Problem with a foundry in Texas

Hello, All,

Last year I ordered an exhaust manifold to be cast for my Cat 22 crawler tractor. I sent the foundry in Texas $1850 and my manifold as a sample so that they could create a pattern. So far I have seen neither, and they say they don't know when they will make it. I offered to let them keep the money - just send back my original manifold - and they refused. I have been in contact with the local prosecutor and they are interested in pursuing this guy criminally. Any one who has been scammed by this group is urged to contact me so that I can compile a list to prove to the prosecutor that this is an ongoing criminal enterprise that needs to be stopped.

Paul Bamburak
Trenton, NJ
609-882-0366

It would help if you would post the name/location of the scoundrel.

(quoted from post at 12:23:53 09/09/10) It would help if you would post the name/location of the scoundrel.

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Hello,

As most bulletin boards don't like to carry negative information about anyone, I purposely kept my posting vague so it would not be deleted. There aren't too many foundries in Texas (near the Mexican border) who make castings for restorations, and who routinely stiff their customers. Whoever has had this happen to them will know exactly who I am referring to.

Paul Bamburak

If they took your money and you got nothing in return, it is FRAUD plain and simple! They also technically STOLE your manifold if they won't return it. The prosecutors should have enough just from your case to pursue a criminal investigation. You should also file a lawsuit against the company.

Why would you offer to let them keep any of your money? Even more puzzling is why you would pay everything up front? Did you have a contract via e-mail or at least some correspondance that you can produce? If you paid with a credit card, the credit card company can usually reimburse you and then they will pursue the other party to recover the costs. It is always a good idea to include a specific date the work should be completed by on a contract. Any further correspondance, such as a letter asking for the return of your money and manifold, with this company should include(at the bottom) the term "time is of the essence" (legal term which basically means ASAP) or you will be taking legal action against them. Also give a specific date for them to respond by, like 7 days. Good luck. I hope you get everything back including your legal fee's. Dave

Names are commonly listed on the buyer/seller feedback forum. Sometimes for great transactions and sometimes for really bad transactions like yours. Listing the name will also prevent other users on this forum from dealing with the place and getting ripped off. How do you know they routinely stiff their customers? Dave

(quoted from post at 14:19:05 09/09/10) Names are commonly listed on the buyer/seller feedback forum. Sometimes for great transactions and sometimes for really bad transactions like yours. Listing the name will also prevent other users on this forum from dealing with the place and getting ripped off. How do you know they routinely stiff their customers? Dave

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Dave,

Once I got stiffed I did an internet search and was able to quite quickly find the county court house in their county and found numerous law suits filed against them. I also found other bulletin boards with numerous posts from members about how they lost out the same way. Further, I found the Better Business Bereau local to them had them in their files rated as F with numerous complaints. The BBB comments that the company is unresponsive to any attempts to resolve the complaints.

As for the money up front, my company manufactures custom electronics and we typically require 50% upfront (to fund our efforts and keep the customer onboard) and 50% on acceptance of the completed product. I tried the 50/50 approach and they would not go for it. They don't accept credit cards, either. As I was ignorant about their operation I made the payment.

Again, as to the name, there are not many foundries in Texas doing this type of work. If you decide to do business with a company that you find check them out with the methods I have suggested above to see if you feel comfortable doing business with them. Or, contact me privately at 609-882-0366

Paul Bamburak

And they're only "interested" in pursuing this place? I'd be all over them but if they are convicted and go to jail, you might still be out your money and manifold. I'd tried to get that back first. I guess you don't want to say the name because it may be before a court? The BBB is nothing more than complaint department. Having a list of complaints from them could help but they don't really do anything except let people know if there's been any complaints about a company and if the complaints were resolved. Most people don't call unless they've had a problem. Dave

I've been told if the mail was involved and it crossed state lines its some kind of mail fraud that can be moved along quicker?

I live in Central Texas, no where near the Mexican border so I don't guess I can help you.