The Brooklyn Bait and Switch companies are notorious for using several, if not dozens, of different business names. Once word of their fraudulent activity gets out on sites such as resellerratings.com, they add a new business name, in hopes of luring unsuspecting web shoppers into their bait and switch operation.
One of the newest websites is www.photodynasty.com, aka Photo Dynasty. You’ll see their link appear as one of the top sponsored links in Google when you search for high end camera equipment. They are brand new, so they are relying on their obscurity to dupe prospective purchasers.
Here are a couple of links from other sites which discuss this Photo Dynasty:
I went to Photo Dynasty’s “company policy” page and did a search on a random phrase that I found…”we aspire to publish accurate selling prices” and found identical language.
Here’s the paragraph from Photo Dynasty’s site:
PhotoDynasty.com.com's policy is truth in advertising, and we aspire to publish accurate selling prices for the products we offer. However on occasion we do make mistakes. In the event a product is listed at an incorrect price or with incorrect information due to typographical error or error in pricing or product information received from our suppliers,PhotoDynasty.com.com shall have the right to refuse or cancel any orders placed for product listed at the incorrect price whether or not the order has been confirmed and your credit card charged. If your credit card has already been charged for the purchase and your order is canceled, PhotoDynasty.com.com shall immediately issue a credit to your credit card account in the amount of the charge
Now take a look at the Best Price Cameras website. Bestpricecameras.com is a bait and switch website:
BestPriceCameras.com's policy is truth in advertising, and we aspire to publish accurate selling prices for the products we offer. However on occasion we do make mistakes. In the event a product is listed at an incorrect price or with incorrect information due to typographical error or error in pricing or product information received from our suppliers,BestPriceCameras.com shall have the right to refuse or cancel any orders placed for product listed at the incorrect price whether or not the order has been confirmed and your credit card charged. If your credit card has already been charged for the purchase and your order is canceled, BestPriceCameras.com shall immediately issue a credit to your credit card account in the amount of the charge
Note the typo that I’ve highlighted that appears in both disclaimers, and also note that absence of a period at the end of the paragraph. Whoever created the photodynasty site used the same template as they did for bestpricecameras.com.
Now look at Sonic Cameras (one of the worst bait and switch websites on the Internet, whose operators deserve to be in prison):
Sonic Cameras.com policy is truth in advertising, and we aspire to publish accurate selling prices for the products we offer. However on occasion we do make mistakes. In the event a product is listed at an incorrect price or with incorrect information due to typographical error or error in pricing or product information received from our suppliers,Sonic Cameras.comshall have the right to refuse or cancel any orders placed for product listed at the incorrect price whether or not the order has been confirmed and your credit card charged. If your credit card has already been charged for the purchase and your order is canceled, Sonic Cameras.com shall immediately issue a credit to your credit card account in the amount of the charge.
Here’s the same paragraph on the site of Razz Photo, a notorious website that commits fraud:
RazzPhoto’s policy is truth in advertising, and we aspire to publish accurate selling prices for the products we offer. However on occasion we do make mistakes. In the event a product is listed at an incorrect price or with incorrect information due to typographical error or error in pricing or product information received from our suppliers, RazzPhoto shall have the right to refuse or cancel any orders placed for product listed at the incorrect price whether or not the order has been confirmed and your credit card charged. If your credit card has already been charged for the purchase and your order is cancelled,RazzPhoto shall immediately issue a credit to your credit card account in the amount of the charge.
Based on the above, it would appear that Photo Dynasty is simply the newest fraudulent website operated by George Sabato, who operates:
Razz Photo
Best Price Cameras
Infiniti Photo
Enterprise Photo
J&K Cameras
Regency Cameras
And many, many more. Read the New York Better Business report here.
56 comments:
Thanks Dave!!!
Saw them on Froogle and wondered what wuz up when they didn't have a listing on ResellerRatings (I love that site!)
I was completely tipped off by the price of their SD cards listed under a camera I am interested in. They are charging $289.99 for a 4 GB Card, and will graciously give you another for free. They look like SanDisk too but the logo is missing.
These people are scum!!!!
Thanks again!
Gentiles Beware!
i would like to compile a list of customers who have either not received what they ordered or were duped with their order into ordering more. also for false advertising.
i have had a similar experience with unnecessary upgrade demands and lack of responsiveness to my order.
i would be willing to lead a class action lawsuit against razz and put them out of business, and i would be willing to include all owners, partners, as well as any credit card companies and merchant banks assisting them with their transactions. we need to scare the merchant banks away from them and then get these guys for their criminal and civil charges.
please email me at jungleboyb5@yahoo.com
Thanks! You were one of the top hits when I googled their name. Their price on a camera I am shopping for looked too good to be true (from a "sponsor link" on Amazon). Then I noticed the incredibly high prices on accessories and I figured it had to be a scam. Thanks again.
Total SCUM of the earth. I think it may be a one man operation. Tried to dupe me today and the guy is a total piece of shit who treated me rudely and abusively on the phone when I refused to be upsold an extra battery for the camera I had ordered from the site the day before. Then he says the camera will take 6-8 weeks if I don't want the extra battery. He hung up on me after I told him to cancel my order. Kept hanging up on me after I called back twice to make sure my order was canceled. PLEASE BEWARE AND SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THEM!!!
Thanks Dave! I tried to call the 888 number to ask a question before buying a Canon flash drive camcorder. The automated run-a-round threw up red flags and I found your blog very quickly. Saved my a$$. Much appreciated.
Keith
Thanks for the information. I am currently shopping for a camera and yes, PhotoDynasty popped to the top of my Google search. I was suspicious of the fact that their price the camera I am researching is $100 less than all other sellers, even more suspicious when I couldn't find any information about their location - no bricks & mortar store, no street address, nothing. I appreciate your warning.
Blather From Brooklyn
Thanks for the tips! Avoided a scam here...
Thanks for saving my $$$! I thought their $449 for a Canon Xsi seemed too good when almost everyone else is selling it for $600-$800. A Google search found your post, and the Better Business Link confirmed it.
I just ordered a Nilon D60 from Photodynasty.com, without the battery. They called me, and tried to get me to order a battery and charger. When I said I didn't want the battery, they then told me that it would take 6 to 8 weeks for me to get the camera. I cancelled the order. Their price was too good to be true, and it wasn't. Bait and switch, for sure.
Never buy anything online from a New York based company. They are SCUM!!
Forget the lawsuit. They'll just get a scum New York lawyer to get them off.
I say, let's come up with a scam to get them back and feed them some of their own medicine.
Placed an order for the a camera then called them to confirm. They asked if I wanted a battery and charger "essential for camera operation" but I declined knowing that the camera came with a battery and charger in the box. I got an email the next day stating that the camera was now out of stock for 6-8 weeks and that they were cancelling my order.
i have bad experience with Photodinasty.com: i ordered a Camera online, and call them to comfirm, they requested me to order more stuff in order to approve my order. when i said that i do not want to order more stuff, the representitive said: we do not have a camera you ordered, and then hag up the phone.
this is a very bad website, i support we work together to get rid of them from online resellers.
I hate scumbags like these guys.
Looks like this site is also shilling by calling photodynasty and razz "Trusted Sellers"
trusted my a#%!!
http://www.diduprice.com/stores.asp?productid=2680B001
The camcorder is supposedly 400 less than other sellers - yeah right...
Dito the same. I was so close to buying a camera from them, then I thought about it. Lets check these guys out. Nothing but negatives. THANKS A MILLION. I'd rather pay $100 more and not deal with all that garbage!
THANKS.
I almost ordered D300 from Photo Dynasty and thought to research and find out about the company. Because, they advertise the camera for $899.00 while other joints sell it for around $1700.00. So i had some doubt because I had another similr experience with Best Photo and when I called them about my order they laughed and told me they won't charge to my credit card.
Authorities should get rid of these scum bags. I hate and hate them.
Good job Dave. I'm glad your the number 2 search result when you enter "Photodynasty" in Google.
They price the d40 at $349. Then ask you to call and confirm. When you say you don't want the battery and charger - they tell you that you can't buy the camera.
Lovely.
So I called Razz Photo, to see if their $369 price is inclusive of the essentials, ie battery/charger. NOPE! And guess what?? It was the SAME GUY FROM PHOTODYNASTY!
Razz Photo and Photodynasty are evil. And who knows how many other names they go under. No wonder GoogleCheckout doesn't list them when you price out DSLRs!!! From now on, I'm sticking with Google companies and Amazon if I have to go with internet retailers.
I encourage everyone to report them to the BBB.
I ordered a camera and lenses, the day after they called me and said that the battery is not included, I ordered the battery too and they said it will be delivered in 3-4 weeks,
Then I read all the reviews and decided to cancel the order, they never answer the phone properly, but a guy keep putting me on hold and the automated system looping my call,
Any body know how to prevent them to run the order (I emailed them to cancel the order anyway)
Thanks Dave!!! I was searching for good deals on a Nikon D300 (priced around $1700++ on Bestbuy & CircuitCity), and Photodynasty came up with $949! I guess this is one perfect example of the saying "If it's too good to be true, it probably is".
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I have just started my photography business and was in the market for thousands of dollars of new equipment. Amazed by their prices; I thought I better check for a review...luckily I found you! Thanks again!
Thanks for all the research on these pond-scum companies run by this fraud.
I completely agree with the comments left here about these bait and switchers, however one person's observation was considerably overbroad, "Never buy anything online from a New York based company."
This is an over-reaction. Two of the best camera stores in the world are in New York. They are used by pro's and semi-pro's such as myself all the time with very few if any problems, and certainly never a bait and switch.
You can feel confident that any order you place with Adorama or B&H Photo and Video will be filled promptly, courteously, and at the price indicated. You will not get any "follow-up" calls or have any problem returning merchandise.
And no, I don't work for either of those firms. I am just a photographer who has bought thousand's of dollars worth of equipment from B&H without a single problem.
I'll join the long list here of outraged customers. My experience parallels that of many others and confirms that this firm is guilty of the most fraudulent and deceptive business practices and apparently continues to operate without sanction of any sort. It and all of its clones should definitely be dropped from or red-flagged on all shopping-for-best-price websites. How they can continue to operate in this fraudulent manner without government investigation and legal action is beyond me.
I wish I had found this site before I did business with these guys. Same experience -- bait and switch, no invoice details, etc. They really give other NY CE companies a bad name. I notified my credit card company and the BBB. I am working through the other channels as well.
I tried to get information through other web sites yesterday. I got Mass. B.B.B. They said there was just one complait against Photo Dynasty since June 08. Hello this is June 08. The Canon camera I wanted was about $ 900.+ on other sites Photo had it at $599. HELLO! It's not rocket science to figure out their price is BULLSHIT!! Thanks Dave. Any thought
s on good sites?
I tried to get info on Photo Dynasty yesterday. I got hold of Mass. B.B.B. They had only one complaint in June 08 This is June08Photo had a Canon Camera I was interested for $599. Other sites had it for $999 plus. This isn't rocket science.
You Know Photo Danasty is full of BULLSHIT! Thanks Dave Any sugestions on good sites?
Thanks so much! I was searching around for a Canon XSi when I found this website, it seemed to good to be true so I googled them and this was one of the first things that popped up. Thanks for saving me 600 bucks
I also was told on the phone (after making the purchase) that I needed to get the battery & charger separately -- for a total of $300 more!! When I said that was ridiculous, they said "We are cancelling your order. Have a nice day."
Thanks Dave - I checked it out and you were Right! They showed up when I searched Photo Dynasty for a Nikon P80 Cool Pix. They give low prices and looking around their website - all the points you made were consistent! You saved me ~300 Dollars! Thank you!
I had the same problem with the battery and charger. They also tried to get me to buy more merchandise and when I called back later to cancel my order they kept transferring me and then they would hand up. They finally cancelled my order or so they said. I am still waiting to make sure that they don't charge my credit card. These guys are frauds!!!!! Don't get sucked in!!
Thank you for your assistance in helping us decipher which company we should order with. It is certain we will avoid this group at all cost!
Photo Dynasty are crooks. Its been a month and havent received all of my order. I keep making phone calls and get no response. DONOT DEAL WITH THESE PEOPLE
I wish I had read your site first. I ordered a Nikon lens at an unbelievable price. They talked me into a 5 yr warranty and a filter and the invoice I got with the lens was higher than what I had agreed to. Their Customer service rep was rude and told me I was rich and be happy with the lens. With a 5 yr warranty which I don't need since Nikon gives a 5 yr warranty and a bait and switch filter that cost me over $99 (for a $15 filter) I ended up paying more than $200 over the price on the lens on the web site.
So my advice for everyone is not to buy anything from Photo Dynasty!
Thanks Dave, I just went through the same scam ordered 40d canon kit they were hitting me for battries and charger at first I said this is a great deal..after they got my credit card # thats when the switching my order around from a $1200.00sale it got pump up to $3400.00. When I tryed to cancel this slime deal all I got was the run around..finally got the bank involved and reported it as a big fruad...Dave you save me alot of money..That firm should be shut down, and the staff tar n feddered!!
thank you for saving me from this scam-if it looks too good to be true it probably is!
I just placed an order this evening - and will be calling to cancel tomorrow (hopefully I will be able to get through and get it canceled!) I did notice that their accessory prices were OUTRAGEOUS. $30 for a 1MB SD card? You can get them for $10 or less at any electronics store.
Wished I had read this before I tried to call. I tried to tell Greg I did not want to be forced in to ordering something I did not want, and hung up on him. He called back and said he was going to charge me a cancellation fee. I but a block on my credit card.
July 3, 2008 Sandy
I got ripped off too, order online, got an email to confirm order.
Camera does not come with battery or charger. Price raised from $769 to #1499. I tried to cancel order, Chris X244 would not cancel it. I called Sears Credit card and am disputing it. Order shipped with UPS, I per Sears CC I refused to take shipment.
PHOTODYNASTY is a SCAM shop.
I am so glad I found this website. I tried to order off Photo Dynasty and it said there page did not have a security certificate. I called them and got hung up on twice. They wanted my credit card number, but wouldn't directly tell me how much the product was and they had a $14.00 processing fee which they didn't tell me up front. I was going to buy a GPS from them and they said the maps were an extra $150.00, I can download them off the Garmin site for FREE...This place is SHADY as all get out. They told me they have been in business for 12 years when I questioned there practices, then I got hung up on. Someone needs to find them and fine them or lock them up.
Shady, pushy, high pressure, bait & switch, crooks, scumbags, etc.
I found out the day after I ordered and had to use my own high pressure tactics to get them cancel my order. They did give me a cancellation number but I'm still not convenced they won't try to charge me for something. I've alerted my CC company and will watch the transactions closely for a while.
I ordered a canon lens from photodynasty. I called about my order and the guy on the phone tried to get me to pay another $100 or so for a lens mount. Uhh. Yeah. We argued for awhile, the guy was a complete asshole and the worst customer service person I've ever dealt with. I asked them to send me the lens I paid for and nothing more, the guy refused to send me the lens without paying more for the lens mount. I had non clue what he was talking about most of the time. Eventually he got really pissed off at me and cancelled my order. Thank god! lol...what an asshole!!!
Then I found Sonic and was going to buy the lens from then, until I realized how familiar that site was to photodynasty. Then I realized the whole thing is a huge SCAM!!!
I am so grateful for all your postings. I was about to drop major $ on a D-300 and lenses. Photo Dynasty was first on the GOOGLE search with TOO GOOD TO BELIEVE PRICES, and they were. Because of the education you have provided, I have also researched several other sites that use the same cheating sales tactics: 1 Way Photo; Lenses N' More; Camera Addict; Wild Digital; Shop Digital Direct: Photo Connection; Wild Digital; Broadway Photo; 42 Photo; Sonic Camera; and Razz Camera. Took the advice of many of you savy shoppers and phoned several of the different "Companies" and got the double-talk and shuffle when questioned. A couple hung-up and a couple promised the moon. I will purchase the items from a reputable dealer and pay the $300 difference for the body.
Thanks for keeping me from making a big mistake!
I wondered why the price on a Canon 17-85 lens was about half of what others asked! Thanks Dave...
Marv
I wish I would have seen this blog before buying something from them.
I got ripped and feel like a complete jackass for not checking up on them.
Here's a link to the BBB that has more of their AKAs.
http://search.newyork.bbb.org/reports.aspx?pid=44&page=1&id=12668
Here's the Better Business Bureau info on them that lists many other AKAs.
http://search.newyork.bbb.org/reports.aspx?pid=44&page=1&id=12668
Hey man I don't know how I can thank-you any more than shedding a tear of reassurance and screaming Oh my God! I young, not even out of high school and I was getting ready to buy buy very first digital body, and whatever other crap the was about to come with it, from that site with money I've been saving all year! And let me remind you I'm in high school, so I don't even have time for a real job. Thanks Again!!!
HELP!!!
I bought a camera through them and never received it! They've been awful and will not answer calls, so I am not receiving my money back! Any advice for what to do??
Thanks for the warning - the prices are definitely too good to be true. A Canon Rebel XSi for $299?! Yeah, right!
Check out the Google Street View for their address:
195 Avenue U
Brooklyn, NY 11223
What a trashy looking area! Can't see building numbers though, and I don't see a sign for any of their aliases.
I'd love nothing more than to castrate whoever is running this operation.
...and film it with a camera I bought from another website!
Thanks to Dave and all the ppl who commented and contributed. Very usefull. Eye-opener indeed. Sorry for my English, I'am from Switzerland. giovanni.ch
I just want to thank everyone who posted for saving me a lot of time and money. I was minutes away from making a fairly expensive purchace when I figured I'd do a littel research first. After reading the reviews, I decided to call them for myself. One word "PATHETIC". The guy on the phone wanted nothing to do with helping me. He said he had only been working there for one day and there wasn't anyone else that could help me. He also said they had been in business for 15 years, which I could tell was obviously a lie. It's unfortunate that so many people have had to have problems with them in the past, but I again want to thank you guys and let you know that your comments are saving others from experiencing the same problems.
I wish I saw your site before I put an order in with photodynasty. They did the whole bait and switch on me too. When I refused to buy the extra accessories or the warranty package, they tried to convince me that the lenses I ordered wasn't compatible with my camera and tried to sell me another cheaper lense. When I refused they hung up on me.
When I tried calling them to confirm when they were going to send my order out, I was on hold for 30min and never got through.
They also go by sonicamera and 1wayphoto. so buyers beware!
I recommend anyone who has had problems to contact the NY state attorney general's office so they can hopefully shut them down once and for all! http://www.oag.state.ny.us/bureaus/consumer_frauds/about.html
THANK YOU!!! I was tempted to buy from them since their prices were so cheap but I decided to do some research and found your page. Your website is invaluable.
Ron in California
Thanks Dave... Good I did some research before buying my HD projector Optoma HD65. The price was very atractive ($589). Normal price is above $775. I have tried calling them before making online purchase, but no one answered. Thanks for saving me from doing a big mistake.
Thanks Dave!!! I brought a Lawsuit against their company in small claims court! They owed me a credit, and when the Judge contacted them with police, they called me and settled out of court! I also wrote to Good Housekeeping which looks for companies like Infinity Photo/Photo Dynasty, and they will do their best to shut the owner down!!! :)
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