Michael Mann Scammed me out of $1000

[kev]

This is an absolute nightmare. Seems Ive been scammed again.

Details of Scammer

Michael Mann




Web Media Projects, Inc.,
440 E Pass Rd. Suite B
Gulfport, MS. 39507 USA

Website: www.webmediaprojects.com

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 601-213-0881
Toll-free: 866-496-2278
Fax: 601-326-2379

MSN: [email protected]
PayPal: [email protected]
His contact number: 228-216-6707

DigitalPoint Username : c0l0rad0
GetaFreelancer Username : c0l0rad0

I agreed a price of $3,000 for the development of a clone of King.com. He said that i could pay it in 3 stages at $1k each. This was back in October 2007 and he said it would take 2-3 months to complete. So i set deadline after deadline after deadline and he missed 11 in total and I started to get concerned. He maintained it was due to the complexity of the site and limited staff so i believed him. But when he missed the latest deadline, I sent an email asking where it was and he replied with:




then i searched on the web about him and came across this

http://www.thesqueakywheel.com/complaints/2007/NOV/complaint19828.cfm
http://www.thesqueakywheel.com/complaints/2008/FEB/complaint22448.cfm

so i questioned him on it and asked for a complete refund and he replied with


Can people on NP help me get my money back as this is a lot of money to a student.

Are the contact details listed above seem correct to you?

Thanks guys :tu:

 

[CrackFeed.Com]

I HATE HATE HATE HATE people like him. They give the good guys a bad name and force buyers to waste tons of time (= money) and energy on vetting.

Amen brother!

What site is SF

I think he meant San Fransisco?

But, I watch out for kids on getacoder and the like, turn on error reporting to E_ALL and challenge a hacker to attack and you will see what I mean. Kids are impatient by nature and attention to detail is not always their strong point. LOL, I should know, I have 3! LMAO

Only get experienced coders, period, no matter their country.

This guy is probably one of those fat men who sit at their PC all day pretending to work and pretending to have skills, just talking people into paying up with empty promises. I see it all of the time, most of us coders despise those bastards... giving us a bad name.

 

[mm4725]

I find this thread to be very interesting since I am the object of so much anger.

My company (Web Media) did, in fact, collapse. Most of the damage was done by a really SENIOR scammer, Jeff Paris. He stole from us, stole from clients and blamed us, flamed us under dozens of different aliases and otherwise caused the beginning of our collapse. All because we wouldn't advance him another $800 on his payroll so he could go see a girl he met on the internet.

Sure, I violated a term of supervised release for smoking pot. Dumb!! My original conviction for a crime occuring in 1998 was by voluntary surrender and involved a computer program I used to defraud 8 banks. A stupid "proof of concept" crime that I paid for. I have paid my dues and am no longer subject to federal supervision.

Now, Kevin, I apologize. During my companies collapse I began to react instead of pro-act and I dug myself in deeper than I could recover from. You should have got your development and for this, I apologize.

Patrick; you can lie to these people, but we know what really happened. In all of our dealings you never ONCE produced a finished product for me. This helped contribute to our collapse and you can use me to make yourself seem like a killer programmer, but you and I will always know the truth.

Spydera; you and I also know the truth. It's funny how you guys come out of the woodwork when my collapse was final. You know and I know that the software you delivered to Five Star was NEVER complete and was a ripoff for the $10K you got paid. Keep in mind, Kathy, Jim and Kele remember you VERY well, my friend.

To anyone who lost money when Web Media collapsed, I apologize. Towards the end I began to react with anger towards the clients who were rightfully complaining about the work, or lack thereof, that Web Media performed or did not perform.

While you can ALL accuse me of being a bonified scammer it doesn't make it true. I've never tried to take anything from any client that wasn't mine. At least not intentionally.

And, Patrick, why say I didn't pay Christine? Not only did she get paid, she borrowed $600 against her future earnings right before our collapse and never repaid it nor worked for it.

It's a crime the way things on the web can be developed and nutured and somehow grow into the truth.

To anyone who thinks Web Media owes them money I say this:
Web Media is a class C corporation and as such is fuly liable for it's mistakes. If you think you can attack me, personally, think again.
However, on a personal note, I would like to make up for any percieved loss you feel. So, as long as this account exists feel free to contact me and let me try to make arrangements to make any loss up to you.

You all need to be aware. BS takes on a life of it's own on the web with people using multiple usernames, multiple identities and so on.

I will always use my own name. While I had to use a new username to get this post up, I don't condone it.

Now, that's all I have to say on this subject.

 

[CrackFeed.Com]

I find this thread to be very interesting since I am the object of so much anger.

My company (Web Media) did, in fact, collapse. Most of the damage was done by a really SENIOR scammer, Jeff Paris. He stole from us, stole from clients and blamed us, flamed us under dozens of different aliases and otherwise caused the beginning of our collapse. All because we wouldn't advance him another $800 on his payroll so he could go see a girl he met on the internet.

Sure, I violated a term of supervised release for smoking pot. Dumb!! My original conviction for a crime occuring in 1998 was by voluntary surrender and involved a computer program I used to defraud 8 banks. A stupid "proof of concept" crime that I paid for. I have paid my dues and am no longer subject to federal supervision.

Now, Kevin, I apologize. During my companies collapse I began to react instead of pro-act and I dug myself in deeper than I could recover from. You should have got your development and for this, I apologize.

Patrick; you can lie to these people, but we know what really happened. In all of our dealings you never ONCE produced a finished product for me. This helped contribute to our collapse and you can use me to make yourself seem like a killer programmer, but you and I will always know the truth.

Spydera; you and I also know the truth. It's funny how you guys come out of the woodwork when my collapse was final. You know and I know that the software you delivered to Five Star was NEVER complete and was a ripoff for the $10K you got paid. Keep in mind, Kathy, Jim and Kele remember you VERY well, my friend.

To anyone who lost money when Web Media collapsed, I apologize. Towards the end I began to react with anger towards the clients who were rightfully complaining about the work, or lack thereof, that Web Media performed or did not perform.

While you can ALL accuse me of being a bonified scammer it doesn't make it true. I've never tried to take anything from any client that wasn't mine. At least not intentionally.

And, Patrick, why say I didn't pay Christine? Not only did she get paid, she borrowed $600 against her future earnings right before our collapse and never repaid it nor worked for it.

It's a crime the way things on the web can be developed and nutured and somehow grow into the truth.

To anyone who thinks Web Media owes them money I say this:
Web Media is a class C corporation and as such is fuly liable for it's mistakes. If you think you can attack me, personally, think again.
However, on a personal note, I would like to make up for any percieved loss you feel. So, as long as this account exists feel free to contact me and let me try to make arrangements to make any loss up to you.

You all need to be aware. BS takes on a life of it's own on the web with people using multiple usernames, multiple identities and so on.

I will always use my own name. While I had to use a new username to get this post up, I don't condone it.

Now, that's all I have to say on this subject.

Firstly, regarding Spydera, if it is not worth $10,000 then why are you selling copies starting bin at $8000 as per this link at DP?

LINK: "WTS Fully functional casino site with poker"

Caught in a lie. I say post this software on a site and let us judge it. Unless you have an excuse? You either lied to us just now, or you are scamming people at Digital Point.

How can a programmer steal from your clients, I am curious. From what I have seen, Your attitude towards people was your downfall. I remember being cussed out by you just for asking why my beta was 5 months late. I believe your words were "Go F*** yourself, I don't owe you a damn thing." After that you appologized about being under stress and said that you had a new developer, Jeff, who you said was your right hand man and that you worked with him for years and that he was a very skilled programmer. So, if this person even exists I do not care. However, you scammed me well before that supposed developer was even hired.

The point is, it is YOUR COMPANY. You control projects and money. I outsourced to you thinking you knew that! Do you have any business education at all? A sign of a scam artist is simple, they try to point the blame on anyone they can to take the heat off their unethical and stupid behaviour. They make excuses over and over, trying to be the customer's friend in order to manipulate their good nature. I really think you need to get a job, because you are not a good business person. I went to school for 4 years for computer science and business. I know how to treat a customer. You on the otherhand, only know how to manipulate and steal. Also, minimizing your drug use is BS. I would never have hired a drug addict if I knew about it. You openly admit that you are not just a crinimal, but also a drug addict.

Btw, I contacted Ed Magedson at RipOffReport.Com a while back and he stated that most of the complaints posted, came from IP Addresses that resolved to totally different places all over the world. Australia, the UK, USA, even Spain, so stop saying that the reports about you are all from the same person. Another lie disproven. The evidence points against you pretty hard.

I honestly would rather eat rocks than hear your constant excuses again. Every scammer needs a scapegoat, but yours does not match up in this case. So who was responsible for my project being 5 months late?... even though I hired a kid from Russia who got it done in 2 weeks and at 10% of the cost compared to your BS quote.

You have the audacity to offer us more services after all this time and after the lies and the abuse? You told me that my wife was a... well nevermind, it is under the bridge.... you are a nothing in my book.

I have said what I have to say and am done with this thread, you are a waste of spermizoa.

Perhaps you should call me a scammer now, since I called you one. It seems that is what you do. You called me a friggin' extortionist for wanting my product that I paid for!!

I hope you enjoyed my fu**ing money for buying your damned drugs!

 

[mm4725]

The Spydera software was and is junk. I hired a programmer to rewrite it in VB6 becaue it had good components but bad coding. The software I had for sale is a total remake and works much better. Neither here nor there since I don't sell it anymore. That disagreement is between he me and him. I mention it since I noticed he got on this bandwagon and threw in his two cents claiming I owed him when he KNOWS it is the other way around. Simply one of the things that went wrong and caused Web Media collapse.

Insofar as you doing business with me again - frankly I don't care. I paid a heavy debt for this collapse and for my use of pot. No matter what your thoughts are on it's use I paid for it and no longer am a user.

Jeff not only exists but was the biggest cause of my downfall. After I was out of the scene he went on to rip off dozens of people using the same tactics you ascribe to me. Threats, anger, stalking, etc.

However, none of this matters now. I am only making contact because I am responsible for any possible damage done by the company (Web Media) and, while it may take a while to do it, I am going to try and rectify the problem.

Not sure why you think I am offering services again (because I am not). All I would like to do is make amends where possible (and, where the company might have the obligation). I'm tired of the negative stuff and feel the need to rectify what I can.

No more - no less.

 

[chamac]

"I hope you enjoyed my fu**ing money for buying your damned drugs!"


Before I say what I wish to say, understand that I am making no attempt to excuse any actions by any person.

I have worked as a counselor/therapist in drug/alcohol rehabilitation centers for over 20 years. The fact that an addict will go to any lengths to obtain their drugs of choice is not at all uncommon. It goes with the territory; it is addiction.
However, that does not excuse the behavior. It is more than understandable that those taken advantage of get angry, sometimes very angry. A part of the recovery process includes the addict's making amends to those he/she has harmed. The nature of the harm is not the issue. Perceived or real harm is. Attempting to hide behind the walls of a business, or anything else, is not recovery. It is the continued use of addictive behaviors, however we might wish to explain it away.
Recovery involves more than just stopping the substance abuse. It also involves the elimination of addictive behaviors in general, the elimination of the addictive mindset.

 

[kev]

Now, Kevin, I apologize. During my companies collapse I began to react instead of pro-act and I dug myself in deeper than I could recover from. You should have got your development and for this, I apologize.
.

Would you consider refunding my $1000?

 

[mm4725]

Refund

Would you consider refunding my $1000?

Yes. However, I need to be up front and tell you it would need to be payments. The collapse cost me severely and I just do not have a lot of money available right now. I am working a regular job and would need to set up some schedule.

If that's acceptable, let me know.

 

[kev]

Yes that would be fine

I'm sure everyone is pleased your doing this so thanks

 

[CrackFeed.Com]

That is a good step as long as there is follow through. I am a firm believer in Karma. The Lord doesn't like dishonesty or debt.

 

[exponent]

Would you consider refunding my $1000?

Yes. However, I need to be up front and tell you it would need to be payments. The collapse cost me severely and I just do not have a lot of money available right now. I am working a regular job and would need to set up some schedule.

If that's acceptable, let me know.

I've quoted both of you to leave a permanent record for all to see.

I hope things sort themselves out better than they seem to be doing at the present.





.

 

[mm4725]

Thanks

I've quoted both of you to leave a permanent record for all to see.

I hope things sort themselves out better than they seem to be doing at the present.





.

We are working on it and I thank you for the chance to get this right.

Regards,
Michael Mann

 

[HelderLuis]

Take him to court, even if you can't prove anything else, he's offending you and in almost every country in the world that's an agression. You got the emails to prove it.

However it seems to me, you got all the agreements you made with him right? You got the emails, you got ex-employees backing you up, just take him to court, and spread the word about him everywhere you can, bad publicity will help getting him out of business.

About paypal, don't they have a chargeback procedure of some kind?

About the future, i can only tell you, what has been told here already, do your research and use escrow. There are some companies out there, who have a wonderful reputation, you can easily read about them in many places, they can charge you a bit more, but it will be worth it, i believe.

Best of luck to you recovering your money, and a lot more money in a court of law

 

[kev]

Im going to give him a chance to repay the money.

He's agreed to pay $100 every two weeks from mid July. Not ideal by any means but its better than nothing.

 

[mm4725]

Hey. I'm going to do what is feasible under the circumstances. I can't do any better than that.

 

[CrackFeed.Com]

That sounds fair, good luck Kev.

 

[dotker]

hope this has a good ending..
and to avoid being scammed just hire someone with lots of positive feedback..

 

[valance]

i've been reading this thread with interest - hope it all works out for you kev and you get your money back. Get something in writing with this character binding him to pay a certain amount on a regular basis, an agreement that is signed by both you and him - if he starts pissing you about and breaches the agreement then nail him in court. without something in writing you could be waiting a looong time before you see anything.

 

[DebX420]

I hope all works out for you kev! I wish you really could have gotten it all back in one lump sum, but something is better than nothing I suppose.

Keep us posted mate! :sold:

 

[FitLike?]

"I hope you enjoyed my fu**ing money for buying your damned drugs!"


Before I say what I wish to say, understand that I am making no attempt to excuse any actions by any person.

I have worked as a counselor/therapist in drug/alcohol rehabilitation centers for over 20 years. The fact that an addict will go to any lengths to obtain their drugs of choice is not at all uncommon. It goes with the territory; it is addiction.
However, that does not excuse the behavior. It is more than understandable that those taken advantage of get angry, sometimes very angry. A part of the recovery process includes the addict's making amends to those he/she has harmed. The nature of the harm is not the issue. Perceived or real harm is. Attempting to hide behind the walls of a business, or anything else, is not recovery. It is the continued use of addictive behaviors, however we might wish to explain it away.
Recovery involves more than just stopping the substance abuse. It also involves the elimination of addictive behaviors in general, the elimination of the addictive mindset.

What are you talking about? He smoked a bit of weed. That does not make him a raving addict. Sounds like he is obviously a f**king crook, but smoking pot is a past-time, not an addiction :tu:

Skin up :tri:

 

[chamac]

It seems we could easily get into an argument/discussion here about the nature of addiction.
There are social users of any number of substances - pot, alcohol, whatever. If it remains at that level, the use is not addiction.
But when the use becomes such that a person will do whatever it takes to get more of their substance(s), regardless of the consequences to themselves or others, that is usually addiction.
Amends, reparations, still need to be made.
Addiction does not excuse the behavior.

 

[FitLike?]

It seems we could easily get into an argument/discussion here about the nature of addiction.
There are social users of any number of substances - pot, alcohol, whatever. If it remains at that level, the use is not addiction.
But when the use becomes such that a person will do whatever it takes to get more of their substance(s), regardless of the consequences to themselves or others, that is usually addiction.
Amends, reparations, still need to be made.
Addiction does not excuse the behavior.

Anyone can quote that nonsense from a mediocre psychology book.

Weed is not addictive, and users don't go to any extent to get more of the substance if they run out. Weed smokers usually can't be bothered with the effort :imho:

 

[CrackFeed.Com]

Anyone can quote that nonsense from a mediocre psychology book.

Weed is not addictive, and users don't go to any extent to get more of the substance if they run out. Weed smokers usually can't be bothered with the effort :imho:

I differ in opinion, I have had friends who would pawn their amps and speakers, or similar, just to get a bag of icky sticky. It seems to me that if a person is on probation or paraole or whatever, they would stop at least for that time span. So not stopping, to me, just seems like a serious addiction. :ghost:

My little brother was on the stuff (got busted when he got pulled over), but he quit when the court started testing him randomly, he was not stupid and did not like the idea of incarceration.... or the idea of my mum kicking his bum.

 

[FitLike?]

I differ in opinion, I have had friends who would pawn their amps and speakers, or similar, just to get a bag of icky sticky. It seems to me that if a person is on probation or paraole or whatever, they would stop at least for that time span. So not stopping, to me, just seems like a serious addiction. :ghost:

My little brother was on the stuff (got busted when he got pulled over), but he quit when the court started testing him randomly, he was not stupid and did not like the idea of incarceration.... or the idea of my mum kicking his bum.

I suppose it depends where in the globe people live as to their opinions of weed. I've never been to America, but it is my understanding the authorities there consider it a big deal for use or possession, with harsh penalties.

I'm from the UK and have lived all over Europe. Most European countries don't consider it a big deal. Some do, but most treat it no more than a speeding ticket. Some just ignore completely It's illegal in most places, including Amsterdam believe it or not.. I'm sure the only place it is completely legal is Portugal.

 

[CrackFeed.Com]

I thought it was legal in Amsterdam?

 

[dotker]

Same here i thought pot was compelety legal there..

Regarding addiction there are all sorts of addiction, there is gambling addiction i think there is even domaining addiction which can result at a terrible hole in your pocket.. i think there is something they call physically addicting like drugs where your body reacts if not taken and mental addiction like weed and gambling where you THINK you need one.