by peg » Mon Jun 13, 2005 7:34 pm
(ok... Here is my "broken Record" speech)
These scammers know the system. If you paid by credit card, you could dispute the charge, and would likely recover the funds, however, if you paid by credit card... the chances are that they are using that card elsewhere (and you should cancel it immediately).
More likely, you were asked to Western Union the money.... Once the money is picked up, Western Union leaves NO WAY for you to recover it. In fact once you send it (and provide the scammer with the details), they usually divert the funds to another location to avoid be tracked and Western Union does nothing about it.
Western Union basically if for sending money to some one you KNOW and presumably that you trust. That is how they (Western Union) defend theirselves... You take the risk when you send money to people you don't know or trust, thus it's your loss.
I know it's no consolation to you. You should however still report the crime (because it IS a crime) if nothing else to add to the rising statistics. At least if the statistics are rising, it might get the attention of law makers for some sort of action.
Sorry I couldn't be more help.
Paul