MISSION STATEMENT AND HELP FOR THE CONSUMER
(For those involved in anything from fraud, to being ripped off to being involved in an internet quandary)
Mission Statement How can you help/Be Helped Make it Legal Tips for the consumer
Who owns this site?
A collector who does not profit beyond the costs of the hobby. I am not a dealer, an expert in handwriting analysis or affiliated with a major film entity.
To preserve the integrity of making the hobby of Star Wars Autograph Collecting and Autograph collecting in general, a safe, and fun hobby. To develop and maintain some form of ethical and moral standards for the collector. To help expose fraud. To work on defining any vague areas of collecting. To teach responsibility to the collector so that items obtained were done in a manner that made all parties satisfied.
HOW CAN YOU HELP/HOW CAN YOU BE HELPED?
If you know and can prove fraud, contact the IADA
To learn and participate in Internet Law and Policy: ILPF
To find out about internet law: LawGuru.com
To file a complaint against a Better Business Bureau Member: BBB
To file a postal complaint for mail fraud: USPS
Been duped by an Ebay seller?: Safe Harbor
Been ripped off by a Pay Pal User?: Pay Pal
Wanna Blow off Steam?: Complaints.com
Attorney Generals help consumers and work on Internet Fraud: NAAG.org
The FBI does investigate Internet Fraud: IFCC
Hire a lawyer: Lawyers.com
Free Legal Advice: FreeAdvice.com
Make it legal! Wanna BE A LEGAL AND TRUSTED DEALER OR internet SELLER?
Become a member of the BBB
Unsure if you have to claim sales to the IRS? Contact the IRS
Become a member of the UACC
Unsure if you have to claim state taxes? Business.gov
Copyrighting the net: Copyright on the Internet
Copyright Official Office: U.S. Copyright Office
All about Trademarks: USPTO
Find out about Mail Fraud before you commit it: USPS
How to do online Business the legal way: oncallgeeks.com
Never give up. Remember, if you don't fight it, not only can't you win, but you will endanger others.
If you paid by Pay Pal, a users account can be suspended; contact Pay Pal for disputes
If you can prove bad Ebay dealer, their ID can be expelled or suspended
All BBB complaints are public, find out if a business is a BBB member and check their rating.
You can complain about poor business practices to your states Attorney General's office.
Anything transacted through the mail that can be proven as fraud, is a federal offense! Federal offense could =Jail time!
If you are a seller, taxes do have to be reported; check with your state
You cannot use the copyright ©, registered ® or trademarked symbols ™ until you applied for them legally. Unsure, contact appropriate authorities
Be proactive rather than inactive
If you paid by credit card, your card company may be able to help! Call them.
If you paid by check, you can contact your bank and put stop payment if not cashed.
Don't wait too long or accept excuses from sellers who take a long time sending you stuff! They do that so you can't stop payment!
Don't be scared to speak up; do all you can legally!
Hire a lawyer if needed; some lawyers will work for part of the judgment!
If you paid by Money Order, contact the post office; they may be able to trace it.
NEVER pay by cash/send cash through the mail
ALWAYS ask for a receipt
COA's are worthless! Even the UACC agrees
Never purchase a COA; why should a consumer pay for a guarantee? Any legitimate business stands behind their items
Get proof of autograph signings with photos, place, dates. Photo should include signer and "arrangers" photo; don't accept excuses
Has your privacy has been invaded because someone posted info about you on the net, used your name to sign up for stuff on the internet or used you ID for inappropriate reasons? They could be in violation of various privacy laws! Contact an attorney.
If a seller is doing something not legal or moral, complain to their ISP! At least document you went there first before you went to more extreme measures. If the ISP won't help you, make sure the ISP isn't a friend of the person with the site. If they are, they may indeed be liable for malicious conduct.
If a seller is working with another partner, that partner is responsible too... so don't forget to include them in any actions. Likewise, the persons ISP may also be liable. Include the ISP in any action as well if your lawyer thinks so (your lawyer will tell you)
NEVER threaten another person. If you have been threatened, save copies of all threats and call the police! If a person claims you threatened them, they have to show proof. Judges don't like to hear "hearsay"
Start with one thing like contacting business. If that doesn't resolve, contact ISP. If that didn't do anything, move to something else like Ebay or Pay Pal. If that doesn't work, use some of the many options above. Eventually, you will find help that you need. It's about patience and persistence.
If you know of multiple parties in your same predicament, you may be able to file a class action lawsuit. Contact a lawyer.