If you live in New York State and purchased a computer from Dell using a Dell-financed “no interest loan,” today may be your lucky day, dude. Based on a settlement with New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, the computer company will pay $4 million “in restitution, penalties and costs to resolve charges of fraudulent and deceptive business practices that scammed consumers across New York State.”

The settlement comes after the New York Supreme Court upheld charges by Cuomo that Dell “engaged in fraud, false advertising, deceptive business practices, and abusive debt collection practices” by, among other things, promoting “no interest” financing that later morphed into rates that went over 20%.

“Today’s announcement is the final step in ensuring New Yorkers harmed by Dell’s deceptive and illegal business practices are fully compensated,” said Attorney General Cuomo. “Going forward, this deal means that Dell will have to clearly and fully disclose the terms and conditions of their products and services, to avoid this kind of fraud at the consumer’s expense. My office is committed to ensuring a fair and honest marketplace across New York by rooting out these unlawful practices, and we encourage anyone who was ripped off by Dell to come forward and file a claim to get their money back.”

New York customers who think they may be entitled to part of the $4 million have until December 15 to file a claim.

Cuomo Announces Dell Will Pay $4 Million For Defrauding New York Consumers [Office of Andrew Cuomo]
Information about filing a Claim for Compensation related to the Dell Settlement [NY Consumer Frauds Bureau]

(Photo: Brent and MariLynn)

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