Ok, BBF friends, here is a the current status of this deal:
NickfromIL, i.e., Nick Amsbaugh, started this thread here on BBF and simultaneously at two other BlackBerry forum sites (
CrackBerry.com and
BlackBerryBoards.com) all about the same time.
FIRST off, some notes: This "fundraiser" was not a part of BlackBerryForums.com, not sanctioned, not approved by nor managed by this Forum (or any of those listed above). It was the idea of the individual above and the funds were collected by him, to be forwarded to the individual in need.
AS OF TODAY, October 28, 2008, no funds have been transferred to the individual for which the funds were raised. As far as we know, NickfromIL has divereted the funds raised to his own use.
When I first saw this thread posted by NickfromIL, I immediately inquired about the need of the individual and that individual's identity, just for my own verification of the need. Learning that, I knew there was need involved, and dropped my contribution in the hat, along with many others from this Forum and the others.
Fast forward a month or so: Nick reported in the thread the total of about $1500, and became somewhat more allusive to communicate with. A couple of other members here and another Moderator, TroyDBrown, made efforts to communicate with him and they received less than immediate answers and less than satisfactory responses that the funds had been transferred to the individual in need. NickfromIL at that time also communicated with the individual in need promising an electronic bank transfer, but that never occurred, or at least, was declined by the originating bank on two occasions.
About the end of October, TroyDBrown forwarded to me a timeline of these events with all the details as he recalled them. I have forwarded this information to an attorney in Illinois for simple advice as to what step should be taken next (criminal charges, civil, bloodletting, etc). My attorney there has been out of state for two weeks and I will speak further with him this or next week after his return.
None of us know totally where or what Nick planned to get prizes from for this giveaway. One of those we do know, HorizonWirelessOnline has stated they will certainly provide the "prizes" as promised.
So, a drawing of those who have PM'ed TroyDBrown will be entered into a drawing soon. We don't know when, but those of us are at least trying to rectify some wrong here.
The loser in this sad episode is the individual who did need the funds. He is ok now. He could certainly use the funds, and God can work miracles (and so can Clemenza or Tessio, for that matter!).
The bottom line is this:
Yes, there was a scam, we were all scammed by NickfromIL.
No, the matter is not closed. Legal routes are being sought, both criminal fraud and civil.
Yes, the drawing will be held, in some fashion.
Feel free to PM me with questions or if you have information, or receipts of your donation (paypal receipts) to
TroyDBrown.
