On being ripped off

From: Glenatacme_at_aol.com <(Glenatacme_at_aol.com)>
Date: Wed Aug 16 22:46:09 2000

Hey Jim (and group)

Sorry to hear about your troubles. There are some really rotten individuals
out there and advancements in technology just bring them nearer to us all.

It was very kind of the group here to suggest that the seller was acting in
ignorance, and to also suggest that you might have some legal recourse, but
the sad facts are that you've been had, intentionally, and there's very
little you can do about it except visit this gentleman at his abode and teach
him what he needs to learn about old computers and the folks who collect and
use them.

Lesson One, "Introduction to Classic Computers," begins with jamming a piece
of plywood right up the chute . . .

I made a few phone calls today. I live in Orlando FL so I'll assume the
"system" here is a typical one. Those living in rural areas or smaller
cities might find that they can get better results due to smaller caseloads.

The State Attorney's office (that's what they call them here, in most places
it's District Atty.) actively discouraged me from filing a complaint when I
called pretending to be the victim in this scenario. Reasons: small $$$
amount, giant backlog of cases.

The County Clerk of Courts also made it clear that filing a civil suit in
Small Claims would be a waste of time and money. The filing charge here is
$100, and a $200 suit will be referred to arbitration, and will take a year
or two just to make it to court, if it ever does.

The Economic Crimes Unit of the Sheriff's Office said they are so inundated
with bad checks that they won't even prosecute a bad check if it's less than
$150, and since they don't know a computer from a compost heap, they wouldn't
touch this one.

The USPS rep I spoke with was sympathetic but said that they don't go after
one-hit crooks. If 100 people complained about this guy then that might get
their attention.

So, it's on you. If it were me I wound hound this guy until he gave me back
my $$$ just to get rid of me. If that didn't work I would make sure that I
got $200 worth of satisfaction out of him, one way or another.

Man alive, what a bummer :>(

Keep us posted on this --

Glen
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Received on Wed Aug 16 2000 - 22:46:09 BST

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