EPC Parts - Builtsmart Failure to issue refund after return of computer Canoga Park, Chatsworth California

I purchased a PC on 4/25/2003. The payment was made through electronic debit to my parents' checking account in the amount of $497. The computer was shipped to me on 5/17/2003. However, it did not have the correct components, so the company told me to ship it back to them for a refund. I returned the PC on 5/31/2003 through UPS (tracking # 1ZR9V8690373948220). It was delivered to the company on 6/3/03 at 10:38am. However, I never received a refund. I called the company several times. On 7/8/03, I spoke with Chris at 2:30 pm; he informed me that I would receive a check by mid-week of 7/14/03. It never came. I spoke with Chris again on 7/29/03 at 11:30 am. NO response. Then, I spoke with Miguel on 7/30/03 at 10:30 am. Still, no response. After that, I could no longer get a hold of anyone, and I never received my refund.

I filed a report with the BBB in October 2004, but the company never responded to the complaint, and the case was closed. Around that time, I drove by both listed addresses (on Winetka Avenue and Bahama Street); however, the Bahama Street address was vacant, and the Winnetka Street address did not exist. There was a small stripmall with addresses around the same, but they seemed to skip that particular address.

The phone numbers no longer are active, and we can't figure out how to file a civil suit because we can't find the people to serve them with papers. Help!!

Blake
Culver City, California
U.S.A.