posted on October 20, 2000 10:19:06 AM
I accepted a personal check from a user with very good feedback for 91.00
I sold him a vintage camera and accesories.
When he recieved the camera he said it was not what he expected but was willing to keep it if I refunded him 25 dollars. I did via paypal.
Well the check bounced..NSF.
Now I am out the camera, shipping and 25 dollars...what a scam.
I know I should wait for the check to clear..but with his good feedback I did not think I needed to.
He wont answer my emails or paypal requests for payment of 91 dollars...
posted on October 20, 2000 10:37:57 AM
I would advise filing a mail fraud compliant with the US Postal Police, and write to the local FBI office with a request to file interstate wire fraud charges. Copy both the compliants to the bidder, ebay, and paypal.com. Send the bidder's by certified mail.
The USPS and FBI will not do much, but the USPS >WILL< contact him for an explaination. That is usually enough to motivate people to pay.
posted on October 20, 2000 10:59:35 AM
Did you try giving him a call? I had my first bounced check a month ago. Since my bank puts it through twice before notifying me, they knew it bounced. I called, left a message and sent emails. I finally did get in touch and they sent me a money order for the amount of the purchase plus the $3.00 my bank charged me. I guess I was lucky. Don't give up. It took me a while but I was persistent and I got my money.
posted on October 20, 2000 11:13:27 AM
1) First you should NEVER refund anything based on an EMail exchange. Ask for a written explanation and request for full or partial refund.
2)If the item was as described you should not have refunded anway.
3)Never issue partial refunds. Tell him to send it back. Most people won't
But the $25 is lost money at this point.
4)Send a certified letter asking for reimbursement of the full amount of the check plus the standard check bounce fee in your state (it's $25 in CA) Give him 10 days to respond.
5)Contact your local District Attournry, mine has a wonderful bad check program. They threaten proscution.
posted on October 20, 2000 11:15:01 AM
If you want to be nice you could try re-depositing the check on the first of the month. Many people have automatic deposits that go in then, so your check will clear.
