BLOCKBUSTER VIDEO IS FRAUDULENT AND DECEPTIVE; NEW "NO MORE LATE FEES" POLICY CARRIES HIDDEN CHARGES
Customers charged purchase price for overdue videos.
BlackNews.com encourages Blacks to stay away from the company.
Newark, NJ (BlackNews.com) - Everyone has seen the Blockbuster Video television commercials that chant "No More Late Fees" and "It's Over". However, a recent law suit against Blockbuster by the state of New Jersey is indicating that Blockbuster still charges customers with hidden late fees.
According to the Attorney General and Division of Consumer Affairs, Blockbuster failed to disclose in its advertisements (1) that overdue rentals are automatically converted to a sale on the eighth day after the due date; and (2) that if customers return the overdue items within 30 days after the "sale" date, Blockbuster will reverse the sale charge, but charge a restocking fee. The complaint also alleges that Blockbuster fails to prominently disclose that some of its stores do not participate in the "No More Late Fees" policy and continue to charge late fees.
"Blockbuster boldly announced its 'No More Late Fees' policy, but has not told customers about the big fees they are charged if they keep videos or games for more than a week after they are due," Attorney General Harvey said. "Blockbuster's ads are fraudulent and deceptive. They lead people to believe that an overdue rental will cost them absolutely nothing when, in fact, customers are being ambushed with (a) late fees in some stores, (b) so-called 'restock fees,' and (c) credit card or membership account charges equal to the purchase price of the video."
In an effort to warn African-Americans about the Blockbuster deception, BlackNews.com covered the story and sent a press release to the Black media.
"Blockbuster Video definitely has deceptive practices in New Jersey and every other state in this country," comments Dante Lee, founder of BlackNews.com. "There are thousands of Blockbuster locations in Black neighborhoods, and we're encouraging African-Americans to stay away from the company."
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