dude, that blows. It just sucks to know that people that work so hard for their money are scammed out of it. What I dont understand is that these scammers are pretty clever in what they do, why can't they channel those skills into a meaningful, honest job in the workforce?!

Jools, if the person or people responcible are overseas, u may not be able to do much about it... However, the next best thing is warning everyone u can. I'd contact a consumer watchdog-type television show. They are sure to be interested as the Wii is a super hot subject at the moment... "People preying on the desperation of others that have waited so long for their next generation gaming console that have been out of stock for months"-kind of deal.

I'd be sending a lot of nasty emails and abusive phonecalls.
Trust me, i work in customer service. If the customer is right about something and gets pissed off and asks to speak to a manager, 99% of the time they will get results immediately.

I believe you should study more before you post something as fact, as it's obvious you don't know the law. Again, Amazon uses a 3rd party to display ads on the site. The scam site signed up for the ad service Amazon uses, was verified by the 3rd party ad server(obviously looking very legit), and then their ad appeared on Amazon. Amazon uses the term "sponsored links" because they are being paid for every click. Saying that Amazon should be held responsible is like saying a newspaper is responsible because someone lied in an ad they placed. It is absolutely unfeasible for Amazon or the 3rd party ad service to verify the legitimacy of every site that signs up. Do you really expect them to just shell out money to buy a product on every single site, when they're not even making that much off each one to begin with? Also, check Amazon's Terms of Service, there is bound to be a clause in there for this specific purpose. I'll find it for you shortly.

Yes, that works in retail stores. Unfortunately these guys are scam artists and do not have any rules or standards to uphold. They are interested in screwing people over and moving on, so they don't want customers to ever come back.

ordernintendowii.net
nono...

ha this reminds me of when my friend got scamed off ebay when he baught a xbox 360 and ounce he won the auction the owner sent him an xbox 360 BOX. Wow was i mad at who ever sold him a box for $750.

Offtopic: I can't imagine Amazon operating in its current trends for much long to be honest - they're already fighting a legal battle from IBM for using software without paying for it.

Ontopic: Sorry mate,

i wouldnt have thought this is the saem thing..

i remember when i first heard of this thing, "playstation 2 box and receipt" was the title of the auction, and the winner of the auction got just that, a playstation 2 box and a receipt.

that isnt so much a scam, just people not reading what they are actually buying.

its harsh but like i say not so much a scam, the website people have been talkiing about is a blatant scam, explicitly saying you get a console and then just robbing your money....

i havent been affected by this at all, but im gonna get onto watchdog myself and give them warning

Wow guys, so many responses and well wishes. I'm rather touched. Nice to know there are some good people out there! Thank you all for your comments, feedback and advice.

The site appears to be down now, but the phone number is still operating. I've just emailed Amazons fraud department sentinal, even if they wont do anything to help me with the money I lost being scammed, they might hold some infomation about the people who paid for the ad. So its worth trying to get them involved. Police have been useless.. I guess its just not important enough. I've turned into a mini Magnum PI, and got a whole file full of stuff on these guys to give to the police, (if they ever get back to me). I also emailed WatchDog as well with the details... I hope to get a response.

I was a fool for falling for the scam. And to make matters worse I trusted the man on the site, and made a direct payment.. not on my credit card so no chargeback for me. I put my faith in human nature and I was let down. I've learned my lesson.

I'm not that bothered about the money anymore.. I'd really love to nail these guys.. There is nothing worse than the feeling of being taken for a mug.

Thanks again!

i too believe i have fallen for a scam.used "xmasdeal24.co" to order wii console on 10th jan.have tried to contact the company on line and by telephone("the number you are calling is currently unavailable").
has any one any knowlege about this company?

Contact your credit card company and tell them someone stole your credit card number to buy a Wii. They will track down the person(s) in very fast fashion if you give them even a little info to go on.

Problems: If it's not in the US you may be screwed.
You paid them ro rip you off. So you'd be lying.

You have other solutions. However if it's over international waters, you'll discover the many flaws of global justice.

the ebay guy never even mentioned it was just a box just xbox 360 and had a picture of an xbox 360 box, so my friend was thinking it was in the xbox 360 box (why would't it be) but it wasnt.

So sorry to here that. What's the phone number im going to give them a piece of my mind.

is it just me ordoes tht link not work, anyway i send you my sympathy and i wish that all goes to plan and that nothing like this ever happens to you or your freinds again

0700 5947 445

Hi Guys, well some good news... I heard back from the police and they have started their official investigation. I was just one of several people in my town who got scammed, so god knows how many nationally. The site and phone number are now taken down, but i'm not sure if this is a result of me calling the phone and site hosts, or of the scammers themselves trying to run. Anyway the police have frozen the bank accounts used, (there were several). I'm hoping they were frozen with the cash in them, although I think this is probably optimisic.... I'll keep you posted. Thanks again for all your kind words.

Man that would piss me off. :o(

i would go DOWN there by somehow tracking them down and slap them to death.

I BEG YOU! Please sue amazon!! if they put a link saying please visit our sponcers then there probably liable! then just send the money in a black breefcase to my house!

I've been reading this thread and I do feel sorry for you man, that totally sucks.

To the people on here that keeps blaming Amazon for this, IT IS NOT THEIR FAULT. Legally they are not at fault as they have only provided a link to a seemingly legitimate 3rd party retailer.

As quote in Amazon's A-to-Z Buying guarantee:


Notice how it says they guarantee all purchases IF payment is made through Amazon.com. Therefore, if you just followed a link to a website and then phoned a number on there and said you wanted to order a Wii, you haven't been dealing with Amazon in any way, shape or form.

So, STOP GIVING THIS USER THE WRONG ADVICE. Sure, he should report it to Watchdog, the Police and his bank, etc, but Amazon can't do a thing.

One final point - consider this famous phrase - CAVEAT EMPTOR - which is latin for 'Let the buyer beware'. If you buy from somewhere, whether on the net or on the phone, then it is at your own risk.