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This company located in Jamaica NY, 16210 Jamaica Ave Jamaica, NY 11432 uses deceptive business practices and tries to look like a official Military Clothing and sales Store when they are actually not related at all to the military. They only sell surplus military items.
There should be laws against commercial businesses that use the practice of pretending to be a Military store when they are not. Our soldiers who are deceived should not be the victims of this fraud.
The first question they ask is are you military or law enforcement. They are not in any way related to the military. Check this out on the bbb website. It states they pose as a military business.
Well apparently there are many more disturbed people out there then. Go to WWW.BBB.ORG and check all the complaints against them. In case you do not want to go to the BBB Site here are their comments:
Type of Business: Army & Navy Goods
Membership Status: This company is not a member.
The information in this report has either been provided by the company, or has been compiled by the Bureau from other sources.
Nature of Business
Complaints to the BBB indicate that Armed Forces Military Clothing Sales Store claims to be an Authorized Military Clothing dealer when in fact it is not. In addition, consumers claim that orders placed with the company are often late and incomplete. Consumers also report that the store does not offer refunds.
Customer Experience
Based on BBB files, this business has an unsatisfactory record with the Bureau because it failed to respond to one or more complaints.
The company's size, volume of business, and number of transactions may have a bearing on the number of complaints received by the BBB. The number of complaints filed against a company may not be as important as the type of complaints, and how the company handled them.
Also to get a listing of authorized Military MCSS Stores go to WWW.AAFES.COM. Armed Forces MCSS in Jamaica is not an Authorized Military MCSS Store. Official MCSS Stores are located on Military Bases.
If you want you can even e-mail the Commander for AAFES and they will also tell you that there has been problems with this business.
As for only allowing Military there, ask them how anyone can call them to order something over the phone and you can place a order without a military ID Card. That sounds really secure.
Their History speaks for themselves. G
I am also filing fraud alerts with the major credit bureaus. If any adverse action occurs, the alert will be out there.
Also forgot, I am contacting the FTC regarding the e-mail correspondence, phone calls, and deceptive advertising employed by AFMCSS.
I don't yet know if Newyork's Governor's office of regulatory reform (link to permits division) is a good resource but here is their contact info:
General Information/Regulatory Comments
Business Permit Assistance
Call Us
Main Phone Number: [protected]
Business Permit Assistance: [protected] or [protected]
Fax: [protected]
Our Mailing Address:
Governor's Office of Regulatory Reform
P.O. Box 2107
Albany, NY [protected]
Jamaica, NY may also have a permits/business licensing division that is worth exploring.
If anyone has the link to the story posted in the air force times or army times please post it!
Here's the article...
Sgt. Shopper
Troops blast online uniform retailer
-
Posted : December,
Sometimes the online store that seems to have just what you’re looking for isn’t what it seems.
Several otherwise savvy service members — among them a major and a master sergeant — say they learned that lesson recently after trying to purchase uniform items from the private company Armed Forces Military Clothing Sales Store of Jamaica, N.Y.
Many say the company simply does not respond to complaints about late or undelivered orders.
Despite its official-sounding name, the company, also known as Armed Forces MCSS, is not part of the government.
Air Force Maj. Dwight Minnick is among the dissatisfied customers. He said he ordered $457 in uniform items in early March and was told they were in stock and could be delivered by April 1.
When he hadn’t received his order by April 9, he called to cancel and, he said, was told that could only be done online. However, when he tried, the system failed to cancel the order. So he canceled the charge with his credit card company instead.
The uniforms eventually arrived, he said — the week of May 5, more than a month late, while Minnick was on temporary duty. Shortly after he called FedEx on May 14 to find out how to return them, however, he received a call from Armed Forces MCSS.
“He threatened to call 911 and have me arrested, ” Minnick said, adding that the employee would not give his name. “He told me there was a $10, 000 fine. He said he had done this to two other people, but he wouldn’t give me any other information.”
Minnick said he complained to his base inspector general, who has since briefed other airmen at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., about the company.
“I’m concerned about the young airman or soldier who gives in to these bullying tactics, ” he said.
Leslie Fields, chief financial officer at Armed Forces MCSS, acknowledged problems.
“We do have some dissatisfied customers, ” he said. “I send out our sincerest apologies to these people.”
He acknowledged “bad attitudes” in customer service, and promised: “I intend to fix the problems.”
He said anyone with complaints should e-mail him directly at leslie.fields@armedforcesmcss.us, or call him at [protected].
He also said he had thousands of satisfied customers and that his company is pursuing legal action against nine people whom he says accepted orders and then canceled payment through their credit card companies.
Comments from interviews with service members and postings on the consumer bulletin board http://www.complaintsboard.com allege the company threatened to file IG complaints and take legal action against service members who tried to cancel orders.
Most complaints are from airmen because of the Air Force’s new airman battle uniform, which has been in short supply everywhere. Fields said the company has been working closely with vendors to try to get the uniforms they need in stock.
Missouri Air National Guard Master Sgt. Miles Spainhower said he used his credit card to place a $275 order with Armed Forces MCSS. He said he never received it and got only $225 back when he canceled the order.
He filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, which forwarded it to the company for response. Spainhower said Armed Forces MCSS mailed him back a copy of his complaint, with no response — but addressed the envelope to “Miles ‘Crybaby’ Spainhower.” Fields said he is looking into that.
The New York Better Business Bureau has rated Armed Forces MCSS as “unsatisfactory” for its complaint response record, said Tony Barbera, manager of the New York BBB’s information and investigations department.
According to the BBB’s online report at http://www.cbbb.org, 26 complaints were filed against the company in the past year; it failed to respond to 21.
Fields said his company ceased working with the New York BBB after it refused to remove what Fields called “erroneous” information from its Web site. He said his company has filed a complaint about the BBB with the New York attorney general.
Here are some things to consider when buying online:
• Check out the company through the Better Business Bureau, http://www.cbbb.org.
• Buy with a credit card; you have more protections.
• Check the terms and conditions before buying. Unless you agree to a longer time frame, the company must ship within 30 days, or you have the right to cancel, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
• If you have concerns about a company, contact your base legal assistance office.
Lets see...Fields, Frank, Carmine and Maria most of this years complaints were from the airforce because of the ABU uniform, last year it was the Army who complained the most because of the new ACU Uniform. And I suppose the next branch of service that will complain is the next one that comes out with a new uniform. Seems like a trend to me and the main trend is scamming the military.
What is wrong here when the owner and CEO (Carmine and Maria) cannot make a comment or explain their actions of their company?
Fields stated he quit working with the BBB. The better business bureau is a mediator between the customer and business. So what he is really trying to say as everyone knows is that AFMCSS does not work with the customer.
The only way to keep Soldiers from being scammed is to report problems as people have and put the scammers whomever they may be in court filing bankrupcy and if illegal goings on, put them in jail.
Keep spreading the work and reporting.
What happened to "spec ops" Zapata?
I like how this clown from MCSS tried to cover up their scam with the excuse of low supply. If it were really that simple they would have listed the items as out of stock and/or not billed our credit card immediately. They almost further the case for what criminals they are, what kind of company does this and refuses to refund the order within two months, citing a 90 day policy that does not exist. Not to mention the fact that they are using the Army to advertize and promote their fraudulent ways. Hope they like Fort L !
Well looks like Keith and Armed Forces MCSS is also breaking the New York Law for selling realistic fake guns by stores in New York.
Look at the Advertisment on ou Tube Video at this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUKibPxUciQ
This also can be reported to the New York Consumer Protection Agency via this online Complaint Form
http://home2.nyc.gov/html/dca/html/contact/contact_toy.shtm
Have Fun and please report them.
I did a charge back, I got my money back. I stuck it to the man. Keith, how come you don't call me...anymore
Armed forces mcss is still claiming they are a DLA vendor on this URL when it was removed from their main website:
http://armedforcesmcss.blogspot.com/
They can be reported for claiming this to the DLA using this online complaint.
https://www.dla.mil/dcia/complaint/complaint.asp
Just some additional Information to hopefully put this business where they should be.
Today, 30MAY08, I checked in on Armed Forces MCSS website and received this message:
The Shop Is Closed - The store is temporarily closed for maintenance. Please check back soon.
Hopefully this is permanent.
I want to thank all of the support from the defrauded customers of Armed Forces MCSS that took action.
Looks like the Armed Forces MCSS might be hiring and looking for a liason to answer the BBB and resolve any and all customer issues. From a article in the Marine Times. read near the bottom of the article. (Part 2 of SGT Shopper) The link to the story is
http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/money/financial_advice/military_sgtshopper_060208w/
As for Armed Forces Military Clothing Sales Store, the subject of last week’s column, Leslie Fields, chief finance officer, said in an e-mail that the company has “initiated a customer awareness program” and has “appointed a liaison to resolve any and all customer problems and dissatisfactions.”
The liaison also will work with the New York BBB to answer all complaints on file about Armed Forces MCSS, Fields said.
Where are the CEO and Owner of this company? If they are so ethical and run such a tight ship. Where are their comments in all this?
What a bunch of douchbags.
May 31st and their site is still up and running.. the post noting the maintenance notice on MCSS website was obviously and probably for more law breaking and scamming tactics to be added. They are still up and running unfortunately. Wishful thinking though...
This company keeps defrauding and impersonating me when they call FedEx. They are not only scamming, but impersonating. The dumb ### don't realize FedEx has a call log of the number where the call originated from and "who" supposedly the caller is.
FBI has been contacted and other efforts to put these ###s down. I'm amazed at how they can still even run this company!
This company has not paid their taxes, vendors, or customers... action needs to be taken NOW. It doesn't take a scientist to see what is clearly going on here!
These clowns are going down, they should be locked up for screwing fellow servicemembers as we head off to Iraq. Using the military to scam the military, why is there no UCMJ action against them. Col Booker, why dont you respond to the whiners in the Air Force, is your assistant busy getting information to punish us (as you indicated in your earlier post)? FRAUDS!Army Strong, eh?
http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Armed.Forces.MCSS..718-291-0150
If you go to the above link you can see that AFMCSS claims that it is a government contractor, and OH guess what? The ABU is apparently in stock! We should all be expecting our products then, right? NOT! I am going to continue to report this company to anyone who will listen, until we are righted and this company (and the convicts that run it) go down. Why no response from AFMCSS in this blog, they did after all hire a person to address the customer service issues. More of a smokescreen from Col Booker, the Captain, and of course our buddy Mr Zapata. Douchbag would be a compliment for these ###!
I just got a letter from the BBB, apparently Armed Forces MCSS representative L. Fields claims my ABU parka did ship already. I am soooooooo glad I got this in writing, because their own people have sent me emails to confirm the opposite. Now I think I will sue. You can run, but you cant hide a** clowns!
Right about now Mr. Annunziata has a gun in his hands thinking about ending his life. He has puts the barrel in and out of his mouth several times and pulled the trigger - but alas it's not loaded.
His company is an utter failure even though he has exploited his minority status. He’s horrible with money. He can’t live within his means. Worst of all, he has surrounded himself with cheap idiots; all reeking of incompetence.
Something is wrong. He’s used to being in charge. Look at all the videos on YouTube. He swaggers around with his little bunny Ms. Garcia. But that power has gone to the customer. He’s trying to recover the only way that he knows how - LIE, CHEAT, STEAL - words he’s come to live by.
Integrity has been thrown out the window, he’s going to war. He’s going to war with the customer. See, he’s going bankrupt and taking everyone down with him that he can. Hopefully he enjoys that 4x8 room.
This ex-customer isn’t going to visit.
Everyone defrauded by Armed Forces MCSS, please file complaints with the following:
1) The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs.
2) The FBI IC3 team
3) Your state, and the New York Attorney General’s Office
Speaking with the NYCDCA, they will file a class action law suit on our behalf.
Speaking with the FBI, they are interested in this issue. They also strongly suggested reporting to the Attorney General’s offices.
The field representative I spoke with said “…the Attorney General’s Office will take a specific interest...”
Where is the FBI IC3 team?
I filed our NYDCA complaint. I still have to complete a couple others, and would very much like the FBI looped in on the e-mails my spouse received. thanks!
Well since the Story published about the Armed forces mcss in the Army Times, they have gotten another complaint to the Better Business Bureau. The Armed Forces mcss customer liason team and leslie fields is really doing a good job. HAHA!
Keep up the good work armed forces mcss!
The FBI IC3 team is the Internet Crime Complaint Center. It can be found at: http://www.ic3.gov/
When you file a complaint you will receive a complaint number. Forward those eMails received from Armed Forces MCSS with that number in the subject line, or in the immediate body.
Also file a complaint with the Attorney General's Offices.
Armed Forces MCSS - way to make a sale!
They are telling customers that the ACU camouflage pattern is authorized for wear with the ABU camouflage pattern in the AOR, which of course is a lie.
Obviously they are having a hard time with reality and just like to randomly make ### up.
Correct guidance follows:
Battle Airmen and Air Liaison Officers are authorized to wear the ACU when deployed to a contingency theater while operating with, attached to, or in direct support of an Army or Special Operations Unit wearing the ACU. These individuals are authorized to wear the ACU when transitioning to and from the deployed theater. Air Force individuals are prohibited from wearing the ACU at home station or during training/exercises conducted outside of a contingency theater.
http://www.paratrooper.net/commo/Topic175754-3-1.aspx#bm177605
No mixing of camouflage patterns is currently authorized with the ABU except when in deployed locations such as the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR), or when ACU or camouflage field items, such as magazine/utility pouches, personal body armor, helmet covers, knee/elbow pads, etc., are authorized. Exception to this policy is the BDU Gore-Tex parka which, with installation commander approval, is authorized for wear with the ABU. Only the AF APECS Parka or DCU Gore-Tex is authorized in the USCENTCOM AOR. Backpacks and other accessories must be sage or ABU pattern. As many accessories are not made in ABU specifically, ACU pattern accessories are authorized.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airman_Battle_Uniform
Thanks to all for posting such helpful information. We're making progress!
They are now trying to tell Fed Ex we are being sued and we have stolen property and trying to say they shipped all of my ABU's I ordered when in reality they shipped one knock off jacket. Little do the dumb ### know the actual weight of the package is on the box and calculated correctly when fed ex ships the package out. They called our bank and are disputing our reversed charges and trying to get their money back and lie and say the package weighed 8lbs. Well we have the picture of the shipping label on the original box stating it was only 2.9lbs. They are using every desperate tactic they have at this point. I'm just giving everyone a heads up in case they try this with you.
That sounds like mail fraud to me and that is a very serious offense. Make sure that you keep all the documentation and report it. They are not to smart. Maybe everyone can visit them when they are put behind bars.
Wow the Armed forces MCSS store is still racking up more complaints. I though this Leslie Fields was working on getting all of them fixed. I think this person is worthless as the rest of these people running this store. Why hasn't anyone heard from the owner Mr Annunziata. They are up to 31 complaints this year.
http://search.newyork.bbb.org/reports.aspx?pid=44&page=1&id=83693
Last week I received acknowledgement from two complaints filed at the federal level. They indicated that they were going to take action and conduct a follow-up.
Also, Military Times is going to write a third follow-up to this story, probably after the top blows.
They need to do a follow-up, because they are not working the BBB complaints, the Armed Forces MCSS i getting more. Where do they find these people that work for them?
Armed Forces MCSS: Soldier of the Month
SOLDIER OF THE MONTHOur hats are off and three cheers to First Lieutenant Maria Garcia, 8th Medical Brigade. She is our "Female Soldier of the Month". 1LT Garcia has shown exemplary service and commitment to the 8th Medical Brigade and the United States Army.She is a full time psychiatric nurse at Jamaica hospital and a 66C
http://armedforcesmcss.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default
Armed Forces MCSS: Mentally ###ed Person Posts False Info About MCSS
There is a mentally ###ed person who is posting false info on various complaint sites about us. He tries to go under different names to post his fustrations. His name is Ray, and he is from Ohio. We have our legal dept pursuing actions with the Inspector General's Office and the Govenor of the State of Ohio.
http://armedforcesmcss.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default
Saturday, April 07, 2007, 2:33:03 PM | noreply@blogger.com (Armed Forces MCSS)
http://search.newyork.bbb.org/reports.aspx?pid=44&page=1&id=83693
2 More Complaints in 10 days...up to 33 this year now.
36 and counting...
Shortly after making my initial purchase with Armed Forces MCSS, my credit card information was stolen. I am not the only person this has happened to.
Come to find out they DO NOT HAVE A SECURE WEBSITE. Hack.org stripped their website November of 2007.
This makes complete sense as they are nearly bankrupt and are living paycheck to paycheck.
Also, this is contrary to their privacy statement posted on their website. But then again, this wouldn’t be the first lie they’ve told.
DON’T DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY!
FILE! Their actions will catch up with them sooner or later!
FBI
800 DOD IG
Attorney General's Office
New York City Department of Consumer Affairs
Also, I did check up on their credit status - they are not even paying their vendors. This is why they have ridiculous terms and conditions.
These people actually have to entrap customers!
https://www.fbo.gov/index?tab=ivl&s=opportunity&mode=form&id=ac4e429470e85c465f28496c4f7231b4&cck=1&au=&ck=
I have placed an order for the ABU Gortex jacket while deployed in March of 08. Multiple times, I have been lied to and decieved. I have requested my refund mutliple times. Even one time the "owner" replyed to me and said that I could not recieve my refund because "the money has already been sent to the manufacturer"... wich is BS. It has been over a month since I have heard anything or tried anything. Now... I am going to Iraq in Sept and I won't have the weather proof jacket I need. It will be winter time in Iraq and it can get pretty cold at night. So what do I do? They never answer there phone or call back. Should I go to my base JAG and get legal help? I will try one more time to get there attention and mention JAG, if that doesn't scare them... well then I will go to JAG. any advice would be nice. please email me.
A1C Dombrowski, Jordan
USAF
One more thing... I have records of all the emails they have responded to.
Contact the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, your local legal office, your Senator and Congressman's office, the FBI, the New York City Attorney General's Office and your state's Attorney General's Office.
Nice try MCSS. I received a letter from financial institution that you were shipping my ABU gortex jacket on 26 Jun. You remember then one I order in March when your website said it was "In Stock Ready for Shipment". Well low and behold it's 14 Aug and the gortex jacket still hasn't arrived. I advised my bank I no longer needed your product and the charge back stands. You didn't get my money, you got no ice cream, you're on the welfare and you're all a bunch of criminals.