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Reporting a Scammer

by Tenzo
4 replies
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Hey,
I was hoping for a bit of advice on how to handle a transaction gone bad. I recently got an email from a marketer wanting to sell some of his sites. I decided to go for one, and after emailing back and forth agreed to wire the money to his bank(ya, I know-but I'd been on his list awhile, and honestly thought he was a good guy).

There was a day or two of emails about various glitches, then finally I stopped getting a response from him. I emailed the domain registrar about the supposed name transfer, and found that it wasn't even pending.

I waited two weeks, and sent the information I have to my state AG office. It's now a month since the initial transaction, and I'm still waiting for the AG, but I was wondering if there was another route I should take? His state AG? His local police?

I've been lucky during my time online, and I've already written off the money-but I would like to explore any options I can.

Thanks,
Kevin
  • Profile picture of the author Patrician
    Wherever you did the payment transaction is a good place to start -

    For example if Paypal - file a dispute right away - there is a time limit.

    Or for example your credit card bank - file a dispute - there is a time limit as well.

    Hopefully you are able to document everything - the offer/deal, the emails In/Out and of course the payment transaction.

    Don't be shy about getting a refund either. (you might want to also document attempts you make to get him to refund the money too). Sometimes you can't from Paypal for 'digital' products - but the point is he needs to get a reputation if this is the way he does business.

    But the deal with that is if he is a big time scammer his Paypal account may be drained from other refund/disputes if you waste time -

    If you really want to hurt him, you can try the IC3 - this is the FBI Online. Again even if he doesn't go to jail they do track these complaints and if he gets enough complaints he will have a digital black eye.

    Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) | Home
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    Patricia Brucoli
    Plug-In Profit Site Helpdesk

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    • Profile picture of the author Tenzo
      Thanks-I'm checking out that link now.

      I do have all the emails saved. Unfortunately, because it was a bank-to-bank wire transfer, it doesn't appear that I have a direct recourse for a refund. I did contact my bank about it, and got a message saying the receiving bank couldn't reverse it because the funds had already been withdrawn.

      I appreciate the help.

      Warmly,
      Kevin
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      Roses are planted where thorns grow,
      And on the barren heath
      Sing the honey bees.
      –”The Marriage of Heaven and Hell,” William Blake

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  • Profile picture of the author Patrician
    Well don't forget to file a loss on your self-employment taxes next year. (as a deduction). Unfortunately I have had experience with this.
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    Patricia Brucoli
    Plug-In Profit Site Helpdesk

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  • Profile picture of the author thunderbird
    I use www.Escrow.com for larger transactions. There is a fee involved, but it protects both seller and buyer.

    What kind of site were you buying from him?
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    Project HERE.

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