(WXYZ) — The Better Business Bureau is sending a warning to online shoppers this holiday season after customers filed several complaints against two online "businesses" for not delivering paid orders and allegedly sending packages to incorrect addresses.
The two online retailers are iCheap.net and banzunion.com, and according to online contact information, the retailers claim to be headquartered in Troy.
Items such as the Amazon Echo and popular children's items are claimed to be sold on these websites. But the BBB has found that customers have paid for these items, which were never delivered.
Customers receive tracking information for their packages and the tracking eventually shows that the items were delivered, although customers say they've never received what they ordered.
Some customers have been able to track down their packages, which were sent to another address. However, the packages don't appear to resemble the size of the items they actually purchased, customers say.
Those who have purchased using a PayPal account have also tried disputing the charges, but are denied a refund because the tracking for these packages reflect that the items were delivered.
The BBB says it has been unable to reach the companies through email. After sending letters to the addresses listed on the "contact us" section of these websites, the owner of a commercial building in Troy responded to the BBB stating that neither company has ever been tenants in the building. The building owner added that he has received several phone calls from unhappy customers looking for their orders from these retailers.
The phone numbers listed on these retail sites are also disconnected, the BBB says.
Here's a list of the websites to be cautious of, according to the BBB:
https://icheap.net/ [u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net] - Active and continuing to take orders.
http://banzunion.com/ [u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net] - No longer active.
Other Active Websites Linked to the Companies:
https://www.hudashdy.com/ [u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net]
https://www.jerseyeasy.com/ [u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net]
https://www.habatim.com/ [u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net]
Additionally, here are some smart shopping tips:
Better Business Bureau offers these tips for safe online shopping:
Know the company. Some of the best deals are only available online, but be careful. It’s easy to get lured in by a website that looks legitimate. Check out retailers at bbb.org [u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net] before you shop.
Be a savvy shopper. Does the offer seem too good to be true? Are other companies making offers that are close to that price? Scams often lure in victims with fantastic offers. Be cautious if a deal seems to be too good.
Shop with a credit card. In case of a fraudulent transaction, a credit card provides additional protections; it’s easier to dispute charges that you didn’t approve. Debit cards, prepaid cards or gift cards don’t have the same protections as a credit card. Being asked to pay for a product pay by wire transfer or alternative methods is a red flag that the company may not be a reputable as they claim. Wire transfers are untraceable, so if the opportunity is a scam you will lose your money and it will not be found. When shopping online, use reputable, traceable payment options such as PayPal.
Better Business Bureau encourages you to report possible scams to BBB Scam Tracker at bbb.org/scamtracker. For assistance finding reputable businesses please visit bbb.org.
