When consumers in Las Vegas and across the country invest their time or money into a product, it is reasonable to expect sufficient results at the very least. This is also true if they are doing business with a company that offers a service instead of a physical product. All too often, there are businesses that deliver products or services that are less than what they promised. In many of these cases, business litigation resulting from fraud or other allegations can result.
This appears to have been the case with a company based in Sparks, Nevada, which is in the business of buying used electronic devices, such as smartphones, from consumers. Laptop and Desktop Repair reportedly owns more than 30 websites, allowing customers from across the country to send in their unwanted devices in exchange for money. The company has received more than 2,000 complaints in the past year with the Better Business Bureau, bringing its BBB grade to a dismal F. According to the complaints, customers would receive a fraction of their original offer after the company received their devices. They had difficulty disputing the terms or getting their devices returned because they would be put on hold for hours.
More than 350 customers also filed complaints with the Nevada Attorney General’s office. A deputy attorney general says the Nevada Attorney General’s office has never seen any other cases like this. The company is currently being investigated for deceptive trade practices. As of right now, no lawsuits or criminal charges have been filed against the company.
Customers can protect themselves from questionable business practices by investigating a company before doing business and looking out for red flags such as consistently poor reviews or high price quotes. However, it is not always possible to foresee problems, and this is why there are legal procedures meant to protect consumers.
Source: MyNews4, “Nevada device buying company under investigation,” June 2, 2015
