Legal options for non-received item?

[Yarbrough559]

What is the name of your state? Washington

Hello. I recently found someone online who was selling a barebones (computer with basic components) computer system. I purchased this system from them by sending a postal money order to their address. I overnighted the payment to them with the understanding that they'd ship the system as soon as the payment was cashed.

They contacted me back and said they had received payment on a Saturday and that that would mail the system the Monday. The item was not shipped on Monday. When pressed about when the item would ship I was told they had been sick a few days and would ship it out Thursday and send me the tracking number, etc., but no shipping info from them came.
This was two weeks ago that it should have been mailed and I'm beginning to suspect I may not be receiving the computer.

I have all our e-mail correspondence saved and can prove they received and cashed the money order. I live in Washington and they live in New York. I am curious what my options are legally. I am very worried there's nothing I can do and hope this is not the case. I thank you for your help.

Sincerely,
Nathan

 

[janedoe23]

If this is through Ebay then you can file an item not recieved dispute. You will have to have the stub of the money order so that you can enter the money order number when Ebay asks for it. If it's a high enough price item they may refund some of it but I'm not sure if they refund for anyone who has used a money order.

If that doesn't work then you will have to pay money to obtain a signed copy of the money order. You will then have to file small claims in his state and traveling expenses are not returnable.

Another option is to send a certified, registered letter telling them of your intentions if you don't either get a 100% refund or the system. Also if the amount is high enough I would call there local police. There are also plenty of internet fraud complaints you could fill out. I think you can fill one out at the attourney general's website and they actually look into it whenever they get around to yours.

 

[Yarbrough559]

Thank you

Thank you, Janedoe23, for your explaination of some options open to me. I definately feel a little better. I don't want to overreact to a situation which is unfortunate and annoying, but possibly not as bad as having my money stolen. I'm going to give it a little more time and then seriously consider those options you provided. Thank you once again.

Sincerely

Nathan

 

[glama_jama]

Computer not received

If at all possible, only bid on auctions that take paypal, unless the sellers feedback is outstanding, with at the minimum of 500+.

Contact ebay's dispute resolution. If your claim is approved, they will refund your full purchase price, minus a $25.00 deductible fee.

Make sure you do it in a timely manner, especially if the seller is jacking you around, because there is a 30 day limit, to file the claim, after the actual purchase date.

It has been 2 weeks already.