Class-Action Lawsuit Accuses Dell of Bait-and-Switch Tactics

February 22nd, 2005 at 2:00 PM - News by Bryan Chaffin

Wintel computer giant Dell has been slapped with a class-action law suit accusing the company of bait-and-switch tactics, false advertising, and fraud. The lawsuit was filed in Francisco County Superior Court on February 14th, though Dell itself is based in Round Rock, TX.

CNet News reported Wednesday that the suit accuses the company of offering discounted computers in its advertising, only to tell consumers that call into the direct-order company that the low-price unit they wanted is no longer available. CNet News also reported that the suit accuses the company and financing partner CIT Bank of including hidden charges and higher interest rates than consumers expect.

"We got quite a few complaints. We also saw quite a few complaints online," Reed Kathrein, an attorney at the law firm, told CNet. "The theme appears to be a bait and switch, where what Dell does is attracts you with one ad and then substitutes."

There is more information in the full article at CNet News.