i have a question about internet fraud..

[toddzilla]

i've been taken for 225 bucks, others have been taken for similar or more from the same person. I have his address, and a possibly legitimate phone #..

what can i do as far as filing a suit or a criminal complaint?
i paid for something via paypal, never recieved it and i want my money back without having to drive to virginia ( i live in missouri)

anyone know what the right course of action is?

[aePrime]

1. I'm not really sure

but the first step might be to call the Virginia state police.

[Dogmudgeon]

2. Contact your local/state Office of the Attorney General

They almost certainly have an Internet Fraud task force.
They can advise you of the proper steps to take.

--p!

[FloridaPat]

3. If it's less than 30 days, file a complaint with Paypal. They should

return your money. If it's more than 30 days, file a complaint anyway. If you gotit off Ebay, file a complaint with them. Next up is a complaint with the attorney general of his state and an FBI complaint. I've filed FBI and attorney general complaints with people who have ripped me off on Ebay. That was a year ago. Heard nothing. Last is a real lawsuit against the person. It would cost you almost the same amount that he owes you to file a lawsuit. You might try pressing charges against the person too for theft.

[barackmyworld]

5. Paypal has been helpful for me

Someone sent me the wrong color item from ebay, and would not respond to my emails about returns/refunds. One day after I filed the paypal claim, they did what I asked for (partial refund)

[Floogeldy]

4. Can you spell P-O-L-I-C-E?

Get rid of any meth in your house, first.

B-)