So I did a little more digging on soniccameras. Their website provides no information whatsoever as to where they are located. (UPDATE: They've now added an address in "Marine Park" New York. Note that Marine Park is simply a neighborhood in Brooklyn, and not an actual city, so this address is suspect). I called their phone number (888-450-4111) on their website and there is a recorded message from someone with a thick Middle Eastern accent. The soniccameras website appears to have simply cut and pasted text from real online retailers. Compare the Sonic Cameras “Shop With Confidence” Page with the page that they copied from, located on the Ritz Camera site, here. They’ve cut some stuff out (such as the free shipping text) but other parts are identical. MegaCameras did the exact same thing, and they have negative reviews on epinions (read them here). My guess is that whoever operates soniccameras also operates numerous other camera/electronic sites and simply uses the same template for the various websites. Once the word gets out that they are committing fraud, they simply start a new site. Need more convincing?
I googled some of the language from their company policy. Specifically, I cut and pasted the following test in google: “handling, and insurance charges for the delivery BOTH WAYS.” Guess what? The same language appeared on infinitycameras.com, which is now defunct. Read the reseller ratings of Infinity Cameras here…it was a purely fraudulent bait and switch website. Note that Infinity Cameras also went by the name J & K cameras and BestPriceCameras.com. Here’s a photo of the store front for Infinitycameras.com aka bestpricecameras.com, aka J&K Cameras, aka infinitphoto.com. The same language also appears on bestpricecameras, and bwayphoto aka broadwayphoto (see the wonderful reviews on reseller ratings here).
I then put the following text from the soniccameras website into google: "where our highly-skilled experts average more than a decade of electronics experience" and the only hit that came up was bluestripephoto.com. I put the bluestripephoto phone number into google (800-231-5724) and found that they share the same number with expresscameras which owns the following:
-clearviewcamera.com
-expresscamera.com
-hopecamera.com
-luckydigital8.com
-trustedcamera.com
Express Cameras has very bad ratings:
http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Express_Cameras
According to a lawsuit filed by the State of New Jersey (see details here), all of the following are operated by the same person: expresscameras.com, geniuscameras.com, trustedcamera.com, trustedphoto.com, luckydigital8.com, clearviewcamera.com, bluestripephoto.com and hopecamera.com.
They were sued by the State of New Jersey for the following activities:
· Ffailing to sell merchandise at the price advertised on the company’s web site;
· Ccharging or attempting to separately charge for accessories or equipment that the Original Equipment Manufacturer included with the merchandise (for example, camera batteries and/or battery chargers);
· Ccharging consumers inflated shipping and handling fees;
· Ffailing to provide any price reduction for merchandise which appears to be on sale or reduced;
· Ffailing to inform consumers at the time of purchase that some or all of the merchandise is out of stock; and
· Rrefusing to permit consumers to cancel an order or merchandise upgrade prior to shipment.
A whois search only revealed that they registered through Go Daddy, and paid extra to remain anonymous.
Finally, on their “About Sonic Cameras” page, they write the following:
“Sonic Cameras.com isn't your average online retailer. Among the earliest to sell consumer electronics online (sic). Our goal has been to earn the trust of our customers.” Earliest to sell online? Hmmm. That’s funny. A review of their whois information indicates that the domain was created on DECEMBER 4, 2007. Thus their statement is completely false.
The sentence “Among the earliest to sell consumer electronics online” is not only grammatically incorrect, it was stolen from the onecall.com website…the entire sentence should read (see here) “Among the earliest to sell consumer electronics online, OneCall has been around more than 10 years as the online arm of Huppin`s Hi-Fi, Photo & Video, a cornerstone of retail electronics in Spokane, WA.”
If you STILL aren’t convinced that soniccameras is a scam, simply compare the soniccamera “about us” page with the bluestripephoto “about us” page. They are identical. Sonic Cameras is simply a new website set up by “Save Here Distribution,” the company that operates numerous scam photography websites that has been sued by the State of New Jersey. DO NOT BUY FROM THEM.
And DO NOT TRUST the various bogus price comparison sites, which appear to be operated by Save Here Distribution. Examples include: diduprice.com, pricingdepot.com, and shopcartusa.com…DO NOT TRUST THEM.
Update: Other sites that appear to be scams, based on unrealistically low prices, lack of contact information on website, and negative reviews, include Expecam, thecameraprofessionals, razz photo, thedigitalnerds (aka techondigital), aka wawa digital, aka the camera wiz. It appears that these companies simply change their name constantly to avoid the negative publicity that they receive on the Internet. I'll constantly monitor the Internet and provide updates each time one of these guys changes their name. If you know of any that I've missed, please let me know.
If you doubt any of the above, read this report from the New York Better Business Bureau, which indicates that all of the following are operated by the same individual, George Sabato, out of Brooklyn:
BEST PRICE CAMERAS
Additional Business Names:
Best Price Camera
Best Stop Camera
C.I.S. Brokerage Inc.
C.I.S. Trading System
Century 21
CIS Brokerage Inc.
CityWideDigital.com
Crystal International Services Inc.
Digital EBuys
Enterprise Photo
Hello Camera
Infiniti Cameras
Infiniti Photo
Infinity Cameras
J&K Cameras, Inc.
Mr. Accessory
Razz Photo
Regency Camera
Regency Photo & Video, Inc.
Address:
1938 McDonald AvenueBrooklyn, NY 11223
Principal:
George Sabato, President
Phone Number:
(718) 373-3456
Additional Phone Numbers:
(718) 373-3652
(800) 281-1724
(800) 593-0026
(718) 627-6066
(718) 627-7245
(800) 280-9096
(718) 781-7727
(718) 306-1540
(718) 627-6556
(800) 281-1418
(800) 919-9005
(800) 280-9396
(917) 803-2223
(718) 998-9130
(718) 998-2975
(212) 354-9676
(212) 581-4077
(212) 354-9702
(212) 354-9685
(866) 226-3221
(866) 226-3721
(800) 888-6381
Website:
www.bestpricecameras.com
Additional Websites:
http://www.beststopcamera.com/
http://www.citywidedigital.com/
http://www.eastcoastdistributor.com/
http://www.infiniticameras.com/
http://www.infinitycameras.com/
www.regencycamera.com
154 comments:
It appears that http://www.lensesnmore.com is also affiliated with soniccameras - same site design.
Thanks for the posting, you probably saved me a big headache.
Gosh, I was looking to upgrade my Nikon 8700 and couldn't figure out if I wanted another Nikon or Canon Xti. Bestpricecamera.com and soniccameras.com are just two of the many scam sites I came across today ~_~
Thank you for your post. I really wish these guys could be stopped somehow.
I wish I'd seen this posting prior to getting sucked into dealing with Sonic Cameras. It would have saved me some time and aggravation. I had done a google search for a specific canon lens and got a hit from Sonic Cameras. Of course the price was exceptional. Actually, I thought they might have typo'd the wrong price, so I went against my instincts and ordered it just to see what would happen. Today, I received an email message asking me to call and verbally confirm my order, so I did.
The salesperson immediately began trying to "switch" me to a comparable(?) Sigma lens. He pointed out all the wonderful attributes and kept telling me that he was going to give me an exceptional price on this lens. As we were talking I went to Adorama's site and pulled up their price for the same lens - it was half Sonis quote. And when I told him I wanted to stay with the canon lens he began the diatribe about how bad it was and did I want to upgrade to an extended US warranty. As it turned out, it was a gray market lens marketed on their web site as a canon US warranty. At that point, I told him to cancel the order. I did get a confirming email that showed a cancelled order but it also showed the sigma lens as being on the order.
As the old saying "if it's too good to be true, it is."
Stick with the reputable companies like Adorama and B&H both of whom I've purchased from in the past and never had any problems or issues on orders or returns.
Thanks! It sounded too good to be true so I did a search for soniccameras.com and up came this awesome article.
I'll pay full price to not donate my credit card number to some con artist, thank you!
Is there any info on a class action lawsuit being brought against these bottom feeders? (Spoken from one who was fed upon.)
Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you!
Thanks for the article ! I thought that Canon 16-35mm zoom lens sold $1099 instead of $2199 was just too good to be true and found your websites by Googling "Sonic Cameras" thanks again !
Wow, Like other people..thanks a whole bunch for your thorough report on these people. We were looking at their site and thought it was too good to be true, so we search about it with BBB and got to your blog.
I wonder these guys are the same guys doing scam on craigslist.com as well. There are many too good to be true prices on that site now for the canon 5d etc. selling for 1000 instead of 2200.
Found your post after I was pricing equipment and figured SonicCameras had to be a scam, but I had no idea it was such an extensive scam. Such is the wonder of the Internet: exposure of scumbags like this George Sabato fellow as a public service and warning to others who won't fall into its trap.
Hats off to you, sir. I appreciate what you've done.
New website about this topic. I need help getting the search engines to find it.
www.soniccamerassuck.com
Angry consumer done with this type of business!
I didn't check and read any of your comment before I made order from www.lensesnmore.com I purchased Canon 580EX II Speedlite Flash E-TTL for 349.00 with free shipping and No TAX. I got email on the same day that said "call us during our business hour to verify the order by phone for security reason." I called them next day and spoke with "DAVID" and he began telling me to buy "New! Digital Flash-Sigma EF-500 DG Pro Super E-TTL Flash" he said that it is the best flash and they can send me rush delivery with three year guaranteed for $29.99,4 battery for $19.99, and battery charger for $ 79.99. I told him that I just want my Canon 580EX II then he said that I have to upgrade my order - replace flash plastic horse shoe with aluminum plate, as well as 3 year guaranteed, new battery, and charger. He also recommended to use express shipping delivery for $75.00. All the extra charges added up to over $300.00 + Canon 580EX 349.00 total bill is $649.00 He told me to say YES and he will then rush my order right away. I told him that I do not want anything else beside Canon 580EX. He then transfer the phone to "STEVE" and that person also told me the same things for another 10minutes until I told him that I just want Canon 580EX and nothing more. He said fine and hand up on my phone. I got email right after the conversation that said Canon 580EX is out of stock and may take up to 8weeks for delivery. I called my credit card company to canceled this order / closed the account and got new credit card issued right away. Those people are CRAP/ Cheap/ Lier/ Mean / Shameless / scammer !!! Stay Away from All of them. Before You buy anything from any website. Search Google like this " www.lensesnmore.com SCAM " and you will find all other people rating about those crap site. Protect yourself.
SCAMMERS !!! Don't Mess up with best ... Die Like the Rest !!!
About 3 weeks ago I ordered a package from www.soniccameras.com and, as everyone who has delt with them has stated, they called a couple hours later to verify my account information. Like everyone else the sales representative gave me a huge up-sale pitch which I was less than impressed by. But before the man could could go into detail about these "incredible offers" my cell phone died, unfortunately I had already given the man my verification number. I thought I was in the clear because I never actually told the man I wanted to go ahead with the order, I didn't realize till a few days later that $3,000 of my money (pretty much everything in my account at the time) had been taken from my account by sonic cameras. since then I have been calling them constantly trying to get my money back with no luck whatsoever. At this time I am writing a letter to the Washington State Attorney General, washington because the address sonic cameras gives is fake, asking for them to take action by getting the account information my money was deposited to. I am also hoping that the company responsible for registering the sonic cameras website, www.domainsbyproxy.com, will release their information regarding Sonic Cameras. At this point it is looking pretty grim on getting any of my money back but I WILL donate whatever time it takes me to track down these SOB's and see that they are brought to justice. If anyone else coming accross this blogg has been victimized by sonic cameras please contact me at my e-mail at hkspectre-a2@hotmail.com
thank you, thank you, thank you for posting this on the internet. i was about to spend alot of money on the sonic cameras website. im so glad that when i googled them your website came up also. i cant believe this kind of stuff still happens. when will people learn. i was wondering if during your research you came across any reputable websites that sells the same stuff, i still need to buy that camera. let me know, adam.azoulay@gmail.com, thanks.
I just wanted to let everyone know that I got scammed by Sonic Cameras. I found this site by searching the internet, but it is too late for me.
I am currently disputing the transaction with my credit card bank and will be filing a complaint with the NY Attorney General.
Thank you so much for your effort to expose this. It saved me thousands of dollars. Bless you.
Thanks to your heads up, I didn't buy from Sonic Cameras--then I saw lensesnmore.com, which you posted, and now I see 1 Way Photo (1wayphoto.com). The ad for the camera I was looking for was very similar, with a multi-level package going up in price. The page was laid out the same. No street address, just lists Brooklyn NY. Also closed on Sat. Looks suspicious.
Wow, excellent info. You saved me about a grand. I was giong to purchase a canon hg10 camcorder for around 500 bux, while other places sold it for around 700. To think i was going to buy two of them. hew! i'm so relieved i didn't get sucked into this. Thanks alot!
Thanks for doing all this information for us. I tried to order Sony handycam with them. After reading and researching, I found this blogger and canceled it immediately. They are not happy and try to sell me some junk stuff.
If it is too good to be true - Watch out !!!
If it's too good to be true, don't buy it online !!
I've been buying since 2002 from B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com) and not only have I gotten good prices but whenever there was a problem or I changed my mind, I never got any flak from them about refunds, new shipments, etc.
I am looking to buy either a Nikon D200 or a Canon ESO 5d. I have been doing google searches, and I came up with http://www.thecameraprofessionals.com/prodetails.asp?prodid=227&gclid=CJq4vtfPt5ICFRE0FQod-32ERg. I checked your web posting to see if this was one you seem to believe is fraudulent and it has not been posted there. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Melissa
I am looking to buy either a Nikon D200 or a Canon ESO 5d. I have been doing google searches, and I came up with http://www.thecameraprofessionals.com/prodetails.asp?prodid=227&gclid=CJq4vtfPt5ICFRE0FQod-32ERg. I checked your web posting to see if this was one you seem to believe is fraudulent and it has not been posted there. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Melissa
When it doubt, always check resellerratings.com. Thecameraprofessionals has one of the lowest ratings possible.
Wow a seven thousand dollar eos 5d package, for less than half price. Oh my god am I glad I was suspicious of these maggots for two weeks before not buying from them. Contacted AX to see what buyer protection I would have. They said I would be fully covered and to just go adead buy. I can"t Understand why a big company like American Express would allow charges to go through on a business like this. It would appear that I have made a smart decission by not being caught with my pants around my ankles in a dark alley in Brooklyn. Thank you
dude....you're my hero....i was gonna buy my first dslr and found the cheapest one i wanted on soniccameras....shit....i wud've bought it if it wasnt for your blog....
Thank you so much for this. I ordered with them, received that awful e-mail and Googled immediately, where I found this post. Luckily I alerted my credit card company, no charges have been processed and they're on the lookout for any activity.
I'm not even going to dignify them with a call to "confirm my order" until those jerks make a move.
Thanks A LOT man. You have done an INCREDIBLE job. I was trying to find Sony DCR SR85 & on internet I could find different stores with minimum price of & 479 & this website featured in advertised section & it is was offering $389 which sounds tooo good to be true. This indicated that this guy is in too much hurry to make lots of money.On checking reviews, the following website claims 5 star rating based on 4918 Reviews. This may also be FAKE. Thanks again. http://www.shopcartusa.com/SonicCamer/Details/
BK
I actually placed the order for a camera yesterday and when I received the confirmation e-mail asking me to "call for security reasons" a big red light went off so I searched and found this blog. Thanks for posting this detailed information. I canceled the order and did not authorize the use of the card and let my CC company know to block purchases from this retailer. I just hope my information isn't compromised being in the hands of such a shady operation.
I am sitting here with a pit in my stomach as I just received my new Cannon EOS 30D from Sonic Cameras today. I assembled everything and kept getting Error 99. The Sonic guy said to send it in w/ the extended warranty but I didn't think I should have to do that with a BRAND NEW camera!!! He said return it to Sonic and they will send a new one. Now I'm wondering.....should I return it to Sonic? or should I send it to the warranty place? Advice Please!!!!
Kerri
Kerri again - I guess I have to send it back to Sonic because the Warranty doesn't kick in until after 30 days...nightmare
thanks for letting me know, i was about to enter my card and stop at the last minute...
thanks for the post. was thinking of purchasing it because it was so cheap, but instinct made me google the company for its ratings. came across your site and helped me make my decision.
Thanks for your post.
I have for month placed orders with various photo shops - Sonic Cameras (and Best Buy etc. )advertising the Canon Rebel XT1 lense at prices around $279/349 etc. "in stock". But when you call to confirm your order, you realise they are not in stock, and all they try to to add all kind of stupid additional charges - so the prices works out to what you can buy the same Camera at Best Buy and reliable photo shops. Not sure how these Scam shops continue to trive - as I have ordered from about 4-5 of them, and none has ever tried to make a delivery to the item ordered.
Good work - I was going to buy a canon 40d/lense/flash for half the price of other sites/stores. I also was adding a canon GL2 camcorder that I was going to sell on Ebay. why,,,, the camcorder also was half price. the profit from selling the camcorder would have paid for the 40d digital camera that I really wanted. Too easy to become greedy. Thanks again for the help - RJ McG
Thank you so much for the post. I wanted to buy a D3 but thought that the price was too low to be honest. Aren't I glad I googled sonic cameras. Thanks again, you've probably saved my marriage!
Why the state don't arrest these crooks?
Hey Dave, thank you so much for your post saved me from a lot of pain!! Your the best buddy!!!
I thought it was too good to be true. Thanks!
Thanks so much!! Your blog and others alerted me and saved me about $3000. Good thing I Googled the name and address before I called them!
I wish I had found your posting earlier, before purchasing from Broadway photo, which you mentioned on the article.
I'm usually better doing research on merchants, but I was in a rush and now I'm regretting it.
Definitely will stay with the big names from now on.
I received a Canon XSI-450D which is grey market camera, all box in Japanese. I have been told that these cameras are not covered by Canon.
I'm trying to return the orde, but I don't think I'll be lucky with these scammers.
Thanks for your post, it will help others!
Unfortunately, I've come across your blog only now that I have already received a package at a much too high price....
Not only does it include a lens I never ordered at a price at what I never would have ordered it, also it didn't come with all the "free" stuff that was advertised (tripod, cleaning system etc.).
Additionaly, Soniccameras invoiced 79$ for incurance. The whole order now cost me 2.100$; I only ordered for 1.400$.
They charged extra for the battery and the charger, which is ridiculous, especially as it was all in a Kit package ...
The agent on the phone became extremely unfriendly.
When you want to send things back, they will charge you 10% plus insurance (which in my case is nearly 300$ for NOTHING!)
Sorry for my English, I am from Germany.
Dave-
Thank you for the post and research. Your efforts are much appreciated. Caveat Emptor
These Jackasses got me. I'm pissed. I'm usually much more careful than that. I just can't believe that these guys can operate. Why isn't Federal Agents busting their doors in? I guess I can count myself lucky. I'm only out about $150.
Thanks for your information Dave as well as everybody else that has contributed. I'm pretty ticked off about these people. I hate being taken for a sucker.
I managed to catch it 'in time' before any financial damage was done. But I did have to go in and change all my passwords.
I've written an article about soniccameras and some steps I've taken to fight them on my blog here. We need all of you to participate with the IC3 in order to take them out.
http://www.mightyfunk.com/2008/05/soniccameras-internet-fraud/
If you don't mind, this is a brand new blog and I need to get things rolling. Your comments and feedback are greatly appreciated.
Anybody sue them?
I live not far away from the address specified on their website. So I decided I will drive by and see if the deals are as good as they advertise. As I suspected, the store is not there. Just an empty space.
Thanks for the report. Your site is now the #2 one that pops up on google, after soniccameras itself.
The really annoying thing is that google ads are promoting their site.
i saw the ads when searching for a new lens for my camera and was stunned to see a retailer selling a new 40D for literally half price of BH photo - the largest canon retailer in the world.
i hit BBB and saw the unsatisfactory rating and the list of businesses associated with it.
reeked of bait and switch tactics.
bottom line: if it looks to good to be true, it is.
RE: Sigma 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 DC OS BEING SOLD AS A KNOCK-OFF AT WWW.SONICCAMERAS.COM
From: Desiree Gaige dgaige@sigmaphoto.com
To: xxx@.com
Date:
Thu, 22 May 2008 9:31 am
Thank you for choosing Sigma products.
Let me start off by apologizing for the extreme inconvenience you have experienced.
---They are certainly not an authorized dealer of Sigma products and unfortunately we do not know where they get their product from.----
Unfortunately with the internet there are a lot of companies out there to try and scam customers.
I would suggest making complaints to the better business bureau, consumer affairs, and even the state attorney general’s office.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
For the future please purchase our products from only the authorized dealers, which you can find a list of on our website, www.sigmaphoto.com under the where to buy section.
Best regards,
Desiree Gaige
Customer service/technical assistance
Sigma Corp of America
15 Fleetwood Court
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
631-585-1144
631-585-1895 Fax
dgaige@sigmaphoto.com
www.sigmaphoto.com
________________________________________
From: xxx@.com [mailto:xxx@.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 9:59 PM
To: info@sigmaphoto.com
Subject: Sigma 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 DC OS BEING SOLD AS A KNOCK-OFF AT WWW.SONICCAMERAS.COM
Sigma: Since I have used your products for years and trust and respect them and the company I think you should know that an online camera store is selling what I believe is NOT real Sigma lenses. I ordered and received a Sigma 18-200mm lens from www.soniccameras.com and the lens was made out of rather cheap material. It was most noticeable. Also, the lens did not fit on the new Nikon D80 I bought for my sister. The cap said it was for Nikon but the fit suggested that it was not. The lens also made odd grinding noises when telescoping and was difficult to use. I believe this was NOT one of your products but a counterfeit or grey market product. I do not have proof except for my own experience using Sigma products.
I strongly suggest that you check into this online camera store as there have been many, many complaints about them and their poor quality products. Now, how would that be possible if they are selling from Sigma, Nikon, Cannon?
For more information on this store see http://www.soniccamerassuck.com/Welcome.html. This site provides a great deal of data, rather disturbing data, on this online store. I am sure you do NOT want to be associated with this type of scam operation. However, when a scam operation online store does "sell" your products, YOU look bad. If I did not know that Sigma was the highest quality out there, having bought from this scam online store, I would have just assumed that you made poor quality products. Not fair to you all.
I'm a 15 year old boy, and worked to earn 1200 dollars to buy the camera at Soniccameras.com and they took out 3000 dollars and sent me the camera body. no lense, they told my "disabled dad" that we needed a 600 dollar warranty. If I can get any more dirt on these guys to get my money back, that would be so appreciated. Thank you, for posting this.
I was about to send these guys $1700. After calling to place an order and inquiring whether I could just pick it up (I'm a mile away from their published address), the agent became defensive, and then, strangely, belligerent. Your blog explained the behavior, and so my money is still safe in the bank. Thank you.
Well, i thought that a Nikon D300 for less than 1000 was too cheap, so im glad i found this posting.
Thanks for the info.
Thanks a lot...before buying I thought of checking the credability of website since camcorder prices were very very cheap. Everybody did excelent job by sharing info..thank once again
wow. interesting. i remember http://gizmodo.com/387293/shady-ny-camera-store-offers-to-pay-user-to-take-down-amazon-rating gizmodo warnin about this type of shady camera stores and i thought sonic cameras was it, but it was a different store, maybe same store with different name. any case, i won't be odering from them, stay with well knowns.
Thanks much for exposing these fraudsters!!
This site reminded me of thecameraprofessional.com! I just about made a purchase there, but waited, and 2 days later, the website is gone. I don't know if it will resurface or not, but the content, the camera packages etc. look almost identical to this site. The only difference is name and color scheme. Thanks for the posting on this.
Thank you so much for the warning! It didn't feel right that the canon VIXIA HF10 was half the price than other sites, so I googled some reviews and came across yours...I owe you big time!
Tarek from Miami
Thanks for all the information provided.It saved my colleague hundreds of dollars...long live dear...
--Naresh
Ordered a HD video camera for cheap from sonic cameras. They sent me an email stating that they needed my 3 digit code off the back of my credit card(note:they don't have a space to fill it out when ordering. A reason for them to talk to you. When I called them they tried to upcharge me with all the add ons. I only brought the camera. I didn't buy the expensive package deal with all the add ons. I told them I brought a kit off of ebay, and didn't want any lens etc. Later that day I got an email saying they cancelled my order b/c they were oversold.
"Unfortunately we are currently oversold on the item you have ordered, and it is currently on a backorder for 6-8 weeks. Therefore, your order has been canceled. Please note, your credit card has not been charged."
BS artist!!!!
Ordered a HD video camera for cheap from sonic cameras. They sent me an email stating that they needed my 3 digit code off the back of my credit card(note:they don't have a space to fill it out when ordering. A reason for them to talk to you. When I called them they tried to upcharge me with all the add ons. I only brought the camera. I didn't buy the expensive package deal with all the add ons. I told them I brought a kit off of ebay, and didn't want any lens etc. Later that day I got an email saying they cancelled my order b/c they were oversold.
"Unfortunately we are currently oversold on the item you have ordered, and it is currently on a backorder for 6-8 weeks. Therefore, your order has been canceled. Please note, your credit card has not been charged."
BS artist!!!!
Big Thank You! Looked at their products, noticed prices to be very suspicious, e-mailed them first with some generic questions and meanwile decided to do some research on their company. And here I'm! Thank you again!
Dammit! Ordered the Canon 40D for $499 yesterday. Calling Amex to stop the charge, even though it hasn't hit yet.
I have been looking for a better deal on a Canon Rebel Xti and thought I may have found it... although my gut told me that it was too good to be true. Glad I read your article before going against my instincts and ordering. Thanks so much!
Well, my experience with Sonic was exactly as described - I ordered 2 Canon items - a lens and a flash and when I didn't "buy up" on the pro filter set or the US model lens over the grey market version, I was told the items were not in stock and would have to be ordered. I asked if it were possible to upgrade shipping for more $$ and was told to watch for an email update which came a day later and advised me my order was being canceled. Guess now I wonder if anybody has had any unauthorized charges posted to their acct since they now have my Visa # and my 3 digit code.
I posted this another place on thoughts-of-dave, but I will attempt to repeat it here.
One way you can attempt to stop people like this, is by going to Google, and trying to get them banned.
Here's what I mean. When you go to Google and do a search for Nikon 8700, or perhaps Canon Xti, you see the paid advertisers on the right column...and as well...sometimes...the first 1, or 2, or 3 listings in the middle. In order to appear there, the advertiser had to pay Google. This is called "Google AdWords."
Just now when I searched on Google for Nikon D300, the top 3 (paid) listings that came back with the search results, were www.diduprice.com, www.pricingdepot.com, and www.lowpricedigital.com.
Each of these 3 appear to want you to think that they are review sites. I mean, supposedly, they review the marketplace for the lowest prices, and then show a list of 5 or 7 merchants, with their prices...and of course...one of the merchants really stands out with the lowest price.
Well, if I was to believe the opinion of one poster, who felt that the "review" site and the "lowest price" site were connected, then they're all related.
And if that's the case, then you go to Google and complain about this business. Here's why Google would care:
1) This "review" site is a Google AdWords customer. That is, they're paying Google to list them high up in the rankings (i.e., on the first page) for search terms involving cameras like the Nikon 8700
2) Once you click on the "lowest price" merchant, and are actually taken to their site...you will find that they also carry other ads on their site. So, they are bringing revenue from advertising. Google calls this program "AdSense". And Google pays this merchant (i.e., soniccameras) when someone clicks on an ad.
You can bet that if Google knew these sites were connected, and if Google knew what scammers they are, they would drop them from both programs. Bottom line, you have just killed soniccameras' ability to appear on the 1st page of Google when you search on Nikon 8700. Also, you have just taken away some of their ad revenue, because I'm sure Google would kick them out of their Adsense program (meaning, soniccameras.com would no longer have ads on their site.)
Sorry to ramble, but I came that close to ordering a camera off one of these scam sites, but did some research first. Thanks to thoughts-of-dave for lots of research. I just wanted to add fuel to the fire, by providing some ways to try to shut down sites like this.
July, 31, 2008 -I got ripped off by sonic cameras and I am overwhelmed with being scammed. I spend my savings on a camera package that was switched. Customer service was a misnomer. They get upset that you do not like to be taken! Very misrepresented sales. Stay away from sonic cameras! DANGER, damage to faith in human ethics, pocketbook, and merchandise value guaranteed.
I placed an order for a Canon lens this afternoon, but after reading this it's obvious I've given my credit card information to a fraudulent website. I IMMEDIATELY cancelled my card and sent notification to soniccameras.com to cancel my order.
Thanks to everyone for this blog. You may have saved my a$$.
RE: Sonic Cameras - Go to Google Maps, use the address they have posted on their web site... ( 3505 QUENTIN RD, Marine Park NY 11234 ) Use the Google "Street View" full screen to view this location; If this is their location... personally, I would not walk this area without a body guard and canister of mace. Check out this fake retailer as well (could be Sonic Cameras brother); Go to; http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/retailerratings/displaystore.php?storeid=929
I too did a search on soniccameras and came up with this. Thanks Dave. Like someone said, if it's too good to be true, it probably is.
Rock on =)
thanks a lot for this post. Googled soniccameras.com just before ordering.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.!!!!
I was just about to order an Nikon D200 and lens from soniccameras.com, but figured I'd better google their name first and read your report.
You saved me a huge headache. Thanks so much.
I found a price for the Sony HD-SR11 on SonicCameras for about 1/2 the price of other places. It looked too good to be true. Thanks for posting this info so I know what a rip-off they are. Why does Google allow them to pop up if everyone knows they are a fraud?
thank you so much! I was in the process of deciding whether to get a Nikon d80 or not from this website because of the "too good to be true" prices.
Thanks soo much! I was about to hit the checkout button when I came across this article. I immediately canceled the order, u just saved me a lot of time and money.
you guys rock!!
I was about to order the nikon d80 from 1wayphoto and decided to look into the big price diff and then found the sonicScamera site and it looked almost the same as 1way's site and - closed saturday, packages etc... so i started searching for info on these companies and found this site.
I think I will just wait and buy from a local Nikon dealer
Thanks, Noob
I got hit really hard about two years ago. I bought a new D80 and got talked up into two Sigma lenses, some filters, memory card, warranty... the whole "kit". I was new to photography and was doing getting my first new camera.
I just had to unload those piece of crap lenses for almost nothing after learning how cheap they were... and so were all the other accessories. I am guessing they made at least a grand off of me. Does anyone know what ever happened with the lawsuit and if anyone is trying to exact revenge from these scum.
The good news, I just bought through a reputable dealer a real Nikon lens to put with my real Nikon camera and at least I learned a lesson. These guys will rot in hell.
I got the same show and dance from these guys. I ordered online and received an email that I need to confirm the order. I called and of course they tried to up sell me on more accessories. The funniest one, the batteries. "It comes with a 20 minute battery". Since when does manuafactures measure their batteries in minutes or hours? I played it off as a guy who just needs a second camera and I had all the accessories I needed. I was able to get off the phone with just the camera. I called back a few days later to check the status for the shipment. "Your camera is on backorder and it will not ship for 6 weeks" I am going to cancel the order as soon as I can order another one from someplace else.
Thanks for this.
I stupidly placed an order with them after seeing what I thought were lots of good reviews online.
Some more googling left me with a feeling of dread, but I called them and cancelled the order.
I placed an order for my dream camera a Nikon d300 for what seemed to be a dream price. Of course we received an email to call and confirm the order. When I did, I was told they don't take American Express and he insisted I give him a MC or Visa #. When I asked why they advertise that they except AmEX if they don't he said that their connection with them was down and wouldn't be repaired for 2-3 weeks. I didn't give him another card #. He put me on hold again, and then returned to say that one of their sister companies might be able to help me and would call me tomorrow. Well I thought this all sounded strange so I did some internet research and found your blog.
I also posted a link to your blog on my flickr website to warn other photographers.
Thanks for the info!
wow, thank you for writing this. i was pretty set on buying a camera from them (because of the price) but had a funny feeling after reading their "testimonials".... so i googled "sonic cameras scam" and this was the first thing to come up. definitely saved me a lot of trouble. thanks again.
Thanks very much for this site and for mentioning the lensesnmore.com affiliation with soniccameras. Thankfully these idiots don't ship to Canada. I know enough to search in places like this one before buying to find out the actual truth behind low life operations such as lensesnmore. You have to really wonder why New York's attorney general doesn't go after all these bait and switch, ripoff dealers and clean this stuff up.
I am so thankful that I did some research and across your post before I was about to order the Sony HDR-SR12 camcorder. Today is August 31st, 2008. I was ready to place my order from soniccamera.com. Oh my god, thank you very very much for the time you took to search these scam artists!!a $1400 camera, they are selling for $699!! Thanks again!
Thanks you so much for the information here.
I just bought a canon XSi at $299
and, as usual, the sigma lens at $999 (this lens' listed price in other good sites are like $3-400 only).
I'm note an expert so i was convinced by the guy on the phone that the sigma lens was the best one in the market.
After reading this article, I now understand their scams. I'm gonna call tomorrow and try to cancel the whole order. My credit card is not charged yet so i still have chance.
THanks all!
Another "Thank You" for your wonderful research! Undoubtedly you have saved a lot of people a lot of money and frustration - including me.
Moments before I found your blog post I called SonicCameras.com and, point blank, asked "Why are your cameras so cheap? It doesn't seem possible?" The guy replied by asking me which camera I was interested in and of course they were Out Of Stock. Not too much of a shocker. Thank you again!!
Thank you SO much for your post and everyone's comments. I ordered a camera from soniccameras.com and felt like I was being scammed when I had to call back to confirm. "John" the sales persons was so quick and convincing that he made me feel stupid for what I ordered. I also found it very odd that their cameras didn't come with a battery or charger!? Anyway, after my confirmation call I did a little research about the company and came across this wonderful blog. I immediately called my credit card company, explained the situation and canceled my card before a charge could go through. It's worth paying a little more to not get scammed!! Thanks again. 09.09.08
Thank you thank you thank you. I almost pull the triiger to bug the Nikon D80 set from them at an unbelivable low price. Thanks. Is there any way we can unite and fight this kind of scammer?
I was feeling cheated and alone until I found this website. I too had been bamboozled by soniccameras.com, I even wrote them a diagreeable e-mail to vent my frustrations, unfortunatley I feel it will fall on deaf ears. I only wish I would have researched the site as much as the camera I intended to buy. I appreciate this site even though I found it a little too late, there really is comfort in numbers. Thanks again.
Thanks. I too, smelled a rat. The reps at the thecameraprofessionals.com and sonic camera.com both hung up on me when I asked about warranties.
Wish I saw your blog prior to waiting for the lens that never arrived. Called today to find the order was cancelled and I have no time to get the lens from a different source.
Man o man what a life savor, I was seriously considering getting a loan for one of the camera packages. when it comes to buying something to that magnitude, DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!!!
:D So happy Im not a bad story right now :D
*Sorry for all the people that are*
I ordered on their site and they sent me an email to call them for verification. On the phone they told me that I have to call my bank to add the correct shipping address before they can finalize the order. When I called them back, I tried to change the order and they said it had already shipped! Without my authorization!
Then, I called them again to see an invoice and they emailed it to me. It is not even the camera we agreed on!
Should I refuse the shipment and cancel the charge on the card or should I accept shipment and then return it.
I made a BIG mistake by ordering a camcorder. I was talked into ordering a different brand camera, I wanted to cancel the order, they said they was charging me a 10% fee on cancellation, i went ahead and ordered the camera, i ask about returnes if i was not pleased with it, they said it was fine to return it if not satisified. I did have to return it because it was not what I wanted, I was charged a 15 % stock fee,and lost 195.00 of my money on a COD money order which I had to make the difference with on the order with this purchase, they would not credit me for my COD. I have yet to see on my credit card a credit for the camcorder. They gave a different address to where I return the camera back to as the address on the invoice. The UPs noticed that when I was returning it back to them ( Soniccamera.com)
On the invoice it indicated a 10% return fee, but they told me on the phone when I called to get a return number that it would cost me 15%, I ask why and they said because of the COD of 195.00
They did not tell me of any of their policys before I had placed this order.
Soniccamera.com is a ripp off, scam artists, NEVER ORDER from this site.
Just to update my earlier post.
I refused shipment because they would not respond to my emails about fixing the situation. I knew what they were shipping me was incorrect because they sent me some hokey invoice.
I also canceled the charge on my card and my credit card company has refunded the money.
thanks for the heads up...i know it has been said several times already but just wanted to say so.
Thanks again.
10/13/08 I too was attempted to be "bait & switched". I was told to call and confirm my order , spoke to "John Haley" Floor Manager who wouldn't transfer me to a supervisor. He said he reports directly to the Board of Directors. Ha! what a joke, First they wouldn't accept AMX, said it was "down" for two weeks. Than they were out of the model they accepted the order on and said I would have to buy the new model, etc... it got worse and all I could do was laugh.
These guys should be ashamed of themselves, how they sleep nights, I don't know. Their time will come when they have to answer for all their dirty deeds.
My question is how come the New York State Attorney Generals Office is not doing anything? They are aleep at the wheel on this one. I would not do business with ANY online COMPANY in New York State since there is no oversite. Too bad, as it hurts all the business.
Wow!
Thanks for your public service. You saved me $782.
10 minutes after placing a $782 order for a Canon camcorder, I came upon your posting on SonicCamera (luckily it was 5:50 AM and the cockroach was sleeping).
I promptly contacted DISCOVER to which I had charged the purchase and they cancelled my account (a new one will be set up). Evidently, SonicCamera doesn't have an automated system yet for collecting credit card charges.
DISCOVER will follow this up with an identity theft investigation.
Since SonicCamera now has my home address and email address, I replied to their (his) order confirmation message from SonicCamera as follows:
George Sabato,
1938 McDonald Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11223
This order has been canceled by DISCOVER. Identity theft is being investigated.
See:
http://thoughts-of-dave.blogspot.com/2008/02/update-on-sonic-cameras-soniccamerascom.html
Bait & Switch. I called them, and jason asked if I wanted any assessories. Did not come with a lens, which they sold for $1000.00. I could buy the same camera elsewhere for a little more (couple of hundred) and have the peace and mind that I bought it from a reputable place and with a solid warranty.
DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME WITH THESE GUYS!!!!
SO I made an order for a Canon lens and flash to this company.
What you guys sayd is that I will never receive it???
I ordered a nikon d40 and I thought it was a good deal until they said the battery and charger were extra. i ended up paying 440 for an order that i thought was 325. not terribly expensive but for another 50 bucks i could have got the same thing at ritz with better support/warranty and service. i am not badmouthing them because at least he was upfront that it did not come with that stuff. i would have been pissed had the cam arrived with no battery or charger. shipping was fairly fast. and the camera works. no major complaints,but i never got my free tripod and accesorries that were promised.
i need a sony fx1 , canon A1, and canon gl2 for a good price, under a grand. anyone recommend an honest good site first?
thanks for posting this info about Soniccameras.com scam over the internet. I was planning to purchase sony hdr sr11 from this site. Thank goodness..I found your blog..you saved lot of my money. thanks a bunch..
Thanks greatly for the post. I was able to cancel my credit card before any charges were run through it. I thought that they were legit simply because I have seen real businesses before that made a killing off of the average joe who didn't realize that all the accessories were costing him more than the cost of his camera. I thought I was just going to be smart and only get the camera, you know, cheat the system :). However, I wasn't turned onto them being fishy until I tried to talk to customer service. My sister works for Verizon wireless as a customer service rep, and is always talking about all of the rules they have in place to make sure that the customer is satisfied. These people totally went against every rule she has ever talked about, and I knew then that there was no way they were legit, because even if they did stick to the prices listed, no customer would ever return to make another purchase. I then googled them, and, lo and behold, there were over a million hits on the key search phrase "sonic camera scam". I knew I had fallen into the "bargain hunter syndrome". Thanks to this site, however, I cancelled my credit card and got a new one before any charge could go through! Thanks a TON!
I, like the others on this blog leaving comments, was about to drop $500 for a new camera when I did a quick check on Google to make sure this wasn't a scam. And low and behold, your blog popped up. WELL DONE!
Here's the best part...I was looking at some of the comments and had noticed that some people had driven by or visited the address listed. My solution (since I am in Michigan)? Google Street View. Absolutely hilarious.
So I sent them an email cluing them in on street view. It's so funny. You rotate 360 degrees and on every corner is another shop or liquor store with the windows and doors boarded up.
Thanks for the heads up. Make sure you all check out the Google Street View.
That is hilarious... For me, the credit card as effectively been charged and they sent me Sigma lens and flash instead of Cannon requested product. What they sent me cost 600 dollras but they charged more than 900 for that. This is definitely a theif.. There was also an insurance that I never hear about, for a 100 extra dollars.
Now the problem is that we don't talk about my credit card but the one of the company that I worked with and 1) this company is very very very big and 2) the credit card company doesn't want my company to be upset so they are also very very upset and are really not willing to let this thing happens without consequences. When we made the order we gave the name of our company and I am surprised that those people from soniccamera didn't realized that they were playing a dangerous game with us. At there place I would have cancel the order as they did with many of you guys (the luckiest of us). I will keep you posted with what is going to happen next but I think that this is going to be the beginning of the end for those stupid damnass...
However, I am a bit upset with NJ government because they let such a kind of fake companie stealling the money of people without doing anything. And there are a lot, all based in NJ or eventually NY.
I am even more upset with Google that presented us this company as a sponsored partner... Sonniccameras was the first line of the first page of the result of my google research. Worst, it was highlighted by Google. To my understanding, "sponsored partner" means that Google makes money with those guys. I hope I am wrong but I doubt it. If this is the case, how dare Goolge (one of the richest company in the World) dare sponsoring such a kind of company. Don't they make enough money or isn't there other ways to make money legaly? Shame!
Thank u so much... you saved our money.. good job done by you... these scam websites appear in "Sponsored Links" in google search engine.. need to find way to ban these websites to avoid ppl getting into trouble(Till now, i was assuming links in Sponsored links section are genuine/trusted /verified by google).
Thanks, you've confirmed my suspicion. I wish the authorities were as diligent as you are.
R in AZ
Why can't the NYC government authority do something with these guys? There already so many victims and thousands or even millions of dollars lost. I just think all the victims should carry a rally in front of the business (NY location). Drag those who called themselves Steve, Bobby and etc. and kick their asses.
We should not be scammed, then make complaints on websites or blogs and walk away. This is why these stupid ass bullies are still in business. There got to be some legal actions we can all take.
SONIC CAMERAS IS AN INTERNET FRAUD. Thanks for your post. I ordered a Canon lens for $850 which seemed a deal. They insisted I call and insisted on changing my order to a better lens for $1190, which turned out to be a Sigma which retails for $390. Based on your post I immediately called VISA and cancelled my credit card before they were able to put the charge through. Thank you, you saved me !
wow this saved me alot of money. i was going to order a canon 50d and some lenes. when i called and started asking some questions i got disconected.So i thought it was just the phones. So i called back and said, hey this is the guy asking about the camera. They hung up again. Then i went look and found your site. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!. The bad thing about this is in the background i heard phons ringing off the hook. Just wounder how many people are getting scamed by the min.
Just want to add thanks like everyone else for saving me a big hassle and lost money.
You rock.
Thanks for your time on this post. I was going to purchase over $1000.00 worth of goods from them. I thought I better check out their rep. first. I am glad I did and glad you took the time to send the warning.
Jeff
That is right DANGER,DANGER
on july 2008 i was placed an order from them a CANON 40d with 2 lens
(70-200)and (17-40) they send to
me the Camera was Ok but the other two lens was not(18-55)and (55-250)
and Charged $2,089.30. I tried to call them but no luck, also a month
later my CREDIT CARD was use somewhere eles that could be them sold out my Credit's information
DOT NOT BUY ANY FROM SONICCAMERAS!
If it sounds too good to be true it is. Sonic cameras is a rip off. I just got off the phone cancelling my order after speaking with someone that informed me of the particulars. No battery, no cords, no warranty. The alarm bells could not be louder. Are they stripped down in order to ask you to pay only $130.00 more for the previously mentioned. I wondered and asked if they were even in a box. Are they stolen? I don't know. If they do process a charge on either of my two credit cards, it will set in motion my friends in law inforcement who took down a similar scam. I'll keep you posted.
Nathan:
Legitimate chain, poncinihobbies?! Ahem, they just scammed me out of $113...
antcontreras@gmail.com
thanks, dave.
I almost fell for it. It seemed WAY too good to be true, and i'm glad i did a little digging before committing to spending a penny.
cheers.
I nearly got scewed by these bastards. I ordered the Canon 70-200mm2.8 IS USM lens. Received an email immidiately confirming my order but oddly no online emailed receipt which is usually standard practice when ordering. Waited for my lens to arrive. Nothing. Got a phone call from a number I didn’t recognize…didn’t answer it. 3 days later gotta another call from same number. I answer it to find out who it is assuming it has to do with my lens. I was right. He was calling to confirm the order so he could ship it but needed to confirm the security code. I said that they didn’t ask for it on the website and I didn’t feel comfortable giving that over the phone. He said “fine. to verify I’m from Sonic, call up the customer service line, it’ll say we’re closed…but we’re not. I’m still here. Just punch in ext. 229.’. I did so and then stupidly and against my instincts gave him my security code info. Long story short, he tried to up sell me on a ‘new Sigma’ lens that was listed for $1999.00 for $1200. I later researched that lens and it sells for $650 at B&H. I wouldn’t let him confirm my order till I researched the lens and everything else he was pitching me…meanwhile being very rude saying “he tired and has to go home and to do what I want but ‘this’ is what I should do…and offering me a TON of stuff for free to be included with the order to get me to confirm the sale. Anyhow, I told him I would call him back via that extension so he got the commssion (after he said he didn’t care if he got the commission as he had 100’s of order’s to fulfill…after just saying I needed to make the desicion now cause he didn’t want to lose the commission) Crazy pressure sales. I got off the phone with a promise to call him back tomorrow and thankfully found all this negative stuff about that place. Immediately called my credit card company (they hadn’t charged me yet for some reason thankfully) and blocked/canceled my card and got a new one issued. Phew. What a SCAM! That was a crazy experience. lol I’ve never been treated so rudely by a customer service rep…and now I know why.
I nearly got scewed by these bastards. I ordered the Canon 70-200mm2.8 IS USM lens. Received an email immidiately confirming my order but oddly no online emailed receipt which is usually standard practice when ordering. Waited for my lens to arrive. Nothing. Got a phone call from a number I didn’t recognize…didn’t answer it. 3 days later gotta another call from same number. I answer it to find out who it is assuming it has to do with my lens. I was right. He was calling to confirm the order so he could ship it but needed to confirm the security code. I said that they didn’t ask for it on the website and I didn’t feel comfortable giving that over the phone. He said “fine. to verify I’m from Sonic, call up the customer service line, it’ll say we’re closed…but we’re not. I’m still here. Just punch in ext. 229.’. I did so and then stupidly and against my instincts gave him my security code info. Long story short, he tried to up sell me on a ‘new Sigma’ lens that was listed for $1999.00 for $1200. I later researched that lens and it sells for $650 at B&H. I wouldn’t let him confirm my order till I researched the lens and everything else he was pitching me…meanwhile being very rude saying “he tired and has to go home and to do what I want but ‘this’ is what I should do…and offering me a TON of stuff for free to be included with the order to get me to confirm the sale. Anyhow, I told him I would call him back via that extension so he got the commssion (after he said he didn’t care if he got the commission as he had 100’s of order’s to fulfill…after just saying I needed to make the desicion now cause he didn’t want to lose the commission) Crazy pressure sales. I got off the phone with a promise to call him back tomorrow and thankfully found all this negative stuff about that place. Immediately called my credit card company (they hadn’t charged me yet for some reason thankfully) and blocked/canceled my card and got a new one issued. Phew. What a SCAM! That was a crazy experience. lol I’ve never been treated so rudely by a customer service rep…and now I know why.
Thanks for all the homework, I was just getting jazzed about buying into their 3-day sale. dodged a bullet and appreciate your work.
Yep I spent 60 sec. on there site and knew it was a scam when a D-80 body was $350! Doesn't happen. Hasen't happened. Will never happen!!!!!!!! Just as several have said before; If it sounds too good to be true.........
thank you for the article
Thank you for the article. I found the site when searching for pricing on the Nikon D300. Just like others, pricing seemed to good to be true. I hopped on the website and found typo's in spelling. I then called the company to ask why their pricing was so low. They told me it is because they are a wholesaler not a retailer. The guy just seemed a little off. So, when I googled Sonic Camera to look for reviews I came across this blog. Thanks for taking the time to put this together and save so many of us from making a HUGE mistake.
thanks so much. you don't know how thankful i am.
i read in another review that the same people operate shop digital direct too.
you're helping so many people now especially we're in the holiday season. god bless.
thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Lets get even with these sites. Search for camera model in google and keep clicking their advert. Every click will make them lose one dollar.
Thank you. After looking for site review on Lensandmore.com I found this blog saved me from a huge ordeal to say the least. \\carlos
Sonic cameras gave me the same old bate and switch also. Then they got nasty when I canceled my order. I will watch my card so I can stop payment if they try charging me. Thanks for the post I hope it saves people some hassle.
A friend stopped by with his new 50D camera yesterday. Below is what the package is supposed to include. He didn’t have the 70-200 lens with him but I smell a rat. The 24-70 that he told me was the same Canon lens I had was a Sigma, which retails for a third of the Canon. Look at the list and enjoy the laugh. He may be a good shopper but he got screwed this time. Sonic actually advertizes the 50D for $550.00 (down from 620.00 a week ago).
http://soniccameras.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=684_729_1196_1327&products_id=5679
This is what they list on their website and in bold is what he got:
Canon EOS 50D Digital Camera Body 1100.00 (these prices are from Adorama)
Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L EF USM Lens Canon lens $1200.00 Sigma 435.00
Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L EF IS USM Lens 1500.00 Sigma 715.00
Canon 580EX II Shoe Mount Speedlite Flash 380.00 Aftermarket less than 100.00
Canon BG-E2 Vertical Battery Holder Grip 220.00 Aftermarket 85.00 wasn’t on camera
4GB Compact Flash Card 40.00
Compact Flash Card Reader 15.00 @ new egg
Deluxe Digital Camera Carrying Case 50.00
Deluxe Lens Care & Maintenance Package
Full Size Tripod 25.00
Pack Of LCD Screen Protectors 12.00
Cap Keeper 2.00
The Package is actual worth with all the Sigma and aftermarket items 2590.00 he paid 3300.00
They now have it listed at 2499.00 which is all it is worth. No wonder they list a 50D alone for 550.00, you can order it you just can’t get it. They package it up with this other junk and you end up with a retail DEAL. No thanks I’ll stick to B&H and Adorama and stay away from Sonic.¬
I just wrote google to chastise them for advertising these paid commercials for Sonic Cameras. I saw it on the right side of the page as a sponsored ad. I assume that is how most of you saw it as well. If enough of us write them to encourage them to dump Sonic Care, perhaps it will help stop them, or at least slow them down.
HI THIS IS LALIT
I CALLED SONIC CAMERAS.I ASKED HIM DO YOU HAVE D50 CANON.HE STARTED CURSING ME.SHOCKED.I FOUND THIS BLOG.WHAT A RELIEF.WHAT WE CAN DO TO STOP THESE SCAMMERS TO GET RID OF THE WEB SYSTEM. THE GUY SOUND WAS OF MIDDLE EASTERN ACCENT.
Yeah with so many reviews agaisnt sonic I think I will stay away. the price of the Nikon D90 was way to good. Thanks for setting up the blog saved me big bucks
one of their new clones http://www.shopdigitaldirect.com/catalog/
These guys are scam artists. They tried to get me on a Canon 24-70mm F/2.8L. Do not trust them or use them at ALL.
Is there any way that someone in NY can get a CLASS ACTION lawsuit started against these crooks?
Gotta love Google Maps and street view. I googled their Address and its nothing but a ghetto. I do not see this business signs for a camera shop up and down two blocks. They were selling XL2 for $899, i knew something was up.
Why can’t the FBI just try and purchase one piece of equipment from them? It would be the easiest undercover operation EVER and it would be sweet revenge when they realized they were trying to bully and undercover agent.
Great job on this. Another questions I have is where this money is going? This scam is so shady, I wouldn’t be shocked to find out that it’s the front-end of a scam to send money to terrorists. A few years back there was a charity (in NY, I think) that was busted for collecting donations and then channeling the money out to terrorist groups. Could this be the same thing?
If you look at their 5D packages offered, you'll see a Starter pack with 5D body and an EF-S 18-55mm, that's ridiculous because you can't mount an EF-S lens to a 5D body, so I suspected the professional knowledge of them. Because of this, I did some search on Google, finally landed here. Beware.
You people are goddamn retarded if you bought from this place. As far as I am concerned, if you got suckered, you deserved it.
Use some freaking common sense, people.
Yeah! i know they were all connected in that too good to be true bait and switch kind of way .... But thnx man for putting them all in one place!!!!!!!!
Stick with adorama, B&H, J&R, and Helix(chicago)..
loft306
ONTIMEDIGITAL.com is part it too.
I, too, was scammed by these dorks. So when I wised up, I send the Sigma rep a note, as follows. I caled my credit card company, and they said to send the product back, return receipt requested. Once I have proof that they received it, they will do a charge back to them.
Dear Customer Rep,
I recently purchased this product (UPC 085126 509279) from www.soniccameras.com and it was delivered yesterday. I am trying to confirm the validity of what the Sales rep told me. I had originally ordered a Canon 70-300 IS for $309.00 to use on my Canon EOS 10D and 20D bodies. I was told that the Canon 70-300 IS was not a digital lens and if used on either of my EOS camers it would have a 1.6 conversion factor. I accepted this a factual, since I had already read and was told about this from other sources.
He advised me to instead purchase the Sigma 70-300mm product for $499, since it is a true digital lens and contains a special chip and coated lens which make it work well with a small sensor digital body and with no conversion factor. I accepted this as factual, but now wonder if I have been suckered, because Amazon.com lists a Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG Macro for $120, as well as similar reputable dealers.
I called Sonic Cameras and the Customer support person (Bobby 1-888-450-4111 ext 238) told me they are wholesalers and this lens has not been released to the US yet, since it is brand new and they ordered it directly from Japan. It shows a PE on the box bottom underneath some Japanese symbol, which he says stands for Professional Edition, which means it has the special digital lens and chip for much better clarity.
Can you please confirm this or advise me? I need to know it this is a bait-and-switch operation and buyer beware? I have 7 days from yesterday from which they will accept a refund/return. Thanks.
Regards,
Here is the response from Sigma:
Thank you for choosing Sigma products.
The Canon bodies you have, have that conversion factor no matter what lens you use as it is a function of the camera not the lens.,
We do not make a PE edition of the lens and that PE that is on the bottom of the box is a symbol that overseas use sometimes for recycled paper.
They are not authorized to sell any Sigma equipment and this lens has been out for a few years and there is only one version of this lens, the other version being an APO lens.
I have had many customers unfortunately contact us about this company pulling bait and switch practices and was told that there are many reports ofd this on the internet.
I apologize for the inconvenience.
Desiree Gaige
Customer Service Department
Sigma Corporation of America
15 Fleetwood Court
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
(631)585-1144
dgaige@sigmaphoto.com
Thanks for the help. I was looking at clearviewcamera.com and emailed to ask a few questions. Bysome divine intervention I thought to check for some reviews on the company and found this plus a multitude of posts on the scam. Funny thing was Jon from clearview camera got back to me and answered a couple of my questions. I then responded that I'd found everythig cheaper on another site and thanked him anyway (I don't want any retaliation from these thugs). So he responds back and I quote "Be careful what you order. If you want you can run it by me anyway." <<< Awww, thanks for the help and word of caution Jon. Ahahahaha.
But really. Does anyone know of a reputable company that sells micro cameras?
Sonic Cameras Street Intersection view. Neighborhood looks a bit rundown.
Google Maps: 3505 Quentin Road, NY, NY 11234-4230
Thank you whoever you are for saving me a whole lotta headache and money.
Inigma51 Ignoramous
I believe ShopDigitalDirect.com is associated with soniccameras.com. If not, this company is still a scam. I got a so-called confirmation E-mail from ShopDigitalDirect telling me to call and confirm my order with them. Well, the guy couldn't wait for me to call and confirm my order, he called me. Then he refused to sell me the nikon d80 with the kit lenses. He kept telling me that the kit lenses wouldn't work and kept trying to make me upgrade to the more expensive Sigma lenses. I told him that I didn't have the money for an upgrade, but he kept trying to make me upgrade anyways by trying to convince that the kit lenses wouldn't work. so I canceled my order. ShopDigitalDirect.com is a scam. Add it to your list please.
Thanks so much for the warning. Sadly, I didn't read it until after placing my order. In case anyone is in this situation, I have some advice. It takes a little acting but I swear it works.
If the rep is not letting you cancel call back and act like you really, really want to upgrade but you NEED to see visual confirmation that the original order was canceled.
DON'T LET HIM UPGRADE OVER THE PHONE. DEMAND THE EMAIL!!
The rep will be so excited about his higher commission he will gladly send you the cancellation email. As soon as it's in your inbox, hang up. That's it. He'll try to send more emails like 10 seconds later but too little too late.
I wish I had read this first.
Fell for the great price on the 5D Mark II body.
Called and said it was only for wholesalers and I would have to buy the retail version for $1200 more. He said that was at his cost.
Bullshit. Who sells at cost, and if you can sell wholesale for $1200 less, than it's not your cost. Dumbshit.
Cancelled that order quickly.
The place is a scam.
I repeat.
The place is a scam!
Thankz, heres a site that may be fraud
too ->(www.digitalsfuture.com) do your homework
befor you buy!!
Made a purchase (sonic cameras), got suspicious, called them, got more suspicious, and just canceled my card.
They're advertising on Google now. I clicked them from Gmail. The price was too good to be true, and your page was the top hit when I searched for the business name.
Thank you!
Dave, you're brilliant, thank you for all the work you put into you're page. I was scammed a couple of years ago by "Bestpricecamera", now looking for a Nikon D300 I was stunned by the number of companies offering it for ~$700 when its a ~$1700 camera - sure enough all the $700 ones are with the scumbags you have listed in you're blog (Sonic, lensesnmore, etc etc etc). Keep up the good work.
Thanks Dave for maintaining this posting. After seaching for prices for a Canon 40D I arrived at Sonic due to the low price. Being suspicious I read the reviews on the Sonic site. What a bunch of crap. That really got me so I googled them and arrived here. Yowza!!. Thanks for the life ring!!
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Thanks for posting this information. i was gonna buy my first dslr and found the cheapest one i wanted on soniccameras. I wud've bought it if i did not see the post. Thanks a million !!
just so frustrated. Back in September I was lured into buying a camera from Sonic. Then they called and did the good ol bait and switch. I canceled the order but was told that a $50 restocking fee would be charged to my account. I informed them that I would not be paying that fee and canceled my credit card (new one re-issued). Well, here we are 7 months and 2 BBB complaints later and I'm getting calls from collection agencies about this. What a PITA!!!!
As above, I am yet another who wished I had found this website before dealing with Sonic Cameras. I was looking for the Nikon 70-300mm VR lens and found that they had it in the $300 range. I order it and when they called to verify they sold me on a different Sigma 70-300mm HSM lens which they gave me for $445 when it was listed on their website for $799. What I received looked nothing like the picture on the website (looked like the regular Sigma 70-300 DG lens which goes for $210). When I called Sigma to confirm what I had they stated that they had no record of it based off of the serial number, and that it was a Gray Market lens. They don't have a 70-300mm lens over $240 is what they told me. They said it definitely would not be covered under their warranty. I called Sonic and got through after a week. Of course they want the restock 10%. My wife called the BBB for me and stated that there were already over 200 complaints filed for this company. What a headache. I marched into a local camera shop today and bought the Nikon lens at retail price. I told the salesmen that I was doing this so that if I had a problem I could come back and kick his A$$! This has been yet another one of life's expensive lessons. I was told by my CC company that I could put it in dispute and then go through the other hassels. I have yet to decide if I want to be bothered.
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