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I posted a want to buy on another forum...NOT THIS ONE, and a person responded. I had a dialogue w/the person and got their address and phone #. Talked to the person and felt OK about the deal. Sent the MO out 2 weeks ago that was posted by USPS as received on 2/26. No returned emails or answered phone calls in the last five days. It's not a great deal of money...but $400 is enough to get pissed off about. The culprit lives in BLANDING, UTAH and I'd like to get some ideas about how I might get the individuals attention? This is a first for me. powdr

You got his address.....Road Trip!

Contact the Post Office and report it, and try to get ahold of the nearest Law Enforcement Agency to the person. You at least have an address and phone number to get them started on the investigation.

PayPal

I may be incorrect, but because the transaction went through the post office, it becomes a federal offense. Several years ago, I purchased a fly rod on an online forum, sent payment, but did not receive rod for several weeks. As soon as I sent an email stating that it was a federal offense, seller responded and shipped rod immediately.

I would wait another two days, just to get to one month with no response. In the meantime, get on the internet and search out contact information for the sheriff and the county attorney. On March 7th, contact both the county sheriff and the county attorney and file a mail fraud complaint. I would also talk to your postmaster about filing a federal mail fraud complaint. One or more of those should start the process of either getting what you paid for or getting your money back.

Blanding is a small enough place that the local LE may actually show an interest. Call and explain the situation and ask them to do a welfare check at the address.

That sounds a lot easier than disputing charges and being reimbursed immediately... No way is that worth 3� on the dollar.

Man that sucks. Sorry to hear. And yes, I'd be pissed off also.

I would try to contact whomever the money order was drawn through and cancel it or report a theft. Not sure if it will do any good, but may be worth looking into.......

USPS protects against lost or stolen money order. MY definition of a stolen money order is one that is cashed for an item and the item not sent....of course thats my definition and I am sure the post office has some other half assed ideas.

Most all the above info is correct. Your first recourse is with the Post Master as this "could be" mail fraud. If it is a small community the mail delivery agent may now the receivers whereabouts circumstances right away and help resolve the issue.

If you don't get feedback within a few day's from the PO/PM then contact the local Sheriff or Police Dept (Detective division) and explain the situation and what you've done thus far.

I would not suggest sending any emails or leaving voice mail that could be considered harassing just let the law take over.

Look guys driving or flying to Utah from Texas just to prove a point is not an option. powdr

This happened to me. I did all I could and some other members who were taken here received refunds. I did not. Local LE did nothing. USPS did nothing.

It's paypal for me or no deal.

"Sent the MO out 2 weeks ago that was posted by USPS as received on 2/26."

Powdr,
It's only been 5 days since he received your MO. There may be some valid reason he isn't in communication, but that doesn't necessarily mean he hasn't shipped your item. I'd keep trying to contact him (or relatives in/near his town, thru white pages), but don't go overboard just yet.

Just my 2 cents.
Jerry/AK

2/6.........

That sucks... You must of sent it priority mail? If not, how else would you know it was recieved? Amazing how communication goes in the crapper as soon as the money shows, isn't it? Sounds like a good format for a reality show....

2/26 is the correct date for them receiving the MO. Full communication till the day the MO arrived...nothing since. powdr

I personally send all my MO's certified. It cost an extra $6 but they have to sign a card to get your MO and then the USPS sends that card back to you with the receivers signature saying they got your money order or item if you're the seller. Good luck

To my understanding visiting with the local postmaster it is mail fraud.
What does PayPal get one over a USPS money order?
Jeff

Well it just so happens that my wife is from Blanding,UT and my inlaws live there. It's a town of 2500 people, if you wouldn't mind pming me the guys name there's a good chance I'd be able to tell you something about him!