Hey guys
Remember back in september when I was asking about a new tranny, and someone directed me to this? - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ed=1095694876000&item=7922281819&sspagename=ADME%3AB%3AEOT%3AUS%3A3
Its the low gear set up AOD for $850 with free shipping.
Well I was reading the guys feedback about 2 months ago and noticed that it took some people a few months to receive their tranny, but after the wait they were more than satisfied with it. Well I tried to call a few times, and finally got thru, and asked how long it would be. The guy took down my info and said he'd call back, but never did. This was late October I believe....
Well today, I get this email here -
I am currently conducting a fraud investigation involving
transmissiontech2000. You are being contacted because you either filed a complaint
with eBay or you purchased an item from transmissiontech2000.
If you received the item you ordered and are happy with the transaction
please ignore this message. If you did not receive the item and PAID
for the item I need to know the following:
Your Personal Information (For Report)
1. Name
2. Address
3. Phone Number(s)
4. Date of Birth
5. Age
6. Race
7. shag
8. Item(s) Ordered
9. Money Lost
10. A brief statement of the transaction.
I also need to know if you want to prosecute and if you are willing to travel to Lincolnton, NC at your OWN EXPENSE.
You may mail the information or email the information to me. Please
understand this investigation has just begun. I must show a person has
intent to defraud someone and that they are not just a bad business
person. I will be glad to answer any questions you may have just call me.
Thank you,
Brian R. Greene, Lieutenant
Criminal Investigation Division
Lincolnton Police Department
Lincolnton, NC 28092
bgreene@lincolntonpolice.com
Now I'm a bit worried. Anybody know anything?
Well earlier I found this.
http://www.geocities.com/transtechfrank/classic_tan.html
Basically its "too bad so sad we'll see what we can do" on the seller's end. Bank can't help, paypal can't help, ebay can't help. :dunno: Looks like I'll never get the t-bird done.
Did you pay and not receive the tranny? If so, the first thing you should do is contact your credit card company.
As for that "police officer", he seems to be asking questions that would have nothing whatsoever to do with a fraud investigation. What would it matter what race or shag you are? Before giving him any information I would call the Lincolnton, NC police department and see if they even have an officer with that name, and if they do, speak to him in person.
man that seriously blows. i feel really bad man. is your car running at all? i agree, id give the PD a call and go from there.
Yes I paid and did not recienve anything for my $950. No one will help me because the transaction is over 30 or 60 days old, but I was waiting as they were backed up on orders and they are built when ordered. I've filed with ebay, pay pal, square trade, and my bank for my debit card today, and no one is helping me. No one wants to step up and take responsiblity in their fraud program. My car is running, but the transmission is definitely going out, it was going out when I bought the transmission :(
Just got off the phone with that police detective. I found the number to the police department online myself and was on the phone talking to him in no time. Its the real deal it seems...
I don't know what American banking laws are, but if you paid via credit card you should be able to file a dispute. First off, you didn't sign for the purchase, and second you didn't recieve the item anyway. Regardless of the credit card company's policies, fraud does not have a 30 or 60 day time limit. We're talking criminal abuse of your credit card's funds here.
PayPal's 30-day limit also doesn't mean anything. If you go over PayPal's head to your credit card company they will take the money from PayPal, who will then be left with the responsibility of getting it back from the fraudster.
Of course if you didn't use a credit card you may be boned, but you should definitely file a complaint to the police. Not just that NC police dept, either. Talk to the FBI and your local police as well. If this guy ends up in criminal court he may be ordered to pay restitution, and if so, you'll have to be in on the case to get any money back. Also there may be a civil case against him, and depending on how many people he ripped off it may be class-action (multiple plaintiffs, one court case). You should definitely keep as up-to-date as possible with this!
One more thing: Ebay supposedly has a fraud protection system for its purchasers, in case a seller does not come through. You may want to look into that as well:
http://pages.ebay.com/help/tp/isgw-fraud-protection.html
They'll cover you up to $1000, within 90 days
Matt,
Shoot me an email and we can discuss your options. I don't know if we discussed my occupation during our earlier conversations, but I think I can help.
Thanks for the info ThunderChicken. I appreciate your help. I did file with ebay but if you read the fine print it says the fraud protection for the 90 day deal is only if you're eligible after already filing the 60 day one. I did send in an email asking for help anyways though..
Also, I used my debit card, not credit card, to purchase it with paypal. I've already contacted my bank and recieved the same 30 day routine. but the lady did seem sympathetic and filed it for me "with extensive notes" as she put it.
According to Lieutenant Carl Windslow from NC, or whoever I spoke to, I've been "put on the list" as far as prosecution goes. I'm gonna take further steps tomorrow with local PD as well i guess. I'm not gonna stop until I find some hidden avenue which they aren't telling me about to solve this.
Thanks again guys,
Matt
EDIT: i sent you over an email bq93 ;)
On a very light-hearted side-note. Anyone remember Family Matters... Carl Winslow? Just noticed to coincidence.
It looks like you'll be able to at least make some progress with the law on your side.
Heh, I was joking about the Carl Winslow thing. :giggle: I wish it really was Carl Winslow though, cause that guy would be takin' names getting me my money back while'st teaching his son Eddy that flat tops are out of style now. ;)
Well this morning I recieved an email from Frank Taylor, the guy who I bought the transmission from -
please read the link beloow and accept my opolosies and assurances i will get back with you asap , im working and doing all i can
thanks
frank
http://www.geocities.com/transtechfrank/classic_tan.html
I guess spelling was never his forte but it is comforting to hear from him. I don't feel screwed over as much now. :wtf: BUT I'm still not in the mood to wait around, but this does seem like a good sign. He could have skipped town and went off like Milton from office space with the cashiers check he was talking about. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Matt
Well, never heard back from this guy. Just get mailer daemon notices when I try and email him. So long $1000... I can't even find the guy.
I think he just wants his money back, not a hitman :giggle:
Thats why I pay for everything online with a credit card through paypal, if they say Cash or Western Union ONLY I thank them for their time and say goodbye, may have lost out on some good deals that way but might have save a bunch aswell.
Sorry to hear about this, do you have an address? I know what i'd be doin...