OT: Potential RebatesHQ Scam on MIRs

[Piblokto]

Those of you who receive e-mails from RebatesHQ.com asking you to check the status of your mail-in rebates (MIRs), watch out for the following trick the rebate center is apparently trying to pull:

Rebates HQ is a rebate fulfillment center. When you provide your e-mail address on a MIR form, they send you a "status update" e-mail. When you click on the rebateshq hyperlink in the e-mail message, it takes you to a status page that now has a "YOUR CHOICE" column. That column reads: "You can choose any one of the items below as your rebate reward. There is no extra cost to you." There is no other information provided on that page. For the recent $40 MIR on the Cendyne 24/10/40X CD-RW from OfficeMax, they only "item" you could choose was a $20 rebate check. Right next to the picture of the $20 check is a hyperlink "Choose" button. There are no other real options. I'm sure a lot of people will go ahead and click the "choose" button. Unfortunately, the fine print on the site (not on that page) clearly indicates that they'll substitute the "choice" for your original rebate. If you do nothing, and just wait, you should get your full rebate amount. They're counting on you to screw up. It
s very clear that this is a scam to me. They call this program the "ValueRewards You Have Choices" program.

Beware. I'm filing a complaint with my state attorney general.

 

[slickpants]

Gee, one little typo in data entry and some guy calls the attorney general? I'm sure if you called Parago they would correct it and thank you for pointing out the error. I do agree that you'd be nuts to pick their software packages instead of the cash rebate.

 

[trudi]

Actually, I called them much earlier in the week about this. They told me they knew about the error and that was about it. They also told me not to press the button and I'd get my full $40.

 

[858diver]

In this case, I share Piblokto's concern and urge caution.

A year or so ago, we signed up for DSL with PacBell / SBC. The modem was free after a $99 MIR, also fulfilled by Parago. After submitting the paperwork, they send you a web link, which included a survey. I was led to believe that by answering the questions, I qualified for a free software package, which in fact was a similar bait and switch. They claimed it was worth $150, but was a bunch of old OEM games, that come bundled free with hardware.

Months later, when the software arrived, but no rebate check, we spoke to both Parago and SBC, telling them that we would be happy to return the unopened software in place of the rebate check - to no avail. We are very good at manuvering through rebate hassles and errors, but got no where with this one.

Bottom line: Parago doesn't give away ANYTHING. Resist the temptation to "choose", unless you are interested in the "reward"! If you are not EXACTLY sure what the options are, CALL PARAGO and get someone to explain it to you.

 

[batrada]

Slickpants
That "choose" button has nothing to do with "software packages." There is a phrase in my status page: "Your choice: You can choose any one of the items below as your rebate reward" in bold letter, and down below there is only a picture of a 20.00 check and the word "choose" in html in the same line (no sofware packages, nothing). Since I did not see any picture of the 40.00 check rebate. I clicked the "choose" button with the thought that it would lead me to the selection of my 40.00 rebate check and then I could make a selection. What happened to me was that I got a confirmation that I voluntarily switch my rebate from 40.00 to 20.00, and even worse I couldn't do anything in that webpage to switch back to my original 40.00 rebate that I'm entitled to. Bottom line is that I should have been more careful. But IMHO, the RebatesHQ confirmation process is not a straightforward one.

 

[degeester]

I had the same problem with RebatesHQ with the OfficeMax deal on the Cendyne 16-10-30 CDRW purchased in February for a $30 rebate. I received the e-mail and clicked to their website. My submission was rejected as not being timely purchased and for only $20. I spoke to a representative from RebatesHQ who told me to pound sand. I finally figured out that Cendyne had a January rebate with Rebates HQ for only $20 and that RebatesHQ had not updated their info on the next months rebates and fullfillments. I checked the website a few weeks later and was given the option of now clicking on my $30 rebate. I have not yet received the rebate but hope to get the $30. In a nutshell, Rebates HQ is incompetent whether intentionally or otherwise remains to be seen.

 

[MrEnigma]

I got the CenDyne letter stating that also a day or two ago. I clicked on the choose, and it asks for some more information, it looks as if you can add another rebate on to it..but of course we know that's not the case. Anyhow, you have to fill out some stuff, work at it I guess to make it change.

You can choose any one of the items below as your rebate reward. There is no extra cost to you. Sounds very misleading....well..it is...

 

[NightShadow]

slickpants - I don't know why you're so high on Parago - A LOT of people here have or are having problems with them.

Personally I've sunk almost $1200 into a lawyer preparing a lawsuit against them. I've just hired a part time worker to finish getting all the data into one spreadsheet so that we can go forward. While I would LOVE to vent here about my experiences with Parago, I've been advised to simply say they may have crossed some legal boundaries.

I'm REALLY hoping to see Parago given the same treatment the FTC gave Iomega. Lord knows they deserve it. And I'm putting A LOT of time, energy and money into making sure they get their just rewards.

 

[ETan]

<< slickpants - I don't know why you're so high on Parago - A LOT of people here have or are having problems with them.

Personally I've sunk almost $1200 into a lawyer preparing a lawsuit against them. I've just hired a part time worker to finish getting all the data into one spreadsheet so that we can go forward. While I would LOVE to vent here about my experiences with Parago, I've been advised to simply say they may have crossed some legal boundaries.

I'm REALLY hoping to see Parago given the same treatment the FTC gave Iomega. Lord knows they deserve it. And I'm putting A LOT of time, energy and money into making sure they get their just rewards. >>



Good luck, and please keep us updated on your lawsuit.

 

[poolshark]

Pargo might think they can scam us . Until they feel the wrath of Anandtech .

 

[ChimChim]

I just checked out their site (www.rebatehq.com). I still have many old rebates still listed as in the process of submitting (or something like that). These go back all the way to year 2000. I have gotten back every one of those older rebates long ago, but I wish that they would do some housekeeping, like when a rebate check is cashed, the listing disappears, or at least go into a "check deposited/cashed" status. Instead, we get this "choices" scam.

Oh, and about those "choices" ---- I had a choice between some cheap-o looking speakers & cheesy headphones and a bunch of childrens' software titles that the manufacturer probably couldn't give away (not even free after rebate!). Maybe I'll try when I have a $1 rebate check. Certainly not with my $50 or $40 rebate check. I don't know about you guys out there, but that scam insulted my intelligence.

So, here's the plan: Everyone needs to contact all of the venders who handle their rebate programs through Parago. Their argument should be that Parago is attempting a "bait & switch" ploy with their rebate programs. This questionably sleazy tactic will catch a few people. And that will generate negative feedback towards the original vendors. Hopefully, we can get the venders to drop Parago. Without any business, we should hope that Parago sinks back into that dark, slimey hole from which they crawled out of.

I could go on, but I'm getting tired of typing out my rantings. Let's all keep an eye on this. BTW, does anyone know the address that Parago uses for all the rebate offers that they handle? TIA.

 

[858diver]

I don't know about you guys, but from my experience, Parago is the most consistent out of all of the fulfillment houses. If Staples were to jump to TCA (wheresmyrebate.com) or Continental (rebatestatus.com), I would think twice before buying some rebate items.

 

[RONType1]

<< I don't know about you guys, but from my experience, Parago is the most consistent out of all of the fulfillment houses. If Staples were to jump to TCA (wheresmyrebate.com) or Continental (rebatestatus.com), I would think twice before buying some rebate items. >>



I agree... I have had absolutely NO problems through Parago and rebatesHQ... I haven't had to once call in and check up on my rebates through staples, and I've done about $700 in rebates through them and about $1000 overall... TCA rebates are probably the WORST.

 

[LukFilm]

<<

<< I don't know about you guys, but from my experience, Parago is the most consistent out of all of the fulfillment houses. If Staples were to jump to TCA (wheresmyrebate.com) or Continental (rebatestatus.com), I would think twice before buying some rebate items. >>



I agree... I have had absolutely NO problems through Parago and rebatesHQ... I haven't had to once call in and check up on my rebates through staples, and I've done about $700 in rebates through them and about $1000 overall... TCA rebates are probably the WORST. >>


WEEEEEEEERD

 

[SilentRunning]

You can choose valuerewards what's this?

by clicking on what's this you see:

Did you know that your rebate could be more valuable when you choose from a selection of other products and services?

ValueRewards allows you to choose other manufacturer's offers instead of your rebate. To take advantage of this, just look for the ValueRewards logo as you process your new rebate or while you check the status of a current rebate.

It's Fast... It's Easy... There's No Extra Cost to You!
Just click the reward of your choice.

Never had a problem with valuerewards program, just don't make a selection if you want your cash rebate, it is as simple as that. There is absolutely nothing misleading. You just need to read before randomly clicking on the screen. By the way you do know that parago (rebatesHQ) handles staples rebates which always come promptly.

 

[GundamF91]

yeah, just don't do anything. in fact, I never go back to chk for status. I haven't lost one rebate among $500 worth.

 

[Bill00]

<<By the way you do know that parago (rebatesHQ) handles staples rebates which always come promptly.>>

I can't speak to Parago in general, but specifically to Staples rebates, I have done hundreds of dollars of them, and since I started filing them online with subsequent mail-in of UPC and shipping docs, return times have been very consistently 30 days or slightly less.

Considering that most of these were purchases which with discount codes and MIRs ended up being free or nearly so, I am, of course, immensely pleased.

As always, YMMV.

 

[Knightsman]

Yeah Staples arethe best in rebae processing. never lost one, never had to call up a csr for one and never 've been rejected one... correct the time taken is significantly less than the office max deals

 

[Vette73]

I think most of these problems with Pargo are a new thing. I never had a problem with them until of late. They start by saying I didn't send in the UPC or the date was wrong, or the best one was a Staples rebate they told me I didn't buy it from the right vendor. What are they talking about, I bought item 1 at staples used staples rebate for item 1 , but was told wrong vendor?
I just told my CC not to pay staples for the item and staples didn't fight it, so instead of the $30 back I just didn't pay anything. So write to staples or who ever you bought the item from and tell them if you are having a problem. Under the law it is Staples NOT pargo that is responsible for the rebate. Staples just hires Pargo to do the work for them.

 

[858diver]

SilentRunning:

In most cases, you are right about the value rewards. However, I can say from personal experience (in the case of the PacBell / SBC rebate, for example), that they hit you with confusing options.

Best bet is to JUST SAY NO!

 

[Athena]

«So, here's the plan: Everyone needs to contact all of the venders who handle their rebate programs through Parago. Their argument should be that Parago is attempting a "bait & switch" ploy with their rebate programs. »

Umm...the only time a rebate has that Value Reward button is when the Vendor has requested it. They sign up to offer those choices because giving away software is less expensive than sending money. Each promotion is covered by a different contract that specifies how the rebate will be handled -- number of days before paying, envelope vs. post card check, dedicated telephone number, etc. "Value Rewards" are just another optional service in the fulfillment process.

If there is an irregularity with the way a specific promotion has been set up so that customers are mistakenly choosing the wrong option, then that should be addressed with Parago and the vendor. There is no point though in starting a mass campaign with all vendors about something that doesn't affect them.

 

[slickpants]

High on Parago? Unless I'm not reading my post correctly, I see:

"Gee, one little typo in data entry and some guy calls the attorney general? I'm sure if you called Parago they would correct it and thank you for pointing out the error. I do agree that you'd be nuts to pick their software packages instead of the cash rebate. "

I don't know how that comes off on being high on Parago. I'd like to come to your job and sue you when you type in a $40 instead of a $20 and catch you before you can hit the backspace key. On the contrary, I've actually done some work for Parago and am a lot more familiar with their systems than anyone here. And that's exactly why my first guess was that it was a typo

That said, now that I see a pattern of fraud - basically "you can choose the $20 rebate instead of the $40 rebate at no cost to you", I would say go ahead with your action.

 

[WingsOverVirginia]

Athena,
I disagree, most rebate dollars come from the manufacturer not the retailer. If the rebate fullfillment house can switch you into accepting less dollars for your rebate than they can pocket the difference. If complaints come in to every vendor and each vendor complains to Parago then maybe they will stop this abuse. Like slickpants said there is an obvious pattern of abuse and every vendor that associates themselves with this company should be made aware of it.

Besides, if the "error" was just a "typo" then it should take all of 60 seconds to correct it.

 

[Athena]

«most rebate dollars come from the manufacturer not the retailer. If the rebate fullfillment house can switch you into accepting less dollars for your rebate than they can pocket the difference»

You are correct in saying that most (not all though) of the money for these rebates comes from the manufacturer but the terms of the rebate are set by whomever is actually running the promotion -- sometimes that is the manufacturer and sometimes it is the vendor. In any case, if manufacturer funds are involved in the promotion, you can be sure that the manufacturer reviewed the offer before it was published.

While the alternate rewards may involve some advantages for the fulfillment house, nobody at Parago determines whether or not they will be offered; that is 100% determined by the promotion contract.
If you have a complaint about a specific rebate, the first contact should be whoever is sponsoring the promotion. If it is not resolved, then you go to the manufacturer. A mass campaign against the fulfillment house that delivers services specific to each promotion would be inappropriate.