I have a legal question about a business owner ripping me off?

I bought a computer from a small business in Tuscaloosa, AL. It never really worked right & the business owner was really sketchy, but I dealt with it. Well, after 2 years my computer wouldn't even turn on so I took it to him & he said he would sell it for me & give me the money. I have called him, & called him & he always puts me off. Like, "I'm busy right this second, let me call you back." and then he never will. Things like that. It has been about 3 months since my computer was "sold" & he was supposed to give me $200 for it. I am so fed up & went to the Better Business Bureau online & saw where he already has 12 complaints filed against him & he has not responded to any of them. So obviously this guy is some kind of scam artist. He has thrown excuses after excuses such as, "My dad is in the hospital." Which has made me postpone things. However, I am determined to get my money by this Fri. What can I say to him that will scare him? Or who can I call locally to get info. on this?Thx
Additional Details
I don't have any paperwork, but I have my roommate to vouche for me who was there when I dropped the computer off. I have phone records, I have my mom & dad to vouche for me too. I also believe the "BBB" complaints could be used against him too, right?

www.ayntk.blogspot.com

I would march in and take something of value of his and tell him you'll return it when you get the money he owes you. Really.

What's he going to do? Call the police?

Plus, looking at your picture, you may be able to get a strapping young man to do this for you in exchange for a lunch date. Not me, though. I live in Chicago and gave up crime years ago.

Answers R Me

small claims court

Neddie. hehe

CowboyBill

If you have any documents, a paper trail so to speak, of these transactions, you can file in small claims court. Most likely, he will pony-up when he is served a summons rather than face a judge.

michattorney

You might want to pursue this with your state's Attorney General's Office. If what you say is true, it's fraud and conversion. You never know, if you go see a local attorney, he or she might be in a good mood that day and make a phone call to the guy (scaring the crap out of him), and the guy might pony up the money right away. It wasn't smart at all on your part though, that you didn't get some kind of receipt from the guy when he received your computer. I doubt you will get the money in your timeframe though.

tomdchi

You can file a case in small claims court. In MS its called justice court. Here it cost 35 bucks to file and if you win you can get it back.

Legandivori

BBB is a total waste. Go to your Department of Consumer affairs and file a complaint. Better yet, call one of those tv stations wich does a SHAME ON YOU segment, exposing dishonest business men.

Nelson_DeVon

You can take him to small claims court. You could also go talk with him (loudly) at times when he is most busy. I doubt you will get your money by Friday though.

lockesmith

Have you confronted him in person? It is much easier to put you off on the phone than face to face. But, it looks like you can kiss your money good-bye to me.

Cozzette

Call the police department of the ciy or town in which he is located. Explain the situation and ask if an officer can please escort you there in person to collect your money, as you are afraid of his potential actions. If this ploy fails, use the BBB website to gain the names and addresses of the people who complained and talk to them about filing a class action law suit.

tonalc1

You could take him to small claims court, although the amount of money is so small it may not be worth your time. Which is of course what he's counting on.

Tony H #39

Try writing letters to the editor in your local newspaper concerning your situation with this biz. Let him Know that you will be doing this and it will be very bad for his biz. While you are at it continue with the small claims court action. Like I said before, WOW! You are one GOOD looking Lady!!!!! Again WOW!

walter27282000

You should go there with your Boyfriend and confront him directly.........

If the Intimidation factor does not work then you have no choice but to go the Leagal route......

GL to you

cantcu

The Attorney General usually have a fraud division!

I don't know if you have a lemon law and of course there is always the courts. Small Claims!

Once a computer is sold it usually isn't worth much, and a 2 year old computer is obsolete and probably worth $100.00 or so.

Wish I had better news!

Britness

Best thing to do is find a lawyer that does free consultation and see what your rights are here. You can take them to small claims court but remember you are footing the bill here and small claims court can tie things up for awhile. call a lawyer have a sit down.

Little Jim

These things are handled in small claims courts everyday. It normally costs about $35 to file a claim and get a hearing date. I suggest you do, but that not going to help you get your money by Friday.

OkWithIt

Dude...next time get a Dell!

Gothic Marthaâ„¢

Did you get anything in writing he was taking your computer to sell? Take him to court!!

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