My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid!!

[Phoenix]

I posted the thread in RT originally.

It happened about a month and a half ago. I sent my Tiffany Metro ring on 11th June to someone in the US following my ad in the for-sale forum (many of you may know which one that is). I didn't invoice her beforehand (for various reasons) but sent the ring to her in good faith anyway. She emailed me subsequently to say that the ring had been stolen en route. She even sent me various pictures of the package, claiming it'd been tampered with prior to her receiving it.

I filed a claim with the Singapore PO straightaway. They said that they needed for the recipient to file the claim at her own PO in the US. I got in touch with her. After I'd sent her a few emails and called her (since I didn't hear from her for several days, apart from her initial emails to inform me of the "theft" and a subsequent email to permit me to release her name and contact details to the SG PO), she emailed me back on 29th June saying that she'd tried to file at two separate PO's in her area but was told that she was not the one to file and that I was (since I was the sender). I then emailed her back saying that I had (and reiterated that I'd already told her that and also needed her to file). In her email of the 29th, she also said that she'd been given a telephone number to call which she did; and was told that she needed to go back to her PO with the package and help them to file a claim. She also said that she was extremely busy with work and personal life and apologised for the "patchy replies".

Since then, I've been waiting (as she said she was busy, so I didn't want to disturb her too much). But after having waited and not heard back from her for a while, I wrote various emails and urged her to bring the "tampered" box back to her PO and give me a copy of the claim report (regardless of whomever that actually wrote out the claim form) or at least let me know that that'd actually taken place. So far (her last email to me, as mentioned, was dated 29th June), I have not heard back from her *at all*. I even tried to call her but there was no answer, so I left a voicemail asking to contact me but - again - silence!!

What shall I do? The SG PO refuses to pay me. They say that they'd been in touch with the US PO in her area and were told that the package had been delivered to her *intact*. There is nothing they can do to help me unless there's a claim made at the US end.

 

[Nashville]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

I'm thinking it's time to get a lawyer/police officer involved.

 

[Phoenix]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

Thank you, Nashville.

That's what I'm thinking too, but how do I get a lawyer involved without having to incur too much in legal fees?

I'm also planning to contact the police and also the PO's in her area. But how do I do that exactly? Do I call and make the claim over the 'phone or do I email them or both? Would it be ok for me to disclose her full name and contact tel no and address (I imagine they'd require such infor)?

 

[Nashville]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

Give her a head's up, let her know that you're really concerned the ring may have been stolen (tampering with the mail is extremely illegal!) and that you're going to need to get the police involved. Then let the police start an investigation. I'm not sure how to hire a lawyer on the cheap, unfortunately. Maybe see if it can be resolved through the police with the PO's cooperation. Just call the police and report a theft. You can fully disclose any and all information that will help you get the ring back. What a nightmare!

 

[Indylady]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

So there was never a payment made?

She says that the thing came to her empty? It doesn't sound like she's too flussed since she never had to pay for the thing. Did the signature require delivery?

 

[Phoenix]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

Give her a head's up, let her know that you're really concerned the ring may have been stolen (tampering with the mail is extremely illegal!) and that you're going to need to get the police involved. Then let the police start an investigation. I'm not sure how to hire a lawyer on the cheap, unfortunately. Maybe see if it can be resolved through the police with the PO's cooperation. Just call the police and report a theft. You can fully disclose any and all information that will help you get the ring back. What a nightmare!

Hmmm...I didn't know that tampering with mail addressed to yourself is extremely illegal! Great to know that, thanks.

I did actually in my last email to her and my voicemail tell her that I may not have a choice but to get the police involved, since her silence is very un-comforting and she may be leaving me with no other choice!

 

[Sizzle]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

I actually think you're kind of a$$ out. You sent a ring to a stranger on another country on "good faith" she saw this as the perfect opportunity to rob you. It seems obvious to me that the package was never tampered with and she just figuring you will forget about it and not want to go through the trouble. Tampering wiu the mail is a federal offense in the US so contacting her local police office is pointless. It's on her to bring in the package to the post office and damn near 30 days later I doubt she has the packaging. No one is that busy. She found a way to get her package in the first place She can find a way to get to the post office.

All of that being said. I recently had a package lost by the post office and over a month after I had sent it. Priority no less they retuned it to my house! Seems it got damaged in transit in a way that rubbed offthe delivery address so it sat until someone went through that mail

 

[panda08]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

I'm sorry to hear about this! I don't know how much the ring is worth but you may consider hiring a lawyer to just send her a letter and threaten to sue her for payment, especially if you have proof that the package was delivered intact. Perhaps that'll get her off her ass to the post office to prove that she didn't rip you off. I don't think calling the police will help, as they have larger fish to fry. It won't be that expensive to get a lawyer to write a letter. But one thing to consider is that if she ignores your threat of legal action, you'll probably be out of luck. I don't know where this person lives but unless the ring is higher than the jurisdictional amount in small claims court, you'll have to come to court yourself for small claims. I hope everything works out for you!

 

[Nashville]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

Give her a head's up, let her know that you're really concerned the ring may have been stolen (tampering with the mail is extremely illegal!) and that you're going to need to get the police involved. Then let the police start an investigation. I'm not sure how to hire a lawyer on the cheap, unfortunately. Maybe see if it can be resolved through the police with the PO's cooperation. Just call the police and report a theft. You can fully disclose any and all information that will help you get the ring back. What a nightmare!

Hmmm...I didn't know that tampering with mail addressed to yourself is extremely illegal! Great to know that, thanks.

I did actually in my last email to her and my voicemail tell her that I may not have a choice but to get the police involved, since her silence is very un-comforting and she may be leaving me with no other choice!

I meant if someone *else* tampered with it, as in stole something from the mail. Here in the states it's a federal offense.

 

[Phoenix]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

I actually think you're kind of a$$ out. You sent a ring to a stranger on another country on "good faith" she saw this as the perfect opportunity to rob you. It seems obvious to me that the package was never tampered with and she just figuring you will forget about it and not want to go through the trouble. Tampering wiu the mail is a federal offense in the US so contacting her local police office is pointless. It's on her to bring in the package to the post office and damn near 30 days later I doubt she has the packaging. No one is that busy. She found a way to get her package in the first place She can find a way to get to the post office.

All of that being said. I recently had a package lost by the post office and over a month after I had sent it. Priority no less they retuned it to my house! Seems it got damaged in transit in a way that rubbed offthe delivery address so it sat until someone went through that mail

Yes, it was incredibly STUPID of me but I naively thought that it'd be ok since I kind of "know" who she is (I shall not reveal too much infor here, at least not yet).

 

[Phoenix]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

Give her a head's up, let her know that you're really concerned the ring may have been stolen (tampering with the mail is extremely illegal!) and that you're going to need to get the police involved. Then let the police start an investigation. I'm not sure how to hire a lawyer on the cheap, unfortunately. Maybe see if it can be resolved through the police with the PO's cooperation. Just call the police and report a theft. You can fully disclose any and all information that will help you get the ring back. What a nightmare!

Hmmm...I didn't know that tampering with mail addressed to yourself is extremely illegal! Great to know that, thanks.

I did actually in my last email to her and my voicemail tell her that I may not have a choice but to get the police involved, since her silence is very un-comforting and she may be leaving me with no other choice!

I meant if someone *else* tampered with it, as in stole something from the mail. Here in the states it's a federal offense.

I misunderstood! I thought you meant her "tampering" with it and claiming it was the PO who had tampered with it.

Duh, Phoenix!!

 

[missydebby]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

Oh Phoenix, I'm so sorry for your trouble. That just totally sucks. Wish I had any helpful info.

*hugs*

All my love and best wishes for a good outcome, Debs

 

[Dancing Fire]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

Yes, it was incredibly STUPID of me but I naively thought that it'd be ok since I kind of "know" who she is (I shall not reveal too much infor here, at least not yet).

Phoenix...i hate to say it but i think this person screwed you blind. can we trust anybody these days? is she a PSer?

 

[betty6333]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

I am so sorry to hear this. I really dont understand how a person can look them selves in the mirror if they do that. I hope she does the right thing and returns the ring or pays for it. I am very disappointed that anyone would lie and steal from you.

 

[ForteKitty]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

Phoenix- I'm sorry this happened to you... people suck. A lot of us sell stuff there... would you mind sharing her name so we can avoid this person?

 

[zhuzhu]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

I am so sorry this happened to you Phoenix!

To be honest, I am not sure we know enough of the truth. It is just not enough data to suggest if the buyer "cheated you" or if someone else "stole it" in the mail. I wish there is more I can say or do to make you feel better, but it sounds like you don't have a lot of options to get your money back at for this case.

Please don't trust anyone you just know online with valuables again!

 

[4ever]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

I wonder if you called her from a number that was not your own if she'd answer? Skype?

 

[rosetta]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

So sorry to hear of this Phoenix!
I really hope it isn't a Pser!

Next time, insist on payment first (I always pay first) but don't let it put you off selling things you want to. Also send jewels in larger packages than necessary as this attracts less attention from thieves.

Again, I'm very sorry for your troubles.

 

[waterlilly]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

Please keep us posted, I've very interested to see if you get any assistance with this. My goodness though - how did she convince you to send a ring like that with out being paid for it?!

Am keeping my fingers crossed for you!

 

[kama_s]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

I'm so sorry you're going through this. Definitely sucks. It sounds like she may be a PSer, and if she is please do post her name here. Maybe she didn't tamper with the package, but I'm sure no one wants to deal with such a "busy", i.e. inconsiderate, person either.

Keeping my fingers crosses for you.

 

[yennyfire]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

Oh how awful! I am so very sorry. I wish I could say I was suprised, but I'm not. I hope that you're able to re-coup your $$$ somehow.
Again, I'm so sorry.

 

[Porridge]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

I actually think you're kind of a$$ out. You sent a ring to a stranger on another country on "good faith" she saw this as the perfect opportunity to rob you. It seems obvious to me that the package was never tampered with and she just figuring you will forget about it and not want to go through the trouble. Tampering wiu the mail is a federal offense in the US so contacting her local police office is pointless. It's on her to bring in the package to the post office and damn near 30 days later I doubt she has the packaging. No one is that busy. She found a way to get her package in the first place She can find a way to get to the post office.

All of that being said. I recently had a package lost by the post office and over a month after I had sent it. Priority no less they retuned it to my house! Seems it got damaged in transit in a way that rubbed offthe delivery address so it sat until someone went through that mail

Yes, it was incredibly STUPID of me but I naively thought that it'd be ok since I kind of "know" who she is (I shall not reveal too much infor here, at least not yet).

Good heavens! Is she a PSer??

If the US PO claims the package arrived intact then it sounds like you're due a payment.

 

[Nashville]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

This is a valuable lesson learned. Never trust anyone, always insure packages and always make the recipient sign.

I learned this the hard way once through an ebay transaction. I sent an item out, left the buyer good feedback. Buyer claimed the item never arrived, the post office confirmed at it had been delivered. I didn't even pursue it, I gave them a refund which I shouldn't have done. Now whenever I send anything I make sure it's insured and signed for. People do really scummy things. It stinks, but you really can't trust anyone these days.

I'd try and get in touch with her a few more times about getting the law involved. If she ignores you/doesn't care, then see what an investigation comes up with.

 

[Maisie]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

I'm really sorry this has happened Phoenix. If you felt that you 'knew' this person pretty well I can imagine that you would feel that there was some element of trust there. I hope you can resolve this. I wouldn't hesitate to involve the police though. The truth will always come out. (((hugs)))

 

[tyty333]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

Ugh Pheonix...I say stay persistent. If you let her know the police are getting involved she may try a little harder to
get down to the Post office. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

 

[AprilBaby]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

So sorry Phoenix, looks like you got robbed! I never send without payment first. I also want to know if this is a PS'r.

 

[Phoenix]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

Thanks to all who have replied. Indeed if I were ever to send anything to anyone again, I'd def insist on full payment before sending it to them.

The recipient is a long term PS'er. I don't know her IRL but I am 100% certain I know who she is on here (as well as the screen-name she uses on the diamond buying-and-selling forum). I know lots of other details about her (some of which I may disclose later if I felt I had to), her name and screen name, her profession, her husband's, where they live and work etc. I did all this background check before sending the ring to her without having received the payment first. The reason I didn't ask for payment was partly because I had some initial hiccups trying to send it whilst I was in SG and in fact thought I wouldn't be able to send it at all. I only managed to send it the last day of my trip in SG - hours before I flew back to SH (so asking her for immediate payment there and then wouldn't be feasible). With hindsight, I shouldn't have sent it to her at all, but at the time I just didn't want to let her down. Mostly, the reason I wasn't worried abt non-payment was because I thought that someone that well known on PS (and s.o. who's done business with PS vendors) couldn't possibly pull such a stunt! So much for that!!

She says she's been busy with her kids amongst other things but her last post on PS was on 21st July when she responded to another PS'er thread with a link to yet someone else's old thread - so obviously she cannot be so busy!! That's all I'm going to say for now. I'll try and call and/ or email her again tomorrow [sigh] even though I've sent a ton of emails and attempted to contact her by telephone already, all with no success. If she was really innocent, then surely she'd be writing to me with an update instead of continuing to ignore me

I would for sure involve the police where she is. Even if it does come to nothing, at least her name and action would be on police records. I'll also contact her local PO to file a claim with them online. Again, this would estabish some kind of records in case she accuses them of tampering with mail again. I'll need to do all these anyway in my effort to get the SG PO to make the insurance payment to me...I need to follow protocol.

Actually, to be completely honest, the money is one thing but what really bothers me is that she's looking more and more guilty as the days pass and I don't hear from her (and if she wasn't, she'd have rushed to the PO and/ or kept me updated - any update at all, even if just a one-liner to say she's received my email and she'll get back to me, instead of leaving me dangling since her last email). If she was guilty, hopefully this thread (even if I didn't end up disclosing her identity) would make her think twice abt doing anything like that ever again to other people.

 

[Porridge]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

What a shame. I do hope she is simply busy. It was decent of you not to charge her and to take responsibility for the alleged missing ring, it would be terrible if a regular amongst us were to take advantage of that.

 

[Maisie]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

I'm sorry Phoenix but if you had agreed to send me something without payment first I would made sure you received payment as soon as I found out you had shipped the package.

I can't see how someone can be so busy that they can't sort something out that is this important.

 

[that_someone_special]

Re: My stolen Tiffany Metro ring - I can't get my claim paid

oh wow... this is terrible I hope everything works out and the person stops being a jerk.