AfterChristmasUsa - GoogleCheckout SCAM

[caged.danimal]

www.afterchristmasusa.com

I got burned for $350 from this site. They use GOOGLE CHECKOUT. I thought I would be safe because of google checkout. I am trying to get ahold of google to get something done about their website. Anyone had to deal with google and fraud? Would like to know how they dealt with it.

[Peter Cornstalk]

Originally Posted by caged.danimal

www.afterchristmasusa.com

I got burned for $350 from this site. They use GOOGLE CHECKOUT. I thought I would be safe because of google checkout. I am trying to get ahold of google to get something done about their website. Anyone had to deal with google and fraud? Would like to know how they dealt with it.

Google should be able to give your money back or call your credit card company.

They are being hosted by yahoo.com so you probably need to contact them with evidence you were ripped off and get thier website deaded.

They are using http://www.cubecart.com.

[caged.danimal]

So far it appears that all google is going to do is make an attempt to mediate the dispute between me and afterchristmasusa.com. So far it appears that google checkout is not like paypal where they protect you for online transactions.

[Peter Cornstalk]

Did you use your credit card?

[caged.danimal]

Yes the only payment method I have with google checkout is my credit card.

[mmjc]

I'm not trying to be a wiseguy or anything, but here is an FYI. My wife got ripped by coyotego.com and we learned from that experience.

The first thing we do is check out the 'contact us' link. If there is no physical address & phone number....steer clear! As you can see, this place has only an email address which whether they were to be legitimate or not, we would not purchase anything from them. If they were legitimate, why wouldn't they post the address and phone number? This is not a surefire way to tell however, because coyotego had a phone number and the one time I was able to get through to a person, they actually seemed legit! So even if there is an address and phone number, you still can't be sure. Check out the Better Business Bureau and see if they are listed at http://www.bbbonline.com Ask your friends and/or family, but most of all, as we all know....check out http://www.resellerratings.com before you buy anything online.

I know this doesn't solve your problem, but I had to throw my 2 cents in.

[mmjc]

Have you contacted your credit card company and explained the situation to them?

[caged.danimal]

Thanks for the helpful advice that I have already learned...hindsite is 20/20. But at least I stayed clear of the western union or wire transfer scams. I assumed (wrongfully) that in order to be a google checkout merchant that you had to be legit or at least register with google and provide contact information. So I gave it a shot. The worst thing that could happen is that I would have to dispute the charge...which I have not done yet. I was instructed by google checkout team to wait 5 business days while they tried to resolve the situation. If it is not resolved by then I will dispute with my credit card company and get my money back.

[Peter Cornstalk]

3rd party payments are a risk because they do not thoroughly check out the person that is accepting payments. Someone with a real merchant account has to be a real business and provide real identity and the provider does a thorough check on them. That is why you always want to use your credit card with PayPal.

[mrchau]

I am in the same boat. I sent various emails and left a voicemail to afterchristmasusa and received no response. I did receive an email informing me that my order would ship on Jan 3rd, but was provided no tracking number. Even through my various attempts to contact the company, I have received no reply. I highly suspect that I've been scammed 229 bucks. I knew that xbox 360 premium for 230 was too good to be true . Anyways, what is the email to report this to google checkout, as I would like their help also in getting my money back. Otherwise would I be able to challenge this charge with my debit account with Wells Fargo?

please update me