Paid for goods but never recieved!!!!!

karlp

Hi guys,

Looking for the help with the old nightmare of paying for something and never receiving it!!
Basically the story goes: I'm a member and trader on a well known website called AVforums.com, a very good legitimate website, there is a classifieds section on there were you can buy sell electrical items with other members and is very safe due to the popularity of it, I purchased a Apple Iphone 4 from a member on there all fine received and is all working, he then texted me a week later to say he had another iphone 4 as an unwanted upgrade, again I paid him and received the phone all fine again. Then 3 weeks ago he emailed me to say he had another unwanted upgrade (by this time I had spoken to him over 20-25 times and he had sent me his address, home number and obviously mobile, and his got 100% feedback on the website for trading) so I texted him back saying yes I'll take it the 3rd phone from him, and now after 2 weeks of him making excuses why the phone hasn't arrived or a refund hasn't arrived in my account his phone is off, and home number just ringing. I've spoke to my bank (I paid via bacs all times) who said they cant refund me due to I sent the payment, fair enough. I've informed the police who are now investigating the matter. I find it very strange that I have 2 transactions with him all fine, he gives me his home address, home email, mobile, home number but now doesn't respond? I would understand if it was my first transaction and he had no feedback on the website then I would say I've been obviously conned, but after nearly 2 months of speaking to him and 2 previous transactions worth over £1000 this has happened?
Can anyone suggest anything further I can do now?:(

molerat

Is he away on holiday ? What postage method was used for the other items, SD I hope ?

soolin

molerat wrote: »

Is he away on holiday ? What postage method was used for the other items, SD I hope ?

OP is the buyer and as the third phone hasn't arrived he can't know what postage method was used.

OP, check the seller out, see what details can you get from the address, does it look legit? If you can show this address is correct send a letter special delivery explaining that the third item has not arrived and you will either need it delivered by xx date or will expect a full refund.

Unfortunately though as I'm sure you have appreciated if you have been scammed you will struggle to get your money back, however if you can prove the address is correct you do at least have the option of small claims later.

dizzybuff

Its a civil matter unfortunatly , the police wouldnt take this up. Id contact the cab , check the seller was legit and the address you sent the money to was . If all that info is right time for the small claims court.

karlp

molerat wrote: »

Is he away on holiday ? What postage method was used for the other items, SD I hope ?

no her never mentioned anything, he said he posted the item on Monday via SD and gave me a false tracking number?

karlp

Thanks for the quick replies guys, I've spoken to the police this morning and gave them all the details, since I have his home address (which checks out on 192.com electoral roll) also his personal account details, email, mobile and home number I'm sure the police can contact him, isnt this obtaining money by deception or a form of fraud? If police cant come up with anything the I was thinking MCOL with the small claims route. It just seems strange that after 2 perfectly fine and legal transaction and also speaking to him pretty much everyday, he even also sent me copies of his orange account to show the phones were valid upgrades???!

karlp

Also his not a company just an individual private seller.

adam.mt

Seems you're doing everything you can; don't think any more can be suggested other than posting on his feedback thread on avforums.

karlp

Police have called me back and suggested the MCOL route, so I will trace him (credit tracing agency we use at work £30) I have his dob, address, bank details so this should be more than enough to trace his exact address then risk £50 taking him to court to get my money back!

unholyangel

soolin wrote: »

OP is the buyer and as the third phone hasn't arrived he can't know what postage method was used.

Molerat asked what postage method was used on the other items (ie the first 2)

karlp

it was special delivery on last 2