Axer Lens = Scam / Ripoff . Run Quick! Friend Ripped Off

[Overread14 2]

These days I've also noticed that even Debit cards get quite a lot of protections on them and banks will oft even go out of their way to give increased protection in some cases with retrieving money. Even if your amounts are below listed "protected" values always ask at the bank for help if you need it.

 

[PlanetStarbucks]

Just type in the two-word search string "Axer lens" in a Google search...now, until THIS thread popped up, the second result was the "Axer lenses" web page, with the ridiculously high prices for rebadged Vivitar screw-in lens converters... but NOW...the scam has been introduced to the search results and this very thread is high in the results.

Axer - Google Search

HA! That was fast. We should just start posting links in the thread to see if we can push the result to number one (if I remember right, part of google's ranking depends on how many interlinks there are on a page). Five bucks says an Axer rep pops up soon to defend the product.

 

[Ballistics]

Am I the only one that thinks this story is made up? You're not sure if you should tell your friend that she's been robbed? I'm calling BS.

 

[unpopular]

^^ no. the story is real. other accounts of the exact same sales pitch are on the internet. She just took the bait earlier than most people.

 

[molested_cow]

On the other hand, my sister was looking for options on a compact wide angle solution. A mirrorless camera with wide angle lens cost as much as getting an entry DSLR with lens. She then found an wide angle attachment for her Panasonic point and shoot for cheap and she's happy with the results. She thought the mirrorless camera with wide angle lens route was the scam. I kinda agreed with her.

BTW selling a product way above what it's actually worth, is definitely illegal. This is not just about refunds. Refunds? No, it's compensation!

When you get robbed and try to get your possession back, you don't call that a "refund".

 

[Tee]

Am I the only one that thinks this story is made up? You're not sure if you should tell your friend that she's been robbed? I'm calling BS.

That was my first thought as well. The fact that the OP "can't remember" the name of the store is fishy. That's the first thing I'd ask.

 

[Mully]

Hire some "guys" from Jersey and go get a refund LOL

 

[unpopular]

BTW selling a product way above what it's actually worth, is definitely illegal. This is not just about refunds. Refunds? No, it's compensation!

When you get robbed and try to get your possession back, you don't call that a "refund".

Legally speaking, I am 99% certain that before you can be compensated through the court system, you'll need to ask for a refund. The first thing a small claims judge is going to ask when reviewing the case is if you asked for one. If a refund is possible, then the case had no standing to start with.

 

[jhodges10]

No, the magenta was phased out in favor of the mauve-coated model, which gave way to the mulberry-coated Mark III, and then the CURRENT model is the pomegranite Axer Mark IV ButtWiper .47x non-Asph. model, available in 46-,49-,52-,55-,58-,62-,67-,72-,77- and 82-mm filter thread sizes.

My understanding is that they have an Acai model in development that will blow even the pomegranate away.

 

[unpopular]

^^^I hear the antioxidant properties will make prints more archival!

 

[Luke345678]

Dude you have got to tell her. That is horrible that she spent $600 for something that should be worth $20. If they don't comply to a refund then take it to the next level, court. That may sound ridiculous but in the end she will end up with a nice sum of money but most likely the store WILL comply with her needs. Also when she goes I would go with her if I were you. After you get this resolved I would take up finding a new camera store because obvious the guys aren't great or shop online from a trustful site such as amazon or if you want to spend a little extra money, get it off the actual site for retail.

 

[unpopular]

^^ I doubt there are any punitive damages here, aside from court expenses.

I agree, taking this to small claims court is a good idea, arguing the sale was in bad faith, but I wouldn't expect a "large sum of money".

Beyond small claims, you'll need to talk to an attorney. And honestly, less a class action, I doubt it'd be worth their time.

 

[Nicah]

As a friend, you should tell her the truth. As long as you're not rubbing it in her face that she got scammed, I don't see the issue in telling her. It's honestly how you choose to deliver the bad news. Tone and manner. I would personally start with "I know you love and are really excited about your new lens. But, I think you should look at what I found out about your lens..."

As for this business, you need to find out the name and research the business. I would go with your friend to the shop and demand a refund of a price difference (if your friend really loves it, she might want to keep it). If she just bought the item, look at the receipt for a return policy. A legitimate business will take back the product. If they refuse, I would threaten to report them to local authorities, contact a local news crew, bbb, and write a bad review about their shop on every review site that matters. It's overboard, but a company that scams is not one that should continue to stay in business. If this shop honestly was scammed by a sales rep themselves, they would take the product back and thank you for bringing it to their attention.

 

[JBrown]

Update:

Im somewhat surprised at all the people who are claiming I made it up, what possible motivation/gain would I have for that? I can assure you that unfortunately the story is real and the reason I don't know the name of the store is because at the time it was irrelevant and didn't ask. The fraud happened at a small mom and pop shop in Orlando FL and we live approximately 1.5 hours away.

I did end up telling my friend and she took it rather well. Obviously she wasn't happy when I told her about the scam aspect and probability she wouldn't be able to get a refund, but she was glad I told her. She immediately called the store and began to get the run around from the sales guy. He told her to "try" it for 6 months then come back. Gave her the "you got a great deal why do you want to return it" etc etc just bull****ting her and giving her the run around. I found out that luckily the purchase was made on a credit card. She immediately called them and told them about the situation and the fraud. Credit card company told her at this time since the charge hadn't made it through yet they wouldn't take any action until then.

Unfortunately that's all the update I have at this point. She told me in retrospect now knowing that it was scam a lot of things made sense on how the guy acted etc. When she went into the store he specifically asked her if she was a pro or amatuer and how long she had been shooting etc. The #1 thing that bothers me is she went in knowing what she wanted and had directly asked for that product. The scumbag salesman then proceeds to question her decision and do the salesman gig pushing her towards the scam item. She knows better now, but its a shame to see her get scammed for such a large amount.

I honestly don't know if she would even have any legal recourse since its a sham company, but regardless the item MSRP is really high and she made a legit purchase.

Ill keep you updated what happens as I learn about it. The best thing tho is that his thread does show up high on Google search .

 

[BrianV]

I wonder if the ex-owners of Cambridge Camera moved to Orlando.

Cambridge was big on "Bait and Switch". These scams go back decades. The Internet gets them into the public's eye faster than letters to the editor of Pop Photo.