I heard this story from several different wed sites and I just have a comment/question.


Have you considered "Theft of Services" charges with the police? Typically, I think in every state, if a customer orders services/products he cannot pay for, it's a criminal offense that ends in handcuffs, criminal and civil action. I'm not a lawyer, but I've owned several businesses and have had to do this to collect money from dead beat customers.

If you order a custom suit made or hire a contractor to paint your house and then can't pay for it, that's Theft of Services.
I think the legal distinction is; if the customer knew, or should have known, they could not pay, or would not pay for it when they asked for the service. Forgetting your walet for dinner out may not be crimminal, but ordering the most expensive meal and vintage wine at a fancy resturant and then saying your poor and just can't afford to pay ("here's $60, can we work out a payment plan?") is Theft of Services.

The amazing thing about these type of scammers is they even lie to themselves. I think Joe really believes he is the one getting ripped off.

GL.