However I want all of this from Boussac directly - goes to integrity of the communication process. Regarding your statement that "There is no such thing as a "case number" in France", I find that hard to believe. How could they track or administer anything if there is no unique file number (or similar identifier) associated with each case?? Even if that is the case, the point is for Paymium to provide verifiable proof that a case has actually been opened with the French police. Whatever it takes they must do it. Otherwise more cases will be filed I can guarantee.
What I say is that this kind of procedure is mostly "paper based" here. If a record number exists it will be local to the police station that filed it and it will not be a proof of anything.
And also between the time when you report something, and the time when the police contacts you back to file the report "for real", it can take weeks if not months (I know it I am myself in such a case right now).
What you could do - and any user of Instawallet also - is file a complaint, in french (it will be better) or in english (not sure that it will be fast) - and address it to "Monsieur le Procureur de la République - 4 Boulevard du Palais - 75055 Paris Cedex 01".
Do not accuse anybody of anything.
Simply state the facts and ask them for help, saying you are a victim of a scam (in french "
escroquerie").
Your case will be given to the same officer that manages Paymium's case right now, and in a few weeks (or months ...) you will be contacted by a police officer if they need more information or if they have something for you.
At some point you probably will need the help of a french attorney ...
Very useful - thanks.
My feeling is to remain in a position of "good faith" and file nothing yet, while giving Paymium a clear opportunity to give solid and verifiable information that we can all trust. I really think they should have that opportunity.
However, should they not take that opportunity to start treating their Instawallet clients with a little more respect than they have so far, and continue to demonstrate dodgy communication / behavior then I think it would be fine for criminal and civil suits to fly in their direction from all 4 corners of the earth. Personally I do not think they want that at all - and I do not want it for them. I would rather it all be resolved nicely and easily. But they need to give solid assurance that that is happening first.