Frustrated!!

[Sodapoppers]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#FONT color=#0060bf#ed_cl#Ok here's the story...went to an auction and got a number, bought a few things and allowed one of my friends to purchase some things using my number. No problem, items got paid for. At another date, she went to the same auction and used my number to purchase a larger sum of stuff, exceeding $100. Imagine my surprise when I get a call saying that I owe this money, items were bought under my number and not paid for. #ed_op#/FONT#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#FONT color=#0060bf#ed_cl#This has been since September. Said "friend" is avoiding phone calls. When I DO get ahold of them they say they will call the auction owner and does not return my calls afterward, and when I get in touch with the auctioneer, they say no the person has NOT called them.  I just got a message recently stating I need to pay the money by TOMORROW or the 'authorities' will be contacted. Fair enough, I surely understand them needing their money. SO i call said friend and say I am coming to pick up the stuff bought. I am told no no they want to keep the stuff and will pay. They will call the auctioneer right away so we get off the phone. I wait for a return phone call and - nothing. They have disappeared again #ed_op#IMG src="http://forums.equestrianconnection.com/richedit/smileys/Angry/3.gif"#ed_cl#  So I call the grandparents, where the stuff is located to let them know i am coming down NOW to get the stuff and get told that NO i'm not, until I clear it with said friend because they don't know if the items are even there. #ed_op#/FONT#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#FONT color=#0060bf#ed_cl##ed_op#/FONT#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#FONT color=#0060bf#ed_cl#UGH I am just at my witt's end, i can't pin this person down and I am going to get SCREWED on my credit because i'm not about to pay this bill - I just don't have the money!  Not sure what my rights are or what I can do...I'm worried about just showing up there to get the stuff, because technically they can call the police for me tresspassing, and this person is avoiding and screening calls.  So the auctioneer is breathing down my neck to get something done, i am bugging this person to get something done, but they are damned good at avoiding us both!! I am ready to rip my hair out! #ed_op#IMG src="http://forums.equestrianconnection.com/richedit/smileys/Angry/6.gif"#ed_cl# Can anything even be DONE?#ed_op#/FONT#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[Azalee]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Eek!  I'm not sure what you can do besides cut your losses and pay.  It sucks.  Think of it like a cell phone.  If it's stolen, you are still responsible for all charges until you cancel service.  So if someone else is making calls on your dime...ouch.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#After paying, I'd keep hounding the person for the money.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I'm a little confused, though.  Were you not there with the person before they left the auction and didn't pay for the goods? #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[Andy]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Sounds like a case of fraud to me, get the police involved. If you did not sign for the stuff then the auction doesn't have a leg to stand on but you may have to pay up front because its not worth messing up a credit rating. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[Chisholm]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I'm a bit confused.  She used your number at a second auction.  You can do that?   Did she physically have the number?  #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Unfortunately that number is your responsiblity and so you have to pay.  Can you borrow the money and then chase down your so called friend.  #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Also make absolute sure that the auctioneer didn't receive the money, that it went to the right account.  #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#But I would call the police and ask them if there is anything that can be done.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[Andy]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#At almost all auctions I have been to all you have to do is give the desk at the auction your name and phone number and they hand you your number. If anyone else knows you it is easy to get their No. Then all you have to do is walk out with the merchandise. The only way the auction has of getting their money is to go after the person who registered and were assigned that particular number.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[Patricia]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Definitely check with the police to see where you stand BUT I say try chosing better friends.  Friends like that you can do without.  You always seem to get yourself in a pickle....It doesn't pay to be nice....does it....#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[xena_n_joss]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I have never had to sign for stuff at auctions... We used to go to one in Kingston and had an account, we only had to sign at the time of creating the account. The friend would have just been able to go up to the desk and say im fred simpson and they would give him fred simpson number... #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Sorry this happened SP!! I would cancel your account and make a new one and not lend your number to anyone. I would be mad too. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[Lix]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I agee.  Very crummy but you should pay just so your name and credit doesn't get tarnished over this. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#As for your "friend"...  I'd definitely show up at her door if she doesn't want to pick up the phone.  #ed_op#IMG src="http://forums.equestrianconnection.com/richedit/smileys/Angry/4.gif"#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[xena_n_joss]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I just want to add that my point was that this is not fraud and there will be little the police will do for $100... they would just tell her to not be so giving with her account info. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[chenders01]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I guess the lesson is "live and learn" and don't be so free with the things you give away.  If the person wanted to bid, why didn't she get her OWN number??  #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#It's hard, when you're a giving, compassionate person.  You trust people to treat you the same way you treat them, but it doesn't always work out that way.  I'm sorry this happened to you, Soda, but I agree with the others...you should pay the amount owing and chalk it up to one of those Life Lessons that we all seem to learn the hard way.  I'd also be cancelling that account/number ASAP so that this so-called "friend" can't pull the same stunt again.  What a low-life!!#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[Andy]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Xena:#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#

I have never had to sign for stuff at auctions... We used to go to one in Kingston and had an account, we only had to sign at the time of creating the account. The friend would have just been able to go up to the desk and say im fred simpson and they would give him fred simpson number... #ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#The auction doesn't necessarily have you sign when you buy anything at an auction. In fact that would be hard for them to do but because they got ripped off and they handed another persons number to someone who claimed to be the account holder for that number then they are on the hook. They can't prove , without any signatures, that the person that belongs to that number was actually there. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#They therefore have to go after the only person they know. It is then up to that person to report this to the authorities and file a charge against they for giving a false identity in order to commit fraud. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Definitely not something a so called friend would do. If it was me there I would give them 1 and only 1 chance to pay up then have there a$$ up on charges.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[Eileen]

#ed_op#TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"#ed_cl##ed_op#TBODY#ed_cl##ed_op#TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"#ed_cl##ed_op#TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off"#ed_cl##ed_op#P#ed_cl#Some friend huh SP?  I am assuming that this was a small one day auction and the number was under your name and your bank info on the records.   That makes you responsible for any debts on this account, I am sure you knew that when you signed up for the number....and so did your "friend" evidently.  #ed_op#/P#ed_cl##ed_op#P#ed_cl#Is there any way that you can arrange to have a police escort when you go over to "friends" house to collect either the $$ or the merchandise?  It would also be handy to have a couple of witnesses with you and your policeman as well or at least give their story to the authorities.  This sounds harsh but it may be the only way to get through to your "friend".  #ed_op#/P#ed_cl##ed_op#P#ed_cl#I don't know what else to suggest, I sure hope that you get some satisfaction here...one thing for sure I would say that you have learned the hard way not to lend your number to anyone.  Good luck.#ed_op#/P#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/TD#ed_cl##ed_op#/TR#ed_cl##ed_op#TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"#ed_cl##ed_op#TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on"#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV id=hotbar_promo#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/TD#ed_cl##ed_op#/TR#ed_cl##ed_op#/TBODY#ed_cl##ed_op#/TABLE#ed_cl#

[jax]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Go to your "friend's" house, pick them up and drive them to the auction and get them to pay their (your) account.  That's the only way that you can be sure it gets done.  If that doesn't work, I think that you could probably convince a police officer to accompany you to this person's house, where they can explain the law to them.  My BIL is a cop, and he has done stuff like that before.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[babytigger]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#well that sure sucks.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#i'd be inclined to contact the law guys & see if they can assist you in any way, shape or form.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#and i'd not include this person as a  "friend" anymore.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[MacnRio]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Ditto on paying it, unfortunately...... Just be glad its only $100, not $10,000!!#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#But, I would still go after this so called "friend".  Mind you, by the sounds of it, they don't have the $100 either :S#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Good luck! And I suggest you cancel that number. However.... ok, say you cancel your current number, but open another account... Couldnt this "friend" still go in and say I'm so and so and this is the phone number (or whatever they ask for as proof) and still get your number (even the new one)?  I have no idea how that works, so just asking....  Mind you, maybe you could put a password on it or something..... Just thinking out loud!  Just doesn't make sense that it is THAT easy for someone to bid as someone else.  Let's say I knew Eileen (sorry, came first to mind Eileen) was a regular at one particular auction, that I could show up at that auction, say I was her and bid with her number and walk out without paying.....#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[zooka]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Wow Sp that is a tough situation.  My suggestion is have someone with you go to the persons house and ask for the money if they try and give you the run around tell them that you will have to get the police involved as a next step.  Hopefully that will scare them enough to give you the money or items bought.  If not follow through and get a police escort if possible.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[Sodapoppers]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#FONT color=#0060bf#ed_cl#Yes Mac...she could walk in, go to the number booth, say she forgot her number and they will ask the name, birthdate and address and voila, you have my number. I spoke with the owners again this morning, they are being SO nice about it all. They warned me not to go back to this friend's house because I could be charged with tresspassing. I also got a break - turns out they know the owner of the barn where she is working at right now, so they may be able to track her down there or deduct what she owes from the paycheck which will be AWESOME. #ed_op#/FONT#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#FONT color=#0060bf#ed_cl##ed_op#/FONT#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#FONT color=#0060bf#ed_cl#And do you know what the stupid thing is...I WAS leery of her. My bf warned me about her, my aunt warned me about her (she used to date my cousin!) but one of my friends was good friends with her, and she moved her horse to our barn (she still owes the BO a month and a half of board, but is gone now!) and she just happened to tag along with us to the auction one night. So i just kinda resigned myself to the fact that she is fun to hang out with but giver her NOTHING - financially or information wise. She has twisted quite a few stories about people around the barn...but that is another story.#ed_op#/FONT#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#FONT color=#0060bf#ed_cl##ed_op#/FONT#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#FONT color=#0060bf#ed_cl#And ya....a hard lesson learned i guess. I #ed_op#EM#ed_cl#am#ed_op#/EM#ed_cl# too nice...#ed_op#/FONT#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[xena_n_joss]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I didnt say that you signed for anything when you buy something at the auction... When you make your initial account you sign the papers though. At least I did when I made an account. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#And the police wont do much with charging the person over 100$ worth of stuff. Because technically in the eyes of the law, Soda should not have given her number out, even if it was her friend. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#They might go with you though like jax said... But I doubt they would actually press charges or anything. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[AWSgurl]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I wouldn't  fool around.....get the cops to escort you to their place and get either the money or the items.......what are you waiting for......by the way nice friend...(NOT)!!!#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[zooka]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#SP glad to hear that they are being so nice about it hopefully they will be able to track her down at her job and work something out.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#