Topic: Screwed by BikeBandit, legal recourse?

[Dunk]

Today I learned BikeBandit file bankruptcy back in February (https://jalopnik.com/motorcycle-parts-seller-bikebandit-has-stolen-646-000-1848823954).

I made an order back in April of 2021 and received all but two items. One they said was either NLA or backorder and the other was a shock they claimed they shipped but was not in the box. I said refund for the potentially NLA item (which they did) and to ship me another shock (which they agreed to, but unknown ETA, coronavirus, etc.). They kept saying time until they would have the shock because coronavirus, but led me on like they would send it.

Now I learn they filed bankruptcy and kept taking people's money for months afterward. Anyone been scammed by BikeBandit either before or after the bankruptcy filing? Any legal recourse? I'm thinking I should at least dig up some names and addresses to file a small claims case. I want my $273.97 back.

[PeWe]

Private investigators, private hunters, private snipers can convince the thieves to return what they have stolen.....?
Or the bandits have fled the country?
It might be a few only involved in that scam.

Similar had happened here 15 years ago or more.
An online camera seller turned rogue and did not ship anything, took money only.

[BomberMann650]

Seems you may be part of a long list of names that should be included in the bankruptcy filing.

There's a lot of information in the article.  Maybe contact the courthouse clerk? 

[ekpent]

Never did like the name of that place.

[Bankerdanny]

Today I learned BikeBandit file bankruptcy back in February (https://jalopnik.com/motorcycle-parts-seller-bikebandit-has-stolen-646-000-1848823954).

I made an order back in April of 2021 and received all but two items. One they said was either NLA or backorder and the other was a shock they claimed they shipped but was not in the box. I said refund for the potentially NLA item (which they did) and to ship me another shock (which they agreed to, but unknown ETA, coronavirus, etc.). They kept saying time until they would have the shock because coronavirus, but led me on like they would send it.

Now I learn they filed bankruptcy and kept taking people's money for months afterward. Anyone been scammed by BikeBandit either before or after the bankruptcy filing? Any legal recourse? I'm thinking I should at least dig up some names and addresses to file a small claims case. I want my $273.97 back.

A small claims case would be a waste of time. The BK would block the action. Do some digging, there should be a way to make a claim through the bankruptcy court, but understand that there are probably a LOT of creditors in line ahead of you and if the company liquidates people like you will get pennies on the dollar, so best case is you get a couple bucks.

[Stev-o]

Assuming you paid with credit card, connect them, that may be your best recourse. But I wouldnt hold my breath, looks like they "stole" $646,000 in orders they knew they wouldnt ship. Bandits! Glad I never ordered from them.

https://www.rideapart.com/news/589534/bike-bandit-bankruptcy-customers-ripoff/

[Don R]

 It appears they took over four million and change of paycheck protection money from the Fed for coronavirus paycheck protection which was forgiven.

[grcamna2]

Never did like the name of that place.

They literally Are bike bandits.

[jlh3rd]

It appears they took over four million and change of paycheck protection money from the Fed for coronavirus paycheck protection which was forgiven.

"the Fed" equals "us"....as in "me"....

[Don R]

It appears they took over four million and change of paycheck protection money from the Fed for coronavirus paycheck protection which was forgiven.

"the Fed" equals "us"....as in "me"....

 Exactly. The idea of that money was not to lay off anyone. It appears they knew they were swirling the drain and continued to take any funds they could lay hands on.

[Dunk]

It appears they took over four million and change of paycheck protection money from the Fed for coronavirus paycheck protection which was forgiven.

"the Fed" equals "us"....as in "me"....

Double whammy for me. Bandits indeed. It sounds like the CEO (Ken Wahlster) and CFO (Greg Siebenthal) are "owed" the largest debt from the company (BikeBandit / Vey’s Bandit, LLC / Vey's Powesrports https://www.veyspowersports.com). Super shady.

[Don R]

  Equity raiders have the protection of the LLC while they take money from taxes, employees, pension plans and customers. The business was their failure, but there they are at the front of the line expecting to be paid first. And probably will.

[Jeff.Saunders]

The assets of BB have been sold off by the bankruptcy court - and the proceeds dispersed - so there is nothing left to claim against.  However, there have been some very shady things going on with money collected after the company filed for bankruptcy - knowing they could not fulfill the order - and that could be prosecuted as a crime.  Really, your only hope is if the owners get charged with fraud - then you can go after them for compensation - but realistically, you'd need to be part of a class action against them - and you'd only get pennies on the dollar back.