Is there a large population in America that wants a new computer and can’t perform simple math? That’s what I have to assume, otherwise Blue Hippo couldn’t possibly be in business. I’ll do the math for you.
Here’s the specs on the desktop computer Blue Hippo is currently offering.
Deluxe Desktop 2006
256 MB of RAM
2.66 Gigahertz Intel Processor
80 Gig hard drive
17″ color monitor
CD Rom drive with CD Burner
Microsoft® Windows XP
$700 worth of software
3 year warranty with free tech support
Color Printer
20″ LCD TV with speakers, remote, and mounting brackets
You get this for the AMAZING DEAL of $39.99 per week for 52 weeks. Or translated to $2,079.48 total. Would I ever spend that much on a desktop? Possibly, but certainly not a computer with such pathetic specs. For that much money I’d expect a decent gaming video card, 512MB of RAM and at least a 200GB hard drive.
But just for kicks, let’s compare this computer to a model being offered by HP.
m7500y series
512MB RAM
3.0GHz Intel Pentium 4 524 w/HT
80GB hard drive
48x CD-RW/DVD-ROM (48×32x16×48x)
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
9-in-1 Memory Card Reader
2 USB 2.0
1 1394 Port
Microsoft Works 8.0/Money 2006/MSN Encarta Plus
The basic model doesn’t include the monitor or networking hardware, so let’s add that.
HP 17-inch Flat CRT monitor
802.11 b/g Wireless LAN PCI Card
The total cost so far is $769.99, which HP will finance for $27.00 a month with 12 months of no payments. But let’s get crazy. Let’s add the 3 year extended service plan since the Blue Hippo model has the 3 year service plan. But why stop there, let’s also add Microsoft Office Basic Edition, a 24 month activation of Norton Internet Security 2006 with AntiSpyware and upgrade the optical drive to Double Layer DVD +/- R/RW. The total price is now $1,197.98, which HP will finance for $40.00 a month.
So basically, the inferior model being offered by Blue Hippo costs $881.50 more than what you can get from HP. I didn’t even look for the best deal. I simply found a better deal. You can find cheaper computers from HP, Gateway or any number of manufacturers. But the point is, you’re not doing yourself any favor by buying anything from Blue Hippo. The major computer manufactures have competitive prices and financing options. You simply need to look. And the major manufactures offer something Blue Hippo doesn’t, customization. Do you need $700 worth of software? Probably not, especially since you don’t know exactly what you’re getting? Buy what you need.
OK, so what if you can’t finance because your credit is wreaked? Save up. If you can afford to pay $39.99 a week for an overpriced computer, you can save up to buy a fairly priced computer in fairly short order. If you sock away $39.99 per week for 6 months, you’ll have all the money you’ll need to buy a computer. Or if you talk with the financing department, you might be able to save up for 3 months, pay for half of the computer and finance the other half. The point is, just because your credit record is wreaked, doesn’t mean you need to overpay for a computer. Talk with the financing department and find out what you can do. Their job is to sell computers to people that don’t have the full cost up front. Let them do their jobs and save yourself some cash.
Friends don’t let friends buy Blue Hippo.
WOW!! All I can say now is “thank you”!!
Comment by Danielle — Saturday 4 November, 2006 @ 19:42
blue hippo is a honest company with the custumers best interest in mind - oh, and today i saw pigs flying
Comment by Anonymous — Friday 8 December, 2006 @ 15:40
Got me for $700.00
Comment by Rick — Tuesday 12 December, 2006 @ 20:43
This is not a deal to help people. BLUE HIPPO is trying to RIP off People who are broke in the first place. UNBELIEVEABLE~!!! The computer specs are horrible. I can buy a WAYYYYYYY better system for half the price. DO NOT BUY FROM BLUE HIPPO!
Comment by Venzetti — Wednesday 13 December, 2006 @ 13:21
The people from Blue Hippo is smoking crack!
Comment by Anonymous — Tuesday 19 December, 2006 @ 16:21
Yea I understood all this and I have been calling to cancel my account with Blue Hippo since October 2006. Nothing has happened and all they say is my credit is going to be affected if I cancel. I don’t want that to happen to my credit. They have been withdrawing my bank account twice a month but I never saw the computer along with a free television. Well It’s January 17,2007 and I have not seen the damn computer. well I guessed I got it good. I even asked if I can talk to the manager and all they tell me is “mam that is not necessary”. So stupid me goes with the flow but still no computer. That’s what happens for believing this scam. I guess it’s my fault, hippos aren’t blue.
Comment by patty — Wednesday 17 January, 2007 @ 16:39
Blue hippo is a company with a bunch of bullies, and a Law firm (ross gelfand) to back them up.. I have the same problem as Patty…No computer, and no TV, i’ve paid over 1900 dollars, and still they are trying to withdraw every month. I am in the military, and i have access to good legal representation. If anybody else wants to go “Legal” against Blue Hippo..email me at Huntnblack@yahoo.com
Comment by Evan — Thursday 25 January, 2007 @ 16:56
Well,i enrolled in this program in nov of 05 got my computer in mar 06, paid it off in nov 06 still havent got the free items and 500 dollar gift card… legal action is around the corner im waiting 10 more days and then its on… email me at dicedude71@yahoo.com
Comment by Trent — Wednesday 21 February, 2007 @ 15:37
they are not legit and this will not affect your credit, call your bank and dispute the transactions
Comment by Anonymous — Tuesday 20 March, 2007 @ 22:13
Blue Hippo,
I wish I had read this report before I decided to jump on with Blue Hippo. I fear that I may have gotten myself into a tight spot. I’m not sure what to do now. It seems like they don’t live up to their end of the bargain. They told me that all of my payments are reported to the credit union and that it will reflect good on my credit (because I have no established credit). I only hope that this is true. I’ve made $498.90 worth of payments and I can back this up on my transactions list. I just hope that things don’t go sower with this deal.
If They Rip Me Off I Will Go To My Local Tribal Attorneys (I Live On An Indian Reservation) & Sue The Crap Out Of Them!
Michael
P.S.-Thanks for this article and don’t make any rash buying decisions like I did.
Comment by Michael — Saturday 24 March, 2007 @ 16:59
People beware !!! I have done alot of checking into this so called company blue hippo and they are not a ligetiment company at all !!! my daughter got suckered into there deal and after i did some checking into them… no way !! i closed out my daughters bank account and had her reopen a new one and then i called the blue devils and told them no deal !! Guess what… they threatened to sue for the remaining balance owed even though my daughter did’nt recieve the computer.. I told them to bring it on !!!!and no this will not affect my daughters credit… it’s a hassle i know but if you are paying for this thing stop!! close out your account and get a new one opened at your bank this will stop blue hippo dead in there tracks and you wont loose any more money. god bless. the brewer family
Comment by Jack Brewer — Sunday 13 May, 2007 @ 9:04
Blue Hippo company, has taken 1.300.00 from my bank account and I
never received the computer. They have given me a hard time, so I
cancelled the account and asked for my money back. That was over
eight weeks ago. I took it to the BBB. The responed 4 weeks later, saying that since I cancelled my order, they would send me my money back, no later then 14 days. It is going on 20 days and still no money. Oh! yes, they are keeping 175.00. What a scam. PLEASE, DO NOT DO FALL FOR THIS SCAM WITH THIS COMPANY!!!!!
Comment by amelia sanchez — Tuesday 22 May, 2007 @ 11:00
All I can say is don’t be upset , everyone makes mistakes. I ordered a laptop from them and yes, I recieved it but it was so out of date and slow and it cost me almost 2700 dollars for a 600 hundred dollar product. At first I felt stupid and ignorant but it taught me a lesson- to check things out and comparison shop. A lawsuit has been settled so we all should be recieving our money back by early 2008. Look up the settlement. So I feel better but I still don’t understand why they are still advertising on TV. Man, the stuff these companies get away with. Maybe if we get burned enough we’ll stop and check things out first. Thanks for listening.
Comment by katherine — Sunday 3 June, 2007 @ 0:56
I ALSO NEVER RECIEVED MINE BEEN TRYING TO GET MY MONEY FOR 4 MONTHS. I DONT BELIEVE YOU DO IF ANY BODY KNOWS A NUMBER
Comment by JOSEPH DILIBERTO — Sunday 17 June, 2007 @ 21:20
Unfortunately, like you I have been scammed by Blue Hippo. I have paid them over $1300 dollars for products I have not received. They promised me a $500 dollar gift card for WalMart that I never received. I was thinking that maybe we all could come together and fight in court. I am a single mother and you maybe also. I can’t afford it alone especially since I’ve lost so much already. You know as well as I do that a group is heard louder than one voice. If you are interested, please call me @ (removed).
P.S. Even today they are still harrassing me for the remainder of the balance with FEDEX letters from an arbitration group.
Comment by trina harris — Wednesday 20 June, 2007 @ 11:52
I am asahmed to admit that I, too am in the middle of a “Hippo of a mess”. Blue hippo has taken almost $1,000 of my money..and i have recieved NOTHING…(execpt bad attitudes) from their so-called customer service dept. I feels like they are reading from a script when every time i call… it’s the same exact speech. I am fed up and want some answers! call me at 860-380-0445
Comment by Jillian Sanchez — Thursday 19 July, 2007 @ 13:43
All I can say is thanks for the information. I won’t be buying anything from that FAKE company.
Once again, another big time scammer compliments of the lack of leadership in America since 2000.
Comment by JoeJoe — Saturday 28 July, 2007 @ 1:55
Like I’ve said before, for the money Blue Hippo “loans” you for an inferior PC, you can either go to the local stores like Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA, etc. and buy one with a monitor included, or if you are adventurous and/or know how to, build a PC yourself or have one of the local repair shops do it for you and again, with a monitor included, and still not spend $2000+. I know it says $39.95/wk., but round that to the nearest dollar to $40 and save for 12 weeks about three months, and you can buy a better system outright for most retailers and even the rent-to-own places for the repossesed rentals. There is also EBay since a lot of companies auction off their PCs, laptops and printers and many still have the manufacturer’s warranty on them and for less than retail and most certainly less than $2000+.
Credit aside, if you know where to look and shop around and save your money, you can get an equal or in most cases better PC than Blue Hippo.
Comment by Chris — Tuesday 31 July, 2007 @ 9:21
I have just signed up with Blue Hippo..I just called for info and the rep was insistent on me signing on today…I will be calling to cancel this, I am concerned because I already gave my account information to these people, I called Digital Boulevard to set up the order which it appears they are the same as Blue Hippo…What names to they deduct money from your account under…I want to tell my bank not to pay out anything to this company…I hope I don’t have to close my bank account
Thank You for any help you can provide
Comment by Carmen — Tuesday 28 August, 2007 @ 19:02
I had order and called back to cancel. They told me they could not do nothing until I recieve the contract that I would say no to the order and send it back and nothing can be done until the contract is sent back. Will I never recieve a contract I never sign a contract and thay had taken the 99.00 plus 39.99 since May. I have called and I get a aset of rings then a hang up.
Comment by i w — Monday 17 September, 2007 @ 22:19
I just signed up with Blue Hippo two weeks ago. Unfortunately I didn’t find this site until today.
My initial payment was scheduled for 10/17/07 for $99.00 but they took the payment today, 10/9/07, and caused my account to become overdrawn. I even called the company last week just to be sure of the date of the initial payment and the rep told me it was scheduled for 10/17/07 and could not be changed. Well, if the date can’t be changed why the hell did they deduct the payment on the 9th instead of the 17th?
No worries… My bank is taking care of this for me.
New customers beware! Do not fall for this scam as I did!
WHY IS THIS COMPANY STILL IN BUSINESS???
Comment by Matt — Tuesday 9 October, 2007 @ 10:57
WELL.. IM ACTUALLY A REP OF CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR BH AND YES IT A SCAM DEFINILY.. THE SALES REP LIES SO MUCH IT NOT EVEN FUNNY OF THE PAYMENT TERMS AND THEY LAST FOR EVER TO SEND THE “FREE ITEMS” AFTER THEY PAY FOR THE PC AND SOMETIMES 1 OF THE FREE ITEMS COME DAMAGE OR USED.
Comment by JC — Thursday 25 October, 2007 @ 17:59
mary
well it looks like a lot of us made the same mistake .Like everybody else here i didn’t get all the stuff i was promised .Although i did get my computer system but that was it.i was suppose to receive a 27′ flat screen tv for free and i have not received it yet and i don’t think i will.and i allready payed them 2,079.00.my next step is to dispute the remaining amount.i agree 100% on it being a scam and that nobody should make the same mistake as everyone of us did.
Comment by Anonymous — Friday 2 November, 2007 @ 19:14
I enrolled at Blue Hippo & the same situations happend to me.The only difference is that I was only tring to get out of social security by working at home that is why I sent for this computer but I never got it.I spent over 1300 that could have gone to my grand children for christmas.I am about ready to take these people to court.I am so pissed off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Anonymous — Tuesday 6 November, 2007 @ 11:42
blue hippo is straight up a scam. just like in boiler room. SCAM!! they sent the legal papers, with my social security number, to the wrong address. i do everything i can to speak to a manager and they tell me that one will call me in 72 hours. they also tell me that i cant have my $99 first payment back and they still try to charge me. BLUE HIPPO IS A SCAM!!!! and i would like very much to join in legal action against them. they all need jail time. check this site— http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0507/422030.html
SCAM SCAM SCAM SCAM SCAM SCAM SCAM SCAM SCAM SCAM SCAM SCAM SCAM SCAM SCAM SCAM SCAM
Comment by alex — Friday 23 November, 2007 @ 4:08
Hello webmaster…Man i just love your blog, keep the cool posts about The Blue Hippo Scam comin..holy Friday .
Comment by Melinda Messenger — Friday 30 November, 2007 @ 16:18
Well this scam is on all the tv channels in the New England area. I wanted to see what was up with them so I Googled them and found this site.(great site).I didnt have much money a year ago when I wanted a computer and figured I would check out Dell and believe it or not i got a desk top computer with a CD burner but no DVD player delivered for $500.00 what a deal . Also if you cant afford to pay upfront you can get something from a rental store(LOCAL!! they know were you are and you know were they are) they do have very good computers an inhome service but it will cost you in the long run if you decide to pay it off over the long term but the good part is if you kill it they replace it so (kill it just before its paid off and you get a new one)There is alot of places to find cheap computers if your willing to look an research what you realy need in a pc (most of the time the basics are better than the bling) Good Luck Everyone
Comment by Dawna — Monday 17 December, 2007 @ 20:25
This is the same b-shit that rent-to-own furniture and electronics places have been doing for decades.
yes there is a certain percent of the human population that IS THAT STUPID. LOL
Comment by jimmy — Wednesday 19 December, 2007 @ 18:40
well i got my pc it was as old as a dinosaur., paid it off got my free tv and printer never did get the gift card..then 2 months passed and they sent me another tv, thanks for the fuck up blue hippo, well it really wasnt a fuck up i still paid to much lol
Comment by trent — Tuesday 5 February, 2008 @ 5:11
Thanks so much for emailing all your complaints about blue hippo. I certainly won’t be calling them. My husband saw their TV commercial. He told me about it and I decided to check it out online before I called and ordered their BS. Thanks so much. Hope you get those lying theives.
Comment by lisa — Saturday 12 April, 2008 @ 15:45
So, explain how this is any different from Rent-A-Center or any other type of business that allows people with little money to obtain nice things? It’s not a scam, it’s just another company out to profit off those who’ll throw lots of money down the tube for instant gratification.
You wanted to talk about how you could get basically the exact same thing for 800$ less, but the thing is, the people who are targeted by this company don’t have $1,000 bucks to drop on a computer up front, and they don’t have the credit to qualify for payment plans and store cards. Duh. Stop being retarded.
Comment by Anonymous — Thursday 1 May, 2008 @ 14:27
It’s a scam because unlike Rent-A-Center, you don’t get the product immediately, they often don’t deliver what they promised and if a person is late on a payment, additional charges and fees are applied. Blue Hippo is actually charging people extra for a product that has not been delivered.
The Blue Hippo scam is not related to instant gratification. It’s predatory lending which is a market failure in the financial industry that the government has not corrected due to a long standing policy of minimal involvement. It also doesn’t help that the general public has little understanding of how lending works, what are good and bad lending practices and people are more than willing to accept any loan agreement without fully understanding the terms.
If you’re going to criticize what I write, you should read the entire post (not that I believe you’re a real person, you probably work for Blue Hippo). Anyone that can afford to make $40 per week payments can easily save up enough to buy a computer from an honest company.
Comment by Steven A. Stehling — Thursday 1 May, 2008 @ 15:23
Perhaps with a routing device in their physical server… it could allow someone to gain access to finances and post their profits on every blog on every fraud website and put a whitelightning virus in their shipping manifest computer. Justice is served in many ways. This company needs to go down I am currently writing to several government officials of these activities that have put people in unecessary debt and ruined many peoples credit. The senator’s staff has written back assuring that it will be looked into by the I.R.S. After all if anyone is pissed it has to be the internal revenue service I mean, that’s competition. Who would win between a small LLC. corporation and the IRS? No brainer, Blue Hippo is going DOWN.
Comment by Shadowninja — Thursday 8 May, 2008 @ 23:12
We spoke with Blue Hippo after seeing the commercial..the person on the phone was fast talking and spoke with such a thick accent that it was almost incoherant. After 30 minutes of trying to understand what he was saying i asked to recieve information in the mail in writing before i decide on anything. He agreed and finished recording the preauthorization information . Never have we recieved a packet in the mail..just a short email that verified that what he told us was untrue. When I called to cancel the ordering process i was informed that 100 dollars was already collected and would not be returned. Yes i got sideswiped by the dreaded hippo from hell!
Beware! Dont call..dont even think about calling.
Scam? ya think? hahaha
Comment by Amanda — Friday 30 May, 2008 @ 16:58
i fell for the blue hippo junk and it took me almost 2 years to get my computer, and i never recieved my so called free items. I wish i would of found this website a long time ago
Comment by teresa — Tuesday 3 June, 2008 @ 18:40
i too have been taken by these scum, they have been reviewing my account information for the past two years, and i still haven’t received my refund can i turn to for help against these pigs. if anyone can tell me please let me know. thank you. bruce.sonja@yahoo.com
Comment by bruce — Thursday 19 June, 2008 @ 14:24
Yes i’m embarrased and ashamed to say i fell for the BLUE HIPPO Scam. I contacted the BBB and the sent numerous letters to them. They finally responded back stating they would deposit my rebate and send my so called free items on the next shipment. I finished paying for my low grade computer back in January and everytime i call to them they would say 2-4 weeks. As you can see it has been going on 7 months. I contacted a local investigator and we will be bringing this to the public consumer eye. I would like to have everyone that can to sign up by sending me an email if you were a victim to them. My website is http://www.topebooksforless.com just click on the email link when u get to this site.
Comment by Johnnie — Wednesday 25 June, 2008 @ 15:02
I just want too offer to all of you that fell for “BLUE HIPPO’S SCAM” , “please consider contacting these two agencies in your state and report this fraud! (1) Federal Trade Commission & (2) Your States “State Attorney” so you can file “Charges for fraud and theft”!
Comment by John — Tuesday 22 July, 2008 @ 14:36
Blue Hippo needs to be grouped with horrible companies like Quixtar that preys upon people who are in financial distress and looking for an easier way. They simply offer a deal that is veiled in BS and hope that enough people will throw themselves further in debt for an inferior product line to keep them afloat. Buyer Beware!!
Comment by Grim Reaper — Sunday 27 July, 2008 @ 6:41
guys need help or inside info about BLUE RIPPO contact me on my e-mail i have all the info about this company.
shahvezazan@yahoo.com
Comment by eric — Tuesday 29 July, 2008 @ 5:16
just thought I would pass this along:
BlueHippo Funding Settles $1 Million Case
Company Will Refund Consumers’ Money, Pay Penalties
By Joseph S. Enoch
ConsumerAffairs.com
May 11, 2007
BlueHippo CEO Joseph Rensin (left) begs off questioning by WJLA-TV’s Ross McLaughlin.
As the result of a settlement with the Maryland attorney general, BlueHippo Funding, a layaway computer sales company, will have to forfeit all of its profits to Maryland consumers who received overpriced products and make full refunds to those who received nothing for their money.
The office of the Maryland attorney general will also resolve BlueHippo complaints for consumers outside the state of Maryland. Those consumers should call the Consumer Protection Division at (410) 528-8662.
Maryland attorney general Douglas Gansler and BlueHippo settled after a two-year investigation stemming from 1,320 complaints filed with the Maryland Better Business Bureau.
“This company has misled customers nationwide and as of today, they have agreed to halt their deceptive business practices,” Gansler said.
Gansler estimated the settlement will cost BlueHippo $1 million on top of $300,000 the company must pay in restitution to the attorney general’s consumer protection division.
Comment by Jennifer — Friday 1 August, 2008 @ 9:12
straight from the FTC website!
BlueHippo Defendants Will Pay up to $5 Million to Settle FTC Charges
Two companies that offer to finance the sale of personal computers to consumers with poor credit ratings have agreed to pay up to $5 million for consumer redress to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they violated federal laws.
According to the FTC’s complaint, BlueHippo Funding, LLC and BlueHippo Capital, LLC offered to extend credit to consumers to finance purchases of personal computers and other consumer electronics with down payments of $99 to $124 and a year of weekly or bi-weekly payments ranging from $36 to $88. In nationwide television and radio commercials, and on their Web site, the defendants touted the ability of consumers with “less than perfect credit, bad credit, no credit” to finance the purchase of a computer. Many consumers who ordered products paid hundreds of dollars and received nothing in return, the complaint alleges.
According to the complaint, the defendants required consumers to agree to a series of automatic, periodic debits from their bank accounts to purchase their products, promising that they would deliver the product once the consumer made 13 weekly, or seven bi-weekly, payments. In many instances, the defendants debited consumers’ accounts without first disclosing that consumers could not get a refund even if they cancelled before delivery of the product, and regardless of the reason for cancellation.
Consumers who ordered products by calling a toll-free number were told that they would receive a “shipping verification form” with sale terms and shipping information, and that they had to sign and return the form to ensure product delivery, the complaint alleges. The form contained terms that were not disclosed previously, including disclosures regarding finance terms. The defendants often failed to provide the forms and revolving account agreements before they debited accounts, so the finance terms and refund policy were not disclosed before consumers started making non-refundable payments.
According to the complaint, many consumers did not receive the merchandise they ordered or refunds. The FTC alleges that the defendants failed to clearly and conspicuously disclose their policy of not providing refunds before debiting accounts, in violation of the FTC Act, and consumers had no opportunity to make a timely and informed decision about whether or not to risk the potential loss of advance payments. The defendants also allegedly failed to deliver the products after consumers made 13 weeks of payments, as promised during the sales call, also in violation of the FTC Act.
The defendants also are charged with violating the FTC’s Mail Order Rule by failing to ship merchandise in a timely manner or give consumers the right to cancel and receive a refund. They allegedly violated the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and Regulation Z by failing to make certain written disclosures before a transaction is made under an open-end consumer credit plan, and they allegedly violated the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) and Regulation E by conditioning the extension of credit to consumers on repayment by preauthorized electronic debits.
Under the proposed stipulated final order, the defendants are barred from misrepresentations in the marketing of consumer electronics or any product requiring four or more periodic payments before shipment. They also are barred from misrepresenting refunds, cancellations, exchanges, or repurchases of products without disclosing clearly and conspicuously, before receiving payment, the terms and conditions, and any policy of not refunding all payments when a consumer cancels the contract before product delivery. In addition, they are permanently prohibited from violating the Mail Order Rule, the TILA and Regulation Z, and from conditioning the extension of credit on mandatory preauthorized transfers in violation of the EFTA and Regulation E.
The settlement includes a monetary judgment of at least $3.5 million and up to $5 million. This money will be used to provide redress to consumers who entered into contracts with the defendants before March 2006, made payments, and did not receive the ordered products, refunds, or other restitution. If valid consumer claims exceed $3.5 million, the defendants will be required to pay up to an additional $1.5 million to pay those claims. The settlement also requires the defendants to stop collecting money from purchasers who are entitled to redress, to stop furnishing derogatory information about such purchasers to credit reporting agencies, and to notify any agency to which they have provided such information that the person’s account is in good standing. The settlement contains monitoring and record keeping provisions to ensure their compliance.
The Commission vote authorizing staff to file the complaint and stipulated final order for permanent injunction was 5-0. The documents were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
NOTE: The Commission files a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the law has been
or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. The complaint is not a finding or ruling that the defendant has actually violated the law. The stipulated final order is for settlement purposes only and does not constitute an admission by the defendant of a law violation. A stipulated final order requires approval by the court and has the force of law when signed by the judge.
Copies of the complaint and stipulated final order are available from the FTC’s Web site at http://www.ftc.gov and the FTC’s Consumer Response Center, Room 130, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20580. The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, click http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/complaint.shtm or call 1-877-382-4357. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 1,600 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. For free information on a variety of consumer topics, click http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/consumer.shtm.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Frank Dorman,
Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2674
Comment by Jennifer — Friday 1 August, 2008 @ 9:14
I signed for a compute from BlueHippo back in Nov26,2007 for a Dell cpmputer and camra an printer.Put down $99.00 Dollars down payment and they then took out 89.96 every two and when time to get the computer and I had 868.78.And 75 telephone calls later still nothing.I’am madder then and old mother hen.Ha!Ha!I’am madder then that but cussen won’t help much so I guess I need to pray for them.
Comment by Cynthia Anne Jones — Monday 25 August, 2008 @ 18:46
I am soooooooooooooo glad I read this before making a rash decision. Thanks everyone for the info.
Comment by Rubens — Monday 25 August, 2008 @ 19:54
Thanks allot for the info : ) I was just considering going to purchase BlueHippo, as college at this expensive University can be difficult without one. Guess I’d better pay for a better computer up front.
Comment by Nate — Friday 29 August, 2008 @ 16:19
My husband is in the army and we thought that this would be a way to get a computer and build credit… we started our payments in January and then in May began the process of being told that our product was being shipped. Frustrated after a few months of hearing their crap and deciding that the computer was nonexistent, we pulled our authorization thru our bank. Our bank was also able to revoke a few payments and get us some money back. Then after several bad calls to customer service, I recieved our computer yesterday. I do not know what to do now, but was shocked and still feel that they are a huge scam! Wish would have done some simple research before getting involved. These are the scum of our country that my husband has to fight to defend??? Ridiculous!
Comment by jen — Saturday 6 September, 2008 @ 14:17
Hi there!
I know you have suffered alot due to our company policies. As I am an ex employee of blue hippo at their offshore contact centre in Pakistan. I have worked with in the Sales department where we take orders.
Actually they are not doing the injustice with their customers but with their employees. I resigned due to the deceptive behaviour of my manager which was accepted by HR and I was given a one month salary as a compensation. I didn’t worked but I get the salary. People here in Pakistan hired to take calls from US people has quite an odd accents and they claim they are in Baltimore but don’t know any place in Baltimore and some of them are unaware of the US time zones. They got trained to take calls just for a week and then put on calls to let you people suffer but few of them misrepresent delibrately and others has to read the deceptive script VERBATIM. Its not our fault because if we tell you we are located in Pakistan we’ll be fired not being abide by the policies. This is the main reason customer remain apprehensive on things.
Believe me! Nobody is happy there in Pakistan office because of US people suffering and wonder how come they stay in business after doing all that to customers.We got 100 of calls everyday that you pay your hard earned money for too long for a computer you could possibly have 4 times less cheaper than bluehippo. Still after paying the paayments you got nothing from bluehippo. The main problem and pain to your sufferings is the CEO “Joseph Rensin”, who has a history of ripping off and scamming people with bad credit.
I would request all the US inocent people to do the complete market research before financing to companies like bluehippo. We got sued in MD, IL WV and some other states and can’t do business with their residents. If we got call from such states for a computer who is unaware of the company’s profile we have to give them a rebuttal that “currently we are not financing in your area, I appologize for that”
BlueHippo is in the business for past four years and got sued by 5 states in four years due to deceptive trade practise. They can stay in the business for a good time due to the lawyers they have hired to fight against the law suit. I guess by the time they will be ban in all 50 states they can make a lot more money they are making these days and will prey many more credit troubled and innocent US customers.
I feel sorry for all the US people who has been ripped off and those who will remain unaware of this BlueHippo predator and will be ripped off in the comings years.
Help expose this scam!
Here is some links including the wiki article about bluehippo scam.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_hippo_scam
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/finance/blue_hippo.html
http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/099/RipOff0099745.htm
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/business/consuminginterests/blog/2008/05/bluehippo_blues.html
http://articles.latimes.com/2006/mar/16/business/fi-bluehippo16
Their website is:
http://www.bluehippo.com
Sales Line is:
1-800-747-4260 Call this no. on your day off and see how they sound and deal over the phone. 0% customer handling skills.
My pal said they’ve got Blue Hippo advertisements running on ESPN channels AND on 105.7FM at least 15-20 times a day in St. Louis.
And incidentally, the CEO has been in trouble before for predatory lending practices:
http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2005/05/09/story7.html
If anyone or any current employee suspects I am lying, there aint a truth in whatever I said and I never worked for this company, shoot me your concerns and I’ll answer you every bit of bluehippo people here in Pakistan.
Sincerely,
Muhammad Ali.
ali_sublime@hotmail.com
Comment by Ali — Friday 12 September, 2008 @ 1:54
As much as it pains me to see people complain about getting ripped off with the blue hippo pc’s, I can’t help but sit back and laugh a bit too. I mean, anyone with 2 brain cells can deduce $39.95 ($40) a week = $160 month! My guess is the blue hippo people are focusing on people with inferior credit and/or low incomes. Lets see those same people SAVE $1,000 and go buy a pc! The bottom line is read the fine print, do the math and suck it up if you do the deal. Worst case scenario is you get a sub-standard pc and a few bonus points on your credit score.
Comment by Texas — Saturday 11 October, 2008 @ 22:59
1st, I am not an associate for Bluehippo, nor am I trying to defend their actions.
I agree with Texas’ comment. When buying something from tv. radio or online, consumers need to pay very close attention to EVERY thing stated. Like the old saying states, “if it sounds too good of a deal it probably isn’t a good deal”
Though the Bluehippo deal maybe deceptive, they may not be acting in an illegal way. I spent a total of 38.2 minutes navigating through the entire site, and YES I read every single word on every page. It is very clear how this business operates. Here is what they say in the “our program” sub-heading “summery” page:
Our Guaranteed Approval Program
Unlike other financial companies, we don’t check your credit and measure you based on some score. Instead, all we ask is that you build a little credit history with us by paying a small, one-time initial payment and 52 weeks of layaway payments. However; once you’ve paid as agreed for just 6-13 consecutive weeks, we’ll offer to finance* the balance of your purchase price, order your computer and have it shipped directly to your home.
* financing not available on all products, see product for details
After reading dozens upon dozens of complaints regarding not having the pc shipped after the first payment; I have to wonder if everyone missed reading this part or if this disclosure was added later by Bluehippo ???
In my opinion Bluehippo provides sufficient explaination of how their program works.
Like I always say BUYER BEWARE!
Comment by consumer protection — Friday 17 October, 2008 @ 19:27
Actually, they’ve been found guilty of deceptive and illegal practices. While it may not be nice, there are legal ways to take advantage of customers. Blue Hippo has abandoned that approach altogether because they’ve done the math. Enough people will fall for the trick so any losses they accrue in court will be overshadowed by their profits. A majority of their customers probably don’t have a clue how to report this kind of fraud. It’s not something your normal police department is equipped to deal with. Most slack jawed pigs can barely use computers, let alone understand white collar crime. I’d be willing to bet that many cops have fallen for the Blue Hippo Scam.
Comment by Steven A. Stehling — Sunday 19 October, 2008 @ 11:22
I just when on google and found these reports. I am just sick to my stomach. I have been paying since April 2008. I have now paid
over $1600.00 and I too have been calling, going on their chat line etc. and can not get anywhere with anyone. I live in
New York State and I will be contacting my Lawyer and the Attorney General to investiage Blue Hippo. I an cancelling my auto
deduct today and just put on my list of BIG FINANCIAL MISTAKES. I am not worried about my credit, I have been im poor shape for
a long time. I have nothing to loose right now. Has anyone filed a class action suit against these people? What do I do now.
This just disgusts me that their advertisments said they were created to help people without credit and now they have taken
$1600.00 and have gotten nothing.
Comment by Rosemary Smith — Thursday 23 October, 2008 @ 10:43
Well, thank you for all the comments. I was going to buy a computer trough Blue Hippo for my kids, but first thought to check out their reveiws. I am going to learn from someone else’s mistake. Thank you again, I guess I am going shopping to Best Buy.
Comment by Irina — Thursday 23 October, 2008 @ 15:21
I am surprised that so many have been taken by Blue Hippo. I had horrible credit and called them. I turned their deal down because I would have paid over 2000 dollars on a computer that was under 700.00 on the dell site. Instead I worked on my credit, saved my money and bought a computer on Ebay. that was 3 years ago and it is still working great. I only spent 400.00 on my ebay purchased dell computer. A fool is born every second.
Comment by Tim — Tuesday 28 October, 2008 @ 15:34
OK, so I am one of the many idiots who actually fell for this crap and purchased a computer through them. Ok, actually paid in full, never late on a single payment and now they refuse to give me information or tell me where these wonderful “gifts” are…… they dont exist and its probably another perk to their adverstising team to get customers who need a computer. I have finish paying over four months ago and still after sitting on hold for over an hour can not get an answer, instead I got a girl who told me that she “didnt have a clue”!!! DUH!!!!
Comment by Juliana Ortega — Thursday 30 October, 2008 @ 15:28
Well, I canceled my order and had my bank cancel the payments, the money that was already taken (over $600)can not be returned and instead they gave me credit, OK!!! well i purchased a digital camera through the site (with the credit) and a month later…I STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED IT…I am tired of being on hold for an hour each day and not getting answers…
Comment by Marie — Friday 7 November, 2008 @ 12:22
I called twice. Their website is made to look like you can purchase any computer. If you click purchase your prompted to a login and you can’t. You’re made to call. You get a foreign no english speaking individual that can’t answer any direct question. Red flag!!! They wanted to sell me a dell with a camera, printer, and software package. It all added up to be $2000. I did the math. I knew it was bs….so I jumped on here and sure enough. People…do your research. NEVER HAND OUT BANK INFO…It’s crazy that some do. I’m sure Blue Hippo will get what they deserve. Sooner or later.
Comment by Jeana — Saturday 15 November, 2008 @ 11:59
I’m sorry to hear of all your losses but Thank You so much for posting this information, I to was just looking into Blue Hippo and this site came up. I will not be ordering nothing from them. I hope everything works out for the best.
Comment by Lisa — Tuesday 25 November, 2008 @ 14:19
I just called bluehippo yesturday after my first laptop got stolen. I feel so dumb because I useually go through reviews but this time I was in such a hurry to get another laptop. Well Monday they will try to withdraw the money and I will tell me bank to stop it.
By any chance does anyone no the name they use when they do the transaction or what the transaction says? it would really help jonesieboi2010@gmail.com
Comment by RJ — Saturday 29 November, 2008 @ 20:05
We have had $36.00 weekly deducted from our checking account. We were told by Blue Hippo that once we met the minimum requirements in Sept. of ‘08 we would have or laptop shipped. As of November 30, 2008 Blue Hippo has still not sent our computer and has also given me the same runaround each week with the same scripted message saying we have met all requirements and should be receiving our computer in a week or so. Needless to say, this has not happened.
Comment by Bud Price — Sunday 30 November, 2008 @ 14:50
I have some questions on this Company. How are they able to do this and not get arrested? Its fraud right? Is there anyone in the state of connecticut who is taking action against them for misrepresentation and breach of contract?
Comment by Soccer Mom — Friday 5 December, 2008 @ 13:22
I started with Blue Hippo back in July 2008 and I guest that all the lawsuits against them do not mean anything since they are still in business. I first heard their ad on either KFWB news 980 or KNX 1070 both on the AM Dial in the Los Angeles area. I have cancelled my auto deduction with my bank even though they are still hounding me for money.
Comment by Robert in OC, CA — Tuesday 9 December, 2008 @ 19:40
I am in the Blue Hippo Situation at this exact moment I am waiting on a representative and I have been waiting for a customer representative for approximately 47:44 minutes, time now 3:55 p.m. EST, for the record. I discontinued the contact and returned all necessary documents to exchange my amount that I did pay approximately $336.00 and I wanted to exchange it for camrecorder. Wholeeyo (sorry) and he told me that I need to wait while they process my request. I like the suggestion of contacting my state attorney.
Now, on the other hand, the comment about Quixtar is unacceptable. You may had a bad, greedy, selfish, offering guarantee, stupid sponsor, sorry, YOU HAVE TO WORK! Why didn’t you read the fine print, I did! That is why I understand how it works and why I use the detergent this morning to wash clothes. I have been a member for over 15 years and I have not found any other business that I can offer me this type of opportunity, if you get off your butt, associate with other who are looking for a way to buy every day thing from one central location (in a nut shell). No, I am still looking for someone that I can share this ideal with! So call me and get in the game! AMWAY/QUIXTAR YOU CAN LEARN SOMETHING! (910) 616-0472
Comment by Lionel Quixtar — Tuesday 16 December, 2008 @ 16:14
Just to let everyone know, Companies like blue hippo feed off of the poor. If you take a poor person (who is probably less educated than a weathy person) and give them a seemingly good deal and say they don’t need a credit check. A lot of them will fall for it. Its kind of like those who play the lottery. I live in FL and some of the poorest and most ignorant people in the state paid for me to go to college just by playing the lottery. Obviously they dont look at the odds of winning, which are something in the tens of millions. People buy $50 worth of tickets a week and never win. Those are probably the same people who are paying $40 a week for a computer from blue hippo. If they would just take a look at their finances they would see that is $90 a week they could save to buy a new computer. In six months at that rate you could buy a computer worth $2000 and pay for the taxes along with it. DONT BE IGNORANT JUST SAVE FOR A WHILE AND GET WHAT YOU REALLY NEED!!
Comment by jason — Tuesday 16 December, 2008 @ 18:44
I called Blue Hippo on May 30,2008, I decided to go ahead with the purchase of a laptop for $1,943.00 which included free gifts (color printer, digital camera, an English course, microsoft office, computer games for children, $320.00 cash back and a $200 gas gift card) and I agreed to give a down payment of $124.00 on June 10, 2008 and after that I would pay $69.98 biweekly. They told me that after the 7th payment, they would ship the laptop, and the free gifts after I paid the entire debt. I completed my 7th payment on September 19th and as of today (Dec. 23) I haven’t got the product yet. Calling customer service is a nightmare, they never answer and when they do, you have to be on hold for over 40 minutes. I have been able to talk to the Spanish customer representatives, but not the English one, all they have is a recording of a customer rep. talking to a “customer” answering frequent question. In the middle of November I called the Spanish number to ask about the status of my order and they told me that the laptop was on its way, that I would get it soon. On Dec. 1st, I was already worried since that laptop was the Christmas gift for my son, and the lady told me that the system shows that the order was being processed and that they would ship it soon…..SOOOOO!!!!…. they LIED TO ME???, how come the computer was on its way on November and 2 weeks later it’ ready to be shipped??? That really pissed me off and that’s when I started to look on the internet (yes, I know….something that I should have done before buying it!!), and I found that everything is a scam, they do send the products, like after a year, but the product that you buy from them is not even worth half the price you’re paying. On Dec. 8th I called again, and the lady told me to wait 10 business days because my laptop was shipped that day, well, today is Dec. 23 and I still don’t have anything. Yesterday I called one more time, and guess what???…they told me to wait 10 BUSINESS DAYS…..AGAIN???? I already paid $1,033.74 and I am really upset. I want my money back, but again, they don’t refund my money, and if I don’t pay everything, it will show on my credit report. I don’t care about the laptop anymore, all I want is my money back. For Godsake, we are not taking about $50!!! I’m taking about over a THOUSAND DOLLARS!!!! What do I do now??? Please help!!!
Comment by Susy — Saturday 27 December, 2008 @ 0:30
ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE BEEN TAKEN, PLEASE READ:
What you need to do to take these scumbags down is contact the State Attorney General’s Office of Maryland ( http://www.oag.state.md.us/ ), which is where they operate from, as well the AGO’s office from your specific home state. Also, DEFININITELY contact the Federal Trade Commission, and file a complaint ( https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/ ).
Also, I have dredged up some further info for you on these scum…
Principal Office:
7000 SECURITY BLVD
BALTIMORE, MD 21244
Resident Agent:
JOSEPH K RENSIN
7000 SECURITY BLVD
BALTIMORE, MD 21244
Feel free to contact CEO Joseph K Rensin through this link: http://www.edisonworldwide.com/contactUs.asp
More good info here:
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/business/consuminginterests/blog/2008/05/bluehippo_blues.html
Hope this helps…
Best Regards,
Billy Jack
Comment by Billy Jack — Sunday 28 December, 2008 @ 16:51
Oh yes, and by all means, Google Blue Hippo CEO’s name of Joseph K Rensin.
This guy is an old hand at scamming folks. Pure scum.
Put the screws to him. Put him in JAIL where he belongs.
Best Regards,
Billy Jack
Comment by Billy Jack — Sunday 28 December, 2008 @ 17:08
wow thanx a bunch
i definately had a problem wit them for the past few days
i wanted to cancel my payment, for two days they didnt pick up the fone
luckily if u have recently bought a bluehippo computer, like my dumb ass did lolz all u have to do i call ur bank and they will cancel the payments for u.
Comment by Allison — Monday 29 December, 2008 @ 13:35
These posts are a sad commentary on how irresponsible consumers have become. THIS DOES NOT EXCUSE BLUE HIPPO!! but it does illustrate how we have come to expect everything handed to us. You want to complain about their deceptive practices?
Why don’t you read the fine print in an insurance contract? Why don’t you read the fine print in all the Microsoft software you blindly install? Why don’t you read the fine print in about 99% of everything you purchase? It’s all a bunch of mealy-mouthed bullSh*t dreamed up by worthless humans to take advantage of other lazy humans.
Comment by einstein — Saturday 3 January, 2009 @ 4:12
I have spent hours on the phone. I received my computer but no rebate or “free Gifts” I will be using the contact info above to contact the FTC, the State AG’s office in Alabama and Maryland. Thanks for the info….
I hope all will follow suit..
Robert
Comment by RW — Thursday 8 January, 2009 @ 11:50
All I can say is you people are idiots for buying from that company. If you cannot afford a 600 dollar computer, then why are you trying to buy one at all??? Seriously, I don’t feel bad for any of you. The American people are so fucking stupid it makes me sick. Instead of saving money the traditional way to buy things, everyone needs shit, now, now, now!!! If your credit sucks that bad, try using the money you are giving to BlueHippo and paying off some of your delinquent credit accounts??! Why would anyone even buy from a company called BlueHippo? LOL. Just the name is enough to turn me off from any of their products or services.
Anyway, smarten up, pay your goddamn bills and then perhaps you will not have to pay $2,000 for a product worth $400.
Dumbasses
Comment by MS — Saturday 10 January, 2009 @ 17:31
Comment #70 was too funny but so true!
Comment # 2 it’s spelled “customers”
There’s an old saying “If it sounds too good to be true then…..it probably is!
Just a quick reminder, do your research. I saw the commercial and out of curiosity, not with the intent to purchase their product but I wanted to research the company to investigate possible fraud. I was NOT surprised at all to find that like most of you have done, the company has been repeatedly reported to the BBB. It’s evident that anytime a company makes an offer that tries to get around credit checks, they are intentionally committing a not necessarily fraud but taking advantage of vulnerable people like yourselves.
Technology changes so rapidly that thier product is dated prior to even receiving it. I mean, you invest money upfront prior to even receiving your product for several months….Duh it’s called layaway. Doesn’t KMart still have this service?
I’ve sone a little checking for you anyway….
K-Mart Layaway for their:
Acer ntel Core 2 Duo EX5630-6806 4GB RAM 250HD Vista Home Prem 15.4
Kmart item #1080000002227305
Mfr. model #LX.EB40X.050
Intel Centrino Processor Technology(2.0GHz, 1MB L2 cache, 667MHz)
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit with Service Pack 1
15.4″ WXGA Acer CrystalBrite TFT LCD (1280 x 800)
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
4096MB DDR 533MHz Dual Channel Memory
250GB SATA 5400RPM Hard Drive
8X DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer Drive
Acer Crystal Eye Webcam
4 - USB 2.0 Ports
5-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader
56K ITU V.92 with PTT Approval Fax/Modem
1 - eSATA Port
Intel WiFi Link 5100 802.11a/g/Draft-N Wireless
6-Cell Lithium-Ion (2.2AHr)
You Pay: $749.99 AGAIN the cost is $749.99.
Let’s just say you live in NC with the sales tax of 7% you pay total 802.48 with a service charge perhaps….let’s total $850.00. K-Mart requires you make bi-weekly payments. So….Let’s pay it off in 6 months (26 weeks)= 32.69 every 2 weeks, but you can pay it off sooner if you double that by paying $65.38 bi-weekly and recieve your product in 3 months, which is a lot less time then most of you have been waiting…..am I right?
and for comment #64…BY THE WAY THIS IS A LAPTOP!
There are countless companies out there such as “Secure Credit Card companies with outrageous APR that can exceed as much as 120%. So called work from home businesses ie., “CrazyFox123456hijklmnop or whatever it’s called. The point is Research these so called quickfixes to your credit problems and you’ll realize that the only way to fix your credit is to pay what your owe. Call the companies you owe and you’ll be surprised that most if not all will settle to less the amount your owe. I agree with comment #70, save your money, pay down debt to improve your credit. I know that many of your could care less about your credit rating because of low scoring UNTIL you failed to get what your were promised and NOW you’re mad as hell. We all make mistakes but in the future exercise some patience and research something that sounds too good to be true. God Bless
Comment by Terrance — Friday 16 January, 2009 @ 10:10
No “math” involved. I purchased a fax machine from Blue Hippo( November 25th) and sent a money order for shipping which they cashed on December 5th. As of this date they still havent shipped my fax machine and when I go on the site it shows an outstanding balance for shipping.I got the BBB involved and they have not responded where do I go from here?
Comment by Joseph — Friday 16 January, 2009 @ 16:14
Yea, Yea! Well…it’s 2009 and Blue Hiipo hasn’t ceased to exist. They’re still screwing the public. All these adds, all these web-sites, all these attorneys ads, all these attorney generals, all these lawsuits and settlement, the DOJ, the FTC, the BBB, comnsumer affairs, rip-off report and on and on and on. There’s not one attorney out there with balls the size of his ego willing to go after these bastards. The due process of law my ass. Prove me wrong. I can deal with it!
PEOPLE….you gotta start filing complaints constantly, make phone calls constantly,(not to Blue Hippo), start filing for Crime Victims Compensation. Run the friggin agencies that are suppose to protect us from this kind of crap ragged. Blue Hippo is trying to get out of this country. If you don’t get off your butts NOW and go federal on this, Joeseph Rensin is going to leave this country and take everything with him. Get with the program people. Make some noise. Quit whining and start bothering the people who are suppose to help us against this mess. SHOUT IT OUT.
Comment by Patrick Skadowski — Saturday 17 January, 2009 @ 22:27
They were announcing their ad on the radio this morning, and it sounded like a scam from the get-go.
I mean they are just like RENT-A-CENTER which is being taken to court for their scams too.
Comment by Marcus — Wednesday 28 January, 2009 @ 10:04
HEY GUYS I TOO HAVE ISSUES WITH THESE GUYS, AFTER I FRIEND OF MINE TOLD ME HER STORY AND HOW MUCH MONEY SHE HAS PAID THEM I TOLD HER I WOULD HELP. I HAVE SPEND SEVERAL HOURS ON THE PHONE TRYING TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE WITH AUTHORITY, BUT AS YOU WELL KNOW YOU GET PROMISES AFTER PROMISES THAT ARE COMPLETELY LIES. I THINK WE NEED TO CALL THE FBI, HOMELAND SECURITY AND THE US POST OFFICE BECAUSE WE ARE MAILING THEM MONEY VIA THE US POST OFFICE. THESE GUYS COULF WELL BE A FRONT FOR ANY TERRORIST NETWORK. THEY TAKE YOUR MONEY AND IN RETURN YOU GET NOTHING OR ATLEAST I HAVE NOT HEARD OF ANY POSTING A POSITIVE STATEMENT IN DEALING WITH THESE GUYSD. WE NEED TO GET PHONE NUMBER OF THE CORPORATE OFFICES AND ADDRESSES OF WHERE THEY LIVE. I KNOW YOU GUYS UP IN MARYLAND CAN HELP US FOLK IN THE LOWER SATES. LETS GET THESE NAMES SO WE CAN DRAW NATIONAL ATTENTION WITH EITHER CNN, FOXNEWS, TELEMUNDO BECAUSE THE GUYS ARE TARGET LOW INCOME HISPANICS IN GREAT NUMBERS ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO HAVE AN ENGLISH BARRIER. ITS LIKE TO DAY I ASK THE GUYS FOR A SUPERVISOR, HE SAID WHY AND I TOLD HIM THE STORY. HE WAS RELUCTANT BUT THEM I ASK HIM OK IF YOUR SICK WHAT NUMBER DO YOU CALL TO LET THEM KNOW YOUR NOT GOING TO BE IN AND WHO DO YOU AK FOR . HE GAVE ME A NAME OF MIKE YOUNG. SO LETS GET THIS INFO TOGETHER AND GET THINGS ROLLING. CALL THE FBI, HOMELAND SECURITY, THE US POST OFFICE AND ANYONE ELSE WHO MIGHT BE PERTINANT. AND NOW THE IRS WHILE I JUST THOUGHT OF IT. CALL THE MD BBB AND THE MD ATTORNEY GENERAL SWAMP THERE PHONE LINE AND MAKE THEM SHUT THESE GUYS DOWM AND LETS WIN ONE FOR THE GIPPER…
Comment by LUKE — Thursday 29 January, 2009 @ 23:00
ALSO I WOULD LIKE TO GET SHIRTS MADE UP AND SELL THEM ON EBAY FOR 5 BUCKS EACH SAYING”
“BLUE HIPPO”
“SCAM”
YOU WILL GET BETTER
ODDS PALYING A
SLOT MACHINE
BUYER BEWARE
I COULD DO THIS IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH AND SELL THEM ON EBAY WOULD PROBABLY GET A LOT OF ATTENTION. GIEV ME SOME FEED BACK..
Comment by LUKE — Thursday 29 January, 2009 @ 23:03
please call the md police deptment or email them:
http://www.baltimorepolice.org/contact-us/send-us-an-email
and file charges for theft by check and wire fraud.
Comment by LUKE — Saturday 31 January, 2009 @ 0:57
Blue hippo ripped one of my friends off, he bought an (E) tower and get this Windows wasent installed, so for just that E tower was 600.00 bucks, as of today (1/31/2009), since September of last year the computer tower has not been delivered, they say its still on the way. Blue Hippo should be called Blue Rippo.
Comment by Wayne Enrico — Saturday 31 January, 2009 @ 8:24
PLEASE do not use that phone number. It is a private number and not involved in this conversation or scam. Never even heard of Blue Hippo!
Comment by Wanda Wilson — Friday 6 February, 2009 @ 21:08
hey every one check this out! abc news 7 did a report.
http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0908/554536_video.html?ref=newsstory
Comment by luke — Saturday 7 February, 2009 @ 1:54
This Is Funny.. Iv’e Just Seen The Advertisment Pon Da TV., And I decided To Check It Out Mehself. From What I Just Read, This Is A Total Fucking Rip-Off yuh UnduhStand. I Payed 2000k For Dese Specs:
CASE: Thermaltake Spedo Full Tower 420W Case w/ Side-panel Window
Neon Light Upgrade: 12in COLD CATHODE NEON LIGHT (RED COLOR)
Extra Case Fan Upgrade: Default case fans
POWER SUPPLY Upgrade: 800 Watts Power Supplies (CyberPowerPC XF800S Performance ATX 2.0 Power - Quad SLI Ready)
CPU: (Quad-Core)Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Q9650 @ 3.0GHz 1333FSB 12MB L2 Cache 64-bit
COOLING FAN : Asetek Liquid CPU Cooling System (Extreme Cooling Performance + Extreme Silent at 20dBA)
MOTHERBOARD: MSI P7N SLI-FI 750i SLI Chipset LGA775 Supports LGA775 FSB1333 DDR2/800 Mainboard w/GbLAN, USB2.0, &7.1Audio
MEMORY: 8GB (4×2GB) PC6400 DDR2/800 Dual Channel Memory (Corsair or Major Brand)
FREEBIES: None
VIDEO CARD: NVIDIA GeForce GTX295 X2 1.7GB 16X PCIe Video Card (Major Brand Powered by NVIDIA)
VIDEO CARD 2: NVIDIA GeForce GTX295 X2 1.7GB 16X PCIe Video Card (Major Brand Powered by NVIDIA)
VIDEO CARD 3: NONE
MULTIPLE VIDEO CARD SETTINGS: Xtreme Performance in SLI/CrossFireX Gaming Mode Supports Single Monitor
LCD Monitor: NONE
2nd Monitor: NONE
HARD DRIVE: Single Hard Drive (1TB (1TBx1) SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache 7200RPM HDD)
Data Hard Drive: NONE
USB PORTABLE DRIVE: NONE
Optical Drive: Lite-On DH-401S 4X Blu-Ray Player
Optical Drive 2: (Special Price) LG 20X DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW DRIVE DUAL LAYER (BLACK COLOR)
SOUND: 3D WAVE ON-BOARD 5.1 SOUND CARD
SPEAKERS: NONE
NETWORK: ONBOARD 10/100 NETWORK CARD
MODEM: NONE
KEYBOARD: PS2 MULTIMEDIA INTERNET CONTROL KEYBOARD (BLACK COLOR)
MOUSE: Logitech Optical Wheel Mouse (BLACK COLOR)
Extra Thermal Display : NONE
Wireless 802.11B/G Network Card: PCI Wireless 802.11g 54Mbps Network Interface Card
Flash Media Reader/Writer: INTERNAL 12in1 Flash Media Reader/Writer (BLACK COLOR)
Cable Wiring: None
Rounded Cable: None
VIDEO CAMERA: NONE
PRINTER: None
PRINTER CABLE: None
IEEE CARD: NONE
USB PORT: Built-in USB 2.0 Ports
FLOPPY: NONE
OS: Microsoft® Windows Vista™ Home Premium w/ Service Pack 1 (64-bit Edition)
FREEBIES: None
Media Center Remote Control & TV Tuner: None
SERVICE: STANDARD WARRANTY: 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PLUS LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT
RUSH SERVICE: NO; READY TO SHIP IN 5~10 BUSINESS DAYS
I Got An Upgrade To a 20” Monitor Fuh Lyke $100. This computer works Just fine, no problem atall… BlueHippo is Just a fucking rass jumpoff to mess up people!!
Comment by Trini From The Bk — Tuesday 10 February, 2009 @ 11:29
People Bluehippo is a Scam they got 1,943.00 of my money and i still dont have a computer, Free printer, or Digtial camera.
Comment by Kayla — Wednesday 11 February, 2009 @ 15:22
hello all victims…
i finally received my camera that was paid for in october 2008…and i wanted to share something with you, i still have credit with them, and instead of letting them keep my money i am placing a second order…i know…i’m stupid, but its my money they have…
well anywho, i got tired of calling and bi*ching someone new each week, and i think they did too…so finally they called me…and i have a number for you to call, maybe they will be able to give you more information in this number instead of the one online…call them…the number is 1800-731-9473 or 1800-219-4100…tell them you are a blue hippo customer and you are looking to get the status of your shipment…it worked for me…
Hope it helps…and i’ll come back and update to you what’s been happening…
Marie…
Comment by marie — Monday 16 February, 2009 @ 14:33
Blue Hippo is no different than Rent A Center.
Better to just bank the money and save up for a computer from a reputable source.
Comment by Terry C - NJ — Wednesday 18 February, 2009 @ 15:56
My investigations took me to DR. The customer service like they call it is in DR. They are a group of deported from the US, they are a group of criminals. Don´t lose your time calling them, they can not do anything, they are paid penis to lie. Our country is protecting criminals.
Comment by Alfonso — Wednesday 18 February, 2009 @ 20:26
Blue Hippo’s robo-dialer vendor (who also runs several scams) keeps calling my office line. At first I tried to get off the list. Later I yelled at the first person who picked up the phone. Lately I’ve been pretending to be interested, feeding them bad information, and backing out at the last minute. Here is today’s Blue Hippo rip-off.
A new Dell computer of the “Highest Quality”. I asked for a laptop and was offered a laptop with a 2 Ghtz Celeron processor, 1 gig of RAM and 60 gig of hard drive. (I bought a laptop with those specs in early 2005 for about $2,000. It is now Feb. 2009.)
Blue Hippo wanted to charge me the following:
$99.00 activation fee.
$34.99 weekly payment for 52 weeks.
At the end of this I would receive a $320.00 mail-in rebate, and the whole thing would cost me $1,499.00 according to “Ian McKenzie”, the painfully dim sales representative.
But there is a problem with that arithmetic. $99.00 + ($34.99 * 52) - $320.00 = $1,598.48. This was simply a misunderstanding on my part, according to Ian, who insisted on the erroneous $1,499.00 figure in his script, and he spent about ten minutes of spinning some sort of cyclical logic that he though would bend the rules of arithmetic and make the $1,499.00 figure correct. I eventually got tired of arguing second grade math, and moved on.
The next farce was when I was offered the $25.00 software bundle that included Microsoft “word processing”, plus the usual Office productivity software. I asked the seemingly simple question, were they offering Microsoft Office at that price, knowing full well that if the answer were, “Yes”, that it was most likely pirated. The closest thing to a straight answer I got out of them was that it was the “word processing” that came out in 2007. I could not get him to admit that it was Microsoft Word. I also asked if the software were pirated, which he denied. Eventually, after several trips back to his supervisor, he moved me on and went to close the deal.
I had some fun with my pseudonym’s nickname vs. legal name. For some reason he wanted to know specifically what was on my Social Security Card. I said I didn’t know, since I had not looked at it in years. (This is probably the only true thing I told him. I keep mine locked up, not in my wallet.) Eventually, I got him to go along with the fake name, and he read through the contract like a maniac. When I was supposed to say “OK” to make the contract binding, I asked him, “Ian, do you take me for a fool?” Surprisingly this was not the end of the conversation, and I got another few seconds of tirade in on the guy about his crappy computer and his company which had been under investigation by the Federal Trade Commission. When I was done, I hung up, having wasted about an hour of his valuable scamming time. Sorry, dude, no commission for you. He should have hung up when I caught him lying about the price.
Anyhow, I can see how someone who isn’t computer literate and tech industry savvy could get sucked in by Blue Hippo. The reps talk fast, tell you a good story, and brush over the details in such a way that they are just barely legal.
The point of this is that if you’re buying a computer and you’re not a computer professional, be a pain in the ass, even if you made the contact. Ask a lot of questions, and if something doesn’t make sense, don’t make the deal. Blue Hippo isn’t the only scummy computer company out there, though they are one of the worst.
Comment by Dman — Wednesday 18 February, 2009 @ 21:45
I just wanted to say thank you for saving me from making a huge mistake I was reading all the comments regarding the Blue Hippo scam while i was on the phone with the representative and He practically refused to back out of the order I should have just hung up on him but he just kept swindling me for like 20 minutes I finally got him to realize he was not going to get a sale out of me and he said good bye so Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Carrie — Monday 23 February, 2009 @ 22:59
This company is just a bunch on scum bags the CEO being the bigest crook of them all. I say that we all start filing complants. I have already filled a complanit with the Federal Trade Commision, and you can go to the http://www.oag.state.md.us or call 410-528-8662. This is the Attorney General for MD and he has aggreed to help people in any state. I think that we all need to band together and all get a hold and file a complant with these two people and get them where it counts. Let’s shut the scum bags down and get our money back in the process.
Comment by Jackie — Thursday 26 February, 2009 @ 1:57
Honestly, I can get a tower with better specs for 150, and a 22″ monitor for 200…. blue hippo’s PC’s are a joke
Comment by Darryl — Thursday 26 February, 2009 @ 2:01
Hello i Guess i’m another one of thoses people that got scamed I started this last June and paid 69.98 every other week I have 0ver 1,000 in to it and have 500.00 and something left to go they told that there is a problem with there shipping I talked to Lisa in the magaement account area thats what she said she said to give them a 3o days I said ok but it’s the last week now and I still got nothing Lisa even said she would send me an mp3 player for being a good customer last monday I talk to someone the ysaid they sent it off already but I talk to some this Monday and it hasn’t been sent yet my dad wants me to got to the news tv people and sue them also thats what I’m goting to do they even tell it’s will be shipped out they have been telling me that sence October stil nothing so anyone know of a Lawsuit going around that we can sing in on my stepmoms brother said there was one but can’t find it anywere on computer and they also say they don’t give refounds I told the lday on the phone today how can that be if I never got anything I can see not getting on if I got my computer but if I didn’t that makes no sence at all Thanks it almost a year now
Comment by Jennifer Roberts — Monday 2 March, 2009 @ 13:47
http://greatermd.app.bbb.org/complaint/new/0023014013 You guys need to also file a complaint here also!!! They will help you. I almost bought one of their BS computers today, and thank GOD i found this website. I logged on to my better busineess bureau and they gave me this address….. Use it! Stop the Scammers!!!
Comment by Am — Monday 9 March, 2009 @ 13:29
well, people i got scammed as well. thanks for this website i am out only about $l69. went to the bank and stopped payments on any future payments. i cannnot believe the comments on this website. thanks to am and jackie for giving me some people to contact. everything that i have read is true. i ordered my computer on feb.7th and when i did not get paper work i should have realized it was a scam. i kept calling and calling to no avail. and finally when i got jose which i now know was a fictious name he said i would get them very soon. no dice. nada. nothing. thank God something told me to look into scams for blue hippo and there were all these people who got scammed for a lot more than i did. i know i will never get that hard earned money back but something has to be done to stop these scammers. i guess the buyer beware refrain should be taught to everyone in this planet. i will never trust any tv commercials. i should know better. when something sounds too good to be true. it probably isn’t. so i will save that money and buy my computer cash from a reputable store. but then again are there any left in this planet? i cannot believe our country has come to this. my heart goes out to those people who paid thousands and never got their computers, etc. what a rip off. and what is our govt doing about it? what are we doing about it? i will follow thru with a letter and a phone call and an email to these hooligans and pray they don’t make any more fools of anyone else. as barnun and baily circus or however they were called a sucker is born every minute. boy were we all sucked in. i am trying to laugh it off but i just can’t . i cannot believe i was so tricked with this scam.BUYER BEWARE. BUYER BEWARE. BUYER BEWARE. is all i can say for now. rebecca
Comment by rebecca shokrian — Tuesday 10 March, 2009 @ 10:20
I love calling them and spending an hour or more on the phone just lying to them. We need to all do this. we need to develop scripts and call these people all day long preventing other people from getting ripped off.
Comment by Jeremiah — Thursday 19 March, 2009 @ 9:25
I DID THE ORDER WITH IN AGENT AND WAITED FOR THE PAPPER WORK TO COME AND NOTHING HAS CAME OR EMAIL.ITS BEEN OVER A WEEK NOW AND IVE BEEN READING EVERYONES COMMENTS AND DONT KNOW IF THERE ALL TRUE BUT ILL TELL U WHAT ALL THESE DEALS DO SOUND TO GOOD TO BE TRUE.SO TO BE CAREFULL WITH MY BANK ACCOUNT I DESIDED TO CANCELL MY ORDER AND RATHER GET A LAP TOP SOMWERE ELSE.SO THE AGENT WAS TELLING ME (THAT WHY WAS I CANCELLING IT AND WHATS THE PROBLEM)I MEAN DO THEY EVEN NEED TO GET ALL IN YOURE PERSONAL LIFE.SO I JUST GOT MAD AND GOT TO THE POINT WITH THE AGENT AND TOLD HIM THAT I JUST WANT TO CANCEL IT THATS ALL.ITS LIKE THEY DID NOT WANT TO BUT I DID NOT CARE I NEED TO PROTECT MY OWN.
Comment by sara — Wednesday 8 April, 2009 @ 14:30
You forgot something else HP does that BlueHippo doesn’t..deliver their products, and inform customers of their rights. I just did a search after seeing yet another BlueHippo commercial. According to multiple search results, the FTC has been after BlueHippo for fraudulent practices. Namely, not delivering their products in a timely manner, and having a payment option which makes it difficult for the customer to get a refund, or stop payments. It seems BlueHippo is a criminal enterprise preying on people with debt problems. You can get a better computer online for less than half of what it would cost you at BlueHippo, if they even had the intention of adhering to their offer in good faith, which they have proven unwilling to do. Do not buy from BlueHippo.
Comment by ChrisC — Friday 10 April, 2009 @ 7:00
when should we expect our money back?
Comment by sharone — Wednesday 13 May, 2009 @ 13:43
Well, looks like we still have idiots making purchases from this company. Ever hear of the old saying, “customers keep companies in business.” I suggest that no one buys from this company so they go bankrupt and go out of business. Interesting concept huh? I can almost guarantee that the same people that buy from this company purchased $500,000 homes with their careers at Walmart. Then we wonder why EVERYTHING we buy is so damn expensive. When “you” don’t pay off your debt, other consumers ultimately pay the bill by inflated prices on services that would otherwise be affordable. Great example, “Car Insurance.” All of the people that actually pay their bills are stuck paying high premiums because some dreg of society gets in an accident and has no means to pay for the damages. Where am I going with all of this? Companies such as Blue Hippo would not exist if people smartened up a bit and because a little more conscious about their finances. So you can bitch and complain all you want about how you got ripped off, but at the end of the day, blame yourself for having to resort to such a shiesty company to begin with. I will say it again, “PAY YOUR BILLS and save up for a computer with a bit more value. Once everyone stops giving this piece of shit company thousands of dollars, they WILL go out of business.
Comment #81 - You are a complete idiot. Learn how to use proper grammar. And why would you purchase an MSI Motherboard in the first place? They are absolute crap. You spend 2 thousand dollars on good components and fail to get a Socket 1366 and you buy DDR2 memory at 800Mhz? Haha idiot.
Comment by Comment #70 Author — Thursday 14 May, 2009 @ 16:58
Hey, guys I also have been screwed by this company. It’s been almost a year for me and I still have nothing. I say we all get together and take them down!! What do you all think theirs power in numbers.
Comment by Amy Hoffman — Monday 1 June, 2009 @ 14:37
I SEE WE ALL HAVE BEEN KICK IN THE POCKETS WITH THIS COMPANY. WHEN I CAN SIGN UP FOR THE CLASS ACTION.
Comment by MRS.BURNS — Thursday 11 June, 2009 @ 9:51
OK PEOPLE HUGE PROBLEM BLUE HIPPO IS A SCAM FOR THOSE WHO HAVENT FIGURED IT OUT YET! FOR THOSE GO GOT RIPPED OFF ALREADY LIKE ME U NEED TO CONTACT THE BETTER BUISNESS BUREAU IN BALTIMORE MARYLAND. TALK TO A REP AND MAKE SURE U MENTION U PURCHASED PRODUCTS FROM BLUE HIPPO THEY WILL GIVE U THE PHONE NUMBER OF A COMMITEE THAT WAS FORMED TO HELP ALL THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF. U MIGHT NEED TO DO A BIT OF WORK LIKE SEND THEM A PAPER SHOWING HOW MUCH U PAID AND WHAT U WANT TO HAVE DONE. MIGHT TAKE A BIT TO GET A RESPONCE BUT IF U BEEN WAITING THIS LONG U MIGHT ASWELL WAIT A BIT MORE AND MAKE SURE U GET UR MONEY BACK
Comment by sebastian — Monday 15 June, 2009 @ 12:12
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Blue Hippo is only doing to the consumer what the leaders of this country is doing to the economy. We will all get screwed in the end, it is up to us to pick by whom.
Comment by Dews — Wednesday 30 December, 2009 @ 12:12
i’m a mom of 5 kids and i trusted bluehippo i tught i was doing the right thing by building up credit and i decide to get a computer for my kids and now that i’m trying to get a hold of them their phone# and website no longer exist.if someone could help me recover my money i would appreciate for the rest o my life.i don’t have no money and this was supposely my kids gift.help me please!!!!!!!
Comment by soina — Thursday 14 January, 2010 @ 2:43
I too was duped & scammed by this so-called company & am furious with myself for getting sucked in. Thanks to all for sharing websites, phone #’s, etc. It is one of my goals listed for the new year is to get resolution to my misfortune & I promise to update with any information I retain to help others as well. A lesson learned. By the way I tried to log into the Blue hippo websites & was informed that it was not able to find it. Anybody have any clue on this?
Comment by Tamara — Tuesday 19 January, 2010 @ 17:55
I guess I’m onother suker, any body with phone numbers to get this people down
Comment by Blas Ibarra — Tuesday 19 January, 2010 @ 20:49
Another victim to hippo. When I called they told me I could not get a refund but was more than welcomed to go online and pick something else out that cost what I paid. Which was $700. I live in Texas. Any suggestions will be appreciated. thatbytch31@yahoo.com.
Comment by Latiesha — Thursday 25 March, 2010 @ 17:48
Création site internet bretagne…
Merci pour cet article intéressant. Bien à vous…….
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