Watch CBS News

Warning On Websites Offering Cash For Gadgets

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- An online company is offering top dollar for old laptops, tablet and phones but the checks people are getting after sending their gadgets are far less than quoted.

Marilyn Penko sent in her iPad 3 to Cash For Laptops after the site quoted it at $212 but then she got an email saying they'd only be sending her $ 31.

"I thought they are not looking at my iPad because my iPad was in perfect condition," said Penko.

The same Nevada based company runs Cash for iPhones which quoted Steve Carlson $58 for his iPhone 4S but then he got an email saying he would get just $7.

Click here to watch Irika Sargent's report. 

"I went from shocked surprised and then I got upset," said Carlson.

The terms say initial quotes are "qualified and pending our evaluation" and you have three days to either accept or reject that new lower price. If you reject it, your device will be returned free of charge.

But Penko and Carlson said they couldn't get anyone from the company to answer calls or emails to cancel the transaction.

"I think it's a bait and switch company," said Penko.

"They got me. There is nothing I can do at this point," said Carlson.

Nevada's attorney general is now investigating the Reno based company after hearing similar complaints from customers nationwide.

According to the attorney general, customers can't get through during that three-day window to reject final quotes and usually customers get less than 20 percent of the original offer.

The company's attorney didn't have much to say at a march hearing, just saying  "I'm not going to comment on my company's practices." But he pointed out no one has been charged criminally or civilly.

"It doesn't have to be $212. I'll go $200 but $31 dollars is just a slap in the face," said Penko.

After we reached out to Cash For Laptops, Penko was promised a second check, bringing her total to $151. That's less than she was initially offered but better than $31.

Carlson was also offered $60.

"Once you release that phone, you have absolutely no leverage," said Carlson.

In his case, the company claimed a button wasn't working properly.

The Better Business Bureau has 1,700 complaints in the past three years on this company. Most of them have come in over the past 12 months.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.