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How to Identify and Avoid Mail-In Rebates Scams

By Robert Banks

Mail in rebates have become increasingly popular in the last few years on many items, especially on electronic devices and computers. Rebates of $20, $50 or $100 are not uncommon. I’ve even seen products advertised as “free after rebate”. Are these mail in rebates “too good to be true”? Is mail in rebate a fraud?

For instance, if a product is offered for $100 with a $60 mail-in rebate, never assume that it costs only $40.

If you get the rebate, it is $40 but if the manufacturer do not honor the rebate, your REAL cost is $100. Therefore, you should always be on guard. Some of them are for real but there are “catches” to watch out for. If you are careful, rebates can help you get some really good deals.

Here’s how mail in rebate work – you pay the listed price for an item, mail in a form and the bar code to the manufacturer. They send you a refund thus reducing the price of what you paid for that product except with a time delay of several weeks, usually six to eight weeks.

The rebate may sometimes be processed by a third party and the actual refund is issued by the manufacturer. That explains why there is so much hassle to getting your rebate.

Are Mail In Rebates Scams?

The short answer is “no” if you keep these few tips in mind to avoid being cheated or feel cheated.

1. Rebates from reputable companies are usually just fine.

You can be pretty sure you will get the promised rebate from Best Buy, Amazon or Dell but you should probably not count on getting one from a company you’ve never heard of. If you really want the product and are comfortable with paying the price listed then buy it. But, don’t count on actually getting the refund.

2. Check rebate expiration dates.

Very often, products will stay on the shelf of a retailer after the date for sending in the rebate offer has expired so make sure to check that date carefully.

3. Be sure you have all the forms required to file for the rebate before you leave the store.

Rebates will almost always require a form to be filled out, a receipt for the purchase and a bar code. If you don’t fill your rebate form properly, your rebate will likely be rejected.

4. Back up your rebate claim.

Make copies of everything you send in to get your rebate including the bar code. Things can get lost in the mail and if the rebate is for $50, it’s worth the trouble to back up your claim.

If you don’t receive your rebate within the expected time period, you should contact the retailer, or the rebate center and inquire. In the worst case, threaten to bring the issue to Federal Trade Commission.

Remember, a rebate is good only if it can be paid.

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