Naughty Business of the Week: Apply for your share of the Dell Inc. settlement
If you purchased a Dell computer or service after April 1, 2005, here's a heads up: you can apply for your share of a Dell settlement negotiated with 34 states, including Maryland.
Attorneys general from these states contended that Dell and its financial arm told consumers about zero-percent financing and then charged them higher interest rates. In addition, the company didn't adequately tell consumers the terms to apply for rebates or limitations on technical support and repair policies.
The company did not admit wrongdoing, but agreed to pay $1.5 million in restitution to consumers who were affected. It will also pay states to reimburse them for the legal and investigative costs.
Dell will also:
-- tell people that most won't qualify for their best annual percentage rate, and tell them the range they may qualify for;
-- inform customers of the terms of financing, including that it's a revolving credit account with minimum payments just like a credit card;
-- tell customers that telephone trouble-shooting will be required before Dell will send someone for on-site repair under warranty;
-- provide necessary rebate information when the product is delivered;
-- mail rebates within a specified time frame, or 30 days is none is specified.
To apply for restitution:
... file a claim against Dell with the Consumer Protection Division of the state attorney general's office.
Request a claim form by calling 410-576-6569 or by writing to:
Consumer Protection Division, attn: Dell Claims
200 St. Paul Place, 16th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202.
Claims must be postmarked no later than April 13, 2009.
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Computers, Naughty businesses/NBotW, Technology
Comments
Great find, i bought a Dell last year so hopefully I'll get a bit of this settlement. Thanks!
Unfortunately, only a bit ... Dell is giving away only a total of $1.5 million, among residents of all the states involved. --- lfk.
Posted by: jim | January 14, 2009 12:49 AM
jim, be sure you fit the requirements before you file a claim. The second-to-last paragraph in the linked settlement article states, "People who bought a computer or service on or after April 1, 2005, and had a problem with a financing offer, rebate or service can file a claim within 90 days with their state attorney general."
Sounds like, if you didn't have a problem with a financing offer, you aren't eligible.
Unfortunately, I'm guessing that many people fall into the rebate problem category ... just based on anecdotal personal experience. --- lfk.
Posted by: PK | January 14, 2009 9:37 AM
How do you know if you had a problem or not? I'm sure Dell hasn't voluntarily contacted those who are affected.
Danielle, if you didn't receive rebate information with your computer, or if you didn't receive the interest rate for financing that you were promised in advertising, or if you had to mess around with phone-based troubleshooting, I think you have good reason to file a complaint. --- lfk.
Posted by: Danielle | January 14, 2009 4:09 PM