Why is Magic Johnson pitching Jackson Hewitt and Rent-a-Center

It was odd to see Magic Johnson on T.V. selling the virtues of Jackson Hewitt’s Tax Services.  Not everyone feels comfortable doing there taxes, so seeking help from a big name company is understandable.  But many of the African-Americans that Jackson Hewitt targets don’t realize that the person they are working with isn’t that much more qualified to do their taxes than they are, just in tune with the software.

They’re predatory loan scheme, called Tax Refund Anticipation Loan, is the real problem.  This is where Jackson Hewitt takes part of their customers tax refund because they can’t wait to get the check in the mail.  Jackson Hewitt -just like pay day loan sharks- are seizing on black  folks struggle with delayed gratification.

When I then saw Magic fronting Rent-A-Center, I saw it as a disturbing trend.  Mr. Johnson appears in 15-30 second TV and radio spots created by Dallas ad agency Launch. I just found out Rent-A-Center is  one of my new neighbors, moving in to a retail spot vacated by Blockbuster some time ago.

“In teaming with Magic Johnson, we have found the ideal partner to help get the word out. He’s living proof of how, with hard work and determination, you can get the best things in life — which is exactly what Rent-A-Center is all about.”

Ann Davids, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer

Check out MagicTricksUs.org

It’s that “best things in life” line that gets me.  If you have to use RAC to get the “best things in life” then you don’t need it.  And trust me, if it came from RAC, it’s probably not the best.  Magic Johnson’s name means too much let these two companies trade off of it.

I didn’t question Magic and his support for Hillary Clinton in the Democratic Primary.  But his partnership with Jackson Hewitt and Rent-A-Center is troubling to say the least.  Teaming the Magic brand that we’ve trusted for so long (Starbucks, Movie theaters, etc.) with those that take advantage of our community is a bad mix.  Magic is better than that.

Here are some customer experiences from Rent-A-Center at ConsumerAffairs.com

• Lashelle of Va Beach VA (04/02/09) This place is a joke. They promise one thing and then call you a lair when you ask them about it. I got an X-box from them that didn’t have the right pieces and when I went to return it and get my money back like I was told many times wouldn’t be a problem they just kept saying that I was wrong. They even came right out and said that I was lying. They are disrespectful and rude. I will never do business with them again and if you want to get what you pay for you wouldn’t either

  They are stealing peoples money!

• Michael of Los Angeles CA (03/31/09)
  Well my wife went in to exchange a laptop to upgrade for a different one, she was told many times to come on in and that she could apply the balance she has paid towards a more expensive one, to which we agreed, shen she got there after 1 hour they tell her they could not we would have to start all over again and that they would not apply a penny towards the new laptop.

  they have done this too us several times in the past. we originally purchased it thru AArons to whom they own and changed name to RAC- i know many many people who have been ripped off from RAC so my wife left the laptop there after having paid 80% of the exaggerated purchase price.

  Lost $800.00

• Shane of Costa Mesa CA (03/24/09)
  I had the worst experience that I ever had with a company. They were not true to their word and shuffled me around. After signing the terms of agreement and took my money they went back on their word. They were mismanaged, had bad communication, and would not return my calls. They made me wait all day for nothing. They did not do their research and once it they arrived, they were confused and no idea of my adress. I was a monstrosity, and I would definitely tell people not to do buisness with them or give them money.