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 ...
Thanks for your input.
From what you say, it sounds like it would be prudent to just go ahead and file a complaint ASAP regardless of what actions Paymium or their attorneys take (short of returning our funds.)
In your estimation, would it be a positive or a negative for each effected (and interested) user to file a complaint independently, or group them together in some fashion.
Perhaps it would make more sense to retain a French attorney operating on behalf of a group of effected parties from the get-go, and again, ASAP? What would be your thoughts on this?
Lastly, for anyone familiar with such things, does it make sense for me to involve my attorney here in the US to interact with a French attorney, or is it possible to simply work with a French one directly for something like this.
Lastly (for real), is there such thing as a 'paralegal' who could reliably handle the natural first steps of filing a complaint and thus lessen the financial and organizational overhead?
Thanks again for any thoughts on the matter.
I feel it would be better to wait until Thursday noon. Let's give them genuine opportunity to convince us that they are straight and that all is well. I really think they should have that opportunity. If they fail to make use of it, then for sure, the gloves are off. If they are straight (which I hope) then an avalanche of civil and criminal cases directed at them may make it a lot harder for them to just get on with it and solve it. So I recommend let's not be too hasty.