Ripped off by American Boat Brokers in OKC OK

catfish1

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 23, 2003
Messages
683
Re: Ripped off by American Boat Brokers in OKC OK

if the person comes forward with the boat, you will get it back! doesnt matter if someone else paid $10,000 for it! that someone else doesnt have a title, what he does have is stolen property! and he will have to deal with the guy who sold it to him. sounds like everyone involved is going to loose something, but it wont be you. unless you get the boat back and its parted out, which is a possibility!
 

Ralph 123

Captain
Joined
Jun 24, 2003
Messages
3,983
Re: Ripped off by American Boat Brokers in OKC OK

jocko Thanks for the great info. That's the kind of stuff I like having in my back pocket. The flip side, of coarse, is get a check from the other guy if you can!
 

jocko_nc

Seaman
Joined
Mar 18, 2002
Messages
65
Re: Ripped off by American Boat Brokers in OKC OK

I had a buddy once get royally screwed by a supposed "extended warranty" on the purchase of a new Volvo. The nice turbo one.<br /><br />Seems the engine blew a line of some type, lost all its oil, and crapped out the turbocharger. The dealership did the work but refused to honor the warranty since the vehicle had been run w/o proper lube. A catch-22 in this situation. Regardless, the dealership was going to keep his property and charge him storage until he coughed up the money. A hostage situation. To his eventual dismay, he paid with a check then stopped payment, accusing the dealership (same one that sold the car and warranty) of a scam operation. Big mistake, they went right to the DA's office...<br /><br />I can see how a similar situation could arise with boats: Brokers, deposits, work equity, salvage, etc. Probably much more common than with cars. Be careful out there.<br /><br />I don't know what the best course of action would have been. Pay by credit card and dispute charges. Call the Sheriff and file a theft charge against the dealership to tie up the issue. There has to be some way to dispute the situation yet get possession of your property until it is resolved.<br /><br />Interesting stuff.<br /><br />jocko
 

Ralph 123

Captain
Joined
Jun 24, 2003
Messages
3,983
Re: Ripped off by American Boat Brokers in OKC OK

I think the only way to do it is pay the bill and then take them to court.<br /><br />One thing is for sure, the dealer was a scumbag!
 
Joined
Aug 11, 2003
Messages
11
Re: Ripped off by American Boat Brokers in OKC OK

We have tried to file a theft report, but the police refuse to accept one.<br /><br />The check is a double edged sword. We can take it back from the DA and pretend he stole the boat.<br /><br />Or we can twiddle our thumbs until the DA does his thing. <br /><br />I still believe like most of you our best bet on getting paid is the wait on the DA. The broker has 30 days to make restitution before the DA will file charges.<br /><br />Some lessons are more expensive than others!
 

Ralph 123

Captain
Joined
Jun 24, 2003
Messages
3,983
Re: Ripped off by American Boat Brokers in OKC OK

Don't beat your self up man. You didn't do anything wrong. It is NOT wrong to trust people. It is only wrong to betray a trust. <br /><br />I trust a lot of people I never met each day. Out of hundreds of times taking checks I have only be burned once. That didn't stop me from trusting people and in the long run, people appreciate it and prefer to do business with me and refer their friends.<br /><br />Don't stop trusting.
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,802
Re: Ripped off by American Boat Brokers in OKC OK

Have you contacted your insurance company? It might be a good idea to keep them informed of the situation.<br /><br />As for the police, I would contact the State police, as the boat is registered with the state. Depending on the state's law, they may have to take the report.
 
Joined
Aug 11, 2003
Messages
11
Re: Ripped off by American Boat Brokers in OKC OK

I agree with you on trusting people. Over my lifetime the good experiences out weigh the bad by 99%. <br /><br />Even if you trust people a little cya never hurts.<br /><br />This is what I have learned.<br /><br />Ask for references before you use a broker.<br />(I was not the first person this guy ripped off)<br /><br />Insist on signed paperwork that has a very clear agreement on $ amount and under what conditions the broker has permission to sell. It should also state that the title will be turned over to the buyer when the seller recieves cash. It should also list all of the extras that are on the boat. The boat should be started and both parties should agree that the motor is working in writing. It should also state that the broker has insurance and that if anything happens to the boat while in the brokers custody he will pay.<br /><br />And if you buy from a broker. Begin the negotiation with where is the title. You get the cash only if I get the title<br /><br />A dishonest person will take advantage of a normal person's tendancy to trust and use <br />phrases like<br /><br />"I have been real open and honest with you" <br /><br />"I will take care of it"<br /><br />" I haven't lied to you, yet"<br /><br />"Don't worry I have it covered"<br /><br />I will finish this list when every thing is resolved.
 
Joined
Aug 11, 2003
Messages
11
Re: Ripped off by American Boat Brokers in OKC OK

We are also trying to contact a person in Colorado<br />that purchased a boat from American Boat Brokers for 17,800 or 21,900. IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED A TITLE FROM HIM. Please contact us.<br /><br />This guy is bad news don't deal with him.
 
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