... is dead.

Although I knew a lawyer once who sued "God" (and nevertheless was later appointed by Jerry Brown to the Orange County Superior Court bench), I don't know of any way to recover from a dead guy whose estate is undoubtedly long since settled.

Seems to me, the only recourse in this particular situation is against the individual who obtained the loan, assuming he can be found, assuming that he isn't judgement proof, assuming that he can be successfully sued (in small claims court, because anything else would be too expensive) and assuming that once a judgement was obtained, it could be collected.

If that sounds discouraging, I'm sorry, but it's the reality. The only truly effective way to deal with this type of thing is to prevent it in the first place.

Unlike some others who have expressed opinions here, I do not think it would be appropriate to prohibit the manufacturers from making fantasy chips (absolute counterfeits of real, redeemable chips is a whole other matter). I still believe in the free enterprise system. And, the reality is, we are never going to totally eliminate rip-off artists and scams from this hobby anymore than from any other human endeavor.

Nevertheless, as I have said before, those of us who have the knowledge can at least help prevent such situations by sharing that knowledge with others, whether the potential sellers (or their venues, such as eBay) like it or not. I am unrepentent (and unapologetic) in that regard.

Some other regulars here have been doing great things lately to help educate potential chip buyers -- more than just policing eBay, they are putting their money where their mouths are in an effort to prevent eBay scams. I am referring in particulat to Robert Eisenstadt and Bob Orme, who are currently running eBay auctions which not only accurately describe fantasy chips but go out of their way to explain the true nature and value of the chips.

By naming the two BOBS (!!) <g>, I don't mean to slight others who have helped police eBay in the past and continue to do so. Like community policing, there is no assistance of this type which isn't useful and I hope that everyone who sees any type of false, fraudulent or misleading chip sale ads/auctions will jump in to help prevent ripoffs.

Stepping down off my ... <g>

----- jim o\-S