View Full Version : Scam - Olin Ross Home Theater Equipment
amricca
Jul 28, 2008, 08:18 AM
So these 2 guys stop my in my parking lot and tried to sell me some Olin Ross home theater equipment for cheap out of the back of their SUV. They had a whole story worked out, their boss gave them too many units... yada yada. They offered me a $2500 system for $500. I talked them down to $300, to which they said OK. I ran inside to get the money and googled Olin Ross to check it out. Scam Alert popped right up, turns out they are $99 units from China and they made up the $2500 part, they had brochures and even a website and have been pulling this scam all over the country. Common sense should have told me it was too good to be true, it was. I went back out and told the guy he was a scum bag and to get the hell out of here, and blew a potential sale for him to one of my neighbors. He got really mad, but took off very quickly. I should have called the police first and stalled but I was mad and wasn't thinking.
NeedKarma
Jul 28, 2008, 08:21 AM
They had a whole story worked out, their boss gave them too many units...yada yada.That's the story that made it all legit for you? Really?
This scam is as old as the hills.
amricca
Jul 28, 2008, 08:38 AM
I had doubts the whole time of course as their story was very shady, but I had never heard about this one before. They were pretty good, and the equipment was brand new still in the box and looked good. I bet a lot of people fell for it and still are going to.
excon
Jul 31, 2008, 06:05 AM
Hello a:
I'm nor sure where the scam is. If you go to Wal Mart and spend $2,500, you'll get $99 Chinese systems... At least these guys saved you the trip.
excon
kamikaze cmi
Dec 24, 2008, 03:08 PM
As a consumer everything that you buy is marked up, especially coming from another country such as China , Michael Jordan shoes are made in China by workers only making less than 5 cents an hour and they only cost 2 dollars to make but we (Americans) buy them for 100 to 200 dollars………. Yet that is not a scam. The up side to buying on the streets, is it's done on the streets, you can bargin and get what you want at the price you want to spend and the down side is if you let someone sell you something for more that you was willing to pay then you lose but It's not a scam your just not a hustler and shouldn't be buying on the streets. So those Olin Ross guys that's upset who claim they got, got shut the up and stay out the streets. I paid 300 dollars for two systems and sold one for 800 without all the fancy con artist . I guest that makes me a scammer too but not in my eyes I'm a better hustler.
jwalk
Dec 30, 2008, 10:26 AM
I have to agree mostly to what the reply above is saying. I must inform you that I bought one of these systems for 150.00 after looking at the lower end, walmart systems which sell for the same. I didn't know this was a widely publicized scam but, once I got home and looked it up, I was in a hurry to plug the system in and check it out. Once I found the system worked I didn't feel cheated. I realized that the whole process might not be all that was being presented so I named a price that I would still be OK with and, stuck with it. If these systems sell for 99 dollars in China then I'd have to say that I'm happy to pay 150 in the states. I look at it as cutting out the middle man and passing the savings on to me. Now if this system breaks down on me and the warranty is not honored then I will be posting my retraction to this post. Until then, proceed with caution.
super_galan
Mar 5, 2009, 05:39 PM
I met these two guys today outside meadawood mall in Reno NV. And they told me the same story. When I went to my car I googled Olin Ross and this story came out. I went back to the guys furious and they got in their car and speead away.
areadelsol
Jul 30, 2009, 02:14 PM
I just had two guys approach us with the same scam here in the parking lot of my work in San Antonio, TX. They were two Caucasian young guys that drove a fairly-new white full sized two seat pick-up truck with a covered hard-top bed, underneath they had about 8 boxes of these systems. Same story as the first post, they had it all worked out with a work order receipt and a catalog showing the system for $1899.00. After his pitch, I would have bought the system for $75, what I offered him. Fortunately, he didn't go for it and got angry and offended at my offer and drove away. I am glad it did not work out after doing some research online. A few minutes later, the two fellows were trying to scam another guy across the parking lot, JERKS.
areadelsol
Jul 30, 2009, 02:14 PM
I just had two guys approach us with the same scam here in the parking lot of my work in San Antonio, TX. They were two Caucasian young guys that drove a fairly-new white full sized two seat pick-up truck with a covered hard-top bed, underneath they had about 8 boxes of these systems. Same story as the first post, they had it all worked out with a work order receipt and a catalog showing the system for $1899.00. After his pitch, I would have bought the system for $75, what I offered him. Fortunately, he didn't go for it and got angry and offended at my offer and drove away. I am glad it did not work out after doing some research online. A few minutes later, the two fellows were trying to scam another guy across the parking lot, JERKS.
areadelsol
Jul 30, 2009, 02:14 PM
I just had two guys approach us with the same scam here in the parking lot of my work in San Antonio, TX. They were two Caucasian young guys that drove a fairly-new white full sized two seat pick-up truck with a covered hard-top bed, underneath they had about 8 boxes of these systems. Same story as the first post, they had it all worked out with a work order receipt and a catalog showing the system for $1899.00. After his pitch, I would have bought the system for $75, what I offered him. Fortunately, he didn't go for it and got angry and offended at my offer and drove away. I am glad it did not work out after doing some research online. A few minutes later, the two fellows were trying to scam another guy across the parking lot, JERKS.
areadelsol
Jul 30, 2009, 02:14 PM
I just had two guys approach us with the same scam here in the parking lot of my work in San Antonio, TX. They were two Caucasian young guys that drove a fairly-new white full sized two seat pick-up truck with a covered hard-top bed, underneath they had about 8 boxes of these systems. Same story as the first post, they had it all worked out with a work order receipt and a catalog showing the system for $1899.00. After his pitch, I would have bought the system for $75, what I offered him. Fortunately, he didn't go for it and got angry and offended at my offer and drove away. I am glad it did not work out after doing some research online. A few minutes later, the two fellows were trying to scam another guy across the parking lot, JERKS.
areadelsol
Jul 30, 2009, 02:14 PM
I just had two guys approach us with the same scam here in the parking lot of my work in San Antonio, TX. They were two Caucasian young guys that drove a fairly-new white full sized two seat pick-up truck with a covered hard-top bed, underneath they had about 8 boxes of these systems. Same story as the first post, they had it all worked out with a work order receipt and a catalog showing the system for $1899.00. After his pitch, I would have bought the system for $75, what I offered him. Fortunately, he didn't go for it and got angry and offended at my offer and drove away. I am glad it did not work out after doing some research online. A few minutes later, the two fellows were trying to scam another guy across the parking lot, JERKS.
dchupp55
Aug 3, 2009, 05:25 PM
I have a set of olin ross speakers that I traded for, and I'm very pleased with them, then again I did not have to shell out cash, I traded a outdated mt2500 scanner(automotive) from snap on for a 5.1 set. I was disapointed it did not come with a receiver, but I purchased a 229.00 yamaha receiver, and I can say I'm pleased as punch with the performance of the speakers. But I would like to know more about Olin Ross products. Let's face it, a lot of this stuff is very common technology, nothing new about it, so most of the time that means prices come down because it's accepted technology, and they make all the products, with what used to be "bells and whistles'. The speakers are perfporming quite well, and I would be willing to bet, that if I used quality speaker wire, instead of the wire that came with it, would probably be a good idea, although I intend to do just that, the speakers are performing well enough, that I feel no rush to do that immediately.
rjadams85
Aug 3, 2009, 06:55 PM
I fell for the scam for $200. To this very second I have no idea what the heck I was thinking. Anyway, my buddy and I did a lot of research and found that most people that hooked the speakers up ended up frying their receivers. My solution is this, just put the speakers on craigslist. That gives any potential buyer ample opportunity to find out the speakers are garbage and if they still want to buy them, it's all on them. I asked $300 for mine, a guy offered $200 and just like that, I got my money back. But you should probably be ready to get jumped too, I would imagine somebody might try to be a hero if they think you're a scammer. That's why I always have my .40 cal buddy and a concealed carry permit. Good luck to all and buyer beware.
excon
Aug 3, 2009, 08:12 PM
Hello rj:
So, because YOU got ripped off, you got even by ripping somebody else off, and if they didn't like it, you were going to shoot 'em.
Dude!
excon
azdrow75
Aug 21, 2009, 02:08 PM
I paid $200.00 for the 6 speaker surround system. They looked great in the box. I knew they weren't worth the $1900.00 that was on the box, but I figured they were probably worth about what I paid. I would be satisfied, only the speakers sound like crap, some are blown, and the sub woffer has a short in the wiring and you have to "hit" it to get it to work.
azdrow75
Aug 21, 2009, 02:08 PM
I paid $200.00 for the 6 speaker surround system. They looked great in the box. I knew they weren't worth the $1900.00 that was on the box, but I figured they were probably worth about what I paid. I would be satisfied, only the speakers sound like crap, some are blown, and the sub woffer has a short in the wiring and you have to "hit" it to get it to work.
pdogg
Sep 4, 2009, 05:56 PM
Same thing happened to me.I almost bought it too.But luckily was in a hurry and didn't have time to get cash.I live in edmonton Alberta Canada.So they must be doing this across north america.
JoeBeets
Sep 5, 2009, 02:58 PM
I was also approached in a parking lot, same story, same equipment. Never heard of the brand so I was skeptical, to say the least.
alexandertsp
Oct 12, 2009, 01:13 PM
I'm form Pflugerville, TX and the same happened to me but I told them $100.00 and I have the system for that price, now if it's sell for $99.00 in china I just bought it for $1.00 more.
smoothoperator
Oct 13, 2009, 09:04 PM
I bought a set of olin tower speakers from 2 guys in a white van and paid 200. For the pair... excellent deal ! These speakers rock! They smoke the competition out there... they blew away my friends pioneer home speakers he paid a fortune for.. I bought a pair of different speaker 6 years ago from a couple of guys running the same gig.. and they still rock the house.. so these are quality speakers.. I put them through hell and back.. its all about the bargaining game on a good deal.. florida
NeedKarma
Oct 14, 2009, 02:25 AM
i bought a set of olin tower speakers from 2 guys in a white van and paid 200. for the pair...excellent deal ! these speakers rock! they smoke the competion out there...they blew away my friends pioneer home speakers he paid a fortune for..i bought a pair of different speaker 6 years ago from a couple of guys running the same gig ..and they still rock the house..so these are quality speakers..i put them thru hell and back..its all about the bargaining game on a good deal..floridaSuuure they do. LOL! How that van of yours? :)
ant1127
Nov 1, 2009, 03:26 PM
Well I live in killeen, Texas I just bought the set for 110.00 if it is only worth 99.00 I am not out much, I have not hooked it up yet though. Need a receiver to see if it works.
chaos69
Nov 4, 2009, 01:23 PM
I was a victim to this scam also. I was approached by two guys and a girl and they were saying the same story that was told to everyone else. I have not used the system yet, but I was looking on-line and I just found out about the scam. My first thought was not to buy it. When I went home and looked up the product online I thought I had gotten a great deal. I feel cheated now. I spent $150.00 on a piece of . I will not buy anything like that again.
jayrad
Nov 11, 2009, 04:47 PM
I just got scammed! I had never heard of olin ross before, but when they showed me the catalog - I was sold. The y did the same scam. Stopped me in the parking lot of the home depot here in Florida!
StealthyRR
Nov 16, 2009, 09:37 AM
Just ran into a two white guys in Jupiter, FL. One tatted up and the other coked up (in my opinion). Same story as all the rest... Paid $220 for the OR6050 and $100 for each tower. So $420 for everything. Just hopes it works, will find out after Christmas...
BP1
Nov 19, 2009, 09:32 AM
These same guys tried to hit me up with the same scam here in Miami, FL yesterday. Not only did they fail with their scam, I got the phone # of the lead guy that calls himself Casey (sp?). In case anyone is interested, it's a Louisiana mobile # (337)316.0311.
Idiot47
Nov 21, 2009, 07:32 PM
I was at a Hess station earlier this week and when I went back to my truck and opened up my bag of chips, these too guys came up to my truck and started talking with this all planned out story about their company that ordered too many sound systems and a bunch of yada yada bull ! And I feel like and asswipe for actually believing it!! So they went on and on with some $2500 price down to $500 system, then we settled on $300, so when I got home that afternoon to surprise my family with this brand new sound system. My wife googled this Olin Ross company and immediately popped up as a SCAM! And how all these people have done the same damn thing, especially now from reading all of the responses above me! Not to mention the crap I got from my kids about buying something out of the back of some douchebags car. But all in good humor I suppose. Wow I feel pretty ty!
ScamKiller
Dec 1, 2009, 06:39 PM
Dec 1, 2009 Layton, Utah... I was in line at my bank waiting to go through the drive through teller. Some stick pulls up in the next lane and motions for me to roll the window down. He said the store screwed up and ordered him two home theater systems when he ordered one (yeah right, like they would let him take the 2nd for free.) Anyhow he says he will sell it cheap. I asked how much and he said, "back up, I'll show it to you." I said "Nope, sorry." The scam alert buzzer went off in my head right away. Why? Because this is actually the 2nd time this has happened to me. I didn't fall for it the first time either, luckily. I thought that was a little more than coincidence that this kind of thing would happen to me twice.
I really should have had him wait while I pretended to go into the bank to get my money. Then while I was in the bank I should have called the ing cops. Stupid scammer pricks I will definitely do this next time.
If this happens to you, tell them to wait there because your wife is bringing up the ing money, then call the cops!
skylar6
Dec 8, 2009, 04:36 PM
Listen dumbass people everything you buy in the store is jacked up in prices number 1 u think if you buy a 2000 dollar one from best buy it cost 2000 dollars to make? Hell no think before you act I bought some with a tuner because I read the box and they work great for $450 most the ones they try to sell are just speakers which is a dumb move on your part to not read what your buying so I give them props honestly
cmartucci
Dec 21, 2009, 04:03 PM
I bought one of these stereos for 700 than went home and looked it up and realized it was a scam I can't even sale it any where this really does suck wish I had my laptop with me at the time but oh well. I would love to see them again and get the plate number and there names and turn them in. I hate people like that
maxell1
Dec 26, 2009, 12:50 PM
You guys aren't the only victims, I was on the other side for a day. I showed up to apply for a "driver" open position. The boss man tells me about what they do, shows me a catalog and pulls out a wad of cash, puts it ont the desk and says that's how much I could be making. I was interested then agreed to a ride-along with the guys. This was in the dallas/ fort worth area in Texas. They tried their hardest to sell anyone and everyone. It didn't turn out so well for them but now that I've read up on olin ross I'm glad they didn't scam too many people. I never went back, they are working as XRT distributor employees. Beware people in Texas.. the scam is spreading
smoothy
Feb 2, 2010, 08:09 AM
Anyone that buys something like that, unsolicited from a guys truck or car gets exactly what they deserve.
You wanted something for nothing... well you got nothing for something instead.
This scam has been taking place for a LOT of years... different people... different products. Same ploy. Take advantage of the greed inside most people.
I never carry much money on me... and I have been approached like this every so often for 30 years now... And I know it's a variation of tricks played by door to door traveling salesmen for longer than anyone still alive has been around.
I never fell for it even once. Contrary to what some of these one post spammers and scammers in this thread have said... if the deal appears too good to be true... then it nearly always is. Its conterfiet or no-name crap... or its stolen goods that can land you in jail if you are caught with them.
Either way... You get played for a sucker and a fool.
They guys are polished con men... playing on greeding people ho toss common sense out the door when they think they can "get over" on someone.
Nobody with legitimate products or business will be walking up to strangers, selling out of their truck, period, ever.