward company and 2 hours later and the final one was approved. The reward company will also offer replacement offer choices in case something goes terribly wrong, or you are declined for a credit card, or cannot otherwise complete the offer as required. I had this happen with 2 credit card offers and was able to select 2 alternate offers that worked and were recorded within days. I have had nothing but positive experiences with them so far. This is all written based on my personal experiences.
Neven
San Antonio,#5Consumer Comment
Thu, September 14, 2006
I haven't been ripped off directly, but they are using my product to promote their scam via google adwords. Here is the website currently being used by them ((( link removed by ROR))) Here is the letter I sent to the several addresses already mentioned in this post (thank you!); will report on the success. Hopefully this will help someone. This will be one and only notification of the following request: 1. Remove the following (and any similar) page(s) from your site(s): (( link removed by ROR))) 2. Do not offer free copies of Algebrator in any shape or form, for which you have no distribution rights. In particular do not use Google adwords and / or other PPC engines to promote your scam. 3. Immediately remove a stolen Algebrator logo from any of your sites (such as, but not limited to the one below): ((link removed by ROR)) You have 48 hours to comply with this request. If you do not, the following actions will be taken: 1. Filing a formal complaint with North Carolina DOJ, the Florida Attorney General and other similar agencies 2. Filing DMCA report with Google, which will result in complete removal of your adwords account 3. Filing a complaint with your hosting company, which will result in suspension of your account Other legal action will be brought against your company, when deemed necessary There is no need for you to reply to this email. You only need to comply with aforementioned request toavoid further action. Believe me, I will be much more trouble than it is worth.
Neven
San Antonio,#6Consumer Comment
Thu, September 14, 2006
I haven't been ripped off directly, but they are using my product to promote their scam via google adwords. Here is the website currently being used by them ((( link removed by ROR))) Here is the letter I sent to the several addresses already mentioned in this post (thank you!); will report on the success. Hopefully this will help someone. This will be one and only notification of the following request: 1. Remove the following (and any similar) page(s) from your site(s): (( link removed by ROR))) 2. Do not offer free copies of Algebrator in any shape or form, for which you have no distribution rights. In particular do not use Google adwords and / or other PPC engines to promote your scam. 3. Immediately remove a stolen Algebrator logo from any of your sites (such as, but not limited to the one below): ((link removed by ROR)) You have 48 hours to comply with this request. If you do not, the following actions will be taken: 1. Filing a formal complaint with North Carolina DOJ, the Florida Attorney General and other similar agencies 2. Filing DMCA report with Google, which will result in complete removal of your adwords account 3. Filing a complaint with your hosting company, which will result in suspension of your account Other legal action will be brought against your company, when deemed necessary There is no need for you to reply to this email. You only need to comply with aforementioned request toavoid further action. Believe me, I will be much more trouble than it is worth.
Neven
San Antonio,#7Consumer Comment
Thu, September 14, 2006
I haven't been ripped off directly, but they are using my product to promote their scam via google adwords. Here is the website currently being used by them ((( link removed by ROR))) Here is the letter I sent to the several addresses already mentioned in this post (thank you!); will report on the success. Hopefully this will help someone. This will be one and only notification of the following request: 1. Remove the following (and any similar) page(s) from your site(s): (( link removed by ROR))) 2. Do not offer free copies of Algebrator in any shape or form, for which you have no distribution rights. In particular do not use Google adwords and / or other PPC engines to promote your scam. 3. Immediately remove a stolen Algebrator logo from any of your sites (such as, but not limited to the one below): ((link removed by ROR)) You have 48 hours to comply with this request. If you do not, the following actions will be taken: 1. Filing a formal complaint with North Carolina DOJ, the Florida Attorney General and other similar agencies 2. Filing DMCA report with Google, which will result in complete removal of your adwords account 3. Filing a complaint with your hosting company, which will result in suspension of your account Other legal action will be brought against your company, when deemed necessary There is no need for you to reply to this email. You only need to comply with aforementioned request toavoid further action. Believe me, I will be much more trouble than it is worth.
Neven
San Antonio,#8Consumer Comment
Thu, September 14, 2006
I haven't been ripped off directly, but they are using my product to promote their scam via google adwords. Here is the website currently being used by them ((( link removed by ROR))) Here is the letter I sent to the several addresses already mentioned in this post (thank you!); will report on the success. Hopefully this will help someone. This will be one and only notification of the following request: 1. Remove the following (and any similar) page(s) from your site(s): (( link removed by ROR))) 2. Do not offer free copies of Algebrator in any shape or form, for which you have no distribution rights. In particular do not use Google adwords and / or other PPC engines to promote your scam. 3. Immediately remove a stolen Algebrator logo from any of your sites (such as, but not limited to the one below): ((link removed by ROR)) You have 48 hours to comply with this request. If you do not, the following actions will be taken: 1. Filing a formal complaint with North Carolina DOJ, the Florida Attorney General and other similar agencies 2. Filing DMCA report with Google, which will result in complete removal of your adwords account 3. Filing a complaint with your hosting company, which will result in suspension of your account Other legal action will be brought against your company, when deemed necessary There is no need for you to reply to this email. You only need to comply with aforementioned request toavoid further action. Believe me, I will be much more trouble than it is worth.
Todd
San Francisco,#9Consumer Suggestion
Wed, August 09, 2006
Just an update re: the change of name of NiuTech LLC; the new name is Jinius Corporation, humbly named after the owner of the medusa-like entity, Niu Niu Ji. Below is also a list of other fictitious business names Niu Niu Ji uses to "do business"... EMARKET RESEARCH GROUP ?NETPRIME ? ? ? ??YOUR SMART REWARDS ? ? ??INCENTIVE REWARD CENTER ?SUPERB REWARDS ??CONSUMER INCENTIVE REWARD ? ? ? ?GET YOUR FREE BRACELET ??ONLINE GIFT REWARDS ? ? ?PREMIERE GIFT CENTER ? ??YOUR EXCLUSIVE REWARDS ??UNITED OPINION PANEL ? ??CONSUMERINCENTIVEPROMOTIO ? ? ? ?MYCHOICEREWARDS.COM ? ? ?INCENTIVEGIFTCENTER.COM ?PRODUCTOPINIONPANEL.COM ?123SPECIALGIFTS.COM ? ? ?TOPGIFTINCENTIVES.COM ? ?EXPREWARDS.COM ??MYSELECTGIFTS.COM ? ? ? ?INCENTIVE GIFT CENTER ? ?CONSUMER INCENTIVE PROMOT ? ? ? ?MY CHOICE REWARDS ? ? ? ?PRODUCT OPINION PANEL ? ?123 SPECIAL GIFTS ? ? ? ?TOP GIFT INCENTIVES ? ? ?MY SELECT GIFTS ?PROGRAM REWARD CENTER ? ?ONLINE REWARD CENTER ? ??CHOICE SURVEY GROUP ? ? ?MY PREMIUM REWARDS ? ? ??AMERICAN SURVEY PANEL ? ?ONLINE SURVEY PANEL ? ? ?EMARKET ADS ? ? ?NATIONAL SURVEY PANEL ? ?CREDIT FOR 1 YEAR ? ? ? ?CONSUMER TASTE PANEL ? ??BRAND SURVEY PANEL ? ? ??SHIELD YOUR PC ??NATIONAL ISSUE PANEL ? ??SMART GIFT REWARDS ? ? ??MY FIRST SAVINGS BOND ? ?MY GREAT REWARDS ? ? ? ??PREMIUM PRODUCTS ONLINE ?CONSUMER GIFT CENTER ? ??EXCLUSIVE GIFT CARDS ? ??MY GREAT INCENTIVES ? ? ?CONSUMERS CHOICE REWARDS ? ? ? ??REWARD GIFT CENTER ? ? ??MY COOL REWARDS ?TOP CHOICE INCENTIVES ? ?MY EXCLUSIVE REWARDS ? ??MY SUPREME REWARDS ? ? ??PREMIUM HOLIDAY GIFTS ? ?REWARD CENTER USA ? ? ? ?EXP REWARDS ? ? ?JINIUS ?
Todd
San Francisco,#10Consumer Suggestion
Wed, August 09, 2006
Just an update re: the change of name of NiuTech LLC; the new name is Jinius Corporation, humbly named after the owner of the medusa-like entity, Niu Niu Ji. Below is also a list of other fictitious business names Niu Niu Ji uses to "do business"... EMARKET RESEARCH GROUP ?NETPRIME ? ? ? ??YOUR SMART REWARDS ? ? ??INCENTIVE REWARD CENTER ?SUPERB REWARDS ??CONSUMER INCENTIVE REWARD ? ? ? ?GET YOUR FREE BRACELET ??ONLINE GIFT REWARDS ? ? ?PREMIERE GIFT CENTER ? ??YOUR EXCLUSIVE REWARDS ??UNITED OPINION PANEL ? ??CONSUMERINCENTIVEPROMOTIO ? ? ? ?MYCHOICEREWARDS.COM ? ? ?INCENTIVEGIFTCENTER.COM ?PRODUCTOPINIONPANEL.COM ?123SPECIALGIFTS.COM ? ? ?TOPGIFTINCENTIVES.COM ? ?EXPREWARDS.COM ??MYSELECTGIFTS.COM ? ? ? ?INCENTIVE GIFT CENTER ? ?CONSUMER INCENTIVE PROMOT ? ? ? ?MY CHOICE REWARDS ? ? ? ?PRODUCT OPINION PANEL ? ?123 SPECIAL GIFTS ? ? ? ?TOP GIFT INCENTIVES ? ? ?MY SELECT GIFTS ?PROGRAM REWARD CENTER ? ?ONLINE REWARD CENTER ? ??CHOICE SURVEY GROUP ? ? ?MY PREMIUM REWARDS ? ? ??AMERICAN SURVEY PANEL ? ?ONLINE SURVEY PANEL ? ? ?EMARKET ADS ? ? ?NATIONAL SURVEY PANEL ? ?CREDIT FOR 1 YEAR ? ? ? ?CONSUMER TASTE PANEL ? ??BRAND SURVEY PANEL ? ? ??SHIELD YOUR PC ??NATIONAL ISSUE PANEL ? ??SMART GIFT REWARDS ? ? ??MY FIRST SAVINGS BOND ? ?MY GREAT REWARDS ? ? ? ??PREMIUM PRODUCTS ONLINE ?CONSUMER GIFT CENTER ? ??EXCLUSIVE GIFT CARDS ? ??MY GREAT INCENTIVES ? ? ?CONSUMERS CHOICE REWARDS ? ? ? ??REWARD GIFT CENTER ? ? ??MY COOL REWARDS ?TOP CHOICE INCENTIVES ? ?MY EXCLUSIVE REWARDS ? ??MY SUPREME REWARDS ? ? ??PREMIUM HOLIDAY GIFTS ? ?REWARD CENTER USA ? ? ? ?EXP REWARDS ? ? ?JINIUS ?
Todd
San Francisco,#11Consumer Suggestion
Wed, August 09, 2006
Just an update re: the change of name of NiuTech LLC; the new name is Jinius Corporation, humbly named after the owner of the medusa-like entity, Niu Niu Ji. Below is also a list of other fictitious business names Niu Niu Ji uses to "do business"... EMARKET RESEARCH GROUP ?NETPRIME ? ? ? ??YOUR SMART REWARDS ? ? ??INCENTIVE REWARD CENTER ?SUPERB REWARDS ??CONSUMER INCENTIVE REWARD ? ? ? ?GET YOUR FREE BRACELET ??ONLINE GIFT REWARDS ? ? ?PREMIERE GIFT CENTER ? ??YOUR EXCLUSIVE REWARDS ??UNITED OPINION PANEL ? ??CONSUMERINCENTIVEPROMOTIO ? ? ? ?MYCHOICEREWARDS.COM ? ? ?INCENTIVEGIFTCENTER.COM ?PRODUCTOPINIONPANEL.COM ?123SPECIALGIFTS.COM ? ? ?TOPGIFTINCENTIVES.COM ? ?EXPREWARDS.COM ??MYSELECTGIFTS.COM ? ? ? ?INCENTIVE GIFT CENTER ? ?CONSUMER INCENTIVE PROMOT ? ? ? ?MY CHOICE REWARDS ? ? ? ?PRODUCT OPINION PANEL ? ?123 SPECIAL GIFTS ? ? ? ?TOP GIFT INCENTIVES ? ? ?MY SELECT GIFTS ?PROGRAM REWARD CENTER ? ?ONLINE REWARD CENTER ? ??CHOICE SURVEY GROUP ? ? ?MY PREMIUM REWARDS ? ? ??AMERICAN SURVEY PANEL ? ?ONLINE SURVEY PANEL ? ? ?EMARKET ADS ? ? ?NATIONAL SURVEY PANEL ? ?CREDIT FOR 1 YEAR ? ? ? ?CONSUMER TASTE PANEL ? ??BRAND SURVEY PANEL ? ? ??SHIELD YOUR PC ??NATIONAL ISSUE PANEL ? ??SMART GIFT REWARDS ? ? ??MY FIRST SAVINGS BOND ? ?MY GREAT REWARDS ? ? ? ??PREMIUM PRODUCTS ONLINE ?CONSUMER GIFT CENTER ? ??EXCLUSIVE GIFT CARDS ? ??MY GREAT INCENTIVES ? ? ?CONSUMERS CHOICE REWARDS ? ? ? ??REWARD GIFT CENTER ? ? ??MY COOL REWARDS ?TOP CHOICE INCENTIVES ? ?MY EXCLUSIVE REWARDS ? ??MY SUPREME REWARDS ? ? ??PREMIUM HOLIDAY GIFTS ? ?REWARD CENTER USA ? ? ? ?EXP REWARDS ? ? ?JINIUS ?
Todd
San Francisco,#12Consumer Suggestion
Wed, August 09, 2006
Just an update re: the change of name of NiuTech LLC; the new name is Jinius Corporation, humbly named after the owner of the medusa-like entity, Niu Niu Ji. Below is also a list of other fictitious business names Niu Niu Ji uses to "do business"... EMARKET RESEARCH GROUP ?NETPRIME ? ? ? ??YOUR SMART REWARDS ? ? ??INCENTIVE REWARD CENTER ?SUPERB REWARDS ??CONSUMER INCENTIVE REWARD ? ? ? ?GET YOUR FREE BRACELET ??ONLINE GIFT REWARDS ? ? ?PREMIERE GIFT CENTER ? ??YOUR EXCLUSIVE REWARDS ??UNITED OPINION PANEL ? ??CONSUMERINCENTIVEPROMOTIO ? ? ? ?MYCHOICEREWARDS.COM ? ? ?INCENTIVEGIFTCENTER.COM ?PRODUCTOPINIONPANEL.COM ?123SPECIALGIFTS.COM ? ? ?TOPGIFTINCENTIVES.COM ? ?EXPREWARDS.COM ??MYSELECTGIFTS.COM ? ? ? ?INCENTIVE GIFT CENTER ? ?CONSUMER INCENTIVE PROMOT ? ? ? ?MY CHOICE REWARDS ? ? ? ?PRODUCT OPINION PANEL ? ?123 SPECIAL GIFTS ? ? ? ?TOP GIFT INCENTIVES ? ? ?MY SELECT GIFTS ?PROGRAM REWARD CENTER ? ?ONLINE REWARD CENTER ? ??CHOICE SURVEY GROUP ? ? ?MY PREMIUM REWARDS ? ? ??AMERICAN SURVEY PANEL ? ?ONLINE SURVEY PANEL ? ? ?EMARKET ADS ? ? ?NATIONAL SURVEY PANEL ? ?CREDIT FOR 1 YEAR ? ? ? ?CONSUMER TASTE PANEL ? ??BRAND SURVEY PANEL ? ? ??SHIELD YOUR PC ??NATIONAL ISSUE PANEL ? ??SMART GIFT REWARDS ? ? ??MY FIRST SAVINGS BOND ? ?MY GREAT REWARDS ? ? ? ??PREMIUM PRODUCTS ONLINE ?CONSUMER GIFT CENTER ? ??EXCLUSIVE GIFT CARDS ? ??MY GREAT INCENTIVES ? ? ?CONSUMERS CHOICE REWARDS ? ? ? ??REWARD GIFT CENTER ? ? ??MY COOL REWARDS ?TOP CHOICE INCENTIVES ? ?MY EXCLUSIVE REWARDS ? ??MY SUPREME REWARDS ? ? ??PREMIUM HOLIDAY GIFTS ? ?REWARD CENTER USA ? ? ? ?EXP REWARDS ? ? ?JINIUS ?
Kenneth
Jim Thorpe,#13Consumer Comment
Thu, August 03, 2006
Hello! After filing my complaint with the BBB re: NIUTech some nine months ago, I received a letter from the Attorney General a few weeks ago saying that an investigation was underway of NIUTech. I filled out a form they had sent me, got it notarized, and sent it back. It asked me to provide documentation for the purchases I made (I bet NIUTech is wishing they didn't have us print this out to send to them now!)
Jamie
San Bernardino,#14Consumer Comment
Mon, May 01, 2006
I had completed an offer with incentive reward center. I received my gift in a promptly manner. There is fine print you don't see. I got information from a man at AOL he said you have to keep AOL for three months before they will honor your reward so I did and it worked. There are also term and aggreements you must meet. I was trying to get a nintendo DS instead they sent the amount that a DS was. Maybe I was a fortunate one but they worked for me just swell.
Tara
Wichita,#15Consumer Suggestion
Wed, May 04, 2005
Thanks so much, Todd for all of the valuable information here. After six weeks, I hadn't heard anything and my offer list wasn't updating, so I called the official customer service line, and left a message. I told them I got the number off of the ripoffreport website (veiled threat!) The very next day, a girl named Summer called me back and requested that I fax my proofs of completion to their number. I did so, and I received my laptop about four weeks later. Some of the "trial offers" are a little shady, like Jevene Essence of Youth glop. I've heard that it is really hard to cancel the automatic billing. So, what I did was use one check card to complete all of the offers in one day, and then reported the card lost right after. That way, only the "shipping and handling" charges of 3.99-5.99 got charged, and I didn't have to worry about recurring billing. With the Xpert Sattelite dish, I bought the 19.95 dish, I actually wanted satellite TV, so I used a different card. PRINT ALL RECEIPTS. I can't stress this enough. Always print out the emailed receipts!! Every single one! Some of the offers like Jevene and Feel Serenity don't send you emailed receipts, so just save the invoices that are included with your trial offer (I got the samples about a week later) to fax. I doubt they would've given me my gift if I hadn't called. They make money by ignoring the people who complete the offers and just give up. All in all, the laptop cost me about 20.00 in useless crap trial offers. Not bad at all!
Gayle
Morganville,#16Consumer Comment
Wed, March 30, 2005
I have submitted a report as well but must comment on the information that Todd has supplied. I was working of the Florida information only (Consumer Incentive Promotions). I tried the 561 # today and suddenly received a phone call. (after trying many times via email and phone since February). They said they sent me 10 emails but I have never received any. I am a systems engineer and very technical and know for sure that no mail filter or firewall rejected these emails. I believe they were lying to me. They said they didn't receive notification of my last 3 offers and asked me to fax them to them this evening. Their Fax number is: 561-997-1192 Maybe this number can help someone else. Seems like this forum and the advice given has helped but it is truly ashame if these companies only respond after this level of effort and frustration. Lets see if my Apple Ibook will be sent. Thanks for everyone's help and the excellent venue this site provides!
Amy
Elwell,#17Consumer Comment
Thu, March 17, 2005
Well, I didn't know it at the time, but my first experience with this company came a few years ago when I completed an offer through The Useful's web site to get a $75 Visa gift card. I completed the required sponsor offer and received my card without a problem. In my second experience, I went to FreeGamesSource's web site to earn a free Xbox. I completed the necessary offers, waited a couple of months or so, and received my redemption email telling me to print the voucher and submit it. I did this last November. I then waited until January before I checked the status of my gift. Instead of finding it still labelled Pending or upgraded to Approved or Shipped, suddenly I had all three offers yet to do! I emailed them about it from their web contact form and got no response. I tried several more times and was continually ignored. (I even resent the voucher info and numbers to them, as I had printed a copy for myself to save--ALWAYS DO THIS PEOPLE; HAVE WRITTEN PROOF OF EVERYTHING YOU DO!) It wasn't until I came here to learn about "another" company--more on that in a minute--that I found this report. I filed an online complaint with the attorney general of Florida but waited to do so with North Carolina--you have to snail mail that form. (I figured I'd do that if nothing further happened after this filing.) The NEXT day, I received an email from the company letting me know that I should be patient as they were looking into my account. I waited some but heard nothing more. I then called the customer service number I found above in Todd's report (Niu Tech LLC and their aka's "Official Customer Service Number": 1-866-301-7260). Although no one answered, I was able to leave a message, and I again told them the information from my voucher form. That was two or three weeks ago. Monday I came home from work to find a $149.99 check in my mailbox to reimburse me for the Xbox, and a letter saying: "Due to circumstances beyond our control, we were unable to fulfill your gift through our regular sources. Enclosed is a check for the value of the gift you registered for. Please use the check to purchase the product you are due." For my third experience, I completed the six offers necessary to get a $500 Visa gift card from eMarketResearchGroup (that "other" company I previously mentioned). Although they are sometimes slow or don't always respond, I have had more success with this particular offer. I'd say half the time they've responded to my emails with moderately useful/helpful replies. After a number of emails about three of the completed offers remaining listed as Not Reported, I finally received a message telling me to snail mail the confirmation emails to a provided mailing address and they would expedite the processing. So, what I have found through all this is that they are not running scams, but they are a poorly run company. I have not found it enough to simply sit back and be patient; you have to keep after them and usually file complaints before you see any real action. They do eventually come through. I would just like to see them be more open, honest, and upfront about the process. If they have few employees trying to do all this and they're swamped, hire more people. Or, if they can't afford to, adjust the wait times mentioned on these web sites to say 4-6 months rather than 6-8 weeks. Have a form message they can send to people if they encounter delays or difficulties to let customers know what's going on. I'll wait until the cows come home if I know that they're still working on it but it'll be a while longer; let me know you haven't forgotten me, aren't ignoring me, and respect me enough to keep me in the loop.
P
Tampa,#18Consumer Comment
Wed, March 16, 2005
Todd - an address and phone number you have listed for NiuTech is incorrect. This is notice to any one reading the NiuTech posting that Switch and Data is the company at 36 NE 2nd Street, Miami, FL 33132, (305) 374-2167, not NiuTech. Please post this CORRECT information as soon as possible. Consumers are reaching Switch and Data when they call this number, not NiuTech. P Rimas, Switch and Data Tampa, FL
P
Tampa,#19Consumer Comment
Wed, March 16, 2005
Todd - an address and phone number you have listed for NiuTech is incorrect. This is notice to any one reading the NiuTech posting that Switch and Data is the company at 36 NE 2nd Street, Miami, FL 33132, (305) 374-2167, not NiuTech. Please post this CORRECT information as soon as possible. Consumers are reaching Switch and Data when they call this number, not NiuTech. P Rimas, Switch and Data Tampa, FL
P
Tampa,#20Consumer Comment
Wed, March 16, 2005
Todd - an address and phone number you have listed for NiuTech is incorrect. This is notice to any one reading the NiuTech posting that Switch and Data is the company at 36 NE 2nd Street, Miami, FL 33132, (305) 374-2167, not NiuTech. Please post this CORRECT information as soon as possible. Consumers are reaching Switch and Data when they call this number, not NiuTech. P Rimas, Switch and Data Tampa, FL
Taber
Hermosa Beach,#21Consumer Comment
Fri, March 11, 2005
Todd, Thanks for all your great info. I too wrote a letter to both the Florida and North Carolina Attorney General's about three weeks ago and have heard no response from Consumer Reports or from either state. Should I continue calling the Attorney's General's office??? I continue emailing the Gift status site on the consumer report website and of course no response. It still reads that I have two more purchases to make even though I did them over a month ago. Is it really possible that Discover Card and Xoom.com haven't reported my transactions? Thanks again for all the info and help. Any further help would be greatly appreciated. I'm expecting a new Motorola V3 cell phone and have been using my broken phone for over two months now with no light...It's driving me nuts!!!! Sincerely,
Amy
Elwell,#22Consumer Comment
Fri, March 04, 2005
Hey Todd, you found lots of great information for these businesses--how did you do it? I'd like to get mailing/office address and phone number information for a couple of internet businesses. While they are legitimate, their sites don't provide any other way to contact them beyond web forms, and they've either been slow to respond or haven't done so at all.
Matt
Ravenna,#23Consumer Suggestion
Fri, February 25, 2005
Wow! There is some GREAT information listed above. My question though...does anybody have any similar information about Freeipods.com or Gratis Network? I am having all kinds of problems with them. Thanks!
Todd
San Francisco,#24Author of original report
Thu, February 17, 2005
Thanks, Eric and Francisco, for your additions above. Apparently, TheUseful.com / Niu Tech LLC / etc., have PLENTY more websites that they run. So far, the sites currently being used are just the tip of the iceberg... I'm not sure how to find out all of them, but found a list on another site that i will also include here: http://members3.boardhost.com/BobCatHOH/msg/1715.html Also check this site out - maybe you all can find out more about them and their numerous URLs than can I: http://www.senderbase.org/search?whichOthers=%2F27&searchBy=organization&searchString=3117.NIUTE Thanks to BobCat, I guess?! The other URLs that this company uses: CLAIMYOURCAMERA.COM DBESTDEALS.NET EATOUTFREETODAY.COM EATOUTONUS.COM ELECTRONICSPRESENT.COM EXPERTSAVINGS.COM EXPSAVINGS.COM FREECAMERAONUS.COM FREECAMERAPROVIDER.COM FREECAMERASOURCE.COM FREEDINNERPASS.COM FREEDINNERSOURCE.COM FREEDVDDEPT.COM FREEDVDTODAY.COM FREEELECTRONICSCENTER.COM FREEELECTRONICSDEPOT.COM FREEELECTRONICSONUS.COM FREEELECTRONICSSOURCE.COM FREEENTERTAINMENTSOURCE.COM FREEENTERTAINMENTTODAY.COM FREEFOODPROVIDER.COM FREEFOODSOURCE.COM FREEFUELCARD.COM FREEFUELCOUPON.COM FREEGAMESSOURCE.COM FREEGASONUS.COM FREEGASPROVIDER.COM FREEGASSOURCE.COM FREEGIFTCARDPROVIDER.COM FREEGIFTCARDSOURCE.COM FREEGIFTPROVIDER.COM FREEGIFTREWARD.COM FREEGIFTSOURCE.COM FREEMP3PLAYERPROVIDER.COM FREEMP3PLAYERSOURCE.COM FREEMUSICTODAY.COM FREEPODSOURCE.COM FREEPRESENTDEPOT.COM FREERESTAURANTPROVIDER.COM FREERESTAURANTSOURCE.COM FREESHOPPINGPROVIDER.COM FREESHOPPINGSOURCE.COM GETAFREEDINNER.COM GETYOURFREEDVDS.COM GIFTCARDPRESENT.COM GIFTELECTRONICS.COM GREAT-OFFERS.NET GREATWEBMASTER.COM HIPSAVINGS.COM HOMEIMPROVEMENTONUS.COM MP3PLAYERPROVIDER.COM MP3PLAYERSOURCE.COM MYFREEDINNER.COM MYFREEMP3PLAYER.COM MYMP3PLAYERSOURCE.COM MYPODPROVIDER.COM SPECIALGIFTCARDS.COM SPECIALGIFTREWARD.COM SPECIALGIFTREWARDS.COM SUPERSWEEPSCENTER.COM SURVEYREWARDS.COM SWEEPSCENTER.COM THEUSEFUL-16.COM THEUSEFUL-19.COM VERYSPECIALTHINGS.NET YOURDVDPLAYER.COM YOURFREEDINNER.COM YOURFREEGASCARD.COM YOURFREEGASCARDS.COM YOURFREEMOVIEPASS.COM YOURFREEMP3PLAYER.COM YOURFREEMUSICCDS.COM YOURFREEPENCAM.COM YOURGASCARD.COM YOURGASCARDS.COM YOURMP3PLAYER.COM
Eric
Los Angeles,#25Consumer Comment
Wed, February 09, 2005
Hey Todd, Thanks for your hard work. Like other people, I felt little hopeless after not receiving any response from this company. Because of your work, I think countless people will be able to receive the gifts they were promised by this company. After reading your story, I filed a complaint with NC and FL DOJ's on Feb 9th, 2005. It'd be great if I could get my Ipod within a week like you, but my first priority is to ensure that this scam does not harm rest of the society. Also, for others who are trying to file a complaint, I think writing an actual mail will carry more weight than an email or a phone call. Actual mails force companies/offices to respond. As soon as I receive any type of response from this company, I will post it on this website. Eric LA, CA PS From what I heard from few of my accountant friends, applying for a credit card can actually lower your credit score. So, for those that applied for credit cards to fulfill their offers, a class action lawsuit for not receiving the Ipod or any other item can carry a bigger punitive damage than simply not receiving an item.
Todd
San Francisco,#26Author of original report
Sat, February 05, 2005
Just some more info on Niu Tech and their subsidiaries. Just as an FYI, a response from Niu Tech LLC via the NC DOJ who mediated for me, suggested that they (Niu Tech) will not consider putting their customer service hotline on their website, as they consider it sufficient that it is on ripoffreport.com! If you call their customer service number, please also consider filing a formal complaint as mentioned above. You represent a small percentage of consumers who have even bothered to research this company in order to find their "official" customer service number on this website. As such, it is important that you also represent those many others who continue to be ripped-off and left helpless, so that those in an official position of power (not so much the consumer) can take action and reprimand such shady business practices. Niu Tech's many sites attempt to disempower the consumer by withholding important (and basic) information, such as their own "official customer service hotline". Once you call their hotline, they know that the only way you got it is from THIS site. They also know that you will find info here on filing a formal complaint w/ the NC and FL att generals. They do not want this to happen. So, as a representative of 100s of other ripped off consumers, you would behoove the community at large were you to also file a formal complaint. I think it's horrible that after months of these reports, the business scam can still continue unchecked! Does that seem fair? Thanks for the just consideration! The name of the actual business proper is: Niu Tech LLC A P.O. box for Niu Tech in NC: NiuTech P.O. Box 20007 Greenville, NC 27858 Another address in FL: NiuTech 36 NE 2nd St Miami, FL 33132 Ph: (305) 374-2167 A P.O. Box for Earn Great Gifts: Earn Great Gifts PO Box 244285 Boynton Beach, FL 33424 (possibly for specialgiftcards.com) New Domains PO Box 9965 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33310 Possible staff phone numbers: (561) 843-1552 561-756-6808 954-337-9221 (305) 374-2167 Possible emails: [email protected] @staff.theuseful.com [email protected] (tech) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Parallel Domain Names: www.freepresentdepot.com www.surveyrewards.com/ www.great-offers.net/ www.specialgiftcards.com/ www.hipsavings.com/ www.expertsavings.com/ www.getspecialgifts.com/ www.veryspecialthings.net/ www.dbestdeals.net/
Francisco
Portland,#27Consumer Comment
Fri, February 04, 2005
I too have recently been taken by the free Ipod offer from emarket research group. My local Fox news station reported the offer as being legitamte. After reading these reports I can see that I am not the only one. I have already posted a complaint with the Florida DA. Thanks for your help.