Van Hollen Announces Possible Refunds For Wisconsin Purchasers Scammed By Internet Consumer Electronics Companies

MADISON - Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced today that Wisconsin consumers who purchased consumer electronics from certain New York-based on-line companies may be eligible for refunds if they were injured by those companies illegal practices.  The refund program is part of a settlement reached between the New York Attorney Generals Office and seven internet electronics dealers:  Best Price Camera, Foto Connection, 1 Way Photo, 86th Street Photo, Broadway Photo, LLC., Camera Wiz and Sonic Photo.

The business practices resulting in the settlement include bait-and-switch (the substitution of higher-prices goods for those advertised at lower prices); using fake consumer testimonials; shipment of unordered merchandise; refusal to honor refund requests; and the imposition of undisclosed fees.

As a result of the settlement, the companies must pay a total of $665,000 in restitution and penalties.  Injured consumers nationwide are eligible to apply for restitution, which is being administered by the New York Better Business Bureau.  Claim forms must be post-marked by December 1, 2009.  A claim form can be downloaded from the Better Business Bureau website, which is www.newyork.bbb.org

Attorney General Van Hollen encourages all Wisconsin consumers who were victimized by any of these companies fraudulent practices to file claims for restitution.

The companies used a variety of business names, which are available at the following link :