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Guy ripped me off - over $1000. He lives here in the U.S.

P

phatj

Golden Member
Here's a brief summary of events:
1. Call "Bill" regarding an ad he posted
2. I purchase $1000 of computer equipment from him
3. A week passes, I get no email or delivery
4. I call "Bill" - several attempts, no success.

Anyway, all I have is his cell phone number, and a copy of the "e-check" from my bank. "Bill's" cell phone is based in a major city here in the continental U.S.

Now, his cell phone and the location where my check was cashed are two different cities - 2 different states, in fact. What would you all sugest I do?

I'd imagine the best method is to contact the authorities of either the city of his cell phone's area code, or the city in which the business is based that the check was cashed in. What is the best/easiest/cheapest/free way to get information on this gentleman based on his cell phone number?

Thanks a million (or approximately $1000)

Edits:

it wasn't eBay (there isn't any buyer protection of any sort in order). As I said before, I used an e-check (I guess I forgot to mention that it was processed through his merchant account, which company he has it with, I do not know). Im bummin big-time cuz im a college student and spent $600 on books! The transaction was done over the phone. I know I should have been more cautious, but hindsight is 20/20. Now, I just need help getting my $ back (so no flames please).

It wasn't a computer, it was peripherals/software. He promised the goods would be shipped out in 1-2 business days via UPS ground. I gave him my email address, he said I would get a tracking number. I never received one. Although, he did give me an invoice number. But what good is that??? Im not sure if I want to post the company that he represents, I don't want to take any risks on letting him know I'll be coming after him soon. The transaction took place in early August.

When I do a reverse-number search, I can find the city and state that this cell phone was registered in (as well as the company that it is registered with). So I am pretty sure it is not a "pay-as-you-go" phone.
 
Originally posted by: phatj
Here's a brief summary of events:
1. Call "Bill" regarding an ad he posted
2. I purchase $1000 of computer equipment from him
3. A week passes, I get no email or delivery
4. I call "Bill" - several attempts, no success.

Anyway, all I have is his cell phone number, and a copy of the "e-check" from my bank. "Bill's" cell phone is based in a major city here in the continental U.S.

Now, his cell phone and the location where my check was cashed are two different cities - 2 different states, in fact. What would you all sugest I do?

I'd imagine the best method is to contact the authorities of either the city of his cell phone's area code, or the city in which the business is based that the check was cashed in. What is the best/easiest/cheapest/free way to get information on this gentleman based on his cell phone number?

Thanks a million (or approximately $1000)
Click to expand...


What if he has one of those prepaid cell phones that don't require any information? Did you use paypal? Was his address confirmed??? We need more info in terms of how the transaction was done, was it Ebay, something off Craiglist, ect????
 
it wasn't eBay (there isn't any buyer protection of any sort in order). As I said before, I used an e-check (I guess I forgot to mention that it was processed through his merchant account, which company he has it with, I do not know). Im bummin big-time cuz im a college student and spent $600 on books! The transaction was done over the phone. I know I should have been more cautious, but hindsight is 20/20. Now, I just need help getting my $ back (so no flames please).
 
I have a cell phone number that is based in Minneapolis, yet have lived in Arizona for over three years. no need to change it, since i get nationwide coverage anyway. I'd go with where the check was cashed.
 
should've used USPS to pay... if he didn't deliver, he could be charged with mail fraud. USPS would kick his ass, although it takes a loooooong time.
 
Good luck... I think that if he was trying to rip you off, the odds of tracking him down from a cell phone number are pretty slim (ie prepaid cell phones from convenience stores)
 
It wasn't a computer, it was peripherals/software. He promised the goods would be shipped out in 1-2 business days via UPS ground. I gave him my email address, he said I would get a tracking number. I never received one. Although, he did give me an invoice number. But what good is that??? Im not sure if I want to post the company that he represents, I don't want to take any risks on letting him know I'll be coming after him soon. The transaction took place in early August.
 
yeah, how did you get involved with this transaction?

Did you see an ad in the newspaper? Where was the origin of you knowing about this deal?
 
When I do a reverse-number search, I can find the city and state that this cell phone was registered in (as well as the company that it is registered with). So I am pretty sure it is not a "pay-as-you-go" phone.
 
If you have documentation (copies of emails), fraud by wire / phone / mail is a US Postal Inspectors jurisdiction. Contact your local Post Office, get the inspectors office number and put your tax dollars to work.
 
Originally posted by: pyonir
I have a cell phone number that is based in Minneapolis, yet have lived in Arizona for over three years. no need to change it, since i get nationwide coverage anyway. I'd go with where the check was cashed.
Click to expand...

^ buyer beware 😛
 
Originally posted by: Hammer
Originally posted by: pyonir
I have a cell phone number that is based in Minneapolis, yet have lived in Arizona for over three years. no need to change it, since i get nationwide coverage anyway. I'd go with where the check was cashed.
Click to expand...

^ buyer beware 😛
Click to expand...

lol. I rarely, if ever, do deals here or on Ebay. and never give out my cell. Only home phone.
 
Consider this a hard lesson learned. In the future, when doing business with a small company or individual, always insist on sending payment via USPS certified with delivery confirmation. Along with your payment, include a short letter describing exactly what you're buying, the agreed-upon price along with where and how it is to be shipped. Be explicit. Retain a copy for your records. If either party renegs on the transaction, it becomes a case of mail fraud and the USPS Postal Inspectors will be happy to pursue it regardless of the dollar amount (unlike, say, the FBI).

 
Your money is most likely lost... very difficult to track him with just a cell phone number, and it will take a LONG time for the PostOffice to do anything about mail fraud...
 
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