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2009-04-25
1/5
"Two days ago I placed an order via the Sonic Cameras website to purchase a Nikkor 18-200 VR lens for $479. Immediately, I received an email to contact Sonic Cameras regarding my order.
Upon being transfered to no less that for people and on hold for 30 minutes, I finally spoke to "Gorge" at extension 237 who proceded to tell me that my three digit security code was required for my purchase. This is obviously their method of luring them into their trap as I've read in numerous reviews on this forum.
Like the other "suckers", I was informed that my decision was a bad one, that the Nikkor lens was "old", had a plastic mount, blah blah blah. After 30 minutes of a rather forceful barrage, I was convinced to "upgrade" to a Sigma 18-300 "PE" lens that was offered for the low-low price to me of $549. Of which included a 7 day trial period that was exempt from their restocking fee if I was not satisfied because "customer satisfaction is their goal." Sadly and embarassed to say, I fell for the trap.
When I further researched the internet for indication of this "PE" lens I came up empty. This lens is listed on their website for $999 without the "PE" identifier, which probably covers the crooks legally in some manner. I contacted "George" again, and was infomed that it's a lens offered in Japan only as a professional model and not in the states. Being a trusting, but skeptical consumer, I trusted him but contacted Sigma tech support thereafter. I was told that Sonic Cameras is notorious for bait and switch scams, and that the "PE" lens is NOT a model they manufacture in Japan nor anywhere else. The "PE" designation is a CODE FOR THE RECYCLABILITY that the lens is shipped in. "George" over and over told me that I would see on the box that was all in Japanese that "PE" is called out. True, but unless you speak and read Japanese you're fooled.
I called "George" back upon learning this first hand info from Sigma and he said that Sigma US is not aware of their Japanese operations. Yeah, right. Upon telling him that I would not accept delivery of this lens, which by the way you can buy for <$400 from other retailers, he IMMEDIATELY and rudely told me at "I am thru with you" and I cut him off my hanging up on the lying crook scam artist.
I have contacted my credit card company, and they have insured me that I will not be billed and that I need to refuse delivery of the package when it arrives.
Sadly to say, I was fooled. This company is totally corrupt, the master of bait and switch scams.
I can only hope their corrupt company will be out of business in the near future. In today's tough economic times, I wish nothing but justice on the crooks and liars they employ."
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