Bought A Wii - Scammed

[GreenLllama]

What is the name of your state? MN

I bought a Nintendo Wii from a seller on Froogle, and paid through a service called Xcoin (apparently Overstock.com uses them....similar to PayPal). Well I paid for the Wii on February 1st, and was told it was shipped on February 9th via USPS Priority Mail. Well USPS does not track their Priority mail, even though I have a shipping number I can't track updates or anything so all it lets me know is that the seller has intent to ship this item. I have sent 3 e-mails to the seller with no response on what is going on with my system. I am out a lot of money here, and was wondering if it is reasonable for me to do anything and what can I do? I have never dealt with anything like this, and am very frustrated. If anyone can please offer help, that would be MUCH appreciated, thanks!What is the name of your state?

 

[seniorjudge]

Did you buy insurance?

 

[GreenLllama]

No, I was not given the option to get insurance.

 

[seniorjudge]

No, I was not given the option to get insurance.

You always have the option of insurance.

In any event, file a claim with UPS, Froogle, and XCoin and hope for the best.

 

[GreenLllama]

How do I go about filing a claim? Am I going to have to hire someone? I am a college student with not a lot of money, and just want my money back! How long of a time period do I have to file a claim?

 

[seniorjudge]

How do I go about filing a claim? Am I going to have to hire someone? I am a college student with not a lot of money, and just want my money back! How long of a time period do I have to file a claim?

Ask your questions of the folks who you need to file a claim with.

 

[GreenLllama]

Thanks for your help, I will post any updates.

 

[Paddy Reagan]

There are three levels of protection on which on-line buyers rely:

a. Integrity of the on-line service. E-bay provides buyer reviews of sellers and will bar them from the service if problems arise. By comparison, Froogle, a Google service, is offered free to buyers and sellers. The basic service connects the two. Merchant ratings and reviews can help buyers determine merchant quality. But, Froogle does not seem to offer any post-sale protection for the buyer!

b. Payment protection by funds transfer services. Credit cards offer a disputed claim service that holds our money until issues are resolved. Pay Pal provides a similar service. But a quick review of Xcoin suggests that, while the service is very good at transferring money, you're on your own if problems arise. Look at this excerpt from their Terms of Use:

Limitation on Xcoin Obligations: Xcoin shall have no obligations to the Members other than those specifically set forth in this Agreement. The Xcoin Payment System is only a venue for Members to conduct transactions and Xcoin is not a party to any Transaction or document between Xcoin Members or between Members. Xcoin has no control over the quality, safety, or legality of the purchased services or goods sold, to the truth or accuracy of the contents of any Xcoin payment request, payment sent or attached document input by an Xcoin Member, the ability of a Member to deliver the goods sold, the ability of the buyers to pay the purchase price for goods or to provide the contracted services. Because Member authentication on the Internet is difficult, Xcoin cannot and does not warrant, guarantee or confirm that each Xcoin Member is who they claim to be. In addition, it is acknowledged that there are risks inherent in international trade, including risks of dealing with foreign nationals, or people acting under false pretenses. Members acknowledge that Xcoin is not providing any insurance services or any assurance or guarantee of any Members financial obligations. Any outside arrangements between Members are independent of Xcoin and this agreement and are not considered to be Xcoin obligations.

c. Insurance by trasnportation companies reimburses us if our purchases don't reach us or are damaged in transit. Always use a service with tracking and purchase insurance! You've asked the seller for evidence that the package was shipped but now can't make contact. If you didn't purchase insurance and can't resolve the problem, check with USPS. If you're able to provide adequate backup, you may be able to collect a minimal amount, certainly no more than $100.

I am out a lot of money here, and was wondering if it is reasonable for me to do anything and what can I do?

Complain to each of these entities. If this was an individual seller and you can't obtain any evidence that the package was shipped, contact a law enforcement agency with jurisdiction where he lives. But, keep in mind, this seller may be offshore and your money lost.

 

[GreenLlama16]

Sorry, I'm posting as GreenLlama16 because I was having problems logging into the name GreenLlama.

Just to update this, I WAS given a refund from Xcoin in FULL! They were very nice about the whole process and closed the seller's account as well. Now, I will most likely not purchase onnline for quite some time. Thanks all for your help!

 

[ForFun]

E-bay provides buyer reviews of sellers and will bar them from the service if problems arise. By comparison, Froogle, a Google service, is offered free to buyers and sellers. The basic service connects the two. Merchant ratings and reviews can help buyers determine merchant quality. But, Froogle does not seem to offer any post-sale protection for the buyer!

I was under the impression that Froogle was merely a search engine of retailers/sellers, and that is does not involve itself in the sales process on any level. Therefore, asking Froogle for buyer protection would be like asking the Yellow Pages for buyer protection merely because you bought from a business after seeing its listing. Am I incorrect about Froogle?

As for the OP, that's great that you were given a refund! Xcoin sounds like a reputable service.