Sunday, September 24, 2006

Have You Ever Ordered from Hometown Candy or Jordan Almonds?

There are some great candy webstores out there. And there are also that are not so great. I’ve been contacted twice in the past month regarding HometownCandy.com, which is run by the same company that runs JordanAlmonds.com and ebulkcandy.com. (I’m not doing any linking here where not necessary.)

The complaints I’ve heard are from people who place an order and never get their candy. Their credit card is charged but then nothing is shipped and of course their emails and phone calls go unanswered.

First, JordanAlmonds and ebulkcandy are not completely secured. Sure, when you put stuff in a cart and check out at either site, it is a secure page (that’s when you see the https:// in the address). But there are also prompts on JordanAlmonds to input your credit card on unsecured pages and on ebulkcandy. Bad form. You’re opening yourself up to someone else sniffing out your credit card number and other personal info.

Now, I haven’t ordered from either of these companies so I cannot testify one way or another personally. But here are the Better Business Bureau listings for them:

HometownCandy.com - 1 complaint which is unresolved. HometownCandy is not a member of the BBB.

JordanAlmonds.com - 7 unresolved complaints this year. Not a member of the BBB.

Former businesses:

EBulkCandy.com -  52 complaints, 4 resolved in Morrisville, PA. It’s not clear if this site is still in operation. It’s up, but doesn’t appear to have been updated this year. The have had several different locations, and each one has its own file with the BBB. Ewing, NJ (28 complaints, 2 resolved), Hamilton, NJ (1 complaint, unresolved), West Trenton, NJ (18 complaints, 3 resolved)

Also, go to Complaints.com and check any one of those business names.

Alexa and a domain name search reveals that ebulkcandy’s domain is held in the Czech Republic by the same contact info as HometownCandy but doesn’t show a direct relationship to JordanAlmonds (except for an address in NJ in common).

Now, for the record, just having complaints filed at the BBB does not make the company bad. Lots of large companies have complaints lodged against them (sometimes people go there first, without contacting the company directly). The key is whether or not the company is a member of the BBB and further, if they respond to and resolve the complaints. Volume has a lot to do with it as well. Even when you have 99.9% satisfaction, if you have 100,000 transactions a year you might have 100 unhappy people ... and if 10% of those don’t get a resolution through you, they’re gonna go complain elsewhere. It’s not just complaints that are important, but resolutions.

If you’re looking to buy something online and you feel a little odd, check around. It’s your money and your candy. Running a candy store is not rocket science. You put up a list of what you have, people order it and you send it out to them. There are lots of ways to screw it up (send the wrong thing, charge the card wrong, send it to the wrong place, pack things improperly), but lots of ways to fix it if you do make a mess. The fact that there are so many choices out there means that you can make informed choices.

The first thing to check for is a real address (usually found on their “returns” section), a real phone number and names of the people who run the company. Membership in the BBB, a Yahoo! Trusted Sites seal, a well organized site that uses the latest in web design and technology. Google the company and see if they have complaints against them. If you’re worried about it, move along, there are plenty of places to get candy.

So, if you’ve ever ordered from one of these companies, what was your experience. Good or bad?

UPDATE 2/22/2007: I got this email earlier today:

I have been asked by our Compliance Department to send you the following response regarding the complaints made against Hometowncandy.com:

Please be advised that as of February 1, 2007, Net Atlantic, Inc. terminated all Internet services to Ebulkcandy.com (a/k/a Jordonalmonds.com
and Hometowncandy.com) because of their failure to properly address unresolved issues brought to our attention.

Net Atlantic, Inc.
Compliance Department

This does not mean that the websites are gone, the obviously found other internet service, but it’s an interesting approach, getting the service provider involved.

UPDATE 4/9/2007
: To everyone who has commented, I recommend contacting the New Jersey Attorney General and their consumer affairs department:

http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/comp.htm - (Use the OCP complaint form.)

Since I’ve never ordered from them, I’m unable to file a complain on behalf of a third party.

Also, there is a website called Consumerist.com that helps people get the word out about bad companies. I’ve contacted them, but I’m not able to offer a first-hand experience. Check them out and see if they can give this issue wider exposure. Try this site as well: www.ripoffreport.com.

UPDATE 7/2/2007: Some commenters have noted that the NJ Consumer Affairs office refuses to investigate, saying that it is a federal matter. If you’d like to file a formal complaint, direct it to the Federal Trade Comission, which investigates mail fraud (and now covers internet transactions).

This should be the correct form (do NOT enter your Social Security Number in this instance, as that item is only needed when they’re investigating credit report scams or identity theft. You can read more about the rules governing internet commerce on this page.

POSTED BY Cybele AT 11:54 am Tracker Pixel for Entry     CandyNewsShopping

Comments
  1. membership in the BBB is no indication of anything except that the company has been suckered into paying dues to an impotent organization.  i have been a member & i have also taken a complaint to the BBB.  they admit that there is NOTHING they can do to help resolve any dispute, money loss, fraudulent practice, etc.  to join the BBB, all you do is send them a check.  there’s no form to fill out & they don’t even verbally ask anything about your business.  you could be operating out of a boiler room for all they care!  imho, it’s a total scam!

    Comment by anne on 9/26/06 at 11:59 am #
  2. Cybele's avatar

    Anne - if nothing else, BBB acts as a clearinghouse for information about businesses. When you register, you’re putting the info out to the public, to anyone who asks for it. When a company such as Hometown Candy is not a member and does not publish any personal contact on their website or in their domain registration it just sends up a flag to dig deeper. Not being a member doesn’t mean that you’re a bad company, but taking membership does provide a layer of accountability merely because they’ve provided contact info (and their check didn’t bounce).

    Comment by Cybele on 9/26/06 at 12:15 pm #
  3. cybele, you are absolutely right about the information angle.  having a bricks & mortar business is WAY different than being online only.  the reputation you earn is based on the opinions of locals who receive service & develop a relationship.  that was quite a rant up there, eh?  i apologize for my vehemence.

    Comment by anne on 9/27/06 at 11:15 am #
  4. I ordered candy for a trade show from JordanAlmonds.com. No candy, no communication, but they were more than happy to charge the credit card.

    I’m trying to figure out how to conduct an effective smear campaign.

    Comment by Ann F on 9/28/06 at 7:16 am #
  5. I, too, would like to lodge a complaint against JordanAlmonds.com. They have returned ONE email message saying my things would arrive by the due date Monday, October 2. Over a week ago I requested that the candy be delivered ASAP…no response. Yes, hey were quick to charge my credit card (immediately) and do not return calls, and several emails have gone unreturned. My wedding is next weekend. One candy vendor (Bulk Foods) sent the candy promptly and packaged extremely well—- they even called me to tell me how certain items needed to be packaged during a recent heat wave—-

    Stay Away from Jordanalmonds—- I am writing to my credit card company to contest the charge!

    Comment by Joan on 9/30/06 at 4:21 am #
  6. I ordered from hometown candy 1 month ago and still no product. They charged my credit card immediately though. Their live help is always offline, they do not answer emails either.

    Comment by Heather on 10/02/06 at 5:28 am #
  7. I had the same issues with JordanAlmonds.com. BAD BAD BAD.  I placed an order with them over a month and 1/2 ago and still NOTHING has been received! They happily charged my credit card immediately.  I have left numerous voicemails and emails with them.  NO RESPONSE! I also was able to reach someone there ONCE, but they said that I couldn’t talk to anyone and that someone would call me back in an hour.  I never received a call back.  I have not been able to reach them since.  Now, their voicemail box says that it is full.
    DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH JORDANALMONDS.COM!

    Comment by Kevin De Angelis on 10/04/06 at 7:48 am #
  8. I placed an order with jordanalmonds.com on 071506 with delievery date of 100406. I have not received my order as of 100606 and have not received any replies from my emails or phone calls. I will advise them today that I am canceling my order and then will call my credit card company and contest the charge. I would suggest that no one do business with this company.

    Comment by Sylvia aki-Chelemedos on 10/06/06 at 7:39 am #
  9. ordered from hometowncandy.com 10/11/06
    no response to email
    no response to phone calls, voicemail not working.
    but they did charge my credit card right away…

    Seems like a very suspicious business, wish I had read this blog before the order.

    Comment by anne sprague on 10/18/06 at 11:07 am #
  10. I ordered from Jordan Almonds aka Hometown Candy on September 24th, 2006. It has been exactly 1 month. No product, no response to my emails and no one ever answers the phone - answering machine only, and no return phone call. I had to cancel my credit card after disputing the charge and filed a complaint with the BBB. I also would suggest that no one do business with this company!!!

    Comment by Jennifer on 10/24/06 at 6:41 pm #
  11. I too have fallen victim.  Placed an order for my wedding that never arrived.  No response from jordanalmonds.com.  It’s appalling.  This is actually theft.  Naturally, they charged me on the day I placed my order.

    Comment by Blair on 10/26/06 at 7:26 am #
  12. I also ordered from Home Town Candy on October 11 and have heard nothing back. I was finally able to get through to them on the phone.  A woman named Rosemarie took all my information (I explained I left several voicemail messages and emails to no avail.) I doubt I will hear back from them except I am a lawyer and threatened them with filing a lawsuit if they didn’t cancel my order and return my money immediately.  I will keep you all posted.

    Comment by Mel on 10/27/06 at 7:53 am #
  13. I unfortunately also fell victim to hometowncandy.com. Ordered some Halloween candy from them on 10/4/06 and nothing. Tried to email them last week to find out the status of my order; but I kept getting sent to hotmail and I’ve never had to sign up for something (hotmail) to communicate with a company. Called and faxed them yesterday and left a message to credit my account and to call me back-nothing. Today I called my cc company and disputed the charge. Even told the cc rep. not buy from JordanAlmonds or hometowncandy I’m so angry. Such a hassle-this was the first website I’ve had a problem with. I wish I would have found this blog before I ordered. Do not do business with this company! It is a scam!

    Comment by Kelley on 11/01/06 at 12:37 pm #
  14. actually got through to Home Town candy on the phone (though I had to be tenacious.) They told me to dispute the matter with my credit card company which I have. I sent Home Town Candy a threatening letter via fax and email explaining the ramifications of fraud and credit card fraud over state lines.  This is no more about the $60 they tried to scam from me—this is about shutting them down.  I am in the midst of writing their Website host a letter and master card and visa about their fraudulent activity. I also plan on sending copies of my letter to all the candy companies they mention on their website as representing.

    I will close with an excerpt from my letter.  I plan on contacting the IRS in New Jersey as well (where there website is hosted from.)

    ABOVE ALL DON’T FEEL FOOLISH.  I HAVE DEALT WITH DOZENS OF OTHER SMALL SITES AND EBAY SELLERS AND HAD FANTASTIC, HONEST TRANSACTIONS AND RESULTS. LET’S FLUSH THIS RAT OUT!

    Should you refuse to comply, I will take all necessary and appropriate legal action to enforce my rights including issuing subpoenas as necessary to you, and the employees at your company as accomplices as may be involved so that we may effectuate service of process of a knowing and willful fraud and credit card fraud demanding criminal charges be pressed and civil damages of $150,000 per occurrence.of committing Interstate fraud and credit card fraud.

    This letter does not set forth a complete statement of the facts or law relating to this matter.  Nothing contained herein should be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of any kind.  All rights, remedies and positions are hereby expressly reserved. DON’T TEST ME,

    Comment by Mel on 11/01/06 at 1:21 pm #
  15. I have had the same experiences as noted on the other comments, including speaking to Rosemarie.  I’d be interested to see if Mel gets anywhere.  I don’t know how I will proceed.  Definitely a cyber robbery but who knows what else?

    Comment by joyce on 11/03/06 at 4:26 am #
  16. we ordered from jordan almonds for a special occasion.  we told them to deliver by a certain date and nothing ever arrived.  i then called and spoke to Rose Marie who said the candies would be sent by overnight courier.  We never received anything.  They were quick to charge our credit card and never delivered anything.  i sent them numerous emails and phone calls.  The tipoff to me should have been when on numerous occasions I would call them and their voicemail box was “full”. 

    This company is not legitimate and anyone who orders from them is throwing away money.  We already notified the appropriate authority in New Jersey about their actions.  FRAUD!

    Comment by alan on 11/03/06 at 7:03 am #
  17. THEY ARE A FRAUD!!!

    Comment by jason on 11/03/06 at 7:56 am #
  18. how can this company be allowed to operate when they take your money and refuse to send you the things you ordered.  I thought I was the only one with this problem.  I guess I’m not.

    Comment by pete on 11/05/06 at 3:40 am #
  19. Yes—I had the same experience as others here.  Your credit card will be charged and you will not receive any of the amazing customer service their website claims.  It’s the first time I’ve been robbed via the net in a decade.  I had one email in response to the many I’ve sent (in addition to phone calls) asking if I wanted them to “resend” the order.  I imagine that was a ploy to keep my from filing with the CC company for another week or so.  How frustrating.  Hopefully I’ll have a successful “dispute” experience with the CC company, but I can’t figure out how to make sure this doesn’t happen to others.  Any ideas?

    Comment by Julie on 11/05/06 at 4:42 pm #
  20. The following is the web Host of HometownCandy also know as Jordan Almonds.  If we all write about the FRAUD they will have no choice but to shut down the site.  PLEASE TAKE THE 10 MINUTES TO WRITE.

    Net Atlantic, Inc.
    10 Federal Street
    Salem, Massachusetts, 01970
    Tel 978-744-6885
    Fax 978-744-0037

    TELL THEM YOU ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT:
    Hometowncandy.com
    Registrant:
    JordanAlmonds.com
    P O Box 7787
    Ewing, NJ 08628
    US
    2153924343

    BEST REGARDS, MEL

    LET’S SHUT THEM DOWN!

    Comment by Mel on 11/05/06 at 6:17 pm #
  21. I wrote and will send a letter to Net Atlantic tomorrow, as you suggested, Mel.  Thank you for the helpful information.  And thank you for all your efforts in taking this unethical “company” to task.  Please post if you receive any responses!

    Comment by Julie on 11/05/06 at 8:32 pm #
  22. It’s been over a month since I have ordered - same story as everyone else.  They took my money - didn’t send me my order. I’ve talked to Rose Marie 3 times - never got a call back as I was told I would. It’s a shame there are companies like this that take advantage of others.  This is the first time I’ve had a problem ordering over the internet, and now I obviously have to check for complaints before I order from any where.

    Comment by Heather on 11/13/06 at 7:44 am #
  23. Add me to the list of victims, but are you all aware that Hometown Candy and Jordan Almonds have started up a new website called “barnegatcandy.com”? And the best…the whole name of the company on the homepage….......“Barnegat Candy LLC”.Those crooks must have good lawyers.Can’t believe that they’re all still up and running.Can’t believe that any credit card companies are still paying them.Hope they choke on their candy.

    Comment by Kate on 11/16/06 at 3:07 pm #
  24. OMG and weddingplannersupply.com is also them too.How big is this??????

    Comment by Kate on 11/16/06 at 3:24 pm #
  25. Choke on their candy… what candy?  I’m sure these guys are only a website scam to collect money. Just for the heck of it, I tried to call place an order.  You can’t get a live person there.  Most people place an online order, pay with their credit card and give up.  What we should do is write Hersey’s and the other candy companies they advertise on their site and tell them to remove their products from this fradulent site.  File for a refund with your credit card company.

    Comment by Mel on 11/16/06 at 3:34 pm #
  26. It *is* amazing that they are still able to market their “product.”  Did anyone file disputes with your credit card provider?  I did, and it was credited back to me pending the end of the “investigation.”  I’m interested to see if the credit card company has any more luck talking with them than I did!  smile  How many disputes before Visa, Mastercard, or Paypal stop working with them?  Just astounding.

    Comment by Julianne on 11/16/06 at 3:36 pm #
  27. I ordered some candy from Jordan Almonds through Hometown Candy on October 2nd.  I have contacted by phone, email, even there supposed live online support with not one response.  What can be done about this?  I feel like I have learned a lesson about dealing with online purchases from this company, but I don’t feel like they should get off that easy.  Does getting your credit card company really work?

    Comment by Ric on 11/21/06 at 11:14 am #
  28. this is a fraudulent company.  beware!!!

    Comment by jake on 11/23/06 at 6:56 am #
  29. Yep, I placed an order in early November, haven’t received it a month later. Googled their business name, found this site, and felt my stomach turn. I’m an experienced web shopper and have avoided scam pages in the past, but this one had me fooled. I’m disputing the charge, and my credit card company tells me they take these things seriously. I’m attaching a copy of this webpage, complaints included, to my notarized complaint.

    Comment by R on 12/02/06 at 4:07 am #
  30. I ordered from hometowncandy.com and I never received my order nor did anyone ever call me back in response to my phone calls and emails!

    Comment by Stephanie on 12/05/06 at 3:47 am #
  31. I would strongly urge anyone who has ordered from these companies and been scammed to file as many complaints as possible so that these websites will hopefully get shut down!

    Comment by Stephanie on 12/05/06 at 4:15 am #
  32. Update!  I got an email today from hometowncandy stating that a refund has been issued to my account.  I called the actual merchant company this morning BARNEGAT CANDY LLC
    849 W BAY AVE STE 144 609-439-4241
    BARNEGAT, NJ 08005
    US
    So, I don’t know if this is actually why I got the refund or not but somehow, I am getting a refund!

    Comment by Stephanie on 12/05/06 at 7:26 am #
  33. That’s great, Stephanie!  I hope you get it, but after dealing with this company, I’m thinking you may have to take the statement that you’re getting a refund with a grain of salt.  I hope you’ll let us know when it arrives!  Good luck!

    Comment by Julie on 12/05/06 at 2:10 pm #
  34. Same story here…

    ...ordered back on 10/12/06; it’s 12/05/06 and still no candy… 

    ...no response to emails and voice mails…

    ...calling the credit card company and finding out my options right now.

    Let me know to whom and where to write to shut these guys down (beyond those already stated above).

    Comment by Jonathan on 12/05/06 at 4:52 pm #
  35. Well I have been scammed! I ordered on October 10th for my daughters wedding 98.00 I am so mad I wish I would have seen this sight first I have talked several times to roseanne who always tells me a lie. Well today I am fed up and will contact my card co. I just don’t understand why they didnt charge alot more if they were gonna steal why not take it all.

    Comment by michelle warren on 12/06/06 at 2:37 am #
  36. I just talked to Lisa Kelly with Net Atlantic Inc. and she was very nice. She is going to try and help me get this resolved. I will let you know she said the owner would call me. You should all call and ask to speak to her maybe we can at least get our money back if not get him off the internet.

    Comment by michelle warren on 12/06/06 at 3:59 am #
  37. My credit card company (bank actually… it was a check card) tells me it works like this: they issue a preliminary refund of the amount in question, then give the company the chance to respond by proving they didn’t do anything wrong, and then, if they don’t respond, the refund is made permanent. So as long as we dispute the charges, none of us should lose any money… I hope. It’s just a hassle. The more people that dispute the charges, the better, because then Visa etc will scramble to get rid of these guys. I’m crossing my fingers and hoping for a class-action lawsuit.

    Comment by R on 12/06/06 at 10:24 am #
  38. Hello Everyone, Well I contacted my credit card and they are going to give me a refund they said they charge his bank which is Manhatten anyway the owners name is Eric Keller and the nice lady I talked to at Net Atlantic Lisa Kelly has his cell phone number let’s all call the police on this guy and maybe they will pick him up. Please call and talk to Lisa Kelly and let’s get them to close his web-sites at least no one else will be scammed by him.

    Comment by Michelle Warren on 12/07/06 at 7:13 am #
  39. Everyone might want to file your info on this site as well:

    http://www.consumeraffairs.com/

    They may be able to launch some sort of civil action against the company.

    Comment by cybele on 12/12/06 at 12:17 pm #
  40. Registrant:
    dotcommanagementllc
    P O Box 7545
    Ewing, NJ 08628
    US
    6099331371

    Domain Name: EBULKCANDY.COM

    Administrative Contact:
    Keller, Eric .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
    P O Box 7545
    Ewing, NJ 08628
    US
    6099331371

    Technical Contact:
    Keller, Eric .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
    P O Box 7545
    Ewing, NJ 08628
    US
    6099331371

    Comment by Lee Walker on 12/17/06 at 12:18 pm #
  41. Barnegat Watchdog, LLC
    849 West Bay Avenue
    Suite 144
    Barnegat, NJ 08005
    US
    609-439-4241

    Domain Name: BARNEGATCANDY.COM

    Administrative Contact:
    Keller, Ronald .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
    849 West Bay Avenue
    Suite 144
    Barnegat, NJ 08005
    US
    609-439-4241

    Comment by Lee Walker on 12/17/06 at 12:20 pm #
  42. BARNEGATWATCHDOG LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 14 PASSAGE LN STE 110
    BARNEGAT, NJ 08005-3340 OCEAN

    609-439-4241

    Comment by Lee Walker on 12/17/06 at 12:24 pm #
  43. I ordered candy from these folks on 12 dec 2006 and as of today have not recieved it.

    I called the jordan almond phone number and spoke to Tiffany after speaking to JAG officers and told them that I wasnt above starting a credit card fraud suit. the issued an E-Mail saying they issued a refund to my credit card TODAY. I asked for the CS’s name and then asked Tiffany (The CS rep) for her managers name and she said she couldnt give me that information. I asked to speak to her manager and she said that I couldn’t. I informed her taht at 1136 hours the phone conversation was now being recorded and that i wanted to know why I couldn’t speak to a manager and she asked if she could put me on hold, i refused and she hung up.

    I called back and when Tiffany answered I asked again to speak to a manager and she said he wasn’t available. I told her my name and that I was recording the conversation and she stated “the manager is not available and there is nothing legal about me telling you you can’t speak to him” and hung up again.

    after playing these messages to JAG they said we will wait the three business days for the refund to hit and file a formal complaint to the company.

    DONT ORDER FROM THESE COMPANIES

    Comment by Amy B on 12/22/06 at 6:01 am #
  44. My order with hometown candy placed on 12/03/06 never arrived.  Phone calls and emails never answered.  I have contacted my credit card company and filed a despute with them.  I, too, am wishing I had found this site before making a purchase.  I am feeling very foolish- after reading all these comments.

    Comment by Annette Huff on 12/26/06 at 8:51 am #
  45. I ordered candy from Hometown Candies on 11/22/06, requesting delivery by 12/22/06. The candy did not come. I emailed them on 12/25/06. I received an auto response the same day requesting what I wanted to be done and I responded I wanted my candy by the end of the week. On 12/26/06 I received an email letiing me know that the candy was not and would not be in stock during the time period, and that they had credited my account and to wait for two to three days for it to appear in my account. On the third day, the amount WAS credited in full. While I would have liked the candy, they refunded my money exactly as promised and in a timely manner.

    Comment by Chris Peeke on 12/28/06 at 6:20 am #
  46. I’m sure they realize law enforcement is onto them—all the requests from Visa about contested charges will have been flooding them at this point—and they’re probably trying to look like they have a legitimate business to prevent getting prosecuted. I think they have incredible gall to have been running this scheme over a period of this many months. The fact is, if you set up a website, charge people, but don’t actually have any inventory nor any intention to come up with any, you’re a thief. I’m rubbing my hands together waiting for the lawsuit. What kind of scumbag scams people who are trying to buy ribbon candy for Christmas? He or she deserves to buy me a big-screen TV.

    Comment by R on 12/28/06 at 6:47 am #
  47. I also ordered from Hometown candies and did not receive my order after they promptly debited my account.  When I came across this website a few days ago, I called the company and asked when my order was being shipped, a young gal told me that she could not tell me but that she would give a message to the shipping department and they would contact me.  I then called back later to let her know that I had read a website with many complaints of not recieving candy and she basically told me that at some point I will receive my order.  I decided to go to my bank next week (new years week) and file a dispute with my bankcard.  Today I happened to get on my online banking account and noticed that Hometown candy refunded my money.  I never put through a dispute and I didn’t even “threaten” the young lady on the phone…I was pleasantly surprised and I am hoping that for all of your sake, they are going to do the same!  Maybe they are realizing they better QUICKLY make some good on the bad they have done…hopefully anyway!  Good luck to you all and thank you for everyone who is honestly posting on this website so that others know what not company not to order from!

    Comment by Kim on 12/28/06 at 10:17 am #
  48. I put in an order for over $100 worth of candy on Dec 4, 2006. They promptly charged my credit card. After hearing nothing for two weeks (including no confirmation) I called and left a message at Barnegat phone number (which I my credit card company listed on my charge). I promptly recieved am email from hometowncandy stating that the candy would arrive on the week of Dec 18th, but nothing has arrived. I have now requested a full refund and I will pursue this as far as I need to go to get a refund.

    Comment by Sam on 12/29/06 at 10:22 am #
  49. You guys deserve what you got! Why would you order candy for important events and such from a website and not research it beforehand?  It is obvious that this company is not legit, since there are MANY more websites besides this one dedicated to the poor business they give their customers.  If your money is that important, you might want to look into the company you are ordering from before you throw your credit card numbers around on the internet.

    Comment by tammy on 1/12/07 at 4:12 pm #
  50. Aw, thanks, Tammy, that’s sweet.

    I think most people have expressed regret for not researching further, and it’s a mistake they won’t make again.

    Speaking of deserving things, please report back when you get that sharp poke in the eye.

    Comment by Ann F. on 1/12/07 at 6:35 pm #
  51. I ordered jordan almonds for my wedding in feb. 07 from JordanAlmonds.com in AUGUST- they promised me they would send my order in December. I didn’t get a response and no shipment- I have been calling for weeks. NOTHING. They keep giving me th run around and NOW their website is off intranet and I have no almonds. Do not order from JordanAlmonds.com I reported them to the BBB today. Jerko’s!

    Comment by tara on 1/24/07 at 9:14 am #
  52. got “took” by barnegat candy co for $81.27
    their mail-box is always full on the phone
    and they will not answer my e-mails
    wish i had seen this reading before i placed my order christmas
    going to call discover card now
    surgar & spice signing out now

    Comment by JOYCE WOODARD on 2/05/07 at 10:00 am #
  53. Today is February 8, 2007   On September 28, 2006 I placed an order totalling over $40.00 and I am still waiting for my order.  I have phoned, left messages, emailed many, many times and they will not respond to me.  I think this is against the law and will be persuing that avenue.  (TV stations, Attorney General, etc.),  I have tried to resolve this and they will Not Respond.  They leave me no alternative.  I watched a show on Food Network TV and that is what led me to them.  I think the Food Network should screen these companies before they spotlight them.  Having faith in Food Network, I believe they would work only with good companies as I believed them to be.  A very disappointed viewer and shopper.  Dee

    Comment by Dee Rempert on 2/08/07 at 7:26 am #
  54. Cybele's avatar

    Dee - what show on the Food Network did you see Hometown/Jordan Almonds featured? It’s definitely something they should be aware of and I’d like to help to at least get that link removed.

    Comment by Cybele on 2/08/07 at 7:56 am #
  55. I placed an order on 1-15-07 and was charged immediately on my American Express Card.  I placed the order on Hometown Candy but the charge appeared on my AmEx card as Barnegat Candy.  The charge was for $ 65.  I was told it would ship within 24 hours.  To date, I have not received anything (as of 2/8/2007).  I have called ALL of the numbers on the web site and the numbers listed here (THANKS FOR THE ADDED NUMBERS TO CALL) but I got mail boxes full, leave a message, etc.  Never able to get through to a live person.  I also sent numerous emails over the past two weeks.  The website promises a response within 24 hours and have NEVER received any response at all. 

    Funny that when Eric was running ebulk candy, I always got a coureteous and quick response and I always got my candy fairly quickly.  Now that has all changed. 

    I am about ready to go to American Express who has ALWAYS been excellent in charging back my card whenever I have had a dispute and thankfully I can use this website to tell them about many people who have been scammed. 

    IF Eric calls me back, and he should remember me because we’ve had conversations in the past few years about special order items, I’ll post a retraction of what I’ve listed here.

    We’ll see…....

    Comment by Father Anderw on 2/08/07 at 12:24 pm #
  56. Ok, so I am the latest victim of HometownCandy.com. I placed an order with this company on January 22 for Valentine’s Day and it is now February 15 and I have received nothing. I as all of you, made numerous phone calls and wrote an email only to get nothing in response. How can this company get away with this? I am hoping my credit card company resolves this matter.

    Comment by Carol Marie on 2/15/07 at 2:08 pm #
  57. I did get an email from eric and and followup phone call from the candy company and was told they would contact the shipping department within 24 hours.  They did.  Two of the candies I ordered were not available and they issued an immediate credit to my credit card for the entire amount of my original order.  The credit did post to my credit card almost immediately.  I then received a note of apology via email from eric.  Thanks.

    Comment by Father Andrew on 2/16/07 at 5:03 am #
  58. I recently got into a mess trying to order valentines candy for my husband.  He likes the tart and tangy hearts made by Brachs and I could not find them anywhere, so I googled them and was brought to Hometown Candy.  I was so happy to find them that I ordered 10 bags.  After I checked out, I did not feel right about it and decided to google Hometown Candy.  I was then brought to this blog and became very afraid that I had compromised our credit card.  So, I emailed an order cancellation and I called for over 2 hours until I got a person and I told them that I wanted to cancel the order.  The girl that I talked to was very nice and promised that the order would be cancelled and my credit card would not be charged.  While I had her on the phone, I asked several of the questions that I had read on here. . .such as:  is this even a real company (yes- in PA and NJ), is it in the USA (yes), did a lot of people call wondering where their orders were (7 out of 10 calls).  So, the next day, my credit card was charged, but the following day a partial refund was credited.  This was the order total, but not the shipping.  I promptly emailed and called (left messages) that day and the next day.  I did end up getting an email that it had been an oversight and that they would credit the remaining amount. . .which they did.  I was diligent in calling and emailing them, but I almost wonder if I was mean to them for no reason.  I cancelled the order based on information found in this blog, and they did not seem to be that horrible. . .at least not that different from any other company where you would place an order and then cancel it. . .normal processing time on that.  I did not wait on candy to arrive though, so I cannot say what my experience would have been like in that case.  I actually send them this blog address so that they could read what is being said about them and hopefully make things right with those of you that are still waiting for orders.

    Comment by annette on 2/16/07 at 10:13 am #
  59. I wouldn’t be so sympathetic, the majority of people who actually found this webpage were ripped-off, including me. I am sure there are many other who were just ripped off and don’t bother to pursue things or never find this page. If you feel strongly that you have misjudged this company, why don’t you order one bag of candy and see if you ever receive it. I believe the websites are a scam and they don’t even have a candy company or a warehouse. By the way, I sent the person I spoke to at hometowncandy.com a copy of this blog months ago.  You’re foolish if you think they are not aware we are here.

    Comment by Mel on 2/16/07 at 11:05 am #
  60. I also was scammed by Hometown candy/Jordans Almonds. I tried to find Brachs Tart and Tangy candy hearts in time for Valentines day and this was the only place I could find them. They charged me the day I ordered and never sent anything. After reading everyones comments it is obvious that they arent selling anything,just running a scam. After harrasing them I finally got an email saying they are refunding my money,however I wont hold my breath. Several people mentioned getting in touch with Lisa Kelly, does she have a phone # as I would like to speak to her directly. let me know. Also in response to Tammys email-Just because you make one mistake does not mean you deserve to be ripped off.

    Comment by Erika on 2/21/07 at 6:16 am #
  61. I ordered about $40 worth of candy on 01/27/07. Card charged promptly, haven’t seen the candy. No response to my “TRACK” email. Now I find this site… weak! I ordered through Hometown just a couple months ago and while the shipping was slow, I finally got it. Now I’m not so sure about this one!

    Comment by Peter on 2/22/07 at 2:30 pm #
  62. Me too, I ordered and got nothing. Emails sent, actually got responses, and were always “it shipped today, should arrive this week”. It never did. I finally left a message stating that a BBB complaint (which they apparently don’t care about) was being filed, and that I would contest the charges, I got an email from them that a refund was issued 10 minutes later. We’ll see if it shows up on my account.

    Comment by Oh well on 3/08/07 at 10:00 am #
  63. I ordered from bargenat candy to find now one month later than I will likely not be getting my order.  No one answers, no one calls back and no one returns emails.

    Their site also says that a chargeback will incure a $25 fee.  AMEX wont let that happen either.

    Shut these guys down.

    JSE

    Comment by Juda Engelmayer on 3/21/07 at 6:08 am #
  64. Cybele's avatar

    To everyone who has commented, I recommend contacting the New Jersey Attorney General and their consumer affairs department:

    http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/comp.htm

    (Use the OCP complaint form.)

    Also, there is a website called Consumerist.com that helps people get the word out about bad companies. I’ve contacted them, but I’m not able to offer a first-hand experience. Check them out and see if they can give this issue wider exposure.

    Comment by Cybele on 3/21/07 at 6:17 am #
  65. use this too:  https://complaint.ic3.gov/Default.aspx

    Comment by Juda Engelmayer on 3/21/07 at 6:33 am #
  66. I placed an order with Hometown Candy on March 3, 2007. Since I live in Florida I thought it best to purchase one of the ice packs but I couldn’t get the link to work to order the ice pack.

    After finding your site today and reading all the complaints against this company and it’s affiliates I guess I don’t have to worry about it because I now know my order will never be delivered.

    I had a hard time finding contact information to check on the status of my order since I got an email 2 weeks ago saying my order was “shipping this week” and when I finally found a phone number and called (NOT TOLL FREE!) I had to leave a message on voicemail. No one got back to me.

    I hope those of you who posted here with your good intentions will be successful in getting these people shut down. I can’t believe they are still being allowed to operate.

    I will do my part to help as best I can even knowing I’ll never get my $40 back. I just can’t believe your page here was put up in September 2006 and here it is March 2007 and I’m still reading about how those people are still operating and taking our money.

    I know it takes a lot of time to maintain a web page and I extend my heartfelt thanks to those who have taken the time to give us a place to vent our anger.

    Comment by Kitty on 3/22/07 at 7:17 am #
  67. My friend was doing customer service for hometown candy and she had to quit after a month.  She was trying to find something she could do from home so she could stay with her son and she responded to an add.  The first week she received over 200 calls and most of the calls were about not receiving candy.  She would take the messages and send them to the boss who would tell her to etiher call back and tell them it shipped, or do they want a refund on some and the rest were supposed to be returned by him or shipping.  Well it was the same people calling day after day saying no one had gotten back to them.  She was so upset because these people were always so nice and she was telling them that someone would get back to them because that’s what she was told and apparently no one ever did.  She kept telling her boss that no one had called so and so back yet, or if you tell me I’ll call them, or if you give me the stuff to look up the tracking I can do that, but he always said he had it covered.  She asked about the calls and was told that some people had been fired or retired and stuff and she tried to give him the benefit of the doubt, but after a couple of weeks she just couldn’t take it anymore.  Even though she wants to be able to stay home with her son, she doesn’t want to be lying to people to do it and since she was still getting calls saying no one had gotten back to the same people over and over she knew she’d been unintenionally lying to these people and couldn’t do it any longer.

    Comment by sammy on 3/24/07 at 1:04 pm #
  68. It is not surprising that Hometown candy hires unsuspecting people who work from their home for customer service because they don’t really have an operation… it’s all a website front to to commit fraud and steal credit card numbers and dupe the innocent.  Kudos to your friend for quitting.  I’m sure it didn’t take her long to figure out just what was going on and it’s hard to live with yourself when you are working as part of a fraud ring.  The amazing thing is… no one has shut them down yet but there are many investigations and when they are caught they will go to FEDERAL PRISON because they are operating accross state lines.

    Comment by Mel on 3/24/07 at 1:22 pm #
  69. Around March 7, 2007 my daughter ordered 8 lbs of buttermints for her sister’s weddin here in Paris on April 14.  The candy has not yet arrived and after reading this site i’m fearful we’ve been took.  Hopefully someone can close down such a dishonest operation.  Of course they’ve never answered my phone calls or emails

    Comment by Ilka Fauveau on 4/04/07 at 1:04 am #
  70. My story is contained in Post #66 above but I wanted to post another message to let you all know that I finally DID receive my $40 order.

    Comment by Kitty Beck on 4/04/07 at 6:50 am #
  71. oh my god I cant believe it happened to me too. I ordered a month ago and still nothing. There was no problem charging my card though.

    Comment by doreen on 4/04/07 at 7:50 am #
  72. I just found this site after trying to get a response from Hometown Candy, BARNEGAT CANDY, LLC, GREAT! I placed a 100.00 order 3-23-07 as I needed it for a birthday party, and for my grandkids Easter baskets.. Now I feel I’ve been taken after reading this.
    I have emailed them 2x, both with automated responses, called 3x, “busy”.. and faxed, which did not go through..

    I read where one person received their candy… has anyone else received it??

    Comment by Linda on 4/05/07 at 9:22 am #
  73. Sigh….now I find this site….

    My mother loves popcorn bunnies, and really wanted some for Easter.  I found them on HometownCandy.com, and ordered a box on March 11.  She was so excited!!

    So, now Easter has come and gone, and no bunnies.  I’ve been calling for the last three weeks with no reply.  I work with government complaints, and if I don’t receive any information within the next 48 hours (as I emailed to them), I will be filing government and federal fraud.

    I’ll let you know how it turns out.

    Comment by Jennifer on 4/09/07 at 9:23 am #
  74. Just like everyone else I made the stupid mistake of ordering from them, I placed my order 3/14 and I still havn’t heard anything. Ive emailed, called, everything i can think of doing, I really just want the product I don’t care about the money. Its ridiculous people can get away with this, there must be something we can do. Its just not right.

    Let me know if anyone has any luck.

    Comment by Katie on 4/09/07 at 11:09 am #
  75. Add my name to the list.  Ordered candy on 1 April.  Two weeks later, no candy.  Credit card transaction was posted same day.  No response to E-mails.  I’m contacting my credit card company.

    Comment by Kevin on 4/15/07 at 2:05 am #
  76. Add my name to the list of not getting any candy.
    I order $70 worth of Easter Candy on March 21, 2007. I received the invoice the next day and the order confirmation. The week of Easter I called and followed up. On the order form I listed the event was Easter 2007. Sent an email and received the auto reply. Waited a day later, called to hear a recording. Called Fed Ex to see if they had any record of an order to be delivered and received the no answer. Have made several calls with no response and sent an email to stating I was cancelling the order. Have not received a credit, but will not let them take my money. They need to be shut down, and now!!

    Comment by Jill on 4/17/07 at 6:52 am #
  77. Cybele's avatar

    Has anyone successfully submitted a complaint to the state of New Jersey? I don’t think they’re going to be shut down until folks come forward and make the Attorney General aware of these activities.

    (I can’t file anything as I have not personally ordered from them.)

    Comment by Cybele on 4/17/07 at 6:56 am #
  78. I posted comment #74 and after finding this site and posting on it I filed a complait to the state of NJ like Cybele mentioned, and then contacted the company several more times, telling them i wanted a call back~ I even notified them of this site saying we are on to their scam, but no one ever got back to me. I continued to leave a few more messages, no response. Finally I called my credit card company~ which is a prepaid card, which I thought my options were limited with, they filled a dispute for me and said they would send me papers, I never got the papers but 2 days later my money was refunded. I havn’t heard anything from NJ about filing my complaint since I filled out the online form. I will persue closing them done anyway.

    Good Luck~ contact your card.

    Comment by Katie k on 4/19/07 at 1:38 pm #
  79. I just went to the address for Barnegat Candies. It is a UPS store they rent a PO Box.
    They took 40.00 bucks still no reply or product.

    Comment by ron on 4/20/07 at 8:25 am #
  80. Followed the domain registration to this guy a college professor!
    KELLER Packaging Engineering Group, LLC
                  Packaging Consultants, Systems Integrators, Project Managers
                  Your Full Service, Adjunct Professional Engineering Resource
                          14 Passage Lane, Suite 110, Barnegat, NJ 08005   Telephone 609-607-1005 A name you can trust since 1987                             Member NJ Business & Industry Association
    ?2000/2004/2005 RCK CONTACT US
    BY MAIL -
    Keller Packaging Engineering   Group, LLC
    14 Passage Lane, Suite 110
    Barnegat NJ 08005 USA
    Telephone: 609-607-1005
    MAIL US AT:    .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Comment by ron on 4/20/07 at 9:24 am #
  81. this is barnagatcandy’s registration

    Keller Packaging Eng Grp LLC
    849 West Bay Avenue
    Suite 144
    Barnegat, NJ 08005
    US
    609-607-1005
    Domain Name: BARNEGATCANDY.COM
    Administrative Contact:
    Keller, Ronald .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
    849 West Bay Avenue
    Suite 144
    Barnegat, NJ 08005
    US
    609-607-1005

    Comment by greg on 4/20/07 at 9:33 am #
  82. Looked up this guys phone number
    Ronald C Keller   (609) 698-1424   14 Passage Ln,  Barnegat, NJ 08005

    Comment by sue on 4/20/07 at 9:52 am #
  83. Ron Keller gets around
    http://www.easternequipment.org/officers.htm
    beware

    Comment by alan on 4/20/07 at 10:04 am #
  84. I wish I would have had the insight to google this company before making this purchase, now I’m out 60 bucks.  I’m going to try getting a refund through my bank.

    Comment by Dustin Baughman on 4/24/07 at 7:02 am #
  85. Just wondering what to do. I placed an order 4-9-07 through Hometown Candy and nothing has arrived. No response to calls or emails and I get the full voice mail box too. What can I do to get a refund? Sure it was only 17 bucks, but come on!
    Thanks for all the info!!

    Comment by Megan Soracco on 4/24/07 at 9:12 am #
  86. I am updating my story #76, I contacted my credit card and am getting a full refund. I also filled out the complaint form online for NJ and than sent out my backup yesterday, April 23.  I also sent out the same back up to the credit card company, to assist in their fight with this so called company. They ruined my Easter holiday, why should they ruin your event???
    I hope others will follow me in filing the complaint with NJ in hopes of getting this company shut down for good.

    Comment by Jill on 4/24/07 at 12:22 pm #
  87. Update to #84, I also contacted my bank, WellsFargo and they issue me a refund and will go after this other company for the money.  Seems like our only recourse.

    Comment by Dustin Baughman on 4/25/07 at 1:32 pm #
  88. Anyone interested in getting together on a class action lawsuit against all entities? 

    I ordered on 4/12/07 to the tune of $53 and still no candy.  My friend’s grandmother died and he was craving Zitner’s eggs which are so hard to find! I ordered from this once, last year and got the product (although not the exact product ordered).  So unfortunately, I felt “safe” ordering from them. 

    They’ve not returned my calls or email. I’ve given them 5 business days to respond, or I will be filing the paperwork to start a CA suit.

    Comment by Jennifer H. on 4/29/07 at 1:29 am #
  89. In response to Jennifer, comment #88, Yes I am interested in joining a CA Law Suit to stop these people from scamming anyone ever again.  There are many ways to make money and this company should not do so with false promises and not produce.  I think they should be stopped and all money returned to each one of us.  Thanks Jennifer for a great idea.

    Comment by Dee Rempert on 4/29/07 at 3:14 am #
  90. Reponse to #88 I would be interested as well. I am in Northern CA. What can we all do to help, or does just one person file it?
    Update to #85 I still have not gotten candy ordered 4-9-07…no one ever returned my phone calls or numerous emails. Called credit card, they stopped payment and are going after them.
    Megan

    Comment by Megan Soracco on 4/30/07 at 10:22 am #
  91. I called the Office of the Inspector General and I’m waiting for the specifics.  Apparently we need to file in NJ as that is the state the LLC is based out of.  They will do a search of all other entities in connection with this person and their companies.  I’ll keep you posted!  It’s a great way to shut these idiots down and hit them where it hurts, not only will they need to pay us but also numerous fines with the state.

    All they had to do was send us our candy or our money.  I’d even appreciate a response at this point!

    Comment by Jennifer H on 4/30/07 at 12:07 pm #
  92. I am also interested in a class action lawsuit. I think if we just shut this scam down then Whoever is doing it will just start another one. Let me know what I need to do or any details. Thanks

    Comment by Erika on 4/30/07 at 6:26 pm #
  93. I too have been rooked by Hometown Candy. My bank has issued a chargeback for the total, so I can rest easy about that. I’ll be keeping an eye on this comments page to see how the class action fares, and will cheerfully add my name.

    Comment by Dave on 5/01/07 at 6:40 am #
  94. Just checking in to see if anyone has received their candy ur their money back….as I have not. My story is #72. It’s now May 1st, I placed my order the 3rd week of March and have not heard a thing. I’ve left even more messages…and sent more emails, no response.

    I have not yet contacted my bank, as I used my debit card on this.
    I guess I’ll contact them tomorrow, I just wonder if they’ll issue a refund? Has anyone else’s bank issued a refund? My order was a little over 100.00!!
    I’d be happy to add my name to any action taken against this company!!

    Comment by Linda on 5/01/07 at 3:45 pm #
  95. I posted my story at #34.  I ended up getting a refund from my bank.  I’ve been following this blog since my original post back in December.  This kind of garbage pisses me off, but I’ve yet to actually write to anyone who might be able to do something about it.  Count me in for any class action suit.

    Comment by Jonathan on 5/01/07 at 6:11 pm #
  96. I will just add to this list of complaints.  Exactly like everyone else on here, I placed an order, had my CC charged immediately and have yet to receive my order.  It has been 2+ weeks and their address is only about 90 minutes away.  Complete scam.  All calls to their phone #s go right to voicemail, fax # disconnected, and no reply to emails.

    Comment by Scott on 5/02/07 at 5:20 am #
  97. My story’s back up there somewhere, and I did the same thing most people here have done—contested the charges with my credit card company, was given an immediate “temporary” refund which was made permanent about sixty days later. So I didn’t lose a dime, and I doubt very many people will if they used a credit card and contest the charges this same way. What’s mystifying to me is that the credit card companies will still work with these scam artists. When I sent the letter to my CC company, I stapled a copy of this forum to it. IMHO there’s no decent reason why I got scammed back in November, and I wasn’t the first by any means, and here it is May and people are STILL walking into the same trap. Somebody should have shut them down six months ago.

    Interestingly, I found a copy of “Reminisce” magazine at the thrift store (Feb/March issue for this year) and right on the inside cover there’s a nostalgic picture of a candy store from about 1947. The man who sent it in mentions a family connection with Barnegat, New Jersey. I’m not going to get more specific than that because I don’t want to sound like I’m making any accusations, which I’m not. It just makes my ears perk up these days when I see “old-fashioned candy” tied in with “Barnegat, New Jersey.”

    Comment by R on 5/02/07 at 9:14 am #
  98. Boy do I feel really stupid now!! I wish I had seen all this before I ordered from them! I placed an order on 03/03/07 and my bank paid them on 04/02. It is now 05/04 and of course I have nothing. I have sent several emails, called several times, and never got one response.  I haven’t contacted my bank yet because 1) I am afraid of having to pay a fee for reversing the charge which would end up costing almost as much, and 2) I am going to feel super dumb having to tell them it was for “candy”.

    By the way, does anyone know of a REAL company where I can get clove gum??

    Comment by Marie on 5/04/07 at 9:21 am #
  99. In response to Jennifer #88, (I am #98), I too am in CA. Where do I sign up?!

    Comment by Marie on 5/04/07 at 9:31 am #
  100. I ordered also at Hometown Candy. Would need the candy for my wedding in one week. Now I lost not only my money, but I have to think for something else instead of the candy! I hope I find a way to get my money back!

    Comment by Bridget on 5/07/07 at 5:51 am #
  101. Hey everyone!  This is a great site and like everyone else, I wish I had found it before ordering from these clowns.  Same story as everyone else, no candy and no responses to any kind of correspondence.  So, after reading your site I sent e-mails to every address I could find in here for these jokers and called every phone number listed and left a nasty-gram about how my bank is investigating them now for fraud and that I contacted Lisa Kelly about shutting them down.  Wonders will never cease!  Today I got an e-mail stating that I will be getting a full refund.  We’ll see if it happens.  I will definately let you know.  What a bunch of jerks.

    Comment by Cathleen Costa on 5/08/07 at 8:21 am #
  102. Another victim. I ordered Jordan Almonds 4/5/07.  Nothing, even after several attempts to contact them.  I sent them a check so I have no way to get my money back.  They should be sued.

    Comment by Pat Drazen on 5/08/07 at 9:51 am #
  103. Like others, I wish I had found this site earlier.  My story is similar: an order placed on April 24, nothing arrived (how long should it take to ship from New Jersey to Connecticut? other online purchases I’ve made have arrived promptly), an e-mail requesting tracking information, then another, angrier this time—neither answered.  By calling my credit card company, I could tell that the charge had been posted immediately.  I became suspicious when I did an Internet reverse lookup for the telephone number given on the Hometowncandy website, and it was not there—not listed.  Then I found this site.

    So I followed the Hometown instructions and sent an e-mail to CANCEL my order, called the Hometowncandy phone number and left an angry message saying I wanted to cancel and telling them I would dispute the charge with my credit card company if they did not issue a credit, and then immediately did call the credit card company (no point in waiting).  After some discussion, including telling them about this site, with its information about all the other people who have been scammed, they gave me a permanent credit.  They will still do their “investigation,” whatever that might come to.  The thing is, credit card companies pay merchants immediately, not when they receive our monthly payments.  The scammers already have their money while you and I are waiting and fuming and wondering what to do.

    I also canceled the credit card, since who knows how secure it is now.  I’ll be issued a replacement, with a new number.

    Next step is to contact the state of New Jersey.  Thanks to previous posts here, we seem to have quite a bit of information: Barnegat Candy and/or Keller Packaging Engineering Group, 849 West Bay Avenue (which is only a UPS store, with P.O. boxes?), Barnegat, NJ 08005.  Eric Keller and Ronald Keller.  Ronald Keller, 14 Passage Lane, Barnegat, NJ 08005, (609) 698-1424—this address and phone information is indeed listed (I checked).  Also listed is Keller Packaging Engineering, 14 Passage Lane, (609) 607-1005.  Ronald Keller is an adjunct professor at the graduate school of Stevens Institute of Technology, in Hoboken, NJ (http://www.kellerpackaging.com).  These guys should not be so hard to find if enforcement people in New Jersey WANT to find them.  It is unbelievable that this apparently has been going on for at least seven months.

    Does anyone know how to get Google to stop the Hometowncandy website from popping up prominently as the result of a search?

    Comment by Don on 5/08/07 at 3:48 pm #
  104. Same thing, I am very upset.  Placed my order April 16th, credit card was charged on the 19th, and nothing since so matter how hard I try. 

    Fortunately, I still have time to order from somewhere else.

    Comment by Ilise on 5/09/07 at 6:31 am #
  105. Hello again.  My comment is #101.  I have been keeping track of whether these jerks are going to give me a refund or not and as of 2 days later nothing yet, but I did contact the company that was supposed to have issued the refund to tell them that they are dealing with a fraudulent company and am waiting for a call back from them.  I also contacted my bank as I paid with my debit card and they said they could help me get my money back so Pat Drazen, I suggest you talk to your bank and see if they can help you.  Make sure you can reference them to this site.  They might be able to help you.  I have been sending nasty grams to the people at all the addresses i could find for these jokers too.  About the fact that I contacted the place doing their credit card charges (Authorize.net)and that my bank is investigating them.  I’ll let you know what Authorize.net tells me.  We can’t let these people continue to get away with crap like this!

    Comment by Cathleen Costa on 5/10/07 at 5:35 am #
  106. I found hometown candy this past weekend while searching for something different for my mom for mothers day. Place a order May 5h. Was charged that weekend. Then i came accross this site. Very mad and upset, i called my bank Monday May 7th to file a claim and cancel my debit card. Talked to my mom today and low and behold she recieved Candy yesterday. She said it came from jordon almonds. I had told her what had happen a few days ago. I had ordered some black jack gum and necco chocolate wafers with a total order $28. I had told a few people about the website before i found this, Luckly they know now NOT to order from them. I somehow got lucky and will never have anything to do with nor have anyone i know have anything to do with them. Oh, did never recieve anysort of email about my order( i check it daily). And thats the reason how i found this place.

    Comment by Mendy on 5/10/07 at 4:35 pm #
  107. #106….that is awesome your mom got her candy!! I still hold out hope one day the stuff I ordered (Marshmellow Brach’s Bunny Basket Eggs) might arrive!
    Can we still take part of a claim even if we already had our credit card reimburse us?

    Comment by Megan Soracco on 5/10/07 at 6:21 pm #
  108. Yeah #14 here… I consider myself a pioneer of this site and by the way, I’m still waiting for my order from October 11, 2006…

    I can’t believe that anyone got their order.  The firms address was a PO Box.  The customer service rep was hired off the Internet and quit when she realize all the fraud—I bet anyone who say anything positive here is a PLANT.  Sorry, you will never convince me otherwise.  THIS COMAPNY REEKS FRAUD. Maybe every now and then they fill an order with retail bought candy to keep people guessing but I even doubt that.

    Comment by Mel on 5/10/07 at 6:31 pm #
  109. Well, persistance does pay off sometimes. I got my refund today!!  I encourage anyone who has been scammed by this company to e-mail and call everyone listed on this site that has anything to do with this company and demand a refund.  Tell them they are being investigated.  Whatever you have to do to get your money back.  Don’t forget to call the credit card company they use either, Authorize.net.  And let them know you have called them.  Be nasty!!  Good luck!

    Comment by Cathleen Costa on 5/11/07 at 4:42 am #
  110. I just received a letter back from NJ Office of the Attorney. It states that they are sending the compliant to another address since it was not part of the Divisions’s jurisdiction. Here is the address I am to send any correspondence:
    Postal Inspector in Charge
    P.O. Box 509
    Newark, NJ 07101-0509
    973-693-5400

    Comment by Jill on 5/24/07 at 4:15 pm #
  111. I also fell into the jordan almonds.com scam. It sucks because I am 3 weeks away from my wedding and still dont have my almonds. I cancelled my card and will be getting a new one with a provisional refund while the bank investigates. I am kicking my self because if i had only done a search about them i would have found out all of this info before I gave them money. If some one does file a lawsuit in Ca please notify me. I would love to shut these guys down. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Comment by Courtney on 5/25/07 at 7:29 am #
  112. #110 I just got a letter like that too on May 24th 2007. I live in CA…but I think I am not able to file anything…my credit card company did a charge back for us.

    Comment by Megan Soracco on 5/25/07 at 9:30 am #
  113. I just recieved my almonds yesterday afternoon. I dont understand what is up with this company. The ship to some people but not to others?

    Comment by courtney on 5/26/07 at 6:32 am #
  114. This is the first time I have been duped.  I too have called Hometown Candy but get recorders or busy signal.  I was billed under Barnegat Candy LLC and American Express is investigating.  Even though my order was less than $16.00, I either want my Slo Pokes or my money back!!!

    Comment by Kay H on 5/29/07 at 9:14 am #
  115. This Blog contains complaints and problems from victims of hometowncandy who actually found this BLOG and wrote—Can you imagine how many others are out there??? I was #12 back in October/November. It’s mind boggling how these frauds continue to dupe people without consequence. Do you really think these thieves file and pay taxes??

    Comment by Mel on 5/29/07 at 5:50 pm #
  116. Citibank was nice enough to credit me the $ I lost due to the scam.  If you use Citibank, give them a call.  They couldn’t have been nicer.  They even credited me the finance charges they made off the transaction!

    Comment by Scott on 5/30/07 at 2:46 am #
  117. Hi all,

    My fiance also fell into their trap.  We are going to be calling our CC company, Chase, to see if they will do a chargeback.  Luckily we found what we wanted on a different site.  Jordan Almonds needs to be shutdown!

    Comment by Josh on 5/30/07 at 5:35 am #
  118. Hi, another person riped off - credit card charged the day of the order and 2 weeks later no goods, so I started checking. I second the JORDAN ALMONDS NEEDS TIO BE SHUT DOWN…hope the credit card company BofA helps out.

    Comment by jackie on 5/31/07 at 10:58 am #
  119. 118 back again - I just pulled my credit card info and the billing is from WEDDING PLANNER SUPPL with a phone number 609-439-4241 in NJ also. did anyone else run into thse people?
    It looks like they keep changing their name
    Jordanalmonds, Hometowncandy, Barnegatcandy, now Wedding Planner Suppl..

    Comment by jackie on 5/31/07 at 11:18 am #
  120. uggh. hate scammers. ordered early May from hometowncandy. same story. No delivery. No one answers. no email response. just left a message at barnegat candy, (what a nice old man’s voice they used!) but i know noone will call me back. uggh.

    Comment by mia on 6/03/07 at 3:43 pm #
  121. I have posted here before and ordered from HomeTown Candies before. I have been successful in getting refunds from them after persistent phone calls.  Perhaps because I am a member of the Clergy and made them feel guilty (??).  I got an almost immediate response.  The reason for my response was that the other day, I was driving in my car, and I was listening to XM Radio, and I heard an advertisement on one of the XM Channels for a Candy Company, about your “old time favorite candies” and i couldn’t believe it when the advertisement referrred people to the hometown candy website to order their favorite candy online!  I wonder how many people will actually place orders and be duped by this??  I am not sure if the XM Radio Advertisement department can even be contacted about this.  But I thought it was wierd that they are advertising on XM.

    Comment by Father Andrew on 6/04/07 at 4:37 am #
  122. I ORDERED CANDY FROM “HOMETOWNCANDY” ON 23 APR AND YES SAME AS ABOVE. VISA BILLED AND NO CANDY. NUMERIOUS “E” MAILS AND VOICE MESSAGES BUT NO RESPONCE. VISA IS TRYING TO GET MY MONEY BACK. THEY TELL ME THIS HAPPENS A LOT. MOST PEOPLE LET IT GO JUST THINKING THEY LOST THERE MONEY. THOSE FEW WHO COMPLAIN ABOUT COMPANIES LIKW THIS OFTEN WILL MISTERIOUSLY RECEIVE THERE ORDER. VERY, VERY LATE. WILL SEE WHAT HAPPENS.ITS NOT JUST CANDY

    Comment by EDD on 6/04/07 at 6:47 am #
  123. Cybele's avatar

    Father Andrew - there are two other companies with a similar name that are in NO WAY affiliated with Barnegat. They’re called HometownFavorites.com and OldTimeCandies.com - is it possible that one of those was mentioned? (If not, please please contact XM and let them know that they’re promoting a scam.)

    Has anyone had any response from filing with the New Jersey authorities ... you don’t need to be a resident of New Jersey to file. EVERYONE who has been taken, whether they got their money back from their credit company or not should file or else this company will continue to operate.

    Comment by Cybele on 6/04/07 at 6:53 am #
  124. CYBELE - RECEIVED LETTER FROM THE NJ OCP ” THIS IS OUT OF OUR JUSISDICTION” WAS TURNED OVER TO POSTAL INSPECTOR IN CHARGE, PO BOX 509, NEWARK, NJ 07101-0509. SEEMS NOBODY KNOWS WHAT TO DO ABOUT INTERNET FRAUD?

    Comment by EDD on 6/04/07 at 8:06 am #
  125. I thought just I was crazy - “never missed a weddding” - that’s what sold me on the site.  I ordered wedding items from 15 different vendors on the web for my daughters wedding and only one duped me.  I have left countless messages (voice and email) fro hometowncandy and jordanalmonds and weddingplanners and ronald keller.  I have done the “track” and “cancel” in the emails.  I have asked my bank to reverse payment on my debit card but don’t know if they can - it’s been over three weeks. 

    How can the Keller Boys be stopped?  They got $150 from me which I may never see again.

    Comment by MadInTexas on 6/06/07 at 7:39 am #
  126. Do you suppose the CC companies put up with this because they are still making $$ on the transactions?  There’s no $$ in refusing to deal with a company…

    Good business, maybe.  But bad ethics, as far as I am concerned.  They should revoke the business’s ability to charge to a person’s CC after so many complaints and chargebacks.  You know darn well that they know who the scammers are out there.  After all, they know all about the cardholder’s credit and life.

    Comment by AM on 6/06/07 at 11:01 am #
  127. I guess I was slightly “luckier” than some of you who ordered from Hometowncandies; I got my almonds (they weren’t in the cooler I paid for, but arrived on time).  They were NOT the quality of almonds I ordered, and were STALE.  Am I allowed to use the word “crappy” on-line??? Luckily I ordered early, so the end result at this point is I’m out about $100. that it sounds like I won’t see again. We’re going shopping locally, where we can taste the goods first!  I also got charged for a canceled order from JordanAlmonds.com - I’m going to contact my CC company Monday.  I wish I had seen this site before I ordered!

    Comment by Suzanne on 6/09/07 at 4:26 am #
  128. I was also taken by Barnegat Candy.  Ordered on 11 May and received an immediate confirmation.  No response to two voice mails and two emails.  Also filed complaint with NJ Consumer Affairs.  I am now in the process of trying to recover my $48.35.  All this because I saw some Big Tex Jelly Beans on the food Network!  Of course, I couldn’t just stop with a few jelly beans…..

    Comment by Carl on 6/09/07 at 5:11 am #
  129. 118 & 119 back again ...amazing… I just received 5 pounds of jordan almonds by USPS priority mail from Hometown. If you haven’t cancelled and reordered from someone else (which I did and received them a week ago) BEWARE you might still get your order. Good luck to all !!!

    Comment by jackie kirschner on 6/09/07 at 3:49 pm #
  130. Hello everyone, #98 & #99 here. I just wanted to give an update. I too received the same letter from the NJ Atty. Gen. on 06-08-07.
    My bank gave me a “provisional credit” on my debit card, “pending an investigation”. I was told it was not technically credit card fraud because I authorized the transaction.
    They sent me the complaint form to return so I am attaching copies of all the information from this post.
    I think this company should have to pay us for all the time and headache we have had to waste trying to get this resolved!! Like we have nothing better to do with our time!!
    For me this has all been over some stupid gum!!

    Comment by Marie on 6/11/07 at 4:53 am #
  131. Wow, I was very lucky apparently.  I only came across this page because I received 20 lbs. of jordan almonds today that I had canceled and wanted to figure out what was going on!  I actually did get a refund on my credit card a while ago and wasn’t expecting any product. Very weird.

    Comment by Jennifer on 6/12/07 at 6:53 am #
  132. I actually called the man the site is registerd to, Mr Kelly. His number is 609-607-1005. He first denied he knew anything and then I told him his voice is on the voicemail so stop lying. After that he admitted he does operate the candy sites. I told him I wanted my candy or refund NOW and I would give ALL his information to my bank for an investigation TOMORROW. After forcing him to give me a date when I would hear back from him he told me Monday would be the date I would get information about a refund. I told him that was NOT good enough and I was giving all his information to my bank for a fraud investigation. I also told him about the site and he tried to say the claims are untrue since it’s run by his competitor. I told him I didn’t care. I have NO refund and NO candy, so that is my concern. He seemed rattled when I got off the phone with him. I am getting a refund from my bank but I will make it my mission to SHUT THEM DOWN!! I will warn brides on theknot.com about this company.

    Comment by DEDE ORRACA -TETTEH on 6/14/07 at 8:55 am #
  133. Cybele's avatar

    DEDE - Did Mr. Kelly say that THIS site (candy blog) is run by his competitors? Because that’s not true ... I don’t sell candy. (Full disclosure - I do have advertisements on this site from some of his competitors, but they’re not booked directly with me, they go through an agency.)

    I encourage folks to also write to http://www.Consumerist.com (tips at consumerist dotcom) and see if they’ll help take up the challenge, they do a lot of investigative work and might be able to come up with some other ways for people who have been defrauded to get some compensation.

    Comment by Cybele on 6/14/07 at 9:06 am #
  134. WOW, DeDe I am amazed that you actually got to speak to that moron! Almost none of us has been able to speak to a live person, or even received a response for that matter! Thank you for speaking for all of us. And boo hoo if he got a little rattled, thats a lot less than what most of us feel. He’s probably just pissed that he got caught!

    Comment by Marie on 6/14/07 at 9:58 am #
  135. Marie, I kept calling that bogus number he has on the website and on our credit card statements. I only got a hold of him personally when I called the number for his engineering company (who even knows if that is legit). That is the number I am giving to my bank. Cybele, I will definately visit the website you listed. He never mentioned this website by name. However, in the email I sent him after the phone conversation I listed your website. I am also forwarding this website to my bank. Of course, I don’t believe anything he says. I encourage people to call him at 609-607-1005 or email him at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Like someone said before let him know he is being investigated for fraud through your bank or credit card company. The info on their websites are bogus. Thank you ron (#80) for the info! I will keep everyone updated.

    Comment by DEDE ORRACA -TETTEH on 6/14/07 at 10:26 am #
  136. I also ordered over $100 of candy for my wedding from this site, and got tricked.  My bank gave me a provisional credit on my debit card, and I attached pages from this blog as well as pages from the Better Business Bureau.  I was really disappointed that I didn’t do my research - definitely learned my lesson!  I’m confident that my provisional credit will become a permananent credit (Citibank), esp since so many other ppl have gotten tricked by this site, so they’re probably already familiar!  Anyhow, I’ll be filing complaints about this company everywhere I could.

    Comment by Carmen on 6/21/07 at 5:44 am #
  137. I felt like a fool! Now not so much! $140 May 29th was charged. Unbelievable. I do want to be a part of any suit against him. After reading all this I wondered about the charge to my card by weddingsupply.com. sure enough they changed the name again, obviously just a couple months ago. I have done everything suggested and listed! We’ll see!

    Comment by Amber on 6/21/07 at 8:31 am #
  138. Many of you sound young and I would say, that is why you got dupped.  I’m 54 years old and I got dupped for $218.99.  I ordered so many things for my daughters weddding, all others came in fine, no problem.  I have tried so hard to get an answer from Hometown Candy, Jordon Almonds and from Wedding planner, which is the company that actually billed my credit card.  I am so happy I came across this site.  Not only am I disbuting the charge, I have canceled my credit cards.  Good luck to each of you.  I hope you are able to resolved the charges to your own cards.

    Comment by Donna on 6/26/07 at 11:00 am #
  139. I placed an order with the company hometowncandy.com earlier this month and have yet to receive it.  I have called them numerous times to find out what is going on and no response it always goes straight to voicemail.  I have also e-mailed and no response.  DO NOT ORDER FROM THEM!

    Comment by Bobby on 6/27/07 at 4:14 pm #
  140. Well, chalk me up as another sucker ... wish I had found this site before I ordered!

    I did a chargeback with my bank today, and sent in the form to the NJ Division of consumer affairs.

    I don’t know about debit cards, but I know for credit cards you have at least 6 months to dispute charges - just call your card issuer and file a complaint.  And remember, it costs them money every time one of us does a chargeback, so don’t hesitate if you are truly dissatisfied.

    Comment by Dianne on 7/02/07 at 11:18 am #
  141. Follow-up to my comment #128:  I went through the process with my bank and got my $$ reinstated.  I also received a letter from the NJ Office of the Atty General with whom I had files a complaint.  Like others mentioned above, the “allegations…are not within the Division’s jurisdiction…” and the matter is being referred to the Postal Inspector in Charge. I’m not sure hwat he is in charge of as nobody seems to have seen it go any further.

    Comment by Carl Floyd on 7/02/07 at 1:49 pm #
  142. Cybele's avatar

    Some commenters have noted that the NJ Consumer Affairs office refuses to investigate, saying that it is a federal matter. If you’d like to file a formal complaint, direct it to the Federal Trade Comission, which investigates mail fraud (and now covers internet transactions).

    This should be the correct form (do NOT enter your Social Security Number in this instance, as that item is only needed when they’re investigating credit report scams or identity theft. You can read more about the rules governing internet commerce on this page.

    Comment by Cybele on 7/02/07 at 2:14 pm #
  143. Yep. I got took, also. Ordered on May 29, 2007, and it’s now July 6, and all I have to show for this is a credit card charge - no candy.

    Karen

    Comment by Karen on 7/06/07 at 7:48 am #
  144. #76 update - I did file the complaint with NJ before learning they forwarded it to the postal service. Just last week, I received a postcard from the Postal Service Inspection Service, so guess my complaint was received. However, the card states prevention tips for Identity Theft and Telemarketing Fraud, which doesnt pertain to this case at all!! But it also states the service has entered the info into its national Fraud Complaint System. Has anyone else received such a post card??

    Comment by Jill on 7/08/07 at 5:40 am #
  145. I wonder if it would be possible for somebody—especially if they live in NJ—to contact the local media, either a local newspaper (they tend to like stories like this) or one of those evening-news programs for their “consumer warning” bits. It seems a compelling enough story: “Hundreds scammed by innocent-looking old-fashioned candy website—with no legal protection!” Then maybe we could find out whose jurisdiction this is, and they’d go after the company owners and embarrass them.

    Comment by R on 7/08/07 at 4:59 pm #
  146. We both just got scammed over $200 by this company.  After 12 days of them not returning emails or phone calls, we contacted our bank.  They were told of our situation.  Our bank has launched an investigation into this company.  Hopefully our bank can beginning to tell us on how this company operates.

    Comment by D and R on 7/09/07 at 6:42 pm #
  147. I also got scammed- bought some rock candy for my wedding-never was able to talk to a live person and didn’t receive any responses for my e-mails. I am planning on calling my CC company.

    Comment by Mindy on 7/13/07 at 5:25 am #
  148. I was scammed by this guy about a year ago.  I ordered around $30 or $40 worth of candy and it never came.  When I contacted my bank (I was foolish enough to use a debit card) they took my complaint but told me that since I waited over 30 days I wouldn’t get a refund.  I did file a complaint with the FTC, although I’m not sure it went through properly.  The Consumerist is a good idea; I’ll have to put together an interesting cmplaint and send it to them.  I read them regularly and I’d love for them to tackle this fraudster.

    Comment by Jeffrey Dixon on 7/15/07 at 6:35 pm #
  149. I ordered the end of April 2007. My account was charged the next day. I tried to contact them the day I was charged to make sure they shipped my order with the cooler. I left a message thinking nothing of it. When I didn’t get a call back I began to worry. I called serveral more times and emailed them. I sent faxes and received no response. I work at a credit union and kept an eye on my account. No refund, no response, nothing. I got my bank to refund the money but I am trying to contact anyone who can help shut these guys down. I like the idea of contacting local media to get a story on this company.

    Comment by Erin on 7/16/07 at 10:47 am #
  150. Update to #147

    I contacted my credit union- they told me that first I needed to file a “Fradulent Activity Complaint” with my local police station, then bring the complaint # to my credit union. I believe they are in the process of refunding me. In the meantime, I made a report with the New Jersey Attorney General with the page posted above, and also made a complaint with the FDC. The more complaints the FTC have of this company, the more likely they will start a full-fledged investigation. I encourage everyone who has been ripped off by this company to file a complaint with the FTC. I also did a search of Eric Keller, and I don’t know if this is the same one, but an Eric Keller got kicked off the AOL team for doing similar illegal activities…pretty sick that he’s still at it!

    Comment by Mindy on 7/16/07 at 2:29 pm #
  151. I ordered something at the end of June in hopes that it would get to me in time for my husband’s birthday. I called my credit card and got the numbers to call the Hometown candy company. I received the answering machine. The I found this page. Thanks for the advice. I’m in the process of diputing this now.

    Comment by Adrienne on 7/23/07 at 11:30 am #
  152. Same story: I’m out $20.88 because of a craving for a rare baby-boomer goodie. Ordered June 12; billed immediately; nothing ever came and they don’t respond to my e-mails. I called American Express today to start an investigation, and added my name to the FTC complaint list. First time I’ve ever been scammed in the Internet world.

    Comment by Charles on 7/23/07 at 12:11 pm #
  153. I ordered over $36.00 of candy on June 24th.  I got an instant receipt, plus a tracking number from USPS.  Unfortunately, the candy still has not been shipped!  All efforts to contact this so called company has been in vain. I have left numerous messages at the numbers published on their website, plus the number on my credit card.  I am now disputing this charge with my credit card company.  I did file a complaint with the FTC and the BBB.  I wish I had done some research in advance but I have never had problems before ordering online.

    Comment by Kathy on 7/26/07 at 4:02 am #
  154. To #153 Kathy - you should report your tracking number to USPS, stating that you received the number and never received the package. This would be another way to shut them down, for shipping companies dont hand out tracking numbers unless the package was shipped. Keep the number for this cculd be their latest tactic to stay in business, and I bet the number will be used for several customers, not just you!

    Comment by Jill on 7/26/07 at 4:48 pm #
  155. Only place I could find the candy I was looking for online, ordered, never arrived, returned first e-mail with what seemed to be an actual real person responding, didn’t return next e-mail, third was answered by an automated system, future ones were not answered at all. Never returned phone calls, filed with credit card for fraudulent charges and got money back that way.

    Comment by Ron on 7/29/07 at 11:39 am #
  156. Same thing happened to me- a special treat for my 75 year old mother. Same thing, got the order verification in a matter of minutes. Called them to change the order immediately but no answer- no response to emails. Called the bank- they are issuing credit back to me. Very sad. My first internet scam

    Comment by cindy on 7/30/07 at 5:21 am #
  157. I have ordered from Hometown Candy several times over the past few years.Communication with them has always been a long nightmare butfinally I was able to get them to email me and either refund or ship my candy BUT not this time. Ordered candy 7/10/07. Bank debit was 7/12/07. I have emailed all the Hometown email contacts as well as Jordan Almond email contacts sevral times and have called all the phone numbers and left numerous messages. Tried to fax to them but the fax never answers. I have read with great interest all the others who have posted on here about this company and the resources used to complain. I really have learned a lot. I am going to begin by called my bank about the charges and then file complaints.

    Comment by Terri L Benton on 7/30/07 at 8:14 am #
  158. I can’t believe that our nice little town is getting such a bad reputation because of an internet merchant who apparently has a very big problem with fulfillment and customer service.

    I hope all you folks eventually get satisfaction. If you are looking for some media support, the local weekly paper that covers this area is called “The Beacon”. The editor can be reached at hud-AT-app-DOT-com.

    Comment by LocalResident on 8/10/07 at 9:58 am #
  159. OH MY GOD…...I’m probably the 1000th person to say this but dam i wish i read this before i ordered! I feel like going out to New Jersey with my Louisville Slugger and breaking some legs!!!! I had a feeling the prices were too good to be true and now i have to go through the hassle of dealing with my bank about this issue. STAY AWAY FROM THESE SITES

    Comment by Tony Camonte on 8/13/07 at 9:05 am #
  160. I posted earlier in this thread and just saw that my disputed charge was fully refunded including finance charges.  I just hope everyone is as lucky as I was.

    *THE FOLLOWING DISPUTE IS NOW CONSIDERED RESOLVED *
    *BARNEGAT CANDY, LLC 4/15 SALE DATE *
    *$35.17 + $.83 FIN CHG PREVIOUSLY CREDITED*

    Comment by Scott on 8/15/07 at 5:59 am #
  161. As I read through all 160 of these comments (anger fuels a lot of time spent on this) it irritates me that no one can get these jerks taken offline. I, like most, am pissed I didn’t do a little more research before ordering, but my credit card company has been really good about investigating the dispute and giving me my money back. So far I have reported them to the Federal Trade Commission and the FBI Internet Fraud site. I am more than willing to part of a class action or a petition to Google (this bogus site is the first site that pops up if you search for Jordan Almonds, catching more and more “business”).

    Comment by Amy on 8/16/07 at 11:32 am #
  162. hometown candy is owned and operated by Erik Keller and hi father they operate out of a soon to be closed wearhouse in Ewing NJ Keller is curently awaiting trial on fedral fraud charges and will soon be going to jail in NJ for simalar charges. So don’t buy anything from them

    Comment by candy cop on 8/20/07 at 11:12 am #
  163. I am post #161. I too have a blog site and have written about the jordan almond/candy scam here

    http://www.berlinovo.com/2007/08/14/where-the-are-my-almonds/

    Maybe if enough people write and enough get hits, we will show up on Google. What irritates me is as I noted above that if you Google “jordan almonds”, jordanalmonds.com is at the top of the list. UGH

    Comment by #161 on 8/21/07 at 5:11 am #
  164. Post #162 could have been more specific. Anyway, here’s what I’ve found:
    ==============================
    http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/pae/News/Pr/2006/dec/keller.html

    Comment by LocalResident on 8/25/07 at 2:24 pm #
  165. I have turned my issue with this awful company over to my bank and they have credited my account and have started an investigation. If you want to order great candy like this ripoff company sold use candyfavorites.com. They are even quoted on Brach’s home site as their on line vendor of choice. I got my wonderful jelly beans from this company fast and secure and they are very nice to deal with AND they communicate.

    Comment by Terri L Benton on 8/27/07 at 3:28 am #
  166. My experience w/Hometown Candy was GREAT!!!  They filled my order & shipped it SUPER FAST by UPS!!!  I will definitely do business w/them again! I am very satisfied!

    Comment by Zalea King-Barnes on 9/17/07 at 7:02 am #
  167. So, perhaps, they fill every “lucky” 166th order?  I was not so fortunate.  Not the best odds for most consumers.  Hopefully, folks will do a little search and find this site before ordering.

    Comment by Julie on 9/17/07 at 8:19 am #
  168. I because suspicious of HometownCandy after I sent two tracking requests and left a phone message, and never heard back from them.

    I got lucky; looks like they never charged me for the order I placed 3 weeks ago.  But just in case, I sent them a cancellation notice and I’m going to keep an eye on my bank account activity.

    Alarm bells should have gone off after I saw the discounted rates they offered for the candy I wanted.  If it seems too good to be true ...

    Comment by Julie F. Barman on 9/17/07 at 8:36 am #
  169. I too ordered my wedding favor candy from jordanalmonds.com—two types, actually. One box with one of the candies arrived 11 days but the second type of candy was not delivered. Like almost everyone else who submitted a comment on this site, I have been unable to get in touch with the company.  I’ve left messages on the answering machine, sent emails (one sent to the customer service address on the site came back as undeliverable), and finally called my credit card company to dispute the charge. My wedding is at the end of the month so I’ve since ordered from another (reputable!) site. If only I had thought to do a search for complaints before ordering! What a hassle. I hope the site gets taken down.

    Comment by Angry Bride on 10/02/07 at 9:51 am #
  170. All I can say is WOW…what a scam artist they are.  Same thing happened to me, Ordered the products, got a quick confimation number, got a UPS tracking number. However everytime I tracked my product nothing is there. UPS states that Jordanalmonds.com contacted UPS about the package but they never sent it to UPS to be shipped. This is unreal, how can we get this site to shut down??? Whatever you do, DO NOT order from this site!!!

    Comment by Pissed Off Bride!!! on 10/06/07 at 4:24 am #
  171. Ordered about $60 worth of candy from hometowncandy- on Sept 25 - using CC.  I got this odd CC confirmation email from “Ronald Keller@ Wedding planner something.com   On Sept 26, I started getting fraudulent charges on my CC, so the bank shut down the account.  This AM, I left messages on hometowncandy’s answering machine, and didn’t hear anything.  This afternoon I called back, and left another message mentioning credit card fraud.  This evening, I got an email just saying they are refunding my CC - I’ll check tomorrow.  I think this may have gone beyond just a purchase scam, they might be using the CC # for further fraud.  I’m reporting all of this to my bank.

    Comment by SweetToothNowSour on 10/10/07 at 6:10 pm #
  172. does anyone know what bank keller uses as his depository bank?  In other words when you send him funds, what bank does he deposit the money into?

    Comment by Greg on 11/09/07 at 6:30 am #
  173. I placed an order with ebulkcandy.com back in December 2004 and I never received my order of $47.00. That company stole my money and then moved from New Jersey to Pennsylvania. I complained to the NJ attorney gernerals office, but the investigator did not show any interest and left me in the cold. So I got it from both ends! I wasn’t able to contact this lousy company, but eventually I was able to email them again and again with no results. I want my money back and if it takes many years, so be it or I’ll see them all in jail. It wouldn’t surprise me if this company is some kind of front to fund a terrorist organization with all that stolen money.

    Comment by Jo Dominguez on 12/04/07 at 6:33 pm #
  174. I placed an order with Hometown Candy for $21.88 (including shipping and everything) and they charged my card immediately. After not hearing anything for a few days I followed the procedure (11/25) listed on their website to get tracking info and heard nothing. By 11/30 when I still hadn’t heard anything I did the tracking thing again.

    On 12/1 I received this…

    “Dear Kim

    Today a Refund has been issued to your credit card. It should be reflected in your card balance within a few business days.

    The receipt for the refund is posted below.

    We apologize for any inconvenience.

    Thank you.

    HometownCandy.com”

    No one actually ever replied to me and I never received any replies.

    Comment by Kim on 12/09/07 at 12:40 pm #
  175. Kim:  The exact same thing happened to me!

    Comment by Ann on 12/13/07 at 8:18 am #
  176. I placed an order in Sept. ‘07.
    Card was charged, but no candy.
    I then emailed and called repeatedly.
    Finally, I googled the name Hometowncandy.com and found the complaints.
    I contacted the N.J. Attorney General. They told me to contact the Penn. Attorney General.
    In the meantime, I contacted my bank and they credited my card back.
    Then I received an email from HometownCandy saying they would credit my account if I would drop the credit card complaint.
    Send any information to:
    Bureau of Consumer Protection
    Philadelphia Regional Office
    21 South 12th Street, 2nd Floor
    Philadelphia, PA 19107

    I’m sending them copies of everything. This Co. needs to be stopped. How many others don’t complain?

    Comment by Becky S. McNamara on 12/27/07 at 5:52 am #
  177. I too placed an order on Hometowncandy.com for something I couldn’t find anywhere else.  Order date was 12/25.  On 1/8 I still had not received my order (but the cc was charged VERY promptly, of course).  I sent an email to them using their “TRACK” feature and received a return email stating that it was being shipped that day, and “sorry for the delay”.  In the meantime, I found this website and panicked.

    Yesterday, I still had seen nothing and sent another email, to which I received a reply that they were shipping via USPS.  I then received a tracking confirmation from USPS this morning.  Just now, I checked the USPS website, and lo and behold, it looks like it left the NJ postal facility today.  I’ll be amazed if it’s the right order and of good quality.  I will certainly never order from this company again—way too risky.  Hopefully, the complaints filed against them have them scared into delivering.

    Comment by Karen H. on 1/16/08 at 2:34 pm #
  178. I placed an order with Hometown Candy on January 23, 2008 and received my order today (February 6, 2008) after two e-mails asking “Where is my candy?  Of course I had not read any of these complaints.  Well, the candy I received was not what I had ordered. I had ordered Brach’s Starbrites and I received unidentifiable starlight mints which had been placed in a plain plastic bag closed with a tie and there was no way I could tell what the brand of the candy was. I am going to return the candy today and will also close my current cc account.  Will let you know if I receive a refund.

    Comment by Gloria on 2/06/08 at 10:34 am #
  179. I also ordered from ebulkcandy.com.  I was immediately charged and received an email from UPS saying billing information was received.  They said the package would be delivered on 2/8 (I ordered on 2/6 and UPS was contacted on 2/7).  I left messages for EBulkcandy.com when the package didn’t arrive.  I also emailed and phoned on 2/11 when I didn’t hear back from them.  I called the phone number listed above (609-698-1424) and spoke with Evelyn.  I told her that I had requested the order arrive by 2/12 and I had left numerous messages and emails and have not had a response. 

    About 3 hours later I received an email stating, “We have issued a refund for your order placed last week on 2/06. Your order was set to ship today; but in light of your concerns and doubts, we felt it best to issue a refund for this order.” 

    All I had asked was to have someone notify me when it the candy would be shipped out.  This is a horrible business, especially preying on those that have big occasions that depend on this candy.  I order all the time of the internet and am thoroughly disgusted with this company and am shocked that something hasn’t been done about it yet.

    If you have a problem…call the number above, you will speak to a live person.

    Good Luck.

    Comment by Pam G. on 2/11/08 at 3:52 pm #
  180. count me as another duped customer.After numerous attempts to get in touch with them, with no response ,I received about 1/3 of my order (5 weeks later).More attempts to contactthem after this package, and still to date no reply.Better Business is next step I guess.
    How are they allowed to still have a Web presence, let alone a prominent presence when you use a search engine? How I found them..google search..originally led to Howntown Candy,order receipt from Jordan Almonds,Label on package Barnegat) No packing slip in the box received,I guess to make it harder for someone to return anything or contact anyone.

    Comment by cathy m on 2/12/08 at 11:49 am #
  181. Cybele's avatar

    cathy m - please consider filing a report against them with the Federal Trade Comission. BBB reports do no good in this instance, as it appears that few people who have been duped by them even checked their BBB rating. Criminal charges, conviction and jail time will get rid of people who steal.

    Comment by Cybele on 2/12/08 at 11:53 am #
  182. just got an “answer” this morning, an automated message from UPS cancelling the shipment of my order.

    Comment by cathy m on 2/19/08 at 4:06 am #
  183. I also recently (3-4 weeks ago) ordered from hometowncandy.com without knowledge of the problems or reputation of this company. My experience is similar to Cathy M’s, so this is likely their new modus operandi. I ordered 21 items, totalling just over $100. My credit card was charged within seconds, and I immediately received order confirmation emails from both “Hometown Candy” and “Wedding Almonds.” I heard nothing more for almost two weeks, despite two emails requesting tracking information or updates. I tried phoning a few times, but always got voicemail. Needless to say, I was becoming worried and that is when I started researching the company and found this site. Twelve days after my original order date, I received an email (on a Friday evening) announcing that my order would “ship on Monday” and providing a UPS tracking number. I checked the UPS Track feature daily starting on the Monday indicated, but it was not until a solid week later that UPS received the package. Two days later, I received an email from Hometown Candy expressing regret that item(s) were out of stock and informing me that a refund had been issued to my credit card. There was no information about what item(s) were unavailable, or the amount of the credit. The package arrived today; it contained one-third of the items I ordered, totalling about 25% of the value of my order. To date, no refund has been posted to my card. I have still been unable to reach a human being at their phone number. I am sure that with the speed of the original charge, they have the capability of issuing a credit just as promptly, if they were a decent company. Given the horror stories posted here, I’ll count myself lucky if I have a credit issued by the end of the week. If I don’t, I intend to file with the FTC.

    Comment by Susy on 2/19/08 at 12:37 pm #
  184. Update: I finally have the refund posted to my credit card, exactly 30 days after the initial charge. For what it’s worth, the candy I did receive was all good quality. I’ll never order from hometowncandy.com again, though.

    Comment by Susy on 2/29/08 at 2:53 pm #
  185. I placed an order with Home Town Candy on their website on February 25, 2008.  The order came to $73.00 including shipping for a candy buffet for our wedding.  I actually received a shipment from them on March 6, but it was not complete.  6 pounds and $19.00 worth of candy were missing.  I have made numerous phone calls, left messages, and written emails and, now, after reading all of this, I do not expect to hear from them.  I guess I should consider myself lucky that I even received any candy at all.  But I wanted to write this to warn others of this fraudulent site.  I just filed a dispute with my credit card company for the $19.00 and I will live without the blue and orange sour balls.

    Comment by Noelle on 3/07/08 at 9:49 am #
  186. i ordered from hometown candy - then i get charged from wedding planner and thought wtf i didnt buy anything from them so i did a search for the phone number that was on my bank stmt and found this website - omg i HAD NO IDEA that I should research a website before ordering..::note to self - always lookup website before ordering::
    so I read that the place sends order confirmations - I open my email and get an email stating my order had a tracking number
    this is what usps said:

    Label/Receipt Number: 0103 8555 7494 1862 6653
    Status: Processed

    Your item was processed and left our KEARNY, NJ 07032 facility on March 14, 2008. Information, if available, is updated every evening. Please check again later.

    just wanted yall to know that i ordered 3-14-08

    maybe they are trying to turn their business around?
    gosh im so thankful that I am not one of the statistics
    my order totalled $36
    i ordered brachs hard candy strawberry and orange and some expresso chocolates
    i did order some ice to go with my package because i thought that was too cool to have that offered to me.

    good luck yall

    Comment by sarah C on 3/15/08 at 3:06 am #
  187. I was just about to place a order with jordanalmonds.com when my eye lit upon this site. Thanks for saving me a lot of bother and aggravation. (As a tax practitioner, I don’t need any extra headaches at this time of year.) Good luck to all who weren’t as fortunate.
    Helen

    Comment by Helen M on 3/15/08 at 7:55 am #
  188. Update—just days after I filed a dispute with my credit card, I received 2 emails from Hometown Candy saying they have refunded my credit card for the full amount including tax and partial shipping.  Their explanation was they were “out of stock” on that candy.  It would have been nice if they had indicated that by an earlier email or including a shipping receipt with the information.  However,  do appreciate that they refunded them money and feel lucky since so many have not received product or refunds.  Personally, I would not order from this company again as I would not fully trust them.  It is better to pay a higher price with a guarantee.  By the way, the candy buffet at our wedding rocked!

    Comment by Noelle on 3/17/08 at 1:40 pm #
  189. Well I fell for it!  I ordered my candy wedding favors from Hometown Candy about a month ago, the total was well over $100.00.  They charged my credit card right away. I have been tring to contact someone from the company for two weeks, no one has answered any of my e-mails or calls. I just called my credit card company and filed a dispute also. I can not believe it, I have never had any trouble ordering on line. I guess I will be more careful now, and I will NEVER order from this company!

    Comment by Erin on 4/10/08 at 10:50 am #
  190. I also fell victim!!  I ordered candy back in February for my upcoming wedding, almost $200 worth.  I didn’t think much about not receiving it yet, until last week.  I went to check the status and came upon a complaint website. I got scared and emailed them immediately…no response, I then tried calling them, no answer and a machine that was definitely not a business phone.  I even tried calling and saying I wanted to place an order and left a number for them to call me back, nothing!  Now, 2 weeks before my wedding I have to find other candy for my buffet and figure out how to get my money back!

    Comment by Beverly Simmons on 4/14/08 at 4:44 am #
  191. Im the latest victim! Oh boy… I ordered over $150 of candy for my wedding and havent received anything. I have emailed ,called, nothing. I have email their internet provider GoDaddy.com to inform then they are hosting a fraud site. I have also emailed the NJ division of consumer affairs and contacted my credit card company. Im not letting this go. These scumbags need to be SHUT DOWN! All these cases over 2+ years and nothing has happened! We need some LAWYERS!

    Comment by Sara on 4/17/08 at 5:19 am #
  192. Has anyone tried to notify the manufactures of some of these candies? I just wondered. I added myself to this victim list almost a year ago. I wonder what “Jelly Bellies” would think!

    Comment by Amber on 4/18/08 at 3:23 pm #
  193. I am just as disgusted as you all are. I filed a report with my local police which I had sent to the Ewing NJ police department, filed a dispute with my credit card company, got in touch with the Attorney General of NJ, the BBB of NJ, and the Host site listed above. FINALLY I got an e-mail from the .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) address saying a refund will be issued….we’ll see! Isn’t it disgusting that we have to go through all of this? I found something interesting that I think you might helpful. CALL THE PHONE NUMBER ON YOUR CREDIT CARD BILL, I THINK IT’S THE GUYS HOUSE! that’s what he told me the one time he picked up. Please, me calling him at home is the least of his worries at this point. And he’s like, 90…..anyone every speak to him other than me?

    Comment by Sofia on 5/02/08 at 2:57 am #
  194. Omg I am so thankful to find this site. I just put my order in yesterday but didnt give my credit card #. I wanted to see the price first. They have these things called Lentils, I’ve never had them. I wanted to try them before I bought my big order. So I bought a small order. And gave my debit card #. Something just didnt seem wright so I looked up the company and found this site. THANK GOD> I got on the phone and cancled my card. HA HA A-hole. Thank you all because I was going to place a $300 order for my wedding thats in 3 weeks. YOu saved me $300 and the disapointment of not having any candy for my wedding.

    Comment by Stacey on 5/09/08 at 5:03 am #
  195. I’ve ordered twice from Hometown Candy and had success both times.  They shipped to my military address using USPS Priority mail. 

    I’m sorry to learn so many others have had problems with them. 

    Bob in Beijing

    Comment by Bob Walther on 5/12/08 at 3:11 am #
  196. I just want to say that I ordered jordan Almonds on Sat march 3, and by wed my almonds were already here.  Smelled and tasted great and were very fresh.  So sorry to hear others are having a hard time.  But I had success.  Worst case scenario, I could always go to their address and bang on the door until they gave me my candy.  I’m only 30 minutes from them.  smile  Good luck to everyone else!

    Comment by Alinga on 5/13/08 at 4:10 pm #
  197. I ordered two boxes of Hometown’s “it’s a boy” bubble gum cigars back on 4/16, expecting there to arrive with plenty of time prior to my wife’s due date of May 1st. As you can imagine after reading the countless other’s stories, the baby arrived when expected, but after a whole month, still no cigars! I’m mystified by how this company is still in business? I have called them several times (obviously never getting a person) and left messages for them to call me, also sent multiple messages to the support e-mail. I even tried one e-mail stating that I was interested in adding additional candy to my order in the hopes of encouraging them to contact me, but no such luck. These guys are scam artists plain and simple and their time will come. Please count me in for the CA law suit.

    Comment by Jeremy on 5/15/08 at 12:01 pm #
  198. I placed an order of over $300 to jordanalmonds.com for rock candy & almonds as wedding favors.  I used my debit card and the money was taken immediately. I became suspicious when I received no Tracking Number to follow the shipment after a few days.  I found this blog and am sick over it. I am a smart internet shopper, but did not check too closely on this transaction.  I called my bank and filed a dispute and hopefully will have the money returned.  Unbelievable how many of us have this same sad story.  I’m in on a class action suit if it materializes.

    Comment by Janet on 5/28/08 at 11:39 am #
  199. Cybele's avatar

    For those who keep mentioning their interest in a Class Action suit, please please consider filing criminal charges. A class action suit is a civil remedy ... it’s a slap on the wrists (well, more like a slap in the wallet).

    Criminal charges means that you can stop fraudulent activity (and much faster than any civil suit). File with the Federal Trade Comission:

    https://rn.ftc.gov/pls/dod/wsolcq$.startup?Z_ORG_CODE=PU01

    Comment by Cybele on 5/28/08 at 11:51 am #
  200. I placed an order for 2 lbs of lentils, 1 lb of buttermints and 3 50-ct packages of cinnamon toothpicks.

    I received the lentils and buttermints very quickly. Pleasantly surprised, I immediately ordered 8 more lbs of candy and reminded them that my toothpicks didn’t arrive (it said on the lading form they were packaged, yet there they weren’t).

    You can guess the rest of the story. Five weeks later, I’ve contacted my bank to dispute the charge and the money’s back in my account.

    I expect they do fill the occasional order just so some of us have a different story to tell.

    Comment by candace on 5/29/08 at 10:23 am #
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