Internet Business Shut Down By State Atty. Gen.
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
Warsaw resident Nikki Brindle has agreed to cease doing business and to an attachment of the first $500,000 of any and all personal property for restitution to more than 100 consumers in the United States and Canada.
The civil agreement between Brindle and the Indiana Attorney General's office was reached Jan. 16.
"Brindle took advantage of unsuspecting consumers by misrepresenting that she would deliver products that they purchased," Carter said. "This agreement is a step toward getting money back to those she took from and stops her from taking advantage of others."
Brindle, of White Wolf Designs, 2603 E. Pine Drive, was arrested Oct. 13 for fraudulently selling electronics over the Internet. She was subsequently sued on charges of Internet fraud by State Attorney General Carter.
Brindle began selling electronics equipment over Internet auction sites like eBay in 1999. Customers began seeking help from the Attorney General in 2003 because ordered items were not delivered and refunds were not provided. The products sold included laptop computers and camcorders. Between $75 to $3,000 were paid for the products.
Upon her October arrest for theft the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department confiscated Brindle's computer and financial records and began an investigation.
"We conducted the initial investigation," said Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department Detective Todd Sautter. "Then we found so many victims all over the country that we contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation."
Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine said the complaints about Brindle stretched across the nation, from New York to California.
"It began to get overwhelming," Rovenstine said. "We called the FBI and worked with them. They decided to take the case. I think the FBI investigation and criminal charges are still pending. We continue to get complaints."
Carter has said this is the largest Internet fraud case involving one person handled by his office.
"The Internet can be a great way to find hard to find or vintage items, or products at a bargain price, but the anonymity of the transaction makes it a breeding ground for scam artists," Carter said. "Consumers should be cautious of who they do business with and always check out the seller before bidding at an auction.
Consumers affected will be contacted if restitution becomes available. In addition to the 70 individuals named in the initial lawsuit, complaints from others are being investigated for possible addition on the restitution list. [[In-content Ad]]
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Warsaw resident Nikki Brindle has agreed to cease doing business and to an attachment of the first $500,000 of any and all personal property for restitution to more than 100 consumers in the United States and Canada.
The civil agreement between Brindle and the Indiana Attorney General's office was reached Jan. 16.
"Brindle took advantage of unsuspecting consumers by misrepresenting that she would deliver products that they purchased," Carter said. "This agreement is a step toward getting money back to those she took from and stops her from taking advantage of others."
Brindle, of White Wolf Designs, 2603 E. Pine Drive, was arrested Oct. 13 for fraudulently selling electronics over the Internet. She was subsequently sued on charges of Internet fraud by State Attorney General Carter.
Brindle began selling electronics equipment over Internet auction sites like eBay in 1999. Customers began seeking help from the Attorney General in 2003 because ordered items were not delivered and refunds were not provided. The products sold included laptop computers and camcorders. Between $75 to $3,000 were paid for the products.
Upon her October arrest for theft the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department confiscated Brindle's computer and financial records and began an investigation.
"We conducted the initial investigation," said Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department Detective Todd Sautter. "Then we found so many victims all over the country that we contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation."
Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine said the complaints about Brindle stretched across the nation, from New York to California.
"It began to get overwhelming," Rovenstine said. "We called the FBI and worked with them. They decided to take the case. I think the FBI investigation and criminal charges are still pending. We continue to get complaints."
Carter has said this is the largest Internet fraud case involving one person handled by his office.
"The Internet can be a great way to find hard to find or vintage items, or products at a bargain price, but the anonymity of the transaction makes it a breeding ground for scam artists," Carter said. "Consumers should be cautious of who they do business with and always check out the seller before bidding at an auction.
Consumers affected will be contacted if restitution becomes available. In addition to the 70 individuals named in the initial lawsuit, complaints from others are being investigated for possible addition on the restitution list. [[In-content Ad]]