Out of State Selling Theft?

[Display Name]

Ok so, 2 months ago, I posted online that I was selling numerous items. I sold most of them and got paid and what not, BUT something happened. I sent out everything that was paid for, except for one. I am a nice guy, and the person said they "promised to me pay when they got off work" and that I "have their word".

So, being a nice guy, I sent them. That night, no payment.. Or the next 3 days, no matter how many times I messaged her and she KEPT PROMISING PAYMENT. I raised hell with her and she blocked me. However I got her to unblock me and now all she's doing is ignoring me. Two nights ago she told me she'd pay me after she got off and and here I am on here, still no payment. She is ignoring me, seeing my messages, and I am pissed as hell. WHAT DO I DO.

GRANTED, I know I should not have sent them, but when you're a nice guy, and YOU ARE PROMISED PAYMENT AND THEIR WORD, you expect people to tell the truth. I still have her Facebook, and proof that she said she'd pay. Also, she said she sent them back, but posted a picture of her IN ONE OF THE THINGS I SENT HER. What can I do? Don't be rude to me, I just want to know options. I've heard I can call police here and they can contact the station where she lives, but I'm not sure if that works.

[Scott H]

This isn't a police matter, it's a civil matter. You agreed that she could pay you later, and you sent the item anyway. Poor judgment, but you allowed this to happen. Your only remedy is small claims court.

[Ian K]

You sent something to someone without payment. Learn from it. You are way too trusting!

[Tim]

How'd you sell stuff??? Craigslist, Ebay??? If you don't have a bill of sale I don't think you have a choice but to swallow your pride and never do it again. You could do what I did years ago. If you know where she lives....print out a map from YOUR house to hers ( Mapquest ) and say "If I don't get my money there'll be a knock on the door. That MIGHT scare her but depends how far she lives. The cops could care LESS about internet sales unless you're selling drugs. You could also tell her you'll tell every single one of her friends on Facebook what she did....that might scare her also.... "Might". Send the map and wait for a call...give her a few days. My cousin owed me $700 for over 7 years and I said I'd drive 11 hours, 23 minutes and 11 seconds to Portland, Maine to knock on her door.....but...I said I wouldn't do that...I'd go to where she WORKED and show the letter to her employees instead!!! Needless to say, I got paid. The cops won't help you. Send a letter with a map from your house to HER house. Just THINKING you might show up might scare her...maybe! It worked for me and I had NO INTENTIONS of driving....just was pretty sure the letter would work...and it did. I didn't threaten her...simply said "I'd pay a visit" Do NOT threaten her or she'll have a case against you. You can always POST a rant on her on Craigslist and on Ebay you can give negative feedback. I still like to know HOW she saw the items you're selling?? No more Mr. Nice Guy. Good luck.

[The Subaru Freak]

As mentioned, the police does not fix this. The courts do. Doesn't sound like its a high amount, so you'll have to go to small claims court, where you represent yourself instead of being represented by a lawyer or attorney.

The small claims court judge will more than likely want the contract or written agreement outlining the terms of this agreement. Whether or not a bunch of messages from a computer qualifies as a written agreement is up to the judge and how well you present your case.

Being a nice guy is not an excuse to use poor judgment (which I'm sure a small claims court judge will say too).

[BILL]

It is a civil matter and you would have to take her to court, most likely in her state. Cost prohibitive and you would only get a court judgement, not the money. Lesson learned.

[Never]

The police have nothing to do with it.

You can sue them if you want.

100% of the blame belongs on your shoulders.

You were not a nice guy, you were a stupid guy.