Broadway Photo and other BK shops fined by NY State

[davide]

NY State got word of the dealings of these Brooklyn Camera shops and have imposed a $765,000 fine on them:
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/25/online-electronic-stores-caught-in-consumer-fraud/


From the article:
“These companies engaged in the worst kinds of consumer fraud, from classic bait-and-switch schemes to blatant lies and bullying sales tactics,” [NY State Attorney General] Mr. Cuomo said in the release.
As part of the deal, five of the companies — Best Price Camera, Foto Connection, 1 Way Photo, 86th Street Photo and Broadway Photo — have agreed to change their business practices and accept continual monitoring. Two other companies, Camera Wiz and Sonic Photo, will close."



That fine only comes out to about $100,000 a store. Somehow I think they've made more than that by fleecing customers.

 

[Richard J. Johnson]

It's about time.

 

[ryan brown]

Way overdue... but better late than never.:thumbup:

 

[Barry_Green]

Don't leave out this most important tidbit at the end of the article:

Customers seeking restitution will be able to submit claims to the New York Better Business Bureau from July through December.

That $765,000 fine might start to look like pennies, if every customer who's been scammed by these folks comes forward and demands restitution!

 

[Eximious]

I remember seeing a few of these places in my searches for a camera. Luckily I checked their reseller ratings. I hope those who were deceived seek restitution.

 

[Luis Caffesse]

WOW.
I never thought we'd see it happen.

Gives me a tiny bit of faith in the world.
Good to hear.

 

[impressive creations]

Ya know. Its crazy. One of my shooters got what was supposed to be a HMC150 form Broadway, but they gave him a 155. He did get it for $2850 which is an amazing deal. I need to see if he got the US warranty. I will keep you posted!!

B.p.

 

[Jan_Crittenden]

Ya know. Its crazy. One of my shooters got what was supposed to be a HMC150 form Broadway, but they gave him a 155. He did get it for $2850 which is an amazing deal. I need to see if he got the US warranty. I will keep you posted!!

B.p.

I will tell you he does not have a US warranty from Panasonic. Fact.

And to add my thoughts to the fact that they only were fined $765,000, why so little. They have damaged this industry way beyond what chump change like that can cover. What they have done to young impressionable people coming into this industry, is just inexcusable. Ant that is just the beginning of my rant. Wish they had been hit harder.

Best,

Jan

 

[dmpsk8]

They screwed my boss, we plan to get a piece of this action.

 

[Buck Forester]

Dang, now I wish I would've bought from them so I could file a fatty $$ claim. Ha!

I guess I'm too frugal with my moolah to let some sales guy from NY bully me on the phone. Why people have bought from low-ball rude sales bullies from NY boggles my mind. That's not even a sign they're not on the up-and-up, that's a flashing billboard.

We shouldn't even need laws against outfits like that... common sense should prevail. You can't get a new camera for 50% less than the market, WITH a new lens included, and wait... there's more... order right now and we'll throw in a free ShamWow!® towel. But we only have one more left and there won't be more for another 6 months, you must order this very second or I'll bust your knee caps.

 

[hawaj]

older list of bad shops
http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/photo_stores_2006.html

 

[dvpixl]

no seriously. it's about time. It's a good start I guess. And popular industry magazines should have some tact to not let them advertise on their pages.