"Merchandise Discount Facility" Offer

7/28/2010

Lexington, KY - Getting something for free, or at least very cheaply, is always a welcome thing. But an offer hitting central Kentucky mailboxes may not be as sweet as it looks at first glance. How great would it be to get an offer in the mail saying you will receive two of several expensive items listed on a postcard? A central Kentucky consumer got the offer and sent it to your Better Business Bureau.

It looks urgent, stating IMPORTANT NOTICE in large print. It says the consumer will absolutely receive 2 of the items listed for a release fee of just $23 dollars.

And look at the items listed! A big screen plasma TV, a laptop computer, a Blackberry Smartphone, cash and precious jewelry. The card urges you to mark your favorites with an X.

But if you look more closely at the offer from Merchandise Discount Facility, you see VERY fine print. It says you will be purchasing two of the items, but then says you can write to them in advance to find out WHICH two you'll get. Kind of pointless to mark the ones you like as they told you to do, huh?

AND, it says there is a money back guarantee of your $23 dollars if you are not satisfied with what you receive. BUT you must return them along with a $14 dollar shipping and handling fee. You wouldn't get much of your original money back that way if you feel all you got was junk.

The BBB in California where Merchandise Discount Facility gives an address says it's just a mail drop... they don't know WHERE the company is located. Oh, and of course there is no phone number to contact the business with questions. The company has an "F" rating with the BBB.

Chances are when someone offers you valuable items for a few dollars, the most you'll end up with is a cheap throwaway item, and probably placement on who knows how many other mailing lists. If you get this offer, don't fall for it.

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Be a "Don't Fall for It!" informant! If you have something to share you believe may be a fraudulent offer or scam, please let the BBB know! Call us at (859) 259-1008 or toll-free, 1-800-866-6668, or email us at info@lexbbb.com.