eCost.com review: Dishonest sales and scam tactics! 42

Ecost advertised a Samsung 58" 1080p plasma TV for 2,519. Called to confirm US warranty, new, etc. Had them check warehouse stock to confirm was available (Online said in stock). Processed order. Credit card was reported as would not authorize. Called bank and they said absolutely not, was authorized and card showed $2,700+ on credit hold to ecost. Called back, they said we see no order, etc. Continued to insist they had it in stock, to process it again. Multiple phone calls of escalating intensity, finally people apologize, said not sure why we were told it was in stock. Meanwhile they have a credit hold on $2700 and we can't get a TV elsewhere. Plot thickens, Two days later, they still list it as in stock and after a blistering round with a supervisor, the item now is listed as Temp out, than the price jumps up $900. Now it is clear, they never intended to sell any units at the low price, and just lied to people about availability. They said, just call your credit card company, they will release the money. Does not work like that, there is still a hold 4 days later. Multiple calls, letters. I point out how obvious there scam was by the sudden jump in price. Like a puppet, they change the price back down to the lower price, and say it is IN STOCK again! I call again to "order" the unit, they ask my name, put me on hold, and suddenly the TV is listed as out of stock now! I say they were trying to set up their low ball scam again. Five minutes later, the price is changed again, and they still have our money tied up. I had done business with them before, but clearly they are bottom dwelling scam artists. DO not waste your time or money with them, they clearly have no concern about integrity or customer loyal as I had purchased from them before. Really turned my stomach to see them jump back and forth like idiot puppets to get out of their own way when every thing they did made it more obvious they were dishonest. Go anywhere else. I will be sending a formal complaint to the State Attorney General as I believe this is fraud, and I also believe taking $2700 of money I would have access to and preventing my use of that is a form of theft. Especially when it was done when ecost had no intention of processing the order.

Jeff Hartford MD.