If you recently visited a website called Home Kitchen Goods and ordered cleaning supplies to help out in the pandemic, don’t hold your breath waiting for the goods to arrive, as chances appear to be pretty slim they will ever be delivered your way.
The Better Business Bureau says there were Michigan customers in the mix of 21 complaints so far across 13 states regarding failure to receive the goods or a proper refund, either.
In an alert issued today, the Better Business Bureau says they have received several complaints regarding the fake website that appears to be selling cleaning supplies during the pandemic. According to 21 complainants, in 13 states, the website, us.homekitchengoods.com advertised essential items at the onset of the coronavirus outbreak, charged customers, and failed to provide refunds when the items never arrived.
Customers attempted to purchase hand sanitizer, toilet tissue, and disinfecting wipes from the website. Orders ranged from $35 to $85. Some consumers also mentioned to BBB that Home Kitchen Goods used advertisements on social media, namely Facebook, to lure individuals to the site. BBB has issued an “F” rating to Home Kitchen Goods for failing to respond any of the 21 complaints that it has received so far in 2020. They say that the website was mysteriously deactivated after BBB investigators reached out to the company directly.
Customers alleged that once they realized that the items had not been shipped, they searched for contact information for the company. There was no telephone number or address listed to contact the seller directly. Kitchen Home Goods was only accessible via email at support@homekitchengoods.com. Once customers reached out to Home Kitchen Goods, almost every complainant told BBB that they received an email promising a refund. Yet, months later, customers still have not received either the purchased goods or the refund.
In March, a Warren, Michigan, resident told BBB they placed an order for some disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer on homekitchengoods.com. She received a shipping notification, then a week later received another email stating they would be sending her a refund but provided no further explanation. It has been almost two months, and the consumer has not received the products or a refund, and she was not able to get ahold of the business because the website disappeared.
Melanie Duquesnel, President & CEO of BBB Serving Eastern Michigan & the Upper Peninsula, says, “Always take an extra minute and do your research when buying from an online company, especially the companies you find via an ad on social media.” She adds, “Scammers are well aware that many people are turning to online retailers as essential items are out of stock in your local stores.”
BBB advertising investigators also challenged the business, asking that it provide proof that it ever intended to sell the items that it advertised. They also requested that the business provide basic contact information to customers. According to BBB’s advertising guidelines, known as the Code of Advertising, advertisers may not use untrue, misleading, deceptive, or fraudulent ads. Furthermore, advertisers should be prepared to provide proof of advertised claims to BBB upon request.
BBB has noted a spike in the number of websites that have appeared selling essential goods during the coronavirus pandemic. Because of the urgent need for these items, customers often take a chance by attempting to purchase from pop-up or fly-by-night websites. BBB offers guidance about protecting yourself when making online purchases and has issued in-depth warnings about schemes involving COVID-19.
BBB encourages all customers to report advertisements that they believe to be false, misleading, confusing or insincere offers to sell to BBB AdTruth. BBB.org/AdTruth is an online portal that allows the public to submit information to BBB advertising investigators. If customers are seeking a refund or would like BBB to assist in settling disputes with businesses, they may file a complaint on BBB.org or report scams to BBB Scam Tracker.
