I have to admit that I sell on AudioGon, but I have never purchased from individual sellers, rather only from AudioGon-listing retailers (eg, Quest for Sound, Audio-Video Logic, AudioWaves, Sophia Electric, and many others). My very real worry is exactly what you suffered ... a loss of funds and happiness at the hands of losers with very little else to contribute to the world. I always point buyers to my business-generated web site, so they can at least see what I look like, verify that I indeed exist, contact me through my work e-mail, and hopefully feel less anxious about everything. Even this proves nothing ultimately, but I round it out with a very accurate component description, a very fair price, packaging that goes beyond extreme, an immediate notification of tracking numbers, and whatever else it takes. My goal as I do this is to sell something worth buying. Going too far, I suspect, but I've been really shocked by how indifferent some of the purchasers AND retailers have been. Most purchasers get back to me to offer thanks, though most don't even make contact once delivery takes place; that's okay. I do NOT like, however, retailers that are nothing short of cavalier when it comes to service and customer concerns, especially after a sale. This part has been a bit disappointing, to put it mildly, but this is USA2005, so I don't expect too much.
I fell victim to a scam
I purchased a piece of audio equipment from an Audiogoner with 0 feedback. The Paypal account was unverified as well. I thought, "I was a newbie once, everyone has to start someplace". I've performed dozens of internet transactions and have never been burned, until now.
I received a tracking number "billing information received"... But no product was ever shipped. I was burned out of a decent amount of cash. I won't starve, but I'm pissed. Paypal was useless in helping. They basically told me that Paypal protects Paypal. Audiogon does not disclose account information either.
I have started a police investigation, and they have obtained a search warrant to get the address and bank records of the seller. I'm not holding my breath to catch him though.
If he (or she) is an amateur, then the bank records may lead me to him. If he is a pro, then I guess there is a way to launder the cash.
I mean, Paypal either wires the money to his bank, or cuts him a check. Is there a way to track this? Any Lawyers out there want to chime in?
Part of me is tempted to spend the money to find this person (or people) and prosecute. Am I spinning my wheels?
As I search through other Audiogon adds, I see other suspicious deals. Zero feedback, too good to be true deals. Obviously, I'll do my homework next time...
I received a tracking number "billing information received"... But no product was ever shipped. I was burned out of a decent amount of cash. I won't starve, but I'm pissed. Paypal was useless in helping. They basically told me that Paypal protects Paypal. Audiogon does not disclose account information either.
I have started a police investigation, and they have obtained a search warrant to get the address and bank records of the seller. I'm not holding my breath to catch him though.
If he (or she) is an amateur, then the bank records may lead me to him. If he is a pro, then I guess there is a way to launder the cash.
I mean, Paypal either wires the money to his bank, or cuts him a check. Is there a way to track this? Any Lawyers out there want to chime in?
Part of me is tempted to spend the money to find this person (or people) and prosecute. Am I spinning my wheels?
As I search through other Audiogon adds, I see other suspicious deals. Zero feedback, too good to be true deals. Obviously, I'll do my homework next time...