While I am in a semi-funk mood, I thought I would share a little bit of today's mail with everyone.
Long-time readers will know that I have a bounced $100 HP refund check that was returned "Account Closed". Evidently, they (Hewlett Packard or their refund processor) only keep these refund bank accounts open for a brief period of time.
This particular refund was for a laptop purchase. The check was delayed getting to me because of all the Anthrax postal scare problems a few years ago... I'll skip those details.
Fast forward to today. Out of the blue (and after several attempts to remedy this directly with HP), I get a letter from "Estate Trust Asset Recovery" of Gainesville, FL. The letter is actually a "Refund Notice", in the amount of $100.
All they want me to do is sign the enclosed agreement essentially giving them a 20% finder's fee, and send along a photocopy of my Drivers License. (Note: I doubt I even had to show ID when I purchased the laptop!!)
HP: Hear this. "Stick it."
I will NEVER buy HP again. Never, never never - even if you beg.
Your supposed rebate was for $100, not $80. (And that was 7 years ago. - How about some interest?) Not to mention, the original deal terms and conditions did not require me to disclose my personal identifying information to third parties that I've never heard of.
FWIW, my advice is to not trust HP, or at the very least, do not include their mail-in rebates in your buying decision. You too could be just as disappointed.
And just to really rub it in: Last year, we replaced our HP 8753-C vector Network Analyzer. (Approx. $30K) I didn't even invite the HP rep to give us a quote. We went with Anritsu instead. (Which frankly is a better value, but that's besides the point.)
With any luck, some HP lurker rep will email me directly with an acceptable resolution, because this isn't even close.
-mpm