How Can I Get My Money Back?

**mauco** · 03-16-2009 01:55 PM

Over a month ago, I paid a company (Welcome to Access Unlimited, The Power of Choice in Mobility) via wire transfer, for a customized hand driven Honda CRV (2009) for a wheelchair user.

Since then, they have not delivered the vehicle nor have they refunded my money!

I've called them several times, sent email and text messages,but their President, Mr. Tom Egan doesn't return our calls/messages. Whenever he picks up his mobile and knows its me, he changes his voice to pretend he's someone else!!

It's therefore obvious that they are playing pranks and trying to defraud me of my money.

Since I don't live in the USA, I would like to know what steps I can take to either get the vehicle or get my money back? Which government agency do I contact to report them?

Looking forward to your kind assistance.

**mthomas** · 03-16-2009 02:33 PM

I think I'd start by contacting the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org), the Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov) and especially the authorities (in the US). Also, contact a US lawyer and ask for advice.

**justy540** · 03-16-2009 04:02 PM

I would try the state attorney general.

**mauco** · 03-17-2009 12:32 PM

Thanks for the feedback.

@mthomas: when you say contact the authorities does that include the FBI, Interpol & US Embassy in my country?

@justy540: please do you have the state attorney general's contact details?

Can anyone recommend a good lawyer in the US who has a track record of winning such cases and getting justice for their clients?

Anyone with anymore useful feedback? Your feedback are highly welcome.

Thanks again.

**mthomas** · 03-17-2009 05:42 PM

Originally Posted by mauco

@mthomas: when you say contact the authorities does that include the FBI, Interpol & US Embassy in my country?

Hmm...excellent question. Probably start with the US Embassy. They at least might be able to lead you in the right direction and contact the appropriate authorities for international dealings such as these.

Definitely contact the FTC and BBB as soon as you can though.

**rpermana** · 03-17-2009 09:20 PM

Im from Singapore & I had this experience also. First, I went to their head office & met person-in-charge on this. Before pointing finger, try to talk & discuss what is going wrong.. if their maybe we did miss out something...

At the end, we found out that the salesman did scam us & left the company. The company willing to refund only 1/3 of what I have paid... I was not satisfied & demand full refund. I told them that i would submit police report if I am not satisfied. Then few days later, they refund full amount to me.

**BusinessAdviser** · 03-17-2009 11:06 PM

I can refer an attorney in NYC if you'd like.

**mauco** · 03-18-2009 03:24 PM

@mthomas: Thanks for your kind assistance, its very encouraging.

@rpermana: I'm not pointing fingers. Things have really gone bad. I'm glad your case turned out well. I pray mine turns out well with either the vehicle we bought or a full refund.

@BusinessAdviser: Thanks. But I'm sure they'll cost a small fortune! You wouldn't happen to know some not-for-profit organization that can also help out for less money? What are the going rates for lawyers in NYC?

Thanks All, I really appreciate your kind assistance. If anyone else has some more suggestion about this matter, please feel free to drop it.

**itzpaul** · 03-18-2009 09:05 PM

I'm sorry that happened... it may be tough to get that back. good luck be careful with your money

**JennyWells** · 03-19-2009 01:42 AM

If they don't respond, get a lawyer and ask for advice.

**akula** · 03-19-2009 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by mauco

Over a month ago, I paid a company (Welcome to Access Unlimited, The Power of Choice in Mobility) via wire transfer, for a customized hand driven Honda CRV (2009) for a wheelchair user.

hi, you may have fallen for a very popular scam, although i doubt it

..the domain you mentioned looks pretty legit
it's registered to:

Access Unlimited
570 Hance Road
Binghamton, NY 13903
US
607-669-4822

...however, that business entity is not on the n.y. companies register, meaning that, it might be fake (or, it could be on another register, or the business is operating as a sole trader or a partnership). basically...judging by the prevalence of their phone number on the net, i don't think it's a scam...but rather, it's just that something might have gone wrong

...in any case; to get your car, file a statement of claim in n.y....binghamton's in broome county so you can file the case electronically..it can't cost more than 50 bucks (?)..just file the law suit, get the papers served to their address (there's plenty of lawyers in binghamton who can organise that for a modest fee) and i think you'll get your car or money back in no time...

**mauco** · 03-20-2009 08:42 AM

@itzpaul: Thanks for the concern. I'll surely learn to be more careful next time!

@JennyWells: Thanks. We'll surely do so.

@akula: I really really appreciate your advice. You're a blessing to this online community. Thanks a lot for your concern and contribution. We'll do as you've adviced and keep you posted.

Thanks to ALL of you who've shown concern over our plight. We appreciate all your comments and concern. If anyone has some other suggestion, we're listening!

**Jamie** · 03-20-2009 10:06 AM

How much did you pay?

**elliotiscool** · 04-03-2009 12:28 AM

Originally Posted by mauco

Can anyone recommend a good lawyer in the US who has a track record of winning such cases and getting justice for their clients?

Anyone with anymore useful feedback? Your feedback are highly welcome.

Thanks again.

Grab yourself a list of US attorneys and call at least 10 or 15 of them. Get opinions from all of them instead of one. Even if talking to a big shot attorney will most likely get you the best result, speaking to many will expand your knowledge of the situation and I guarantee after that you will know what potential ways you can pursue this.