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Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 3:56 pm
by blade888
Hey guys, back on radar, sorry iPhone went dead so I had to travel back home to get infront of the forum again.
aussie027 wrote:Wow, This is very shocking news I must say.
As someone mentioned earlier $7-9K is a lot of money.
Fraud/theft has been committed. Failing to report this to the police immediately may also be a crime in itself and leave Admins in a legally questionable position.
I STRONGLY URGE THE CLUB ADMINS TO SEEK IMMEDIATE LEGAL ADVICE TO FIND OUT WHAT THE LAW REQUIRES IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Also I definitely think Paul's suggestion above --
"The club may need to appoint a treasurer and set up an account under the club's name, requiring co-signatures prior to funds being released, to ensure the safety of GB money".
IS DEFINITELY THE WAY TO GO FOR ALL CLUB GB AND MEMBERSHIP MONIES AND SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED IMMEDIATELY.
I must admit I think this should have done in the very early days of the club esp when memberships were starting to be charged and the club was obviously growing very quickly and successfully.
A number of people in other threads mentioned legal issues the club may face re liability on cruises, etc and handling of public monies etc and the possible need to register the club legally etc etc to cover such contingencies.
I look forward to more updates on a course of action and a resolution.
Hey Aussie
Just FYI, there is a Club Account with co-signatories etc. But this group buy did not go through that account because Adrian felt he could handle the GB quickly at the time and to lend a hand to Ofey the chief buyer.
There is a thread created for all affected members to be involved.
The reason being is so to discuss and show a full effort of trying to resolve the matter outside legal channel first before we present any case to authorities. I have been told that failure to do so may end up having the case thrown back out of a claims court as there was no effort to resolve outside first.
If time lines and settled agreements on monies are not completed, then there can be solid case. But I speak for everyone we would want avoid that if possible.
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 4:03 pm
by aussie027
Nick, Thanks for the update.
I didnt know, or more likely didnt remember that a club acct had been setup.
OK well let me suggest the obvious and say in future ALL CLUB MONIES from whatever source, m/ship GB etc should go into and out of this account to prevent any re occurrence.
As for your other comments re proposed plan of action, fair enough.
Keep us all posted please.
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 4:11 pm
by Sickbunny
Matthew, it does.. just this case was an exception. i think everyone needs to take a step back and let the people who were affected by this sort it out.
ONCE everything is sorted then have a group discussion to work out where to from here.
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 4:16 pm
by VRXCESS
Nick. It is good to know that such an account exists.
It might be worthwhile doing a write up or sticky for the forum detailing what happens to monies deposited for group buys, who is accountable for what particular part of the group buy, what risks there are to members and the appropriate means of addressing grievances.
Despite the storm clouds there is a cloud with a silver lining in here somewhere. If we can focus on solutions instead of vengeance or retribution the club has the potential to come out of this situation much stronger and protected from future mismanagement of funds.
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 4:21 pm
by Sickbunny
I agree Paul. lets focus on moving on from this, and let the people personally affected sort out the money using the other thread that exists for them.
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 4:22 pm
by ofey
I'd like to point out that many of my group buys even involve me paying up before the rest of this club pays me and all parts are delivered within 3 weeks else I refund all cash and as pointed out by Grant, this has been an exception since :
1. I did not run this group buy
and
2. This has been a clear case of deception. (Nothing personal Adrian, just calling it as it is).
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 4:33 pm
by WTR
As an outside observer ( not involved in the Whiteline GB ), I find it appalling that this thread has run for most of today with NO input from any Administrator. It has been left to the Moderators and others to explain the facts of the situation to the rest of the members, and cop the resulting flak that should be directed at the Admin's.
My 2c worth.
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 4:38 pm
by VRXCESS
Ofey, the group buyer should never be personally out of pocket.
The money should be in the designated account by all participating members by a due date or the deal shouldn't proceed. Cancellation fees should be applied to deposits after the order is placed and if the stock is on it's way no refunds should apply.
IMO, personal finances should never be used or intermingled with club finances. It would seem this is partly to blame for the current situation.
Money held in escrow in club accounts would not have been confused for the personal finances of the group buyer.
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 6:18 pm
by tryg
Sickbunny wrote:Matthew, it does.. just this case was an exception.
Wrong champ, a lot of purchases move money directly into Ofey's account. Might need to check facts before suggesting the club has been doing the right thing...
Ofey, not suggesting you haven't done everything correctly and all has been above board, but this is in fact an incorrect statement.
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 6:19 pm
by Graham
I agree that he should've let us know about this as soon as it happened.
I can understand though that he could've tried to fix the issue first without letting anyone know and try and get it back on track within say, a week tops but anything longer he should've definitely advised everyone.
As long as everyone gets their money back that's the main thing.
It could be worse, it could've been lost at the casino
(Apologies in advance if the above 'joke' offends anyone)
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 6:31 pm
by smithsy
I can't seem to be able to access the liason thread to post my case?
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 6:34 pm
by Bandit
Bear in mind as well that there is at least one person not from this board that is also affected. Have they been contacted?
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 6:34 pm
by bd-850
ok PM Blade888 Smithy
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 6:37 pm
by smithsy
yeah just read that bit sorry, writing the PM atm.
Who is the "other" person Bandit?
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 7:09 pm
by Bandit
It is someone that used to post on this club board. He also had an order in with Adrian I believe. I am not sure if he would have been told about this situation or not as he isn't a member here any more.