Phoenix, AZ asked in International Law, Consumer Law and Copyright

Q: I was scammed by an international company do I have any legal rights?

In 20/21 I purchased a multi-vendor platform online from an overseas company. Due to health issues, I didn't attempt to launch until Nov ‘21. at which point I discovered the platform was outdated and had security issues. Since the company refused to help, I was forced to hire a web developer and discovered the software was created by a company other than the one I was originally led to believe during my purchase. The other company informed me their copyrighted source code was stolen & reverse engineered and was used to build the platform and that they were issued a cease and desist to stop using their code & a judgment in 2012/2013, which they ignored, causing me to unknowingly purchase the “inferior product”. However, they have agreed to go on record stating their code was stolen and legal actions were ignored. I have been denied a refund leaving me to pay $11,000 for software/app I can't use due it is out of date & security issues and my cc issuer won’t reverse the charges. Help!!!

1 Lawyer Answer
David Luther Woodward
David Luther Woodward
Answered
  • International Law Lawyer
  • Pensacola, FL

A: You can sue the bastard!

But where?

You need the advice of an international litigator to determine where jurisdiction and venue may lie, and then the cause of action that you can assert.

That ain't cheap!

While 11K is a significant amount to you, the costs of the litigation could easily exceed your recovery unless there is some statutory relief for fraud where you file the suit. Again, you need that international litigator.

Perhaps your tax advisor can assist you in playing your loss against state and federal taxes that are owed, but there you need a local CPA or tax lawyer.

Good Luck!

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