Better Business Bureau urges consumers to use caution when doing business with Rising Sun Engines after 141 complainants allege experiencing delivery and product issues when ordering from the company.

Complainants tell BBB that after paying for used auto parts via check or money order, Rising Sun Engines fails to deliver the product. When attempting to reach the company for a refund or to check on the status of an order, consumers allege the company fails to return phone calls.

“I ordered an engine for my 62 year old sister back in December and have still not received it,” states Las Vegas consumer Angela Melancon.  “However, they had no problem cashing my $2,000 cashier’s check.” 

In other cases, consumers state they received defective parts and experienced difficulty exchanging merchandise for working parts.

The company currently has an ‘F’ rating with Better Business Bureau due in large for failing to respond to 117 of the 141 complaints lodged. In some cases, the company responded by shipping the parts or offering a refund.

Rising Sun Engines lists addresses in Chico and Stockton, Calif. Recent complainants report sending checks or money orders to the company via UPS to a mailbox location in Stockton.

“When a company displays such a pattern with such a high volume of complaints, consumers should take that information into account,” said Katie Robison, spokesperson for BBB serving Southern Nevada. “Researching a business before sending payment should always be a priority when doing business online or via telephone.”

BBB offers the following tips to consumers looking to purchase goods via telephone or Internet:

Check the reputation of the seller. Visit bbb.org to research complaint history, licensing and ownership information. Search for the company through a search engine to check out the company’s reputation elsewhere.

Pay by credit card when possible. Paying with cash, check, money order or debit card offers little protection if your order is not delivered or if other issues arise. Attempt to use a credit card whenever possible.

Read all policies and guarantees. Find out how long shipping will take, if restocking fees exist and what the return and exchange policy is for the company before paying for products.

Know your rights. Under FTC’s Mail Order Rule, a seller has 30 days to ship ordered products to a buyer unless otherwise specified at the time of purchase. If the seller cannot ship within the 30 day period, the seller must notify the buyer in writing of the delay, and give the option of waiting, or having the money returned within seven days.

For more consumer advice and tips, visit www.sn.bbb.org or call 702-320-4500.

To see the BBB featured in the media, click below:

CBS:  channel 8

ABC:  channel 13