Complain about a product or service

BlueHippo Funding

So what does BlueHippo do? Its Web site says it "helps consumers purchase and finace the products they want and need, inidependent of their credit history." As far as we can tell, it sells plasma TVs, computers and other merchandise through a pay-in-advance credit plan.

To be blunt, it sells stuff to people with bad credit. Its Web site states that customers pay $99 down and make 13 weeks (that's weeks, not months) worth of payments. After that, the merchandise is sent to them and the payments continue until the purchase is finally paid off.

Is this a good deal? Who knows? It's very hard to know what the real cost of the merchandise is, as it's not very clearly disclosed. If it's like most such schemes, the products are priced at full retail and then some, and the fees and interest rates aren't immediately apparent.

On its Web site on March 17, BlueHippo was offering a desktop computer for $99 down and $39.99 per week. It's not immediately apparent how long the payments last but it's quite likely most consumers could find a similar computer for a lot less if they saved their money and paid cash.

But don't take our word for it. Here are some of the BlueHippo customers we've heard from ...

Michelle of Los Angeles, CA April 22, 2006

Michelle of Los Angeles, CA (04/22/06)
I have not yet received my computer.  My account has been deducted 80.00 every 2 weeks since October.

What's really going on?

Kelly of Lakeland, FL April 20, 2006

Kelly of Lakeland FL (04/20/06)
I saw an infomerical on tv for blue hippo about computers, so I called the phone number, ordered a computer. I was told I had to make a one time payment and that was taken out of my checking account and then payments were to be taken out every two weeks after that. I started looking into blue hippo on the internet and found out that they didnt have a good reputation. So I called to cancel -- they would not even talk to me and kept on hanging up on me. I have not received anything from them and as of yesterday 4/19/2006, I got a letter saying I was being sued for 3,100 dollars for something I dont have.

Christine of Scurry, TX April 13, 2006

Christine of Scurry TX (04/13/06)
After hearing an ad on a reputable local radio station, I called Blue Hippo to order a computer. I was told that an initial down payment of 124 would be debited from my checking account in 2 weeks. Before the 2 weeks was up, I began researching the company and found that there are many, many complaints against Blue Hippo Funding. I was so sorry that I had not done my research before placing the order, but there was still time to cancel. When I called to cancel, the representative gave me the hard sell. He offered to throw in a 500 gift card from Target/Wal-Mart/Home Depot. He would not take no for an answer, even though I kept saying, "just cancel my order!"

When I hung up the phone, I emailed the company to put my request to cancel my order in writing. A few days later, I received a reply to my email saying that I should call customer service and talk to a rep. Since I had previously done that, I was more than a little annoyed. However, I did call the company again, and after requesting the cancellation of my order repeatedly, the rep said that I had to talk to a supervisor. I asked to be transferred, and after being put on hold for over 20 minutes, I hung up.

Needless to say, my order did not get cancelled before they withdrew 62 from my bank account. The day the withdrawal from my bank account happened, I once again called to ask that my order be cancelled and the 62 be refunded to me. I was told that they would cancel my order (so easily this time!), but they could not refund the 62! So, I have paid 62 for absolutely nothing!! The people are crooks in the worst sense of the word! Please put these guys out of business. This is one of the biggest scams I have ever seen.

Taibe of Bowling Green, KY April 4, 2006

Taibe of Bowling Green KY (04/04/06)
I paid 40% of what Blue Hippo has required for me to pay and I didn't receive none of the merchandise that I was supposed to receive with the computer. Then, I called several times asking can I return the computer because I was unable to keep the payments up and they said it's non-refundable and they don't want the computer back and I was willing to let them keep the money and take it as a loss and now they are wanting to take legal actions because I cannot pay for the computer.

Teresa of Aiken, SC March 16, 2006

Teresa of Aiken SC (03/16/06)
This company debited from my account, and I don't have the computer because I did not send the order form back. Although, I gave you my checking information I was told that it would save me having to go through the ordering process again, and that nothing would come out of my account until I faxed back the ordering papers for the computer. My checking account was debited the very next day and then twice afterwards.

I didn't feel comfortable with that so I never faxed the papers back to them. I contacted the company and spoke with a Ronald Campbell who appeared to be very understanding and stated for me to call back and speak directly with him. He would evaluate my situation and to give him three business day. I gave him @ least 4. When I called the company back. I was told he was not in, but that I could speak with another supervisor. I explained that being that Mr. Campbell was familiar with my situation, I would feel comfortable speaking with him. I was put on hold and spoke with another gentleman whom I could not understand his name because he had a very thick accent. He said that there was no record of my case being evaluated and that it would take 3 or 4 days.

I said that was unacceptable because in the meantime my account would again be debited while they are researching, and that was unacceptable. He was very indifferent. I hung the phone up. I called the next day hoping to speak with Mr. Campbell, but again I was told her is not there and I spoke with another person who said she was a supervisor. She told me I did agree to the charges. I will not be refunded my money, that I was aware that I needed to pay 13 consecutive payments. I know they haven't listened to the initial conversation between me and that representative because I was not told I would make 13 payments. The information he gave me was different that what I was told.

I understand I have to assume some responsibility for being ignorant however I feel that I was completely taken advantage of. I'm not looking to get rich, I just want consumers to be aware of what is going on with this company.

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