HELP! $35K nightmare w/ MB23 aka Michael Russo Rolex dealer

[agp16]

Upfront: I'm not a watch dealer/trader or an industry pro in any way. I truly wish I didn't have to spend time writing this post. I'm just a regular guy that loves nice timepieces, but trusted someone who went silent on me. This is not defamation or libel, because it is 100% true.

But since Michael Russo aka MB23 aka Mr. Time Inc has totally ghosted me (text, email, phone - nothing), I've got no choice.

Please respond with any experience you might have in solving this type of problem, ideally across state lines. He's in NYC and I'm in LA.

He knows who I am and I'm 100% willing to edit or delete this post immediately if he just makes it right. But I'm not going to lay down while someone steals a ton of money from my family.

***

Short Version:
I sent Mike Russo $35k for a Rolex Sky-Dweller chocolate face, which was to be a 70th bday gift for my dad. (Biggest/best gift I'd have ever given him, and with our history it would've made history). The watch never arrived. Now Mike is nowhere to be found & won't respond to any efforts to reach him. What am I supposed to do??

Backstory:
I found out about Michael Russo through a trusted friend. I've bought 5 watches from him over the last 3-4 years, and grew to trust him. He was always willing to text, answer questions, and I thought we had a good/fair relationship.

In November 2017, I paid Mike Russo MB23 for an amazing chocolate sky dweller rolex as a bday gift for my ailing dad. When it didn't arrive (and the tracking showed that it was still in NY), Michael Russo said that his wife gave it to FedEx but they didn't scan it, so it couldn't be tracked. Since FedEx (I'm told) didn't scan it, they technically didn't receive it so Michael Russo's insurance couldn't cover it either. He was very upset because he knew he was liable for the cost of the rolex.

I was extremely patient. I gave him time to try to work it out with FedEx. He assured me he was working on it, that he was calling them daily, that he was losing sleep over the missing watch. But the holidays came and went, and still there was no watch or attempt to even *start* paying down the debt.

At this point, Michael has stopped responding to any texts, phone calls or emails. I've spoken with legal counsel and am about to go down the civil route. But I don't want any of this. Do I file a police report? What are my legal/practical options in a situation like this??

***

Please let me know if you can either (1)Get in touch with Mike Michael Russo MB23 and persuade him to get in touch, (2)Connect me with some resources who can help expedite the resolution process, or (3)Provide me with some experience/guidance about how to handle a situation like this one.

Thanks in advance!!

[MinMay]

Don’t waste time. Just take the legal route.

So much headache in selling and buying from both party.

Good luck.

[cda555]

I agree with suing at this point. It’s a shame he is seemingly immature about this.


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[jvmartin]

Definitely move forward with a lawsuit... Until it is scanned into the system, FedEx is not responsible and insurance will not kick in... same with USPS, UPS, etc...

[Etschell]

he hasnt logged in here since dec 9th.

maybe someone in NYC can drop in and see what is up.

http://www.mrtimeinc.com/policy/

Terms & Conditions

All shipping is done with Fedex Overnight with full insurance.

it appears if true he owes you 35k.

however if you are in la and he is in ny why is customs involved per fedex?

[MinMay]

Yep, seller fault for not making sure FedEx scans it. Whenever I drop off a package, I want a RECEIPT to confirm that it's scan.

[Etschell]

his site has a hulk for sale for 8,400. something seems off. why would he have that up for that cheap??

gmt 2 c for 6,800...

like it is frozen in time.

[Etschell]

https://www.fedex.com/apps/fedextrac...&cntry_code=us

its being tracked.

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by Etschell

https://www.fedex.com/apps/fedextrac...&cntry_code=us

its being tracked.

Look at the date of tracking December 2017. This looks bad. 35K bad.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

Look at the date of tracking December 2017. This looks bad. 35K bad.

yes i know. its in the system but looks like it was never dropped off.

[MinMay]

It is clearly seller's fault and responsibility to insure the watch. Also, the watch should be reported as stolen by the seller. The seller can run away from this, but a court date on his back is not going to be good. I hope your money is return in the end.

Keep us updated.

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by MinMay

It is clearly seller's fault and responsibility to insure the watch. Also, the watch should be reported as stolen by the seller. The seller can run away from this, but a court date on his back is not going to be good. I hope your money is return in the end.

Keep us updated.

Looks like the seller took the money and vanished.

[gbx]

He obviously shit the bed on the chain of custody, so he owes you a full refund or the watch you paid for.

You need to contact a criminal attorney, the local police department to his address, and whatever else you can to bring this chump to justice.

[MinMay]

OP, you should download/save his webpage via html, especially the policy page. Also, all texting, payment, discussion, etc.

His facebook was deleted...instagram private. The guy is running....terrible. I guess he is going to ruin his life for 35K....not the brightest move.

[Danny83]

This is too long to have let this go

[CorradoBrit]

Same watch?
http://www.lionseek.com/watches/bran...-serial-d9574d

[CorradoBrit]

He seems to have a done a disappearing act on all his usual FS platforms. The last listing was from the middle of last year. Are you sure he even had the watch in Dec 2017?

Something is fishy and that seems to come through his texts. I think he created a label but never intended to ship the watch, if he even had it back then. He's just been giving you the runaround.

[77T]

Originally Posted by CorradoBrit

Same watch?
http://www.lionseek.com/watches/bran...-serial-d9574d

No - that item is not a chocolate dialed Sky Dweller. It clearly states sundust dial.


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[c41006]

Really strange. With the outdated prices on the website and the private IG it looks like his whole business is shut down. It would be interesting if someone in NYC could stop by the address and see what’s there. Throwing everything away for 35k doesn’t seem logical. Maybe OP isn’t the only one and he took a bunch of peoples money and ran for the hills. Who knows. Hope it works out.

[agp16]

Originally Posted by gbx

You need to contact a criminal attorney, the local police department to his address, and whatever else you can to bring this chump to justice.

I’ve now got an attorney reference in NYC and will make that contact tomorrow.

Not sure if an NYPD will help but I’ll make the call. It could be FBI since interstate &/or cyber.

I just could never imagine that anyone would burn so much future business over one watch. I’m originally an internet marketer (he knows this) & would never want to hurt anyone’s reputation. But I’ll contact every one of his connections and unless he changes his name or makes this right, it’s going to follow him around everywhere forever. It will cost SO much more than even just going on a payment plan to square it away over time (which I’d have been willing to do).

I’ll keep you guys posted for sure; really appreciate the advice so far and will take whatever other advice you guys have!

Do you guys think this was a setup? Doesn’t matter now but I couldn’t imagine b/c it seems so out-of-character for someone I’d done a lot of biz with in the past.

[c41006]

Originally Posted by agp16

I’ve now got an attorney reference in NYC and will make that contact tomorrow.

Not sure if an NYPD will help but I’ll make the call. It could be FBI since interstate &/or cyber.

I just could never imagine that anyone would burn so much future business over one watch. I’m originally an internet marketer (he knows this) & would never want to hurt anyone’s reputation. But I’ll contact every one of his connections and unless he changes his name or makes this right, it’s going to follow him around everywhere forever. It will cost SO much more than even just going on a payment plan to square it away over time (which I’d have been willing to do).

I’ll keep you guys posted for sure; really appreciate the advice so far and will take whatever other advice you guys have!

Do you guys think this was a setup? Doesn’t matter now but I couldn’t imagine b/c it seems so out-of-character for someone I’d done a lot of biz with in the past.

I highly doubt that he is throwing it all way over one watch. There is much more to this story that we don't know. Again I hope this works out for you and keep us posted.

[CorradoBrit]

Originally Posted by c41006

There is much more to this story that we don't know.

The lack of internet sales activity certainly points in that direction. Hopefully the local law enforcement authorities can get to the bottom of this situation. There doesn't appear to have been a pattern of this behavior in recent months.

[MinMay]

Originally Posted by agp16

I’ve now got an attorney reference in NYC and will make that contact tomorrow.

Not sure if an NYPD will help but I’ll make the call. It could be FBI since interstate &/or cyber.

I just could never imagine that anyone would burn so much future business over one watch. I’m originally an internet marketer (he knows this) & would never want to hurt anyone’s reputation. But I’ll contact every one of his connections and unless he changes his name or makes this right, it’s going to follow him around everywhere forever. It will cost SO much more than even just going on a payment plan to square it away over time (which I’d have been willing to do).

I’ll keep you guys posted for sure; really appreciate the advice so far and will take whatever other advice you guys have!

Do you guys think this was a setup? Doesn’t matter now but I couldn’t imagine b/c it seems so out-of-character for someone I’d done a lot of biz with in the past.

yes, he might planned it. I agree...his reputation and name is going to live forever on the internet. I hate to see good people getting scammed.

You might want to contact FedEx as well and tell them your situation.

I'm having second thoughts about buying another watch from private owners. :( . This hobby is supposed to be fun...not like this.

Anyhow, wish you the best of luck.

some additional address info:

https://www.manta.com/c/mb4sxhd/martime-inc

[freefly]

Originally Posted by agp16

Michael Russo said that his wife gave it to FedEx but they didn't scan it, so it couldn't be tracked. Since FedEx (I'm told) didn't scan it, they technically didn't receive it so Michael Russo's insurance couldn't cover it either.

I'm confused. The text pic you posted shows the tracking number in "label created" status, and the tracking number now shows "in transit".
So, it would seem that the package was actually in FedEx's possession at some point. That would put the responsibility on their shoulders and/or the 3rd party insurance company if one was used.

[fwong208]

Originally Posted by freefly

I'm confused. The text pic you posted shows the tracking number in "label created" status, and the tracking number now shows "in transit".
So, it would seem that the package was actually in FedEx's possession at some point. That would put the responsibility on their shoulders and/or the 3rd party insurance company if one was used.

I totally feel for you, but as a previous seller. I had an item go missing for weeks, while I stayed up scratching my head and harassing USPS. It finally arrived 2 to 3 weeks late. I stayed proactive in my outreach and was about to pay out of pocket to reimburse the loss even though USPS took receipt.

Concerning your situation, I find it odd as freefly stated, that the tracking shows in transit which means they scanned and took receipt of the package. I would try calling Fedex to clarify this point.

To the point of why someone would do this? I've been here long enough and have read enough horror stories to know people go through tough shit. Good dealers gone bad. Family issues and debt issues are generally the culprit I would say. His Instagram is private, which is odd. His non responsiveness indicates he is trying to vanish. If you needed to shake the trees, his Linked-in might be a good place to start.

In any event, I really hope you recover your loss. No one deserves to have their hard earned cash ripped in a bad deal this way. Pursue him legally. I suspect this should work out for you in the end.

Also, I notice you got this thread moved from Who's who. I suggest making a cross post but changing the title and body around to fit the format. This should improve exposure. I just hope the mods don't take it down and move it again.

[dmash]

How did you pay for this item, Paypal? Why didn't you simply file a claim and immediately get your money back? Confused....unless it was a bank wire.

Also, not to beat a dead horse as this is a horrible situation, but I would never wait five entire months before taking any action. If it's supposed to be overnight shipping and not rectified within a couple weeks, something is up.

[fwong208]

He was logged on today at 5 am or so. So he is active in a sense. Probably reading this thread.

[GoingPlaces]

Originally Posted by freefly

I'm confused. The text pic you posted shows the tracking number in "label created" status, and the tracking number now shows "in transit".
So, it would seem that the package was actually in FedEx's possession at some point. That would put the responsibility on their shoulders and/or the 3rd party insurance company if one was used.

Interesting point, however we don't even know what package was scanned. Could have been n empty box for all we know.

[crazymcmichael]

Originally Posted by freefly

I'm confused. The text pic you posted shows the tracking number in "label created" status, and the tracking number now shows "in transit".
So, it would seem that the package was actually in FedEx's possession at some point. That would put the responsibility on their shoulders and/or the 3rd party insurance company if one was used.

you are absolutely right ..!.. i see that it is on the way too.. but allready since 14/th dec??

[fwong208]

Originally Posted by GoingPlaces

Interesting point, however we don't even know what package was scanned. Could have been n empty box for all we know.

Great point! However, so long as the box has been received, the insurance *May* be able to be claimed, provided no thresholds for timing have passed etc.

IF OP gets the package by some miracle, start a video unboxing it, making sure to show the label and most importantly, that the package is sealed properly before opening.