As recounted by Scott Spaeth and others on this BBS and TSS, repeated attempts to settle with Malynda were given lip-service, returned with threats, or ignored entirely.Thus, it is unfortunate, but true, that Malynda is both a liar and a thief. Were she not, I would either have received the parts she promised or the $150 in certified funds I sent her. Were she not a liar and a theif I would not waste my time warning of her and advising people how to avoid being scammed by her and others like her.
While losing $150 to such vermin has been upsetting, it has made me wiser with respect to other internet based transactions:
- For smaller items insist on using COD. If necessary, send the seller money to cover some or all of the the COD shipping expense in advance of the goods being shipped. This lets the seller know the buyer is serious and gives both parties comfort that their exposure to being screwed is limited to shipping fees at most.
- For larger and more costly items (such as entire scooters), use a shipper or other trusted third-party that will pay the seller the sales price only upon delivery of the item to be shipped. Also, for items worth suing over, draft and execute a contract with the following details:
- Seller's name & address
- Buyer's name & address
- Complete description, including serial numbers, accessories, missing items, mileage, etc., of the item being sold
- Purchase price
- Delivery terms including timing of receipt of goods and compensation
- Also, important items like keys and titles should be sent separately by certified mail or FedEx
- Both parties should sign the agreement -- Faxing documents can expedite the process
CAVEAT EMPTOR and best wishes to all,
Ryan Tull
Houston, TX
4 Vespas
2 Beemers
1 Bimmer
1 Bike