Armed Forces International MCSS - Jamaica, NY review: Deceptive business practices 217

Colonel Booker,
It's not malice, it's the truth! It's not slander when your complaints are valid, ie, if a company (Armed Forces MCSS) fails to do what they say they will and tries to hide under the guise of "Proudly Serving America's Warriors", they deserve whatever happens.

Being an O-6 in the military I would hope you have better activites for your staff to do then monitor Armed Forces MCSS' lack of quality service. Surely you wouldn't fraudulenty divert military personnel from their duties.

Please say hello to Keith Zapata for me. Warmest regards and cheers.

I am appauled at the USAF for allowing their Airmen and Officers to incite malice. I have contacted the USAF and I hope that all the individuals that posted hate mail toward other servicemembers be dishonorably discharged from the military.
I will personally follow this and have my staff monitor these activities.
You should ALL be ashamed of yourselves.

There are many complaints regarding this store, and every business will have satisfied and dissatisfied customers, however many of the complaints seem to be personal attacks and are disrespectful. I have been to the store numerous times, I have purchased many items there and have always been treated with the outmost respect. The staff has always gone above and beyond to provide me assistance obtaining any items I needed; this store has also assisted in our recruiting efforts. In the past year, the armed forces MCSS has been instrumental in the enlistment of over 20 soldiers into the US Army. I would recommend working with the staff in order to resolve your differences before launching the attacks. We are a country at war, there are more important things to worry about in life. Good luck to you all.

First of all don't do business with MCSS! If you do and have problems with them like so many customers have posted on this discussion board, you can take the following action:

1) Keep all records! Try not to contact them via phone, if possible, unless you can record the conversation (tell them if you are) or take notes during the call. Your best bet is to get it in writing. Remember that email traffic is forever, and email is a document upheld in a court of law.

2) If you paid with a credit card, immediately file a dispute. If you paid with an ATM card reverse the payment.

3) Once you realize that you will not get ANY customer satisfaction from MCSS immediately file a complaint with the following organizations (again, do not wait beyond 45 days from the date of purchase!):

-The Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov),

-Their area Better Business Bureau (www.newyork.bbb.org),

-The New York Attorney General's Office (www.oag.state.ny.us)

-Your state's Attorney General's Office.

-If you are in the military file with the Military Sentinel at (http://www.consumer.gov/military/)

4) Do not succumb to their intimidation tactics. They will say "we’re going to use the UCMJ" against you or "we’re going to call your command" or "you're going to regret this". They don’t have a leg to stand on! The only thing they can do is file against your credit rating. And that too is an easy fix. Dispute it!

If enough people complain they will either stand and deliver or go out of business!

The end of march I eMailed MCSS customer service to check the availability of an ABU item. They said it was in stock, and with that information I placed an order. My invoice stated it would take between 9 and 21 days to ship. So I called them and told them I was deploying the morning of the 8th and needed it before then. Their CS rep said the order was filled and I would receive it before then. That didn't happen. Upon my return I inspected the merchandise. The 2 coats were backordered 90 days, they shipped me a Gore-Tex ACU name tape instead of the ABU, and the boots were the incorrect model! I tried contacting their customer service department via eMail, their website, and telephony and have neither received a remedy nor satisfaction. I have since filed a dispute with my credit card company, reported them to the NY area’s Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General's Offices of MO and NY.

New! Their customer service finally called me back and left a message on my work phone. I thought I would give them an honest try to set things straight. They accused me of posting malicious content on the Internet! (the same message as above). I just hung up on their CS rep (Jayson Sanchez). Immediately I get a second phone call from their organization. I answer it and this joker starts threatening me – telling me that he’s going to use the UCMJ against me and I had to explain to him that I’m title 32 – not title 10. All I ever wanted was a damn uniform set delivered as promised. He finished the conversation with “this is going to be your worst nightmare, my friend.” Luckily I was recording the conversation. What an idiot!

They need to change their logo to "Proudly Screwing America's Warriors" - because that's what thier doing.

So I notified my bank, the bank quickly refunded my money and then I receive thise e-mail from MCSS: Chargebacks are considered a serious offense and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the penal code law and the UCMJ. Any and all chargebacks will result in a $100.00 chargeback fine and the information will be filed with the appropriate Inspector General's Office. The Armed Forces MCSS™ will file a collection's note against your credit rating. All three credit bureau's will be notified of any chargebacks and fines not paid. Credit Card charge-backs are reported to : 1. Inspector General and/or Provost Marshall 2. Credit Bureaus 3. Local or Municipal Law Enforcement Agencies for prosecution of intent to defraud and unlawful use of a credit card.

Clearly someone in the company is associated with the military since they know of the UCMJ. But it's also evident they're not too bright as the company has NO UCMJ AUTHORITY OVER ANYONE. Since I'm stationed overseas I wonder if they're familiar with the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act?
I will gladly explain this in any setting they chose to take this to.

I have had the unfortunate experience of dealing with MCSS since Jan 2008. They have been unbelievablely unprofessional since day one. I ordered an ACU Propper jacket. As others before me on this complaint board, I wrongly assumed that MCSS was a reputable company and that I would receive what I ordered. I received a size that I did not order. After a brief battle, I was able to send it back, only to receive a second jacket of the wrong size. Since then, I have been trying to return it. MCSS told me that it was "almost" the right size, couldn't I just wear it? What kind of business is this? I'd laugh if I were not so angry.

MCSS refuses to issue a RIN to return it. They have no concept of customer service and are willing to send anything regardless of what was ordered. I sent this information to my credit card company and they cancelled the payment to MCSS. As you may have guessed, MCSS did not want their jacket back and wanted to ruin my credit, charge me with a felony and inform my chain of command. When I tried to send this jacket back (a second time and at my own expense both times), MCSS chose to send the jacket back to me.

Apparently, they are exempt from the good faith practices all other legimate companies work under. Give the customer what the customer ordered, or take the item back and give a refund. My credit card company gave me my money back and as an honest person, I tried to send the jacket that I did not order back, but MCSS would rather continue the saga then admit they were wrong.

I have filed several complaints on this company. One of them with the TX Attorney General. One of the websites that they use on companies such as this is ripoff.com. So, if any of you want your complaints to be heard by more folks, that's a good place to also post your issues about MCSS. It seems that there will likely be even more people scammed by MCSS as time goes on.

What a great company "Proudly Serving America's Warriors". So after waiting over six weeks for my "In Stock Ready To Ship" product to actually ship I requested a cancellation/refund. To my surprise they have decided not to refund my money.

Lets see in the past 12 months they have had 25 Complaints

Advertising Issues - 1
Billing or Collection Issues - 1
Customer Service Issues - 2
Delivery Issues - 6
Refund or Exchange Issues - 11
Selling Practices - 4

Out of 25 complaints 21 times Armed Forces MCSS Failed to respond to complaints.

Decide for yourself, but this is NOT a professionally run business. And if it is true the CEO is a Officer in the Armed Forces its a shame that they are treating other military members like this. I also see where the Keith Zapata guy might also be a member of the military somewhere. You might want to call CID and have this place investigated.

Wow, how I wish I had read this before I ordered. Add me to the list of those of haven't received their product. I ordered an ABU jacket on 3 Mar, debit card was charged on 4 Mar, received an e-mail on 3 Mar it would ship in 9-21 days (even though the website shows it in stock ready to ship). It's 11 Apr and when I called and talked to Keith Zapata he said my order was on the shipping floor. I asked to speak with his supervisor and he transfered me to a Mr Sanchez. They told me I would have to e-mail and request a cancellation. I have e-mailed four times before this and only recieved a response twice, both times it was a standard response of your order will ship shortly and you will receive an e-mail when it does. When I asked to speak with anyone else in customer service or anyone besides Keith I get hung up on and even threatened to stop calling or they would call the police on me.

They also can be reported to http://www.ig.state.ny.us/. If any of them are State Government emplyees ie National Guard or Reserves. They will investigate and get to the bottom of it if the complaints are legit. Its just another resourse.

Its pretty amazing as the previous post states, all positive comments all within minutes of each other. Does the armed forces mcss think people believe this crap with the "Strange all of a sudden" good comments. They can see for themselves especially if they do look at the Better Business Buerau web site. Heck they are not even a member, well they are if you do count complaints.

You can see also from all the spam that they post on Yahoo answers and You Tube Videos and look at the replys they give, not at all professional. Seems like they cannot even afford to pay for real advertising, besides posting spam all over the place. I guess their reputaion speaks for itself. Personally I wouldn't order anything from them. If you are in the Military a few resourses you can use is to report them to the JAG, IG Office, Public Affairs and possibly the postal service if it is mail fraud.

God bless the USA and the troops that are defending freedom around the world.

Obviously there would not be any negative comments if MCSS shipped their items when they metioned or promised. Credit Cards are not charged until product ships, explain that one. You are charging cards immediately and not delivering the product. Simple as that and lets not blow this into a CIRCUS. Business basics 101 provide your customers with the merchandise you promised when promised and do not tell your customer the same lies over and over. OBVIOUSLY I'm not the only consumer that has been scammed. Everyone on this site can obviously see where all the positive posts came from, hmmmmmmmm? For a business to say they do not recognize the BBB is a slap in their own face and a mockery to their own business and shows they have something to hide.

I am not one to get mad or vindictive but I soley believe in Karma and will get a giggle when MCSS gets their piece of the Karma Pie! :o)

Amazing how all of these positive posts show up within minutes of each other. I'll bet it's the ### who answers the phone and the rest of the crooks who run the place! I will continie to warn all military personnel to stay away from them and continue to complain to the NY Attorney Generals Office.

These people are CROOKS!

I ordered a pair of belleville boots and a spec-ops over amor vest and received both items within 3 days. Their prices were less than the rest of those guys. When i'm in NYC I plan to visit this clothing sales store. I also read the newsletter and applaud the 1LT.
FYI for the bosses- there are jerks posting bad info on your store.
I checked the dla site before I bought from you and I know your legite. Keep up the good work and thank you.

I would like to congratulate the mcss in jamaica for a fine job. I have only twice(and on post) seen any clothing sales store like this. There's excellent service and knowledge with px pricing. I also like the fact that civis are not allowed to shop there.
Keep up the good work.

This place is fantastic. Not your regular post store. You can find all the new items you want. And to boot, they even have tailoring and dry cleaning services. I'm glad that they are there. Keep on rolling armed forces mcss!

They have all the stuff you need and want. I am happy to shop there.

Those of you who think this store is bad or a rip off or whatever you think are either to cheap to even be in NY or some kind of supply freaks.
The store has knowledgeable staff and always top quality products and if you can't find it there you can ask them to order it for you. I shop a lot online from big supply dealers and find it a very unpleasant experience... You get your products late or broken or just the complete wrong product. What the crap! When you need a product now for an upcoming mission, You need the Armed Forces MCSS.

MAJ. Annunziata and all his staff treated me and my fellow teammates as family. They always offer hlepful advice and honest customer service. This is definately the place to shop if your in the military, law enforcement, or like me just a scenario paintballer.

Thank you for all your advice and continued support,

The MCSS of Jamaica New York is ohraa outstanding. serving the men and women of the Armed Forces and also the community. they serve with pride both the MCSS and the Country. they help you with your ever need. They stay loyal to their services and to the i say ...Semper Fi

I'm a reservist that just moved in to the area. My friend who is with me at the unit told me about this place were they sell military and law enforcement gear. This MCSS has all the equipment you migth require in any given mission. This place is like a Toy's R Us for military and law enforcement agencies or for people who just look for the best gear ever. Is amazing how this people treat other with the respect and the affection that only professional people have. Thank you very much for all the support and all the hard work. Look foward towards a good future for this store and the staff.

I really did feel like a kid again. They had everything that I wanted, and then some. I recommend this store to any one. And if you are in the NYC area you have to go to the store.

I ORDERED FOR MY SQUAD AND RECEIVED OUR ORDER WITHIN DAYS.
WE HAD TO ADD ITEMS AND IT WAS NO PROBLEM.
QUICK REPLIES AND I FOUND OUT ALL THE STAFF IS MILITARY.
I RECOMMEND THE ARMED FORCES MCSS.

LoL, this hilarious. Obviously you guys have nothing better to do than complain.
I shopped with then and in several occasion online and at there store. I have NEVER had a problem with them and always feel comfortable do business with them. There staff is respectfull and knowledgeable of the products. There is alot of good testimonials on the web and in the media of their acheivements.

I must say, this is the first NY company that has gotten away with this ### with me. I've had past experiences with bate and switch NY/NJ companies and learned after once bitten they are pretty much all the same. I'm a contractor and have supplied our hard working Soldiers that represent us unlike these DIRTBAGS. They are liars, scammers, thiefs. I'm guessing I'm out almost 900 dollars. I was told back in FEBRUARY when my card was charged that we would be receiving the 4 NEW APECS in mid march. Well mind you.. it's only been two weeks now that it's April 1st. BUT after all my phone calls, emails and yes to even the RETIRED Maj Carmine whatever his last name is- no answers no responses. Same old crap as everyone in the previous posts. Its the same song and dance.. "will be shipping shortly". I was even told that he "KEITH" went down to shipping.. they probably don't even have a "shipping" department! They probably work out of a basement of a falling down brick building like all the other NY scamm shops! I'm so disgusted and actually really irritated that I ordered these through these THIEFS/CROOKS and not Propper like I was going to. But my guys were cold in the contracting office that I work for and I searched high and low trying to find the NEW APECS- not the defected ones that were generated, the reason for the back up on the APECS. Now how do I tell my guys I was scammed and they probably won't get the jackets while deployed. Unfortunately for MCSS it HAS NOT BEEN 90 DAYS YET. Our bank will hopefully reverse the charges! I'll show them the BBB website and this complaint board. I do not like thiefs, liars, or scam artists especially when my company lives to help our Soldiers stateside and Overseas!

My last phone call tonight was at 5:50 and Keith answered the "ordering line" as always and had the audacity to tell me he has no information and everyone is getting ready to walk out because it was 10 to 5! The NERVE! Thank God, I do not live in NY or anywhere even remotely close. I am going to contact one of my contractors that used to be deployed to the same contracting office and he lives in NY! OFF TO THE BBB...

BEWARE BEWARE BEWARE BEWARE BEWARE-BEWARE BEWARE BEWARE BEWARE BEWARE BEWARE-BEWARE BEWARE

Here is another so called employee of armedforcesmcss Spamming on YouTube. Advertising in a Military Uniform on the internet. Also possibly a member of the NY National Guard. From the comments posted for the video. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUKibPxUciQ

Airsoft guns are Illegal in the confines of NYC. And if your a Serving Member of the NYARNG you are violating NYS Military law by wearing your uniform in an Advertisment. I SINCERELY hope your not a Member of 258 FA "Sgt" Zapata...

I wish I would have found this forum before I ordered the ABU gortex from this company. I called and was told it was in stock back in Nov 07. My credit card was charged in Dec 07. Here it is now the middle of March and I still have not received my jacekt. I placed numerous calls and emails and all I hear is that my item will ship shortly. I was even told that I had disputed my order, which I have never done. Then Brian Williams tried to threaten me and report me to the IG and the provost marshall (LOL). Forget about dealing with Brian Williams or any of the other minions who work for this piss poor company. I am probably out $325.00. Tell your friends to stay away from this company as all it will lead to is a lighter wallet. I sent the BBB a complaint last night. I have also passed on to the members of my base to stay clear of this company as well.

They should use the Motto "Proudly Stealing from American Soldiers" on their website. What a bunch of dupes. Thanks for the heads up on this place.

Seems like their reputation is growing and its not a good one. They have 17 Compaints with the BBB. They can also be reported to the postal service since this also seems to be mail fraud. I guarantee the Postal Service will investigate since they seem to provide false documents. The only way to get a business like this to stop is to report them to the proper authorities.

What this company does is criminal, they should all be fined and probably arrested. At least investigated by the OSI as a minimum. But what can you expect from the military. Think the JAG and OSI would investigate people ripping off servicemembers? Heck no, they would investigate the servicmember at the first accusation of impropriety false or otherwise. But they won't lift a finger to help you the servicemember at all. Either way Armed Forces MCSS are a bunch of crooks. Yes, thiefs and crooks. Stay away from this rip off company. I ordered ABUs a month ago and still have not received the uniform.

Dean, Maj. USAF, AD

This place is a private business ran by a Major and Captain in the Reserves in New York. These scoundrels need to be reported to JAG in Hamilton NY. These practices should not be tolerated especially when they are in the military trying to steal from honest hard working Soldiers.

Its ran by a Reserve Major and Captain stationed in NY. Yes this place will scam you as they have done many before.

This place is run by a bunch of scam artist Reserve Officers. Their names can be found on godaddy.com under the web address armenforcesmcss.com. That is why they think they can report you to your chain of command. They cannot do that and it is unethical for any member of the armed forces to do that. Yes they are very shady and advertise they have items when indeed they do not. Report them to JAG corp. They are a bunch of SCAM Artists who like to take advantage of Military Members.

They are SCAMMERS. The place is run by a few Reserve Officers. This can be Researched on this Web. One is a MAJOR carmine annuziata and the other is a Captain. Thats how they know to try and report you to your Commander. This Place needs to be reported to JAG. Especially when they try and blow a smokescreen or threaten Soldiers. This place is run by nothing but SCAM Artists trying to make a quick buck off a Soldier.

They are SCAMMERS. The place is run by a few Reserve Officers by Research on this Place. One is a MAJOR carmine annuziata and the other is a Captain. Thats how they know to try and report you to your Commander. This Place needs to be reported to JAG. Especially when they try and blow a smokescreen or threaten Soldiers. This place is run by nothing but SCAM Artists trying to make a quick buck off a Soldier.

They are SMAMMER Reservists that run the Place. The owner is a Reserve Major Carmine Annuzita from research on their website and the Web. Another is a Captain. They need to be reported to JAG. THIS IS TOTALLY UNETHICAL Especially when they are trying to report you to your Command, they are blowing smoke screens to try to get you to stop pushing the issues. SEE JAG IMMEDIATELY! They should be in Leavensworth for this, not SCAMMING Soldiers.

They are SCAM Artists and the owner from research on the website armedforcesmcss.us is Carmine Annuziata who is a Major in the reserves. There is also a Capt who is part of this company who is a reservist I believe. They seem to be blowing alot of smoke. This Company needs to be reported to the JAG Corp. by everyone who has been ripped of by them. Obviously they are if they are threatening to report them to your Command. They use that tactic to try and scare someone, since they think they know the ins and outs of the Military System. SKAM ARTISTS WHO RIP OF THE MILITARY! THEY SHOULD BE IN LEAVENWORTH.

Also, they tried the same thing; threatening me with a report to my commander. This is fraud and will be pursued through the JAG corp to the utmost.

This store is horrible and their customer service is the worst. They have stolen our money and refused to ship the product, Air Force ABU which they claimed was in stock at the time of order. For those of you who might have had a good experience I ask you this; What does it mean to you if they even rip off one active duty military for any reason whatsoever? What kind of teammate are you if you back up this pack of thieves no matter what kind of deal you get on the NYPD, NY guard etc. I am filing an IG complaint, complaint to our credit card company, the better business bureau, etc.