I fell victim to a scam


I purchased a piece of audio equipment from an Audiogoner with 0 feedback. The Paypal account was unverified as well. I thought, "I was a newbie once, everyone has to start someplace". I've performed dozens of internet transactions and have never been burned, until now.

I received a tracking number "billing information received"... But no product was ever shipped. I was burned out of a decent amount of cash. I won't starve, but I'm pissed. Paypal was useless in helping. They basically told me that Paypal protects Paypal. Audiogon does not disclose account information either.

I have started a police investigation, and they have obtained a search warrant to get the address and bank records of the seller. I'm not holding my breath to catch him though.

If he (or she) is an amateur, then the bank records may lead me to him. If he is a pro, then I guess there is a way to launder the cash.

I mean, Paypal either wires the money to his bank, or cuts him a check. Is there a way to track this? Any Lawyers out there want to chime in?

Part of me is tempted to spend the money to find this person (or people) and prosecute. Am I spinning my wheels?

As I search through other Audiogon adds, I see other suspicious deals. Zero feedback, too good to be true deals. Obviously, I'll do my homework next time...
the_lanman
Why did you not leave negative feedback for that seller?

PayPal will not help if you actually receive goods. If the seller misrepresented or if something is broken they are of no help. HOWEVER, if you receive nothing, they WILL help (at least in my experiewnce and of others I've spoken with).
Sorry to hear of your misfortune ... I really like this site for the Non-ebay atmosphere. I hope the bas##$ds are caught and prosecuted.

Looks to me like you might call Visa and explain that you made payment and never received your goods. In a way ... your Visa account was jeopardized. There are some card issuers that go above and beyond this "Zero Liability" to cover ALL on-line purchases. If you do get ripped ... check around and find a card issuer that will cover ALL on-line transactions and setup an account that you can tie to Paypal. Maybe your card issuing bank has this kind of protection already.

I checked VISA's policy on-line and picked this out ...

=======================================================

Zero Liability has you covered

* Worry-free shopping
* Ultimate security
* Complete fraud protection

Owe nothing on fraudulent transactions

Visa’s Zero Liability policy means 100 percent protection for you. Visa’s enhanced policy guarantees maximum protection against fraud. You now have complete liability protection for all of your card transactions that take place on the Visa system. Should someone steal your card number while you’re shopping, online or off, you pay nothing for their fraudulent activity.

If you notice fraudulent activity on your card, promptly contact your financial institution to report it. It is important to continually monitor your monthly statement to identify any unauthorized transactions.**

Visa’s Zero Liability policy took effect April 4, 2000, and is a great improvement on the previous policy. The former policy required that you report fraudulent activity within two business days of discovery. After this two-day period, you could be held responsible for up to $50 of the unauthorized charges. With the new Zero Liability policy, you’re no longer required to report fraudulent activity within two days and you’re not responsible for any fraudulent transactions made over the Visa network.

The Zero Liability policy covers all Visa credit and debit card transactions processed over the Visa network—online or off. The only transactions not covered under the Zero Liability policy are commercial card, ATM, and non-Visa-branded PIN transactions.

For transactions on other networks, the liability decision is left to the financial institution that issued your card. The issuer has the option of extending the same protections afforded by Visa's Zero Liability policy.

Good luck man,
Hi,

I agree with Stvncar, post the user id, and all details about how he works his scams to help all of avoid him at all costs.

Thanks

God bless...
I kind of fell victim to the same type of thing. I had someone go look at a high end TV Loewe Articos 55 inch DLP that I was selling. I had bought this from a dealer who still had it at his store. I told this guy he could look at it there and if he liked he said he had a cashiers check and would drop it in the mail there. Somehow he got out the door without putting the supposed check in the mail, then the check got returned to him, and now he has disappeared. It has prompted me to start my own website with very strict membership criteria based on identity and address. I too am contemplating spending the money just on principal alone.