Complaint Review: Ubid.com - Better Business Bureau - Itasca Illinois

Hello:  I made three separate purchases from UBID.  The first, and most important was a TOMTOM 740 GO GPS device.  When I received it I could easily determine that the device was used; however, I thought I would give it a chance.  It worked great for about a week, after which it would turn itself off immediately after I turned it on.  So determining it was defective merchandise, I contacted UBID with instructions that I would like a refund of the $220.95 and in total I contacted them 3 times with no response.  So then I contacted the Chicago division of the BBB seeking their assistance.  One week later I received an email with an apology letter from UBID along with a rma cutout label in which to return the item and I specifically requested a refund of the charges, rather than receive a replacement unit.  Please note they advertise, "Eccessive inventory at lower prices."  But what they don't say is the items are shipped from other suppliers with whom you have no prior knowledge.  The purchase was made on 1/14/10 and I was contacted by them the first week of February and returned the merchandise through UPS and according to UPS tracking information they received it on 2/10/10.  However, I still have not received a credit to my credit card or a business check.  I again contacted the BBB and received no response and then one final attempt and was notified that I received a credit to my card on 2/10/10 as well, which I checked and they did issue me a refund; however, it was only for $29.95, and not the $220.95 as was the amount they charged me for. So I contacted the BBB again and stated the order number that I gave matched that of a men's bracelet for $29.95; so I explained to the BBB that UBID, somehow switched order numbers; and one week ago, I transmitted copies of the order confirmation from UBID which proved my point and the BBB contacted me two days ago, that my claim was invalid.  It almost seems like they're allowing UBID to get by on this without even attempting to look for the truth even when they had proof of my claim.  I know that UBID is a member of the BBB association but it appears that membership has their privileges.  The other item I ordered on 1/16/10 was a men's bracelet for $1.00 and including their shipping charges of an unheard of $28.95 amounted to $29.95; which is what they quite possibly refunded to me.  And on the subject of the bracelet, I waited three weeks for delivery, again from an unknown business, after checking was like a pawn shop, and when I opened the padded, manilla shipping envelope only found an order invoice and no bracelet what so ever.  I contacted UBID on that issue and they said it was up to the supplier.  I pretty much forgot about that issue as I knew I was scammed; and then six weeks later received a men's bracelet, and not the one I ordered and was charged $39.95 for, so they made an unauthorized charge against my mother's and my shared Visa account.  I was not notified I was going to receive one and if I did, I certainly should have been consulted as the bracelet isn't what I order to begin with and further, they charged me $39.95 for the replacement which I didn't ask for.  When I was in contact with them I expressly requested a credit to my Visa card.  They asked me what type of settlement over the issue I would like; either a replacement or a credit and I asked for the credit.

I have all the email correspondence from UBID and can prove without doubt when the BBB made their inquiry, UBID had changed the item number and the BBB didn't even bother to look into that deep enough, especially when I provided them with emailed copies showinng me to be correct; so I feel the Chicago area BBB is negligent in their duties or they have some under the table agreement with UBID showing bias toward UBID and not the consumer.

I am disabled, and had to take early retirement from the US Bankruptcy Court for the Dist. of AZ about eight years ago and money is tight, especially when I have to assist my mother as well.  Also know that while in the government's employ I was lead inhouse auditor and I dealt with Chapter 7, 9, 11, and 12 bankruptcy petitions everyday for over 12 years; so I can say I pretty much know how the economic system works, and know credit law inside and out.  I have successfully disputed ten issues within the past five years and now this one; which is so obvious that UBID knowningly or unknowingly scams the public and is trying to get away with it.  However, regardless of my disability, I am extremely tenacious and won't give up until I receive just, and fair consideration from BBB as well the appropriate outcome from UBID, which would result in my receiving a credit on my Visa.  I have all the proof in front of me, all you need to see what I see and what they told me and everything would be resolved.  Please also note that about 10 years ago, I bid on, and won many products; but distinctly recall something like this happening to me at that time which is quit buying through them.   And finally, I also reported this matter of internet auction fraud to the IC3.gov division of the FBI which handles these types of complaints; but haven't heard back from them yet, however, have kept them aprised as much as possible.   Your looking into this matter would be most certainly appreciated.  I would like to just forget about the money; but I can't as it is, to me and my mother, alot of money; an amount and a situation that just can't be ignored.  Thank you in advance for your time and considerations.