Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Is it Petty Larceny and can I file charges?

[winddancer74074]

In December, 2012 I bought a printer/copier/scanner from a woman on a Facebook page (Beg, Barter, Buy and Sell). She told me the printer worked great. After getting it home, it did not have any ink cartridges so I went and spent $65 on cartridges. After hooking up everything, the printer would not print. I immediately contacted the seller. A couple of days later she picked up the printer and said she would have it repaired. I continued to contact her regarding the status of the repair. After 4 weeks of waiting patiently, I asked that she refund my money and the cost of the ink. She said she would refund the money I paid for the printer but not the cost of the ink but that she would return the ink cartridges. I asked her to contact me to let me know I could expect her to return my ink and the refund. It has now been 6 weeks and she will not return my calls or reply to my messages that I have sent her. I would like to know if this is considered Petty Theft and if I can file charges against her? I am out $95, which may not seem like a lot, but for someone who works paycheck to paycheck it is. Just wondering what my options are if any. I have 1 receipt for the ink cartridges that I purchased at Walmart, but do not have the one I bought at Best Buy. Nor do I have a receipt for the money I paid her for the printer. Thank you.

 

[cbg]

So, did she refund the money you paid for the printer and return the ink cartridges?

 

[shrinkmaster]

This is a civil matter you need to sue her

 

[mightymoose]

It is not theft. Police will be of no help to you.
Your option is to seek assistance in small claims court.
In the future don't buy used items without first testing them.

 

[Betty3]

Even if you don't have all the receipts, take to court the receipt you do have & any correspondence you might have between you & her requesting the return of the ink/refund. Good luck.

 

[mightymoose]

You likely can not return the ink since you opened and installed it.
You might get lucky and get a court to order compensation for it, but she is only responsible for the printer.
Honestly, it is such a small amount that it is not worth going to court. If you can't get her to cooperate you are likely just going to be out the money.
Again, your responsibility to inspect the item before purchase. You got it as-is with no warranty.
However, if she did come and get it from you then you are owed either your money or the printer in whatever condition.

 

[army judge]

You have TWO problems: proving this, and limited (if any damages).

New printers are cheap as in $20 or $30 cheap.

Why buy used junk from strangers.

What if the scammer had been a ROBBER, armed with a gun, and intent on RAPING and ROBBING you?

Think, for goodness sake.

Protect yourself, stop telling EVERY facet of your life on the internet.

You can find this junk (new and guaranteed) at many brick and mortar stores, or from many reliable on line sellers (Amazon being one of many, plus the online portals for the brick and mortar stores).

You do realize you risked more than the $30 or $40 you lost by purchasing junk from a shyster?