online seller has dissapeared

[jonp84]

I am in Washington, and having a problem with an online seller. I contacted an individual through an online forum, indicating I would like to purchase an item he posted. He confirmed it was still available, so I sent him the $500 in the form of a cashier's check. He confirmed via email that he received the money (and the bank reported that the check cleared) on the 7th of this month. He then took a bit to get back to me, confirmed the shipping information, and I have not heard from him since.

He had claimed he would get me tracking information for the item once it shipped, and has not done so, and the item has not arrived. He operates a small company, and is the marketing rep. for that company on this forum. I trusted that his reputation on this forum was worth more than the $500 I had sent him, so was not at all worried he would default on the sale. I have sense contacted him through his business email address, and left a voice mail message on his answering machine, with no reply. I also created a new account on the forum.

What legal recourse do I have if he defaults on this sale, and keeps my $500? He is a resident of Arizona, and I am a resident of Washington. Thank you so much for your help!What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state?

 

[racer72]

What legal recourse do I have if he defaults on this sale, and keeps my $500?

You will have to sue the bad guy in his home state. Things such as travel expenses are not recoverable either. Even if you win a judgment, it does not mean the person will pay. Best to chalk this up as an expensive lesson.

 

[Ozark_Sophist]

Or you could attempt to bring a criminal complaint against the seller and his company.