June 14, 2010

CAVEAT EMPTOR When things go wrong

Internet business is fun and problem free....most of the time. But sometimes problems arise.
I tend to think I am fairly cautious in most cases. But sometimes crooks find a way to rip you off one way or another. Well, with me , my weak point is that I trust people I think I know. I can't think that people are up to something bad all the time.
Last October a former European Street member on Etsy offered to make merchant website for other members. As the price was interesting (200 eur,well, that should have been the first warning sign) I took the offer on. She didn't want the transaction to be made through Etsy (second warning sign). I paid in 4 installments...and , well, you guessed the rest. No website. Not much communication from the "webmaster" and that person also stopped being active on Etsy (though she is back now under an other username). I keep getting the same answers "I am working on it" or "you're not getting my emails". Right. Doesn't say much about a webmaster who can't even send an email to the right address. And those crooks have a way to make YOU feel bad when THEY are the one doing something WRONG. I know for a fact she is not working on my website because my FTP (Internet host) hasn't been accessed at all during all that time.
I also should have done some researches, I would have seen she abandoned 2 of her previous Etsy shops after various feedbacks for non-delivery.
Also I am not the only victim :(
As most of you know, I already have a lawyer (for the numerous house problems) so last time I had him on the phone I asked for advice.
Today I started the chargeback process. It makes me sad and disgusted. If the Paypal process doesn't work (as deadlines are long gone) I'll have to turn to my CC company. Lawyer also suggested I file a police complaint on http://www.ecops.be/ for internet fraud.
*Sigh*, another lawsuit.

So here's a few reminders for online transactions (yes, you know them, I knew them too):
1. Don't accept "off" website transactions on sites like Etsy, Ebay...
2. Never let Paypal deadlines expire. It's only 45 days, but you can still complain to them after that (they recommand it too, so they know whom they're dealing with)
3. Don't trust "friends" when it comes to large sums of money ( not a fun advice, I know). Let's face it, you always think you know the person who rips you off.

9 comments:

Kreativlink said...

Gosh! What a shame! Sorry that happend to you :(

StaroftheEast said...

I was really shocked when I heard it, Nathalie, but you are right. We trust people too easily, I hope you get your money back :(

Sofia-Sobeide said...

That is horrible! :( Hopefully you will get your money back it is a lot of money.
*Hugs for you*

kraplap said...

so sad to read Nathalie; a very "unpretty" situation. I hope you can solve it with not to much trouble.

Thongbai Tatong said...

So sorry to hear this happened to you and had to end up this way. I hope you get your money back. Thanks so much for being open and share your experience with us.

ViviBijoux said...

C'est vrai qu'internet peut etre super d'un cote mais de l'autre, plein de pieges. Moi aussi je me suis faite avoir pour une transaction totalement differente mais au bout du compte, c'est vrai qu'ils te font te sentir coupable!! c'est le monde a l'envers!
En tout cas, j'aime bien ce que tu fais sur etsy. bonne continuation! Virginie from vivibijoux.etsy.com

LeelaBijou said...

Nathalie (((hugs))), I think I know who you´re talking about, so sad she tricked you this way. Don´t let this situation make you feel down, it´s only one bad apple and within the team there are great, great people (like you!) :)

So sorry this happened to you, you´re such a sweet person! I hope you can get your money back soon!

*kisses*

gr8jewellery said...

Fingers crossed you manage to get your money back Nathalie. So sad that 'friends' could do this :(

Waterrose said...

Ahhh so sorry that happened to you. But I do appreciate you talking about it. The information helps people who are trusting..it's sad that you have to be so protective.