bernadettephelp: HP is a fraudulent company - stating "liquid damage" causing USB port failures!!! [

[SedonaF]

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Operating-Systems-and/HP-is-a-fraudulent-company-stating-quot-...

This is in regard to ticket # 8056818280.  I purchased this computer through my company’s HP portal at a discounted rate in December 2011.  Two weeks after I purchased the computer, I noticed the USB ports stopped working.  I researched this issue on your website and found literally hundreds of complaints on the same issue. The customer service department didn’t seem to believe me when I called and told them about it.  They acted like this was an “unknown” issue, even though the complaints about this problem are directly on your own website.  If you research it on google, you will find thousands of similar USB complaints for this product on other tech sites.

I called HP tech support and spent an hour and a half on the phone with them, but we were unable to resolve the issue.  He sent me a box to send it back.  I got a call about a week or so later from Customer Service.  They said the tech dept. had found “suspected” liquid damage on the motherboard and so my repair was not under warranty and would cost $350.  I was astounded – I live alone, I don’t have kids nor pets.  In the two weeks I had the computer, I never spilled anything on it nor had it in an environment where it could get liquid damage.  She said I had 24 hours to decide.  Because I knew I didn’t spill anything on it, I did a little research.  Turns out, I found at least a dozen articles and blogs from people and other techs that stated HP told them the same thing, even though they KNEW they didn’t have liquid damage. 

At this point, I am frustrated HP does not stand behind their product, warranty, or customer service.  Worse, I believe HP is fraudulent with their responses of “suspected” liquid damage.  I believe they don’t want to repair their subpar product.  I never spilled anything on my computer – I am certain of that.  Where the water damage occurred (if there even IS really water damage), I couldn’t tell you, but even if there is – I don’t believe that is the cause of the USB port issue.  If you look on HP's website, you will see that this is a prevalent problem with your product. 

When I explained this to customer service, they said there was nothing they could do and I’d have to write a letter (REALLY?!?!?  In 2012, I have to send a letter?  Ridiculous!) to the complaints department.  They have shipped me back my computer because I wouldn’t authorize the charges. 

I printed out evidence of other complaints and fowarded it to the compaints department.  I have also filed a complaint with the bbb.  I will NEVER purchase an HP product again.  Also, since I purchased this through work portal at Nestle, I am letting co-workers know in 6 plants accross the USA which I am responsible for, to not purchase through the portal.  Also, I am putting this on blast on facebook and asking all my family/friends to blast out to THEIR family and friends.  Even if I never get reimbursed from HP - they've just lost another 5000 customers.

[JeffHelp1]

02/08/12 - Jeff reached out to customer