- Target:
- Outlaw the use of Mail-In Rebates
- Region:
- United States of America
Have you ever purchased something for a great price that stated "After Mail-in Rebate". So you purchase the product anyhow, fill out the forms, append your UPC, copy of the receipt, and so on to comply to the instruction; only to get a letter 10 weeks later that says you do not qualify for the rebate for some reason.
You realize they NEVER intended to rebate your money. They know that people have no way to prove they complied, especially since the physical UPC has been mail to them. It's like cutting the VIN off your car and sending it to the crook. There's no way you'll ever get it back, or be able to prove you are the rightful owner. Even if you make a copy, video tape, or have 30 witnesses it will not hold up in court as you have no grounds of the original evidence.
The companies who offer them often use a third-party or an expendable department that can take the blame and are highly motivated (even rewarded) not to pay out rebates, even if the rebate request is 100% compliant with the instructions. The temptation is too great. After all, there is no recourse for you and no real punishment for them.
It doesn't matter what rules, laws, or guidelines are passed, criminals will break them. The only way to stop this type of abuse is to ban mail-in rebates entirely. This way, the moment you see an advertised price with "After Mail-in Rebate" you know its a scam.
Sign this petition today!
We, the undersigned, call on the Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Protection Agency, and the Federal Communication Commission to ban all forms of advertising, marketing, or offerings which state verbally, printed, electronically, or otherwise that suggest a consumer will receive a monetary rebate, refund, or credit by postal mail, AFTER the product is purchased. Any such advertisement is illegal and punishable by $10,000 fine per consumer complaint. Each complaint will be rewarded up to $10,000 if the advertiser is found guilty.
You can further help this campaign by sponsoring it
The Prohibit Mail-in Rebates petition to Outlaw the use of Mail-In Rebates was written by James Scott and is in the category Consumer Affairs at GoPetition.