Wedding Photographer ran off with my money... what do I do?

Did you pay with a credit card? If so, you may be able to dispute the charge, though I don't know the time limits on that.

If you paid with a check... I'm not sure what you can do, but perhaps someone else has advice.

What did the contract state, that if something happens you get all of it back; was the deposit nonrefundable also? Sorry you are going through a rough time :-(

I paid with a check, unfortunately.

@Ab Z, don't feel sorry for me! This happened last Sept. I moved out into my own place and have been dating the most wonderful man that actually respects me and loves me for who I am for almost 6 months. I've lost 50 lbs and have been kicking butt at work. Things could not be going better!

There isnt a place of business you could go down and meet this person?

That stinks about the photographer. I have no advice but wish you luck with everything! Thats wonderful you found a good man and are happy

@Jessica - nope. I suspect she was running a sham business or something like that. I always met her @ Panera before.

I had meetings with the DJ at restaurants and there were no problems with them, they gave me my deposit back with no delay.

:-) Glad things are going well!

Hmm do you know of any other couples that area also having issues with the photog? Back when my second cousin got married they never got their photo album, and neither did many other couples and the photog skipped town or something..

I knew someone who had the same problem, but it was senior pics from a photographer an she didnt recieve the pics. what she did was she made another email account, posed as a different person and had them meet her somwhere. once she saw them she confronted them and threatened to pursue legal action.

Have you been able to find any current ads for the photographer? If you don't know how to contact them check with your court - laws are different from state to state but I'm sure there is something you can do. Most courts have a self-help desk.

Contact your bank and notify them of the scam!

I'm so glad you got out of a dangerous situation. I'm not sure if this is the sort of thing a victim's advocate could help with, but it couldn't hurt to ask. Generally they'd be through the city/county dept. of health/human services...

Was there no real address on the contract? I've met w/ photographers - some at public places, one at his home. I'm pretty sure their addresses were on the contracts.

What exactly does the contract say for cancellations? Do you have any idea if she's still in the business? Perhaps you could file a complaint with BBB.

There was an address that I had a summons sent to, an apartment, but she didn't pick up the summons and therefore the case was put on hold again.

The contract says that I can cancel at any time and I would receive a prompt refund less the retainer. I tried to look her up in the BBB but she is unlisted. I think she is running an illegal business operation.

You can file a complaint with BBB even if she's not listed. I'm not sure if it's going to do anything, but it can't hurt.

Well you can report it to the Better Business Bureau at least.