Rebate processor goes out of business taking your rebates with it
Filed under: Ripoffs and Scams, Shopping, Simplification
As if you needed another reason to be wary of rebates, one of the largest rebate processing companies, Continental Promotion Group, just filed for bankruptcy. CPG, more widely known as RebateStatus.com, no longer has enough money to cover the rebate checks it has been processing. This means if you have a rebate check from the company, you shouldn't try and cash it unless you care to be hit with a NSF fee when the check bounces. RebateStatus.com handles rebates for many companies including:
- Costco
- Newegg.com
- Canon
- Logitech
- Home Depot
Dealnews.com has a more complete listing of retailers whose rebates may be affected by the bankruptcy filing as well as advice on what steps to take to ensure the best chance that you'll get your rebate money. The site recommends anyone holding an affected rebate keep the check and documentation safe until CPG makes a formal announcement.
If you have a rebate that is affected don't give up, even if CPG goes under and the manufacturer doesn't step up, you may still have an option. A well-crafted letter to well-known companies or a trip to the Better Business Bureau could bring some closure on a case by case basis. Finally if you're out of options, try going straight to the store that advertised the rebate to see if they will take pity on you in the form of store credit for the rebate amount.
While rebates used to be popular amongs retailers and consumers alike, many companies such as Best Buy have stopped using rebates due to consumer complaints. It's no wonder that consumers are upset: The entire rebate process is designed to increase breakage or unfulfilled rebates even when consumer appear to meet every requirement. While it is sad to see consumers cheated out of rebates, there won't be many tears shed for the death of a rebate company.
If only RebateStatus.com had filled out the form in BLUE ink and sent in the original proof of purchase; they might still be in business.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
11-20-2008 @ 1:51PM
Marie Cowperthwaite said...
I was promised a $100.00 gas card when I installed ADT security in my home. I received an e-mail from Rebatesrus.com and had to send in an application for the $100.00. What I received were ten $10.00 coupons which can only be submitted once per month with a gas receipt.
I have submitted two and I am still waiting for my rebates.
Anyone else having trouble with this company.
Reply
11-20-2008 @ 2:10PM
Josh Smith said...
Marie, Check out this info about gas rebates, http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/04/10/free-gas-with-your-new-car-think-agian/
In theory you'll get your money but it's a complicated process designed to stop you from getting money.
Good Luck
11-28-2008 @ 10:08PM
mable beard said...
i receive a rebate card for gas from ADT install but i try to get to the web site www.rebatesrus.net,but there is no luck. how did you find the right web site. thanks mable
12-04-2008 @ 9:59PM
Dana said...
I also recd a rebate card for $100 gas for signing up with ADThome security. I have this invite code but I dont know how to apply to get the rebate. Please help
12-07-2008 @ 12:21AM
shirl said...
Yes, I am having a problem as well with this so call company that ADT said would give me a $100.00 gift card
12-26-2008 @ 12:45PM
lonzie foskey said...
Iam also waiting for a response from Rebatesrus. After mailing in my coupone along with a gas receipt incompliance with there instruction (over thirty days ago), I am still waiting for a response. Would like to know if there is anyone we can contact concerning this matter.
1-07-2009 @ 8:53PM
Kelly said...
Yes, I am actually trying to send in my second coupon and lost the address to send it to, I have my invite code etc but can't find the address. I sent one in a month ago and no rebate yet. I have always gotten my rebates before from other places, but I tried to call the number and no answer. I too installed ADT, I am about to contact them as well to see if they have an answer. Anyways I did see on another page that no one has received this $100 gas card rebate, that it is a scam. I don't know, I'll keep sending them in an hope. Do you have the address?
1-13-2009 @ 3:51PM
Christine said...
Yes I have the same problem. I sent in my first coupon towards a $100 gas reimbursement and have yet to receive a dime! What a disgrace to falsely adverstise.
2-11-2009 @ 1:47AM
genevieve selingo said...
I am having trouble getting a form or $10.coupons from rebateesrus Dish network told me if I have dish instaslled they would give $150. in a gift card,that was July 2008 I am just ready to go to the State dept. Fl. Thanks for your expossing this ripoff.
jennie
11-20-2008 @ 2:06PM
blog.hsh.com said...
Where does rebatestatus.com get their income from to pay back these rebates? Without knowing anything, I would guess the companies (like Canon) in which they're writing the rebates for -- but that can't be true b/c Canon isn't going out of business...
I saw this topic from a few other sources, but you guys definitely had the most info.
Nice work,
Tim
Reply
11-20-2008 @ 2:13PM
Josh Smith said...
They get paid a fee for the rebates, I'm not completely clear on the pay structure, the breakage link above has more info on what they get paid for.
Here is the same link , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebate_(marketing)#Rebate_clearinghouses
11-24-2008 @ 9:07PM
Lee said...
I hate dealing with rebates. You can do everything exactly right, and still get screwed out of what they owe you. It is a pure case of Deceptive Trade Practices in most instances, with fraud in the inducement leading consumers to make the purchase in the first place. Anybody for a class action lawsuit to put the rest of them out of business? The experiances I have had with rebates leads me to avoid doing business with any store that employs them as a marketing tool. I view them as establishments that knowingly screw their customers. May they all disappear!
Reply
12-02-2008 @ 8:41AM
karen keener said...
i was promised a rebate card and gas card from installers for dish network needless to say they have sent me three or four of these fake rebate cards because you can't get on line for them
12-02-2008 @ 1:58PM
max gifford said...
i was promissed 100.00 gas card from dish network because i signed right away recieved nothing max gifford
Reply
12-07-2008 @ 9:01PM
Margaret said...
HELP
After almost 3 months I finally got my "$100 rebate"
I also cant get to the website to validate it
ANY suggestion?????
Reply
12-08-2008 @ 10:29AM
Donna Lyles said...
I received my $100 gas rebate card throught the mail on Saturday when signing up with ADT. I had tried to go on the website with no luck . I had called ADT and told them this website was not valid and by reading other comments about this company; I'm assuming this company is no longer in business. They did give me the phone, which is 817-326-3890.
Reply
12-08-2008 @ 4:52PM
Al said...
I received the same run around. Thanks for the phone number. I feel though nothing will happen. The best thing to do is to contact your service provider first and tell them you are contacting the Attorney General in the state where you reside.
ADT or whoever should be held responsible.
12-08-2008 @ 7:29PM
Margaret said...
I forgot to add my rebate was from ADT.
Reply
12-12-2008 @ 8:08PM
mary wickstrom said...
ll I want is my $100.00 gift card I was promised. Please help me.
Reply
1-11-2009 @ 3:32PM
MARK V. said...
I TO HAD ADT INSTALLED IN OCTOBER 08" AND WAS PROMISSED 100 VISA CARD & AND 100 GIFT CARD (GREAT DEAL RIGHT!) IT IS NOW JAN 09" AND I HAVE NOT HEARD OR RECIEVED EITHER TO TOP IT OFF, I'M OUT 4.95 FOR THE SHIPPING & HANDLING. I WILL BE CALLING ADT ON MONDAY THE 12 TO GIVE THEM AN EARFUL! THEY SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR FALSE ADVERTISEMENT AND BREAKIND THE AGREEMENTS STATED IN THE CONTRACT!
Reply