Buyer Beware: Check Your Electronics Products Packaging

The host of a local radio consumer program issued a caution to all buyers of electronics products that awakened and aroused anger within me. I was completely unaware of the described scam that has played out in many stores throughout the country. The radio host described how consumers purchase electronic items such as flat TV's, take it home, open the package and discover the expected item has been replaced with rocks! The ploy is deftly completed by thieves carefully weighing the rocks to equal the exact weight of the purchased item. The story, as related by the radio host states that the purchaser returned the box of rocks to the retailer and had difficulty getting a replacement or refund. The retailer cast doubts upon the integrity of the consumer stating "how do we know that you did not replace the item and falsely state your claim that the item was missing" After searching their records, they found that indeed the item had been in their inventory and after being contacted by a local media personnel the consumer was given a replacement item.

Steps to take to minimize being scammed
Be aware that your box may not contain your item of purchase. To protect yourself, immediately after paying for your electronics merchandise, open the carton to check the contents. If you are the unfortunate victim of a "box of rocks" you are on site and can more easily get a replacement. Many retailers have a checker at the door, checking your receipt against the contents of your shopping cart. As inconvenient as it may be, take a few moments at that time and open the carton in the presence of the checker. You now have proof of the scam and can more easily substantiate your claim.

If you do not check the contents before leaving the store, as soon as you arrive home, check the purchase. If the item is missing, immediately call the store and report the item and return to the store as soon as possible.

As an aside, do not be tempted to purchase items in a parking lot in malls and other such areas. You may be approached by someone who tells you that he is offering a discount on some designer label products such as watches, purses and a wide array of items. Do not be tempted to take the offer; the product may be fake or worse, the offer may be part of a sting operation and now you may be in the midst of legal proceedings for purchasing stolen merchandise. Do your buying inside the store, not the parking lot. Scam artists love setting up shop and then after making the deceptive sale, they are disappear. No warranties or money back guarantees are ever offered to the unsuspecting buyer.

Effectively placing your claim with the retailer
If you fall victim to the "box of rocks" scam, calmly present your case to the company representative. Remember, you attract more flies with honey than vinegar. As annoyed and irritated as you may be, and rightly so, try to calmly but firmly present your problem and respectfully ask that your "phony purchase" be made good. Have your receipt available and any other supporting evidence you may have, the name of the salesclerk who assisted you, the time and date of purchase, etc.

Happily, most purchases that we make are uneventful. However, be aware that you need to check your purchase of electronic items to be sure that you do not become a victim of not receiving what you believed you had purchased only to discover that you have been deceived. Be aware of the contents of your package and open it on site if possible to avoid unnecessary wrangling with the management of the retail store. By following these basic guidelines, your shopping experience will more pleasurable and you and your pocketbook are spared from unpleasant surprises and headache!