Ripped off by Service Member - Need Advice
#1
Ripped off by Service Member - Need Advice
Dunno if this is the right topic category, but I made a deal with someone claiming to be a member of the US armed forces, sent him $350 dollars, and have received neither the parts, nor a refund. This started in December. After contacting PayPal, I got one further message from him in January, saying he'd been suddenly deployed to Korea but would get back to me in a couple weeks. Now it's been a couple months, and no further emails. As I see it, I'm probably out the money, but will either (a) file a civil suit, or (b) attempt to locate this swindler through the military itself. I understand that the services deeply frown on misbehavior by its personnel.
So, I'm requesting advice from you service people out there: Should I do (b) and if so, how and whom should I contact?
Thanks!
So, I'm requesting advice from you service people out there: Should I do (b) and if so, how and whom should I contact?
Thanks!
#2
Surf Hard, Drive Hard
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Indialantic, Florida
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First, are you sure he's actually military? What branch? What info do you have on him....got his unit info?
Others will pipe in, but you will have to get to his C.O. and they will take care of it for sure!
I imagine having Paypal contact his C.O. or Base Commander outta do it!
Others will pipe in, but you will have to get to his C.O. and they will take care of it for sure!
I imagine having Paypal contact his C.O. or Base Commander outta do it!
Last edited by Mazurfer; 03-01-2011 at 07:02 PM.
#8
LawDog
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Chain of command for sure.. BUT if he deployed to korea I want to say hes going to most likely be army seeing as they have a base there. But I know some of my Marines are also there. Make sure if you do figure out his unit that he isnt FAP'd to a different unit for deployment because it could make things more complicated. Either way if he is deployed most likely he couldnt get the part out and you could receive it when he returns.. a civil suit will cost more than $350 dollars..
My credentials: USMC Military justice section Staff Judge Advocates office.
My credentials: USMC Military justice section Staff Judge Advocates office.
#9
I hope your PayPal was backed by a credit card and not your bank account. I've had PayPal tell me to go fly a kite several times in these type of situations. A quick call or email to my credit card company, then fax or email them the proof (emails, correspondence, etc), and BOOM! I've got my money back.
Good Luck
Good Luck
#11
Surf Hard, Drive Hard
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I have seen the Calvary in action and know outright who some of the soldiers are, and can deduce some others.
I only mean that I wouldn't want to be in the sites or anywhere near the stampede of this Calvary.
Mine on the other hand would be considered......errrrrrrr..............well....... .....more of a clandestine nature.
Sort of like..........instead of the Cavalry, it would be like a sneak attack by Stealthy Indians that might be brought to the party.
Last edited by Mazurfer; 03-02-2011 at 09:34 AM.
#12
I hope your PayPal was backed by a credit card and not your bank account. I've had PayPal tell me to go fly a kite several times in these type of situations. A quick call or email to my credit card company, then fax or email them the proof (emails, correspondence, etc), and BOOM! I've got my money back.
Good Luck
Good Luck
#13
Chain of command for sure.. BUT if he deployed to korea I want to say hes going to most likely be army seeing as they have a base there. But I know some of my Marines are also there. Make sure if you do figure out his unit that he isnt FAP'd to a different unit for deployment because it could make things more complicated. Either way if he is deployed most likely he couldnt get the part out and you could receive it when he returns.. a civil suit will cost more than $350 dollars..
My credentials: USMC Military justice section Staff Judge Advocates office.
My credentials: USMC Military justice section Staff Judge Advocates office.
#14
I'm trying to get info from PayPal, but apparently selecting "Payment Owed" in the transaction, eliminates you from straightforward access to their help system.
#16
Surf Hard, Drive Hard
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HiFlite,
In a seriousness. Listen to what Ray had to say.
You need to think about any communication you had with this person for any info, even though you think it may not be helpful or meaningful. You'd be surprised at what a little info can do. Scammers have been tracked down before by this posse.
Even if you wish to send all that info privately, you should do so. This could take the form of telephone numbers, name(even if only first name), usernames(even if not on this forum), and detailed description of what you were buying(as it might show up on some other site). Unfortunately, I cannot bring my contacts into play or exercise my resources here for certain reasons, but others can and will.
Personally, I think you should make a post here with every little bit of info you can(Including the info you PM's me with), and let's see what happens. I think you would be happy with the result as people will jump in and find him and be able to provide you the info to put the squeeze on him.
I don't want to post what you sent me in a PM, but I think you should along with all else that I have recommended. Think hard, sometimes it's just that little tidbit that ties the whole thing together.
I will try to help where I can without getting myself in trouble.
Good luck!
In a seriousness. Listen to what Ray had to say.
You need to think about any communication you had with this person for any info, even though you think it may not be helpful or meaningful. You'd be surprised at what a little info can do. Scammers have been tracked down before by this posse.
Even if you wish to send all that info privately, you should do so. This could take the form of telephone numbers, name(even if only first name), usernames(even if not on this forum), and detailed description of what you were buying(as it might show up on some other site). Unfortunately, I cannot bring my contacts into play or exercise my resources here for certain reasons, but others can and will.
Personally, I think you should make a post here with every little bit of info you can(Including the info you PM's me with), and let's see what happens. I think you would be happy with the result as people will jump in and find him and be able to provide you the info to put the squeeze on him.
I don't want to post what you sent me in a PM, but I think you should along with all else that I have recommended. Think hard, sometimes it's just that little tidbit that ties the whole thing together.
I will try to help where I can without getting myself in trouble.
Good luck!
#18
LawDog
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I also forgot to mention that in small claims court.. first, you would need to have him served papers.. could be difficult not knowing his location and all. Second, typically just serving someone will get a result without ever entering court. An attorney can act on your behalf in the serving process and there ARE attorneys on military bases all over the world with the same jurisdiction as if he were your neighbor. But remember military attorneys will not represent a civilian nor get involved in civil matters, it is out of their range of duty. Lastly when dealing with your own civilian attorney in a civil suit, at the end of the process the will most likely enter a motion for him to pay any and all legal fees you have "racked up" provided that you win in the first place. Most likely you would. But again, serving him papers will be just as hard as contacting him to get a resolution out of court.
#19
I drive at Red Line.
iTrader: (1)
Your best bet would be, as others have said, through the company CO. No the Military does not take it lightly. Not only will they take it from your check they will also issue you NJP. Which could me reduction in rank up to two ranks, half months pay upto six months, and restricted duty. Which means no liberty, no leave, you cant even go to the PX or Commissary. You clean clean and clean some more for months.
That is after you have paid back the debt he owes you. Assuming he is service connected.
That is after you have paid back the debt he owes you. Assuming he is service connected.
#20
HiFlite,
Personally, I think you should make a post here with every little bit of info you can(Including the info you PM's me with), and let's see what happens. I think you would be happy with the result as people will jump in and find him and be able to provide you the info to put the squeeze on him.
I don't want to post what you sent me in a PM, but I think you should along with all else that I have recommended. Think hard, sometimes it's just that little tidbit that ties the whole thing together.
I will try to help where I can without getting myself in trouble.
Good luck!
Personally, I think you should make a post here with every little bit of info you can(Including the info you PM's me with), and let's see what happens. I think you would be happy with the result as people will jump in and find him and be able to provide you the info to put the squeeze on him.
I don't want to post what you sent me in a PM, but I think you should along with all else that I have recommended. Think hard, sometimes it's just that little tidbit that ties the whole thing together.
I will try to help where I can without getting myself in trouble.
Good luck!
The screen name is low_&_slow and the original for sale thread (carbon fiber fenders) is here:
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-parts-sale-wanted-44/carbon-fiber-fenders-208753/
$350 payment was made via PayPal to Eddie Alvarez (unverified), email: alvarezeddie22@yahoo.com on 12/8/10
On 12/11/10, I received a PM from him stating that the fenders were packed and he'd be shipping them out "next Saturday".
I sent a PM inquiry to him on the 21st with no response, I sent a txt message to the number he gave me (845-978-8076) on the 28th, with no response, and called on 1/4/11, getting a "not accepting calls" recording. That day I also sent an email to the listed yahoo address, with no reponse. On 1/6/11, I sent a complaint to PayPal.
On 1/7/11, I got a pm from him with apologies stating he was out in the field to train in Korea, that he wasn't home for Christmas or New Years and that the other mechanic had broken his collar bone so he had to go. He also said that he would be home soon.
Okay, fine, service member and all that.
Further PM's and emails have elicited no further response and his phone number has apparently been re-issued to someone else. Two months now since the last contact. The old phone number is consistent with a post he made about being the the area of Pine Bush and Newburgh, New York.
That's all I know. "low_&_slow" + mechanic + military + not near major base, makes me think helicopter mechanic, possibly Army National Guard.
Dunno, if that's enough, or perhaps someone by chance happens to know him personally.
Like I said, please don't anyone get into trouble over this! That would make me feel worse than the $350. But if there's a reasonable way to resolve this, it would be nice, plus the guy, if he's indeed military, needs a little remedial instruction in personal integrity. (Unless there's some major reason he can't read or respond to emails).
Last edited by HiFlite999; 03-03-2011 at 10:28 AM.
#21
BearBlasterExtraordinair!
iTrader: (3)
Post it up on 4Chan... Haha Things will get done. It's scary what people can find on the interbutz... I've seen it happen a few times where it only started with a picture of a location
(it had something to do with a car), and eventually the dudes address and everything was posted up.
(it had something to do with a car), and eventually the dudes address and everything was posted up.
#22
Relax baby!
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for ur next purchase when paying using paypal wait a couple of days after payment and start a dispute for non receive item , after that u got 30 days for escalating to a paypal claim and u will get ur money back if the item is never shipped, i have done this everytime. it works.
#23
Modulated Moderator
iTrader: (3)
for ur next purchase when paying using paypal wait a couple of days after payment and start a dispute for non receive item , after that u got 30 days for escalating to a paypal claim and u will get ur money back if the item is never shipped, i have done this everytime. it works.
And we wonder why Paypal gets sick of dealing with people
Deal with responsible adults....I have only had one problem buying or selling things on this forum...and it was because I didn't listen to that voice in my head that said "beware"