Resolving Mail Order Disputes
Wayne H. wrote: (Webmaster comments in [brackets])
First thing is to put a STOP notice on your money order [or check]...even if it was cashed, notify the issuing company of the problem and do it anyway. [If you used a credit card, notify the credit card company - note that most have stringent time limits for this, so do it as soon as possible! Using a credit card is often helpful because it is easier to stop a credit card than a check or money order, you can do it up to 30-60 days after the sale, and they may help you to resolve the problem].
Secondly, notify AOL and/or the TOS [if they were involved]...Explain to them what happened, and the person/party involved...Send copies (cut n paste) of your mail to him to them, and see if you can get them to contact him to let him know you want a answer.
Thirdly, contact the BBB in his state and yours...Because the law is really faint on E-Sales on whose state has the Right of Way (so to speak) its best to let both of them know the situation, and let them know that the other state's BB has been also told of the problem.
[Webmaster also suggests using your state's consumer affairs department if it is any good].
Lastly, since you sent this money order through the mails, I would contact the Postal Police, and report it as a possible Mail Fraud case. Which of course means again going through everything you did above, but usually, they would move the fastest, especially if there have been previous complaints against this person.
I would recommend doing all of this in steps, giving some time to the vendor] to respond accordingly to each before you go to the next step....I would say at least a week between each, would be the best amount of time. Remember, don't threaten him personally, just state calmly of your intentions before doing them, remember to follow through if you say you will, and keep copies of all correspondence between you two, and anyone else acting on your behalf...any copies you send out, make sure you can keep track of and NEVER EVER give out the originals! a notarized copy is as good as the original document.
