15 months since payment, product not sent

[Oldsmobile fan]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Nebraska

Hello. I have a friend who lives in Holland that purchased some specialty car parts from a shop in Nebraska. He initiated contact through a website an antique car forum, and finalized the transaction via wire transfer. The amount was just under $4,000. The business owner does not return calls or emails. The business is still in operation and continues to bring new products to the market. The business owner has admitted in the public forum that he owes a refund, but fails to make the promised dates time after time.

I had him file a complaint with Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) | Home but it's been 2 months and no one has looked at his case.

We have called the local PD on his behalf, but because he lives in Europe they are unwilling to get involved. My friend is somewhat hesitant to hire an attorney because he is concerned that he will pay the retainer plus fees and this guy will just file bankruptcy. he will then be out thousands more dollars. He has similar concerns about traveling and taking him to court here. His government is not interested in helping either. Is there any way he can transfer ownership of the purchased parts to someone in the US and have it legally recognized? Can someone be named power of attorney?

Thank you so much for any advice you may be able to offer.

 

[Helmet]

Hello all,

Thanks Kieth for making this post.

November, 2007, I placed an order at FCR Performance for several specialty automotive parts.

Cost, ex shipping, was: $ 3,853.00
I made a wire transfer on november 21st, 2007.

I have yet to recieve anything.
Since that day, I have wasted countless hours trying to call him (Terry at FCR Performance), and e-mailing him. The few times that I did manage to reach him he promised he would sent the parts 'next week'.
Offcourse he never did that.

The last time I spoke to him, we agreed on a full refund. He has all my contact info and my bank account numbers.

I have contacted IC3.gov and the Better Business Bureau, both never got back to me. I've contacted my own bank which told me they couldn't do anything for me. And the same for my own attorney (the deal took place outside of Europe's borders).

I have no knowledge at all of the US legal system, so any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Willem

 

[racer72]

Buy yourself an airplane ticket and fly to Nebraska and sue the bad guy. It will likely take 2 trips to accomplish this and even if you win, there is no guarantee you will be paid. You cannot sue for travel or lodging expenses. In the end it will end up costing more than you would win in a judgment. The cheapest method that might get some action would be a demand letter from an attorney in Nebraska, there are links on this site, one will cost about $100. Or just chalk this up as an expensive lesson and stick with reputable vendors in the future.