Original Message:
Scammed? (by John M.):
I received a call from Lazada Viajes saying they want to buy my Unlimited Vacation Club. They offered a little more than I paid for it in 2017. All the paper work would be handled by a law firm in New York, (legitimate firm). They were going to send a wire transfer. I was skeptical, so I requested a cashiers check instead, which they agreed. They check was sent but intercepted by Aduana Customs. They contacted me stating that I didn't include Form 105. Because of that there was a penalty of over $9300, which I had to pay before they would release the check. They wouldn't accept the form late, since I was unaware of such a form. I asked if I refuse to pay wh at would happen. They told me that anytime we enter Mexico we would be red flag at customs. So reluctantly, I paid. They released the check to Courier Express to be delivered. Four days later I received an email that the check could not be found. The New York attorney made arrangements with a Mexican attorney to investigate. Half of her fees were paid by the New York attorney and I had to pay the other half, $3500. She sued Courier Express and got a judgement to cover legal fees and $20,000 for damages. Next step was to send the check. Aduana Customs stopped the check, not because of form 105, but for IVA tax of just under $12,000. Which I also paid. The check was then released to my Mexican attorney. However, she got in an accident, and was in the hospital and couldn't pick up the check. So, Administración Tributaria sent the check to Tesoreria de la Federacion. Now they said there was a mistake and they didn't include the ISR tax of over $21,000. And this is where we stand right now. I can not pay that amount. So far I've been scammed over $30,000! Now the buyer, Lazada Viajes, wants to try to recoup some of their money they lost with their cashiers check. They told me I might have to hire an attorney to sue the Mexican Government. I'm not sure what will happen next. Can I just walk away and take the loss? Anyone have any comments, other than how stupid I am. Thanks