Dr. Doom,

The problem unfolded over a period of weeks which exceeded the time frame which PayPal provides protection. I always used PayPal because I thought it offered a measure of buyer protection. Turns out when you actually need the protection there are so many caveats and exclusions you are, for the most part, unprotected. Using a credit card through PayPal provides no protection whatsoever.

Max's suggestion of using an online escrow company is the only true protection from this sort of thing and this is what I would use if I were to buy something expensive again (unlikely).

It turns out that entering into a transaction through RCU produces a contract which gives me some legal standing. The easiest and least expensive option is placing a lien on titled property (cars, house, businesses). The problem we are having is that we can't tell if the seller's Dad is telling the truth about his step-son's age. If he's 17 then Mom & Dad bear the responsibility, if he's 18 then its likely he has nothing titled to go after.

I posted this on RCU and FG, I ams sure that the seller has seen these threads. Obviously he is not swayed by community opinion.

Phil