Computer Fraud

McLEAN, Va., (WUSA) -- "It was a Dell computer, brand new computer," Janet Wilbur says.

Technology she and her son, Duane, needed to get through school.

"I would have to make five consecutive payments for the computer," says Janet.

The payments to McLean-based CEC Solutions were supposed to get Janet what she wanted, and clean up her credit.

So, she signed up for the company's special financing. Nine months later, she's out of $2,000, no computer, and her credit is still the same.

Janet says, "No word from them. I went online to try and look the company back up. I don't see them online."

But what you will find if you type in CEC Solutions are complaints. Lots of them across the country.

Consumers from California to Kentucky to Maryland complained that "CEC Solutions continues to take my money."

"Delayed three times, no computer," And, "Beware of CEC."

The Better Business Bureau's President and CEO Edward Johnson says, "They have an 'F' and it's for good reason."

The BBB says CEC Solutions fails to resolve or even answer many of the complaints from their customers.

"They can't get a refund. The only thing they get is the runaround," says Johnson.

It appears that we did too. CEC Solutions is based in a Fairfax County office building on the ninth floor. But, when we showed up...

"So there's no one actually here from CEC."

They m ay not have physically been in the office, but staffers here knew how to reach them. A spokesperson was supposed to call us back. We're still waiting.

Janet, like hundreds across the country, is still waiting too.

She says, "They do bad business, bad business. And, it's not good to take people's money."

She worries that she'll never get the computer or her money back.

The BBB says none of these customers, including Janet, will likely see their money again.

To protect yourself make sure you understand any contract you sign.

Check out any company before you give away your money.

And, keep all of your documents in case something goes wrong.