From: rhs@world.std.com (Richard H Schwartz)
Subject: Re: $$$$$$$$$$$$$ WARNING !!!!! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Organization: The World Public Access UNIX, Brookline, MA
Date: Fri, 28 Aug 1992 21:28:59 GMT

cyor@logos.uwaterloo.ca (                ) writes:



>			WARNING !!!!!
> 
>If you don't want to lose your money, please read the following:

I agree with much of what has been posted about pursuing this through the 
credit card company.  However, you *must* follow the procedures that were
documented when you received your card *exactly*.  This almost always 
means written notification to the credit card company within 30 or 60 days
of the disputed charge.  Procedure will vary according to the laws of the
state where you live, and where the credit card company is (and ultimately
the location of the other party in the dispute may have some bearing as
well -- sigh... that's what lawyers are needed for).

Your next step may have to be the Attorney General of the State of Texas.
Another possibility is your local Postal Inspector, if the package or
literature, bills, or any correspondence you can show contained false
representations went through the US Mail.

>This is in regard to a company called "SECOND WAVE" in Texas, Austin who
>claimed that their NB4 Expansion box will allow the IIsi to work with
>accelerator card such as the Radius Rocket.

Some questions: 

 I am familiar with a mail order company in Austin called "Third Wave 
 Computing, Inc."  Is there also a Second?  

 If this NB4 box won't work with the Rocket, why?  And what does it 
 do if it won't do that?  (OK, that's three questions, not two).
 
>2)  Can anybody please tell me what to do in this case?
>    Better Business suggested me to get a Lawyer.

See above.  And in the future, hedge your bets by insisting that assurances
of compatability get sent to you through the US Mail.  That will, in the
event the claim turns out to be false or misleading, open up the possibility 
of having the Postal Inspector investigate for mail fraud.  If they refuse
to mail you a letter or brochure establishing the compatability claim, you
may want to refuse to do business with them.  

FAX, by the way, may be an adequate substitute for US Mail ('cause wire fraud
is just as illegal as mail fraud), but it probably means going through 
channels other than the Postal Inspector.  Is anyone familiar with the correct
procedure?

Also, *ask in advance* what their return/refund policy is, and make sure
that incompatability with third party products is covered in their standard
policies.  If it isn't, do business with them only if they will send you a
written statement.

The reason for going through all this, even though the credit card company
should resolve any dispute for you, is that the process can take months.
Fraud investigations will take longer, but mail-order companies (reputable
and disreputable alike) will take great pains to avoid the hassles that
would be brought on by a fraud charge -- just the mention of the possibility
is likely to send them scrambling to cut a refund check.

-rich
-- 
             Richard H. Schwartz, Scheduling Systems Inc.,
            1000 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA  02138
                  (617) 864 8330; FAX (617) 864 8377
                          rhs@world.std.com
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.apps