posted on November 13, 2002 01:10:40 PM new
Several things...
1) Ebay has some insurance on purchases. I don't think it covers $2200.00, though. But she might be able to get something back through that.
2) She should definately call back the police department and try to get someone more helpful. This IS their business, and as civil servants they are responsible to assist.
3) If the item was to be shipped through the postal system, it could be considered mail fraud. Maybe contact a postmaster general?
4) For $2200.00 it might be worth traveling one state over to file a small claims court case.
posted on November 13, 2002 03:47:13 PM new3) If the item was to be shipped through the postal system, it could be considered mail fraud. Maybe contact a postmaster general?
I have never seen a car engine that weighed less than the 70 lb limit for usps so you probably skip that one.
Did she get the selers phone number from ebay and call the seller? That would be the first thing I would do.
[ edited by sapington on Nov 13, 2002 03:49 PM ]
posted on November 13, 2002 05:48:53 PM new
a friend of mine had a similiar ordeal, but it was for $500. he eventually contacted the FBI, gave them copies of the transaction and all his emails (his dead beat seller actually emailed him back for a few months). And the seller sent him back his money.
good luck
posted on November 13, 2002 06:47:51 PM new
You might ask her if she or a spouse/significant other has an EAP (Employee Assistance Program) through their employer. I work a day job for an EAP, and free legal consultation with an attorney via telephone is a benefit that many of our employer groups purchase. If no EAP is available, MANY attorneys will offer a free consult. Sometimes all that is needed is for an attorney to write a letter on behalf of the client, something that may only cost $100 or so.
posted on November 13, 2002 06:49:06 PM new
This sounds like a very legit fraud case. Don't contact the police dept, contact the district(county) Attorney in that county. Hire an attorney and follow this up. Don't just go for the amount of the debt, go for the whole ball of wax, including punitive damages for the stress etc.
