| Smart Start |
| Smart Start Money Scam Irving, Texas |
| 4th of May, 2011 by User488744 |
I am hoping for a class action lawsuit against this company. Two years ago I decided I would lease my interlock device from Smart Start. At the time, they had a good name for themselves and they were highly recommended. Back in July of 2003 I was arrested for an OUI. Melanies Law came into effect in Massachusetts some time after my arrest.Years later I received a letter from the registry stating that I was able to reinstate my license for $700.00 and another $50.00 for a permit. When I went to the registry they informed me I was unable to reinstate my license because I did not own a vehicle at the time and they had me under the interlock program. In order to reinstate my license I was forced to purchase a vehicle. ( Not to mention high insurance I would be paying due to my driving record).Along with a car payment, high insurance, and already paying $7,000.00 in fines I was informed that I would have to have the interlock installed in my car. This installment would cost me $175.00. and for two years I would have to pay a fee of $95.00 a month. I have not drank in eight years and was eligible to have the device uninstalled on May 4th 2011.
On Saturday April 30th I had the device downloaded and paid the fee of $95.00. Somewhat hours later after using the device it came up as a failed test. Two minutes later I blew into the device and passed. This information is not sent to the registry of motor vehicles. They will not see that you passed the test two minutes later , they will just see that you failed the reading. On Monday May 2nd I had to go back to the company doing the downloads to get myself out of lockout mode. I had to pay $50.00 for the violation of a failed test in which I passed two minutes later. I called the representative to see if she could bypass the fee of $50.00 due to the fact I had retested and passed. She informed me it could have been something I ate or hand sanitizer or something close to the device that had alcohol content in it. This was untrue. I did not eat that day, nor use hand sanitizer, nor was the device located to anything but my console.
She refused to reimburse me the $50.00. I informed her, back in 2009 I was reimbursed for the same incident that had just occured. She told me there was nothing she could do about it because I was using the newer device. (I never had a new device installed into the vehicle. ) I told the representative that this was stealing and I didn't have the money for this. She then told me she didn't appreciate the way I was talking after she had just gone over what I should say to the Hearing officer in order to have the device taken out. I told her I understand and as soon as I drove away from the station that downloaded the device for the violation, the interlock went off and so I blew into it. It came up as FAIL. I couldn't believe it. I drove directly to the registry of motor vehicles and explained to them the device was to be taken out on May 4th and that I haven't drank for eight years and I just failed after leaving the place where I had just paid a violation fee for a previous failed test that occured on Saturday, April 30th. These FAILED tests were inaccurate due to the fact I don't drink and I that I passed two minutes later.The hearing officer suggested I write a letter of explanation when I was to come into have it uninstalled on May 4th, 2011. On May 4th I arrived at the Registry of Motor Vehicles early in the morning and appeared before the hearing officer. She told me I was suppose to have the final download done before I came. I had to drive back to the station and have the final download in which I paid a fee of $20.00.
Then I was to go back to the Registry receive paperwork and bring it back to the station allowing them to uninstall the device which would cost me another $55.00. After my final download was done I went back to the registry only to be denied. In order for the removal of the device you have to have clean readings for six months. How is this possible? When Smart Start has glitches or causes glitches with their own software. I now have to have the device for another three months in the car. I have obliged with all that has been required of me for a second OUI in which occurred in 2003. I don't drink and haven't for eight years. This is completely wrong and unethical! How is anyone suppose to get ahead if they won't let you? It is stealing right out in the open. It has caused me a great deal of grief. In this economy I can't even afford to feed myself nevermind keep handing them my hard earned money. In the past few days I have given them close to two hundred dollars. I myself know this is a money making device and believe that the profit from this is very well hidden and unheard about! Something needs to be done!
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| I Have Just had one installed in My Car. I have been Sober for 15 years, driving for 9 yrs. and without Restrictions since 2006. With the words complete next to the restrictions on the MASS. RMV's own records. I went to the appeals and was told I need to have it and they will not change there decision. that was made by a Very unproffesional woman having a bad Day. And this brings up a whole new cituation that is comletely WRONG!! They knowing they don't change there decision But yet are taking hard earned money for an appeals Hearing (50.00) and giving out faulse hope. Knowing the decision won't change. wouldn't this be considered FRAUD? I Have done everything asked of me since my arrest in 1997 have stayed sober, paid all my taxes, ins.everything on time, I have moved forward since this incident and have turned my life around totally. even the arresting officer has seen this and when heard I was dealing with this B.S. once again was kind enoughh to write a very impresive letter. This Melenies law is inplace for a Good Reason. But, there are a lot of people who Do learn from there mistakes that are getting caught up in it. that and the heartless F#$&%s that are handing it out. Can't seem to take the time and click there mouse a few more times. this Law and who recieves the penalties for it needs to be looked at again. I understand that the state and Gov. need money. But this is just Un American!! Aren't laws put in place to teach lessons? I Learned my Lesson 15 years ago!! If the state needs money that bad maybe they should Fire some of the Stupid F#$%$s Running it. |
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| I totally agree. It is so innacurate you can start your car then leave then retest and get a warn. Then in the same drive test get a pass and then a warning. I have cried in my vehicle several times. Blew til i thought I was going to puke. I think if you actually got drunk or had a drink it would work better. JUST KIDDING. I went to start my car one afternnon to go to work not drinking since i don't know. Anyway it went sraight to violation. I went to get my monthly callibration on a fri a hour before I should of left to go to work. They said something was wrong and needed it till monday! What the hell I had a fit! For the money you have to pay a month. They did send me off on my way with it fixed. For 1 week in a row I had som many problems again got a total lock out and I requested a new machine. There customer service is awful. I think they are ran out of a jail cell they are rude as can be and act like they know nothiing about the company. It is just a money maker that is all and I hope and will join in on a law suit action. Granted a DWI is bad but for all the flipping money you have to spend do they have to keep putting you through all the crap..My husband who has not drank for several years hates the thing it even put him stright to violation once. So it has also put a strain on my relationship...IT IS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY! The employees for the Gov. must make big buck, Benefits...Makes me sick to my Stomach! |
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i have had an interlock on my car for 2 weeks. Initially they work fine but somehow, someway the device, after a while, refuses to analyze breath & locks you out. No alcohol failure whatsoever. The device also came unplugged several times very easily, by simply bumping it. Had to pull over, stop the car & restart the car. The interlock companies have the technology to make these devices so that they recognize alcohol & test for it. I truly believe they are taking advantage of a growing market (most states are requiring these devices with 1st time DUI offenders).
Unless the person blows a Failure, or simply unplugs the device when it asks for retest, THE COMPANY SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO CHARGE FOR THE DEVICE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I am getting my paralegal certificate & will be keeping track of my adventure through this.
Just remember, Blockbuster got in trouble for taking advantage of the customer. Credit card companies got in trouble for taking advantage of the customer. Eventually, the **** will hit the fan for these companies & they will pay up the nose for their abuse of power. I will be ready & watching so I can partake in the matter. |
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