Swipebids.com – Legal Scam – Avoid like the plague

So yes, I was duped by the penny auction site known as Swipepids.com.

A simple search would have yielded plenty of information needed to know this, but when I went to sign up, in red letters it said “only 3 minutes to sign up!” Thinking this was something like demonoid torrent (sp?), I quickly signed up using the code SB25WAL, which was supposed to get me a $25 Wal-Mart gift card and 1000 extra bids. What I didn’t know was they charged you $150 right off the bat and gave you 300 bids (essentially, you buy 300 bids to join). Now my account did show 1300 bids, and charged my card immediately. I looked around, bid on some stuff, realized it’s kind of tough to win. I started searching and found some people who actually won the T1i I wanted to win, except were blocked from the site and not able to pay for their item. After a few weeks, my $25 gift card never showed up, so I started a chat session with the people, and I warn you, it’s quite long.

I do feel they’re rolling auctions, since they talk about not doing it so much. At any rate, I feel a lawsuit should be in order, at the least to check the validity of all users in their system, and then to check to see who actually got their $25 gift card that was promised. I never did, and was asked to bid on and win gift cards. They want you to win because then you cannot get a refund. There’s a thing that states if you actively participate in auctions and never win, using up all your initial bids, you can get a full refund. In the chat, the person stated that is my $150.

I somehow messed up typing my name and it ended up not being my name

info: Please wait for a site operator to respond.
info: You are now chatting with 'Emily'
Emily: Thank you for visiting SwipeBids. We are here to help you win auctions, save money and have a great time. Who am I speaking with?
that's only 960: Luke
Emily: Hi, may I have your email address and zip code please?
that's only 960: xxxx@xxxxx.com
that's only 960: #####
Emily: Please wait while I check your order details in our system.
Emily: Ok, how may I assist you?
that's only 960: When I signed up, I used a code that got me 1000 additional bids and a $25 gift card
that's only 960: it's been a couple weeks and I have yet to receive the gift card
Emily: may I have the code?
that's only 960: it doesn't list that in my account?
that's only 960: I found it weeks ago and signed up with it
Emily: May I have that code?
that's only 960: I don't have the code handy
that's only 960: it wasn't something I saved
Emily: Did you get that via email?
that's only 960: no, it was on a website, some "advertorial"
Emily: That code you are referring, is only be used when we send that to the customers vis email.
that's only 960: so the code was a hoax?
that's only 960: it said I was to get 1000 additional bids (which I got 1300 when I signed up) and I was to receive the $25 wal-mart gift card
that's only 960: it said that on your site when I signed up
Emily: No, it was not, so many customers used that and get the free bids.
that's only 960: right, but advertising a $25 gift card is false advertisement
Emily: No it's not, they did get the free bids as well as Card.
that's only 960: where's my card?
that's only 960: that's what I'm asking
Emily: Ok, I will check your registration.
Emily: One moment please.
that's only 960: k
Emily: The code you saw was "SB25WAL"
Emily: While registering to our site, you have to add "SB25WAL" in the coupon code box. You have not used that code, that's why you have not received the 1000 Bids and the $20 Wal-mart Gift Card.
that's only 960: I did you that code
that's only 960: how else did I get the 1000+ bids?
that's only 960: look at my account, I have something like 1800 bids
Emily: I am sorry but you cannot get the free bids as you haven't used that.
that's only 960: I did use the code
that's only 960: how many bids do I have on my account?
Emily: Total Bids Left : 1851
that's only 960: how long have I been signed up?
Emily: Registration Date : Jun 22, 2010 04:48:20 PM
that's only 960: how many additional bids have I purchased since I signed up on that day, not including the $150 fee that got me 300 bids?
Emily: 660
that's only 960: that's only 960
Emily: Yes.
that's only 960: so, 960 + 1000 = 1960, less however many bids I've placed comes to 1851
that's only 960: if I have 1000 additional bids on my account, how did I not use that code?
Emily: Need not to worry you will get 60 free bids after every 24 hours you login.
that's only 960: what are you talking about?
that's only 960: Where is my $25 gift card for wal-mart?
Emily: We have a plan to get 60 free bids after every 24 hours.
that's only 960: Where is my $25 gift card for wal-mart?
Emily: As you have not used the code you will not get the free card.
that's only 960: what are you talking about, I used the code, do the math I posted
that's only 960: I got 300 bids for signing up
that's only 960: 660 for signing in every 24 hrs
that's only 960: 1000 for using the code
Emily: One moment please.
that's only 960: I've used 109 bids
that's only 960: that comes to 1851
that's only 960: where's my $25 gift card to wal-mart?
Emily: I have conversation with my manager and he allowed me to add 500 bids more to your account but you have to win Wal-Mart Card in the auctions.
that's only 960: no
that's only 960: you said the code came with a $25 gift card
that's only 960: I used the code
that's only 960: where's my $25 gift card to wal-mart?
Emily: You have to win Wal-Mart Card in the auctions
that's only 960: the code did not say that
that's only 960: are you saying the code was a hoax?
that's only 960: the code said a $25 gift card
that's only 960: where's my $25 gift card to wal-mart?
Emily: You did not used that code.
that's only 960: I did
that's only 960: can you not do math?
that's only 960: read above
Emily: One moment please.
Emily: You have card in your account, but did not purchased it yet.
that's only 960: that\'s only 960: what are you talking about, I used the code, do the math I posted that\'s only 960: I got 300 bids for signing up that\'s only 960: 660 for signing in every 24 hrs that\'s only 960: 1000 for using the code Emily: One moment please. that\'s only 960: I've used 109 bids that\'s only 960: that comes to 1851 that\'s only 960: where's my $25 gift card to wal-mart?
that's only 960: I'm not supposed to "purchase" it yet
Emily: Please purchase it from here: http://www.swipebids.com/won_auction.php
that's only 960: I did not win the auction
that's only 960: it said I got a FREE $25 gift card to wal-mart
that's only 960: where's my $25 gift card to wal-mart
Emily: Yes, you are right but if you need that Card you need to purchase it from your account.
that's only 960: says "No Record Found" in my won auctions
that's only 960: where's my $25 gift card to wal-mart
Emily: Please purchase it from here: http://www.swipebids.com/won_auction.php
Emily: It is available in your account.
that's only 960: no, it is not
that's only 960: I just looked
that's only 960: where's my $25 gift card to wal-mart?
Emily: Did you checked the link I send you above?
that's only 960: yes
that's only 960: I'm in my account, and it says "No Record Found"
Emily: What you find?
that's only 960: where's my $25 gift card to wal-mart?
Emily: http://www.swipebids.com/daily_bid_pack_cont.php
that's only 960: I don't want the daily bid pack
that's only 960: where's my $25 gift card to wal-mart?
Emily: Please use the link above.
that's only 960: no
that's only 960: that
that's only 960: says it is $4.99
that's only 960: where's my FREE $25 gift card to wal-mart?
Emily: Yes, that is the shipping price.
that's only 960: it says $20
that's only 960: the code I used said $25
that's only 960: that's why the code is SB25WAL
that's only 960: 25 = $25 gift card to WAL-mart
that's only 960: where in the coupon code info did it say I had to pay $5 shipping on the gift card?
Emily: There is some change in policy, now we provide $20 Walmart Card.
that's only 960: when I signed up, it said $25 gift card
that's only 960: you cannot change it after the fact
Emily: The company policy has been changed.
that's only 960: not when I used the code
Emily: Before that.
that's only 960: then why did it tell me I was getting a $25 gift card
that's only 960: that is illegal, you cannot change policy AFTER I use the code
Emily: Please disregard that email.
that's only 960: what e-mail?
Emily: Where you saw that you get the $25 Card.
that's only 960: it didn't come in an e-mail;
that's only 960: I said that earlier
that's only 960: are you just reading from a script?
Emily: Wherever you saw that you get the $25 Card please disregard that.
that's only 960: I saw that on YOUR site when I used YOUR code
Emily: Please check again.
that's only 960: I cannot, I already signed up
that's only 960: I'm not going to go through and enter the code again
that's only 960: I want what was promised to me when I signed up
Emily: No, its not possible.
that's only 960: it is not my fault if you guys messed up
that's only 960: why not?
that's only 960: so your website lied to me?
Emily: No, I already mentioned above that the policy has been changed.
that's only 960: not when I signed up
that's only 960: when I signed up, it said I got a $25 gift card
that's only 960: it said this on swipebids.com, not anywhere else
Emily: The policy changed before you signed up.
Emily: We already changed that also on our site.
that's only 960: why did it say that on swipebid.com that I was to receive a $25 gift card.
that's only 960: hello?
Emily: You have Card in your account please purchase it.
that's only 960: no
that's only 960: I want the $25 gift card promised by swipebids.com when I signed up using the SB25WAL code
Emily: Please purchase it from here: http://www.swipebids.com/daily_bid_pack_cont.php
that's only 960: but that's not the $25 I was promised
Emily: We currently offer $20 walmart cards only, we use to offer $25 cards a long time back. We can't be able to provide that offer now.
that's only 960: yes you can
that's only 960: your website said I'd be getting a $25 gift card when I used that code
Emily: I am sorry but I cannot as all the members are no getting the same Card worths $20
that's only 960: I don't care
that's only 960: when I signed up, I was promised a $25 gift card
that's only 960: not $20
info: Your chat transcript will be sent to xxxx@xxxxx.com at the end of your chat.
Emily: You can check our site again all the customers are getting the same.
that's only 960: no
that's only 960: when I used the coupon code, it said on your site that I was to receive at $25 gift card to wal-mart
that's only 960: that's all I'm asking for
Emily: You have $20 Walmart Card in your account. you can purchase that, and win other form the auctions.
that's only 960: no
that's only 960: I want the $25 gift card I was promised
info: Your chat transcript will be sent to xxxx@xxxxx.com at the end of your chat.
Emily: I am sorry but please purchase the $20 Card you have in your account.
that's only 960: no
that's only 960: I will not
Emily: You can leave it also.
that's only 960: I want the $25 gift card I was promised
that's only 960: I want the $25 gift card I was promised
Emily: You can win other form the auctions.
that's only 960: no
that's only 960: I want the $25 gift card I was promised
Emily: Not possiable.
that's only 960: it is possible, anything's possible
Emily: I am sorry.
that's only 960: I'm sure you're not
Emily: i am sorry but I cannot.
that's only 960: who can?
Emily: No one can.
that's only 960: someone can
Emily: You can.
that's only 960: I can? Show me where I can get my FREE $25 wal-mart gift card
that's only 960: that was promised when I signed up
Emily: Yu can win the Walmart Card from the auctions, worths more than $25.
that's only 960: no
that's only 960: not win
that's only 960: I want the free one promised
Emily: You get free $20 Walmart Card.
that's only 960: no, I was promised $25 gift card
Emily: Who promised you?
that's only 960: swipebids.com
that's only 960: it was there when I used the coupon code
Emily: Show me.
that's only 960: I can't, I already signed up last month
that's only 960: I'm not going to do it again and risk you guys charging me again
Emily: There must be some link, something?
that's only 960: nope, it was there when I used the coupon code
that's only 960: you know as well as I that if I try to use the code now, it will say $20, since you've notified me policy has changed
that's only 960: when I signed up, it said $25
Emily: Please I am requesting you, the policy has been changed and now we are providing only $20 Card to the customers using the code you use.
that's only 960: when I signed up, swipebid.com stated I was to receive a $25 gift card
Emily: Now, its been changed.
that's only 960: now
that's only 960: but when I signed up, it said $25
Emily: Ee use to offer $25 cards a long time back.
that's only 960: why are you arguing with me? First you told me I didn't use the code
Emily: We*
that's only 960: a long time back?
Emily: We use to offer $25 cards a long time back
that's only 960: when did the policy change?
Emily: Aa long time back
that's only 960: when is a long time back
that's only 960: give me a date
Emily: June 21.
that's only 960: that's false
Emily: Please check our site.
that's only 960: the website I saw (that is most likely a fluff site by swipebids.com to cover the negative stuff on search engines) stated the code was good until June 22
Emily: On Jun 22 the policy has been changed.
that's only 960: at any rate, swipebid.com stated I was to receive a $25 gift card when I signed up
Emily: No, you will not get.
that's only 960: I don't know if your site was messed up, but this is false advertisement
Emily: Nothing is false here.
that's only 960: it is false
Emily: Show me?
that's only 960: when I used the coupon code, it stated a $25 gift card
Emily: No it didn't.
that's only 960: I cannot, your policy has since changed and I do not wish to go through the sign up process and risk being charged again
Emily: If you register you will be charged $150.
that's only 960: I know
that's only 960: which is a legal scam
Emily: How can you say?
that's only 960: the information is burried in between advertisements, unchecked, leading one to believe it's not going to process, but it actually does
that's only 960: it's legal
that's only 960: but still a scam
that's only 960: why did you tell me I did not use the code
that's only 960: you started off telling me over and over I did not use the code
that's only 960: you made no mention of the policy change
that's only 960: only that I did not use the code
that's only 960: thus calling me a liar
Emily: Whenever we change the policy there is update in the site.
Emily: All the other customers did not complain, why you are?
that's only 960: so why did you tell me I did not use the code and made no mention of said policy change
that's only 960: all other customers have complained
that's only 960: that's why they're forming a class action lawsuit
Emily: SwipeBids is most certainly not a scam. Though given how great some of our bargains are, I can understand why you might be suspicious. We are a company that sells products directly to consumers after they have won one of our auctions. Because of the high volume of sales we have and the income we generate through bids, we are able to let people purchase products at a much lower cost than normal retail. And because we are the ones shipping the products, we have much more control over the process – unlike other auction sites that let people sell their own products. I hope this clarifies your concern.
that's only 960: blah, nice copy & paste
that's only 960: what about the users who were blocked from the site within 24hrs of winning the Cannon T1i?
that's only 960: who never got a chance to pay for their auction
Emily: Read it, it will clarify your concern.
that's only 960: where's my $25 gift card to wal-mart?
that's only 960: you're beating around the bush
that's only 960: all I want is a $25 gift card
that's only 960: to wal-mart
that's only 960: as was promised me when I signed up on swipebids.com using said coupon code
Emily: Yes, you used the code, and you get the card.
Emily: Is there anything else I can help you with today?
that's only 960: I get the card, the $25 card?
Emily: No the $20 Card.
that's only 960: I saw $25 card, you said yes, I get the card
Emily: as was promised me when I signed up on swipebids.com using said coupon code
Emily: Emily: Yes, you used the code, and you get the card.
that's only 960: right, referencing the $25 gift card on the lines above
Emily: You get the $20 Card.
that's only 960: no
Emily: Is there anything else I can help you with today?
that's only 960: the site said $25 when I signed up
that's only 960: yes, the $25 wal-mart gift card
Emily: No.
that's only 960: no?
that's only 960: I know you don't work for swipebids.com directly and have very limited things you can do to help, but how do you live with yourself knowing so many people are getting ripped off?
that's only 960: do you have a script you follow?
Emily: SwipeBids is most certainly not a rip off. Though given how great some of our bargains are, I can understand why you might be suspicious. We are a company that sells products directly to consumers after they have won one of our auctions. Because of the high volume of sales we have and the income we generate through bids, we are able to let people purchase products at a much lower cost than normal retail. And because we are the ones shipping the products, we have much more control over the process – unlike other auction sites that let people sell their own products. I hope this clarifies your concern.
that's only 960: great, another C&P
that's only 960: guess it is script driven
that's only 960: can I get a phone number where I can call swipebids.com?
Emily: To get assistance via phone, please call this number: 1-866-389-3870 (Mon – Sat 8 am - 9 pm & Sun from 10 am - 6 pm Eastern Time). If you are planning to call in regards to a refund, please be informed that they will not be able to assist you with a refund and will direct you back to our Livechat site. However, I am here to provide you immediate customer service.
that's only 960: what about an address where I can send a letter
that's only 960: perfectly script driven
that's only 960: you know I'm not here for a refund
that's only 960: I'm here for the $25 wal-mart gift card
that's only 960: how does the 30 day money back guarantee work?
that's only 960: without sending me a link
that's only 960: you explain it to me
Emily: Every new customer is covered by a Money Back Guarantee which provides access for a full refund of your original bid pack purchase if you have not won any auction items. For full details please CLICK HERE. Once we review your account and confirm you qualify for our Money Back Guarantee, we will process a refund for the initial purchase amount back onto the credit card originally used at the time of sign up.
that's only 960: script again
that's only 960: is my original bid pack purchase the $150?
Emily: Yes.
that's only 960: is there a time frame?
Emily: You'll only get the refund, if you don't win anything and don't have any bids in your account.
Emily: Whenever we receive the mail, we'll refund you in 2 weeks.
that's only 960: I've been bidding on stuff
that's only 960: you didn't answer my question, though
that's only 960: what is the time frame
that's only 960: 0-30 days, 60 days, do I have to wait 30 days, etc
Emily: Whenever we receive the refund form mail, we'll refund you in 2 weeks.
that's only 960: when do I have to send the form in
that's only 960: can I send it in as soon as all my bids are gone?
Emily: Sure.
that's only 960: do I have to send it in before a certain time?
Emily: No.
that's only 960: no?
that's only 960: I could wait til next year and send it in and get a refund?
Emily: You cann send anytime.
that's only 960: so if I wait 100 days and send it in I'll still get a refund?
Emily: No,you have to send that form before 90 days.
that's only 960: ahhh
that's only 960: I'm glad you finally told me the truth
Emily: Thank you very much for chatting with us today. We hope the rest of your day is an excellent one.
Emily: Please feel free to come back for any further assistance.
that's only 960: what, you're kicking me out already?
Emily: No.
that's only 960: ha
that's only 960: thanks, I'll work on sending that form since I never will get my $25 gift card
Emily: Good Bye.
that's only 960: bye
info: Your chat transcript will be sent to xxxx@xxxxx.com at the end of your chat

So the chat person almost outright lied to me about the 90-day money back guarantee thing. I’ve been actively participating in auctions, so now I will bid on more things, print my bid history (which seems to reset on their site), and include that in my refund request, should I not win anything and go to zero bids.

Guarantee: http://www.swipebids.com/guarantee.php

On, and I just wanted to add that I thought it was funny they’re hosted by rackspace.com.