So What Happened to my Free Plasma TV?
So if you’re a reader of the site you’ll know that I was going for a free 42′ Plasma TV. If you’re not familiar with this you can get up to speed by reading the story here. I completed the offers, I waited 9 weeks and I got nothing. I emailed the company to inquire where my TV was and I was told that my acount was on hold because I violated their terms about providing truthful information (which I was shocked about for 2 reasons… #1. I did not intentionally give anyone false information and #2. I was not happy that after waiting 9 weeks they tell me this after I HAD TO CONTACT THEM, they could have told me this whenever they discovered they had a problem with my account instead of keeping me here waiting for my TV which was never coming). They went on to say that if I wanted any more information I would need to write to their legal department. How about an email or a phone call…? Talk about making things a hassle for the customer (though they probably do this because they hope people won’t write). So I wrote to their legal department. I received a response today which said the following: “The social security number you provided was searched by the IRS and did not match any on the public records. We regret to inform you that your account for PlasmaTV4Free.com will not be released from its hold. “
I have two problems with this… #1. I provided my social security number from memory because I did not feel like searching for last year’s tax return to find it. If I did not provide them with the correct number it must have been a simple mistake which I would expect them to allow me to correct. But nope, no corrections allowed here, appearantly if you make a mistake you will pay for it by not receiving your free TV. #2. I am shocked that the IRS would relay any information concerning my social security number to them. Your social security number is your most important form of ID and should also be the most secret. The IRS should never verify your SS# to anyone, they should contact me if there is an issue. Imagine if a scam company gives the IRS a list of SS#’s and asks them to verify them, will the IRS simply point out which ones are valid and which ones are incorrect? Am I wrong here???
This experience has left a sour taste in my mouth. I think the website that runs this offer is sad. They made money off of the 12 offers I spent my time and money completing, and because I made an honest mistake (or so they say) they wipe their hands of me (and I will never know if the number I provided to them was my SS# or if I made a mistake, so this could all be a lie so that they don’t have to give me the TV). So to PlasmaTV4Free.com… you suck.
I learned a lesson so I guess my time and effort trying to complete this offer taught me something at the very least…
Share This- 9 Comments »
- Posted in Product Reviews
January 24th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Wow im suprised you actually even gave out your social security number. I personally have never trusted the “get stuff for free by doing offers” type websites…and i would have stopped the 2nd i saw they actually wanted my social. I understand the reasoning behind why they may have needed it…but i will only give it to reputable companies, and only if i think there is a true reason for it (ie credit card applications, insurance, employment, etc). I wonder if anyone else who tried for this offer, after reading about it on your site, has had the same or similar problem receiving their free tv.
January 24th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
I gave it out because A) I didnt know I had to give it out until AFter I completed all the offers and B) a friend of a friend did this and received the TV.
Normally I will never give it out too. I personally think it is ridiculous that you would need to give it out.
Lesson learned (the hard way).
January 24th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
I did one of these offers years ago – similar results. The terms are long and convoluted enough that one slip-up (or supposed slip-up) is all it takes. Never received anything. If you have a legal service (or a lawyer friend), you may want to have them provide a demand letter…
January 27th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
I absolutely agree. Unless they can verify that you gave them the wrong social (the burden is on them!), they’re on the hook for the TV.
Don’t give up on this, nail them for it.
As an added note, this is a VIVID reminder of why you have to keep a photocopy of every single document you send out. If you have a copy of the form you sent in, you can prove you gave them the right SSN. If you did give the wrong one, then at least you’ll know that.
January 27th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
The IRS is not in the business of searching for and verifying SS numbers for people who “need” to identify their customers.
Lies from the “Legal Department” me thinks.
Maybe some legal action of your own can make them cough up a plasma TV for you.
January 31st, 2008 at 1:02 am
Contact a news agency and see if they will take your story. Worst they can say is no.
February 6th, 2008 at 2:23 am
1. Contact the Attorney General of your state and see if they can do anything for you.
2. If your local TV stations or newspapers have consumer watchdogs, let them know.
3. Write a review about this company and it’s practices at http://www.viewpoints.com
In short–Extract your pound of flesh and make them pay! You’ll help others from being victimized by these fly-by-night outfits.
March 13th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Does anyone have contact info for their legal department? Thanks in advance.
June 26th, 2008 at 2:43 am
Two days ago, I got a knock at my front door. It was my brand new 40″ Samsung LCD TV! (They said they could not find a 42″ Samsung Plasma so they gave me a choice between the 42″ Panasonic Plasma and a 40″ Samsung LCD). I just kept sending them emails and resent my certs because they claimed that they had not received them. So, after only 8 months I now have an awesome new TV!