Hero Restoration, Anyone know the latest? 24 24

[seanlinc]

Yeah again reluctant to chime in on something I'm not directly involved in but it's hard to not call bs when i see it. If customers books were sold and it seems they were it was not an "accident" thats just not plausible. More likely the returning of some property is just trying to stave off the imminent threat of legal proceedings. Any chance of honest mistake is long gone.

[Kripsys99]

To all those affected:

1) Collect all the information about the books you submitted to Hero Restoration, including photos of the books, receipts for the books, etc.

2) Collect all written correspondence between yourself and Hero Restoration, including any documentation regarding your submission of the books (ex: shipment tracking numbers), Mike's receipt of the books (ex: acknowledgment emails), any invoices for the service Mike was to render, etc.

3) Collect any cheques, credit card statements, PayPal statements or the like showing any funds you may have transferred to Mike for his services.

4) Collect any evidence you have found regarding the disposition of your books (ex: screenshots of an eBay auction where your book was sold without your consent).

5) Type a brief written statement outlining what happened, and referencing the above noted materials in support of your claims. Be sure to reference the value of the books, and the total of any funds paid to Hero Restoration.

6) Contact the police of local jurisdiction where Hero Restoration is based, and lodge a criminal complaint. Obtain a file number, and the name of the assigned investigator. Advise the police there will likely be other complainants coming forward in the future. Let the police sort out any jurisdictional issues on their own - that's their job.

7) Post the police file number, and the name and contact information for the assigned investigator in this thread, so that other victims can reach out to police (rather than a random boardie), and police can begin collating all the evidence of Mike's alleged wrong doing.

8) Don't engage with Mike to try to secure the return of your books. It appears that he's unlikely to return them, and the books may be gone anyways. Police are also apt to write the whole thing off as a civil matter between two consenting parties if you engage in talks about the return of books and/or funds, even if Mike never follows through on returning the books and/or funds (police will point you to civil courts for recourse if you go this route).

9) I wouldn't throw good money after bad pursuing a civil action against Mike. It sounds like Mike is likely already known to police, and the story regarding drug use/selling books rings true to me. Trying to get money out of him will be like trying to get blood from a stone. Best to hold him criminally accountable first, and pursue a civil remedy down the road if you later deem it warranted.

10) Keep on the police. This is a more in depth investigation than they may be accustomed to, and will likely require them to obtain subpoenas (ex: for bank and eBay records) and search warrants (ex: to seek out any books still in Mike's possession), but is eminently solvable. The more people who make complaints and follow up on those complaints, the better the chance is of a favorable outcome.

My .

Edited January 19 by Kripsys99

[Dr. Balls]

On 1/18/2024 at 1:11 PM, wiparker824 said:

 

Have we considered the possibility Flake Tapper, new account, isn’t Mike claiming to be someone taking legal action to get victims to “sign up” with him for “legal action” that isn’t actually happening just so that they don’t pursue legal action of their own? Just a thought…

[Domo Arigato]

Why hasn't anyone affected by this nominated him to the Hall of Shame list?  Yes, a lot of people in here already know not to do business with him, but there are going to be a lot of people in here that don't (not everyone on the forum reads every thread....or even visits Comics General).  

CGC Mike has already verified that the Hero Restoration account in here is still valid and has no posting restrictions......which means he could PM members that might not be aware of all of this and could still soliciit business from them.  At least being added to the list would be one more layer of protection that someone might check before doing business with someone in here. 

Even those who have received their unfinished books back could still nominate him if the original payment for services wasn't refunded....and I'm sure the 30-day waiting period to nominate someone to the list has already passed for all of those affected.

Here's what someone who has suffered a loss in this mess can do to get him added to the list:

• Start a thread in the Marketplace Probations section here with the title of "Nominating Hero Restoration for the Hall of Shame".  In the first post, outline as completely as possible the circumstances surrounding the transaction, including all relevant details and dates if you have them.  I would also include a link to this thread we're currently posting in to help flesh out what all is transpiring.

• Immediately send a private message to Hero Restoration (link to his profile) letting him know he's being nominated and provide him with a link to the nomination thread you started.

• The accused will then have 72 hours to respond in that thread and present his side of the matter.

• After the 72 hour period, start a new thread titled "Poll to add Hero Restoration the the Hall of Shame".  Include a poll in the first post giving people two choices, to either add him to the Hall of Shame or not.  Set the poll to end in 7 days, and the results at the end will determine what happens.

 

Edited January 19 by Domo Arigato

[Number 6]

On 1/18/2024 at 6:39 PM, Domo Arigato said:

Why hasn't anyone affected by this nominated him to the Hall of Shame list?  Yes, a lot of people in here already know not to do business with him, but there are going to be a lot of people in here that don't (not everyone on the forum reads every thread....or even visits Comics General).  

CGC Mike has already verified that the Hero Restoration account in here is still valid and has no posting restrictions......which means he could PM members that might not be aware of all of this and could still soliciit business from them.  At least being added to the list would be one more layer of protection that someone might check before doing business with someone in here. 

Even those who have received their unfinished books back could still nominate him if the original payment for services wasn't refunded....and I'm sure the 30-day waiting period to nominate someone to the list has already passed for all of those affected.

Here's what someone who has suffered a loss in this mess can do to get him added to the list:

• Start a thread in the Marketplace Probations section here with the title of "Nominating Hero Restoration for the Hall of Shame".  In the first post, outline as completely as possible the circumstances surrounding the transaction, including all relevant details and dates if you have them.  I would also include a link to this thread we're currently posting in to help flesh out what all is transpiring.

• Immediately send a private message to Hero Restoration (link to his profile) letting him know he's being nominated and provide him with a link to the nomination thread you started.

• The accused will then have 72 hours to respond in that thread and present his side of the matter.

• After the 72 hour period, start a new thread titled "Poll to add Hero Restoration the the Hall of Shame".  Include a poll in the first post giving people two choices, to either add him to the Hall of Shame or not.  Set the poll to end in 7 days, and the results at the end will determine what happens.

 

 

I don't recall a requirement in the HOS rules that has to be one of the aggrieved parties to start a HOS poll.  

Looking through the Probation/HOS threads I see that you started the HOS poll and did the write-up for Dylanthekid even though I don't see anything in the write-up that indicates you were one of the affected parties.  Looks like the events in question involved Polonsky.  I also see that Buzz did the poll/write-up for Shoomanfoo even though Catwomancomics was the member who was the one affected.

I'm not nominating either one of you to do it.  I understand it's a lot of work, and I'm sure trying to figure out a coherent, logical and succinct way of summarizing this dumpster-fire-train-wreck is probably daunting.  

I'm just saying that I've seen more than one person raise the question of a HOS poll and looking at the rules I don't see any reason why anyone who feels strongly about it has to wait for any of the affected parties to step up and do it.

I can understand why those affected would probably be focusing their time and energy on either trying to get their books back or pursue legal action and wouldn't fault them for that.

[THE_BEYONDER]

Looks like it’s time for @Domo Arigato to do what he does best….

Start a poll 

[Sauce Dog]

I don't often like to call out specific users here, but I need to just make a statement.

The user Flake Tapper has posted here talking about pursuing legal action, and several users have had communication with them and stated they feel red flags are popping up. I am not saying they are serious or not, I am simply recommending anyone conversing with them be mindful of what information they are sharing. 

It just seems very odd to me that someone serious about taking legal action is hesitant to even tell anyone of us what books they submitted to Hero Restoration - to that end they have refused to fill out the survey so I can't even confirm they are a victim. It is also odd that they are not at all interested in obtaining a list of contacts from me of victims who have already expressed interest in taking legal action, nor are they interested in communication with me, the one and only person on the boards that Mike has remained in contact with.

Edited January 19 by Sauce Dog

[jimjum12]

On 1/19/2024 at 12:02 PM, Sauce Dog said:

I don't often like to call out specific users here, but I need to just make a statement.

The user Flake Tapper has posted here talking about pursuing legal action, and several users have had communication with him and stated they feel red flags are popping up. I am simply recommending anyone conversing with him be mindful of what information they are sharing. 

It seems very odd to me that someone serious about taking legal action is hesitant to even tell anyone of us what books he submitted to Hero Restoration (something everyone has been fine to share, even if they were not comfortable sharing personal information) - to that end he has refused to fill out the survey so I can't even confirm he is a victim. It is also odd that he isn't at all interested in obtaining a list of contacts from me of victims who have already expressed interest in taking legal action, nor is he interested in communication with me, the one and only person on the boards that Mike has remained in contact with.

Someone may be seeking a "list" from which they can determine which books might safely still be sold. Some submitters may have given up long ago, unaware of these efforts ongoing now. Returning books on the plaintiff list and liquidating the others? ... or at least keeping them separate in two different places. GOD BLESS ...

-jimbo(a friend of jesus)

Edited January 19 by jimjum12

[KCOComics]

On 1/19/2024 at 12:02 PM, Sauce Dog said:

I don't often like to call out specific users here, but I need to just make a statement.

The user Flake Tapper has posted here talking about pursuing legal action, and several users have had communication with them and stated they feel red flags are popping up. I am not saying they are serious or not, I am simply recommending anyone conversing with them be mindful of what information they are sharing. 

It just seems very odd to me that someone serious about taking legal action is hesitant to even tell anyone of us what books they submitted to Hero Restoration - to that end they have refused to fill out the survey so I can't even confirm they are a victim. It is also odd that they are not at all interested in obtaining a list of contacts from me of victims who have already expressed interest in taking legal action, nor are they interested in communication with me, the one and only person on the boards that Mike has remained in contact with.

Thanks for calling it out.  It's very odd behavior and given the situation and the player involved,  it's fair to be skeptical of everything. He's proven he's willing to go to great lengths to deceive. I'm not saying Flake is Mike. I'm saying- it's fair to be skeptical. 

At this point,  I hope every victim is going to the police or contacting lawyers. 

[ExNihilo]

On 1/19/2024 at 10:59 AM, KCOComics said:

Thanks for calling it out.  It's very odd behavior and given the situation and the player involved,  it's fair to be skeptical of everything. He's proven he's willing to go to great lengths to deceive. I'm not saying Flake is Mike. I'm saying- it's fair to be skeptical. 

At this point,  I hope every victim is going to the police or contacting lawyers. 

Honestly, I'm skeptical anytime someone comes in with fewer than 3 posts and/or a freshly made account.  I know we all start somewhere, but if your first post or two is spitting fire and then you fail to provide support or even bother returning at all, I'm gonna take what you have to say with a massive grain of salt.

[Chip Cataldo]

On 1/19/2024 at 2:37 PM, ExNihilo said:

Honestly, I'm skeptical anytime someone comes in with fewer than 3 posts and/or a freshly made account.  I know we all start somewhere, but if your first post or two is spitting fire and then you fail to provide support or even bother returning at all, I'm gonna take what you have to say with a massive grain of salt.

Meth, you mean.

[techtre2003]

On 1/18/2024 at 2:11 PM, wiparker824 said:

 

Have we considered the possibility Flake Tapper, new account, isn’t Mike claiming to be someone taking legal action to get victims to “sign up” with him for “legal action” that isn’t actually happening just so that they don’t pursue legal action of their own? Just a thought…

My first thought was Mike coming in to get a list of who is aware of the situation and wanting to take action and then putting together a list of "do not sell" books. All others are fair game. 

 

[Domo Arigato]

On 1/19/2024 at 9:29 AM, Number 6 said:

I don't recall a requirement in the HOS rules that has to be one of the aggrieved parties to start a HOS poll.  

Looking through the Probation/HOS threads I see that you started the HOS poll and did the write-up for Dylanthekid even though I don't see anything in the write-up that indicates you were one of the affected parties.  Looks like the events in question involved Polonsky.  I also see that Buzz did the poll/write-up for Shoomanfoo even though Catwomancomics was the member who was the one affected.

I'm not nominating either one of you to do it.  I understand it's a lot of work, and I'm sure trying to figure out a coherent, logical and succinct way of summarizing this dumpster-fire-train-wreck is probably daunting.  

I'm just saying that I've seen more than one person raise the question of a HOS poll and looking at the rules I don't see any reason why anyone who feels strongly about it has to wait for any of the affected parties to step up and do it.

I can understand why those affected would probably be focusing their time and energy on either trying to get their books back or pursue legal action and wouldn't fault them for that.

I'm going to make one reply on this matter.

Here is the applicable rule (it was buried in the first section of the first rule):

1) The 30-Day Rule

a) If a transaction between board members is not completed within 30 days, the offended party may submit the offender's name for inclusion to the HOS/Probation List (hereafter called the PL)

The reason that myself and Buzz have occasionally done it, is because the offended party has asked for our help and endorsed the nomiation.  This particular "loophole" isn't written into the rules.....however, the precedent was set before I posted that nomination thread.  This was addressed somewhere in the Dylanthekid nomination when someone else brought this same matter up in there.  And, as I've stated numerous times in this forum, I will not be doing it again for this reason.  It just adds a complication that's not needed, and there are too many opinions in here on matters like this.....every opinion is different......and everyone with an opinion thinks theirs is right (this is a general statement and isn't directed specifically at you). 

Having someone else do the nomination isn't going to save an offended party any time or energy.  They would still have to put the information together regarding their transaction and forward it to the person making the thread.  Tens (hundred?) of thousands of dollars have been lost by collectors.  If nobody that's lost money/books can find the time or energy to nominate him as a warning to other collectors, then so be it.

 

[ttfitz]

On 1/16/2024 at 11:39 PM, Chip Cataldo said:

What the hell are you telling ME for??? @Buzzetta is the one that keeps the tabs.

As well he should, since you can't get Tabs anymore.

[ttfitz]

On 1/17/2024 at 9:49 PM, Domo Arigato said:

In short......a few of us know what it is......you now know that only a few of us know what it is......but those few aren't going to tell you what it is.

Somebody should start a poll to see how many people know what it is.

[THE_BEYONDER]

On 1/19/2024 at 5:15 PM, ttfitz said:

Somebody should start a poll to see how many people know what it is.

@Domo Arigato 

[Buzzetta]

On 1/19/2024 at 4:45 PM, Domo Arigato said:

I'm going to make one reply on this matter.

Here is the applicable rule (it was buried in the first section of the first rule):

1) The 30-Day Rule

a) If a transaction between board members is not completed within 30 days, the offended party may submit the offender's name for inclusion to the HOS/Probation List (hereafter called the PL)

The reason that myself and Buzz have occasionally done it, is because the offended party has asked for our help and endorsed the nomiation.  This particular "loophole" isn't written into the rules.....however, the precedent was set before I posted that nomination thread.  This was addressed somewhere in the Dylanthekid nomination when someone else brought this same matter up in there.  And, as I've stated numerous times in this forum, I will not be doing it again for this reason.  It just adds a complication that's not needed, and there are too many opinions in here on matters like this.....every opinion is different......and everyone with an opinion thinks theirs is right (this is a general statement and isn't directed specifically at you). 

Having someone else do the nomination isn't going to save an offended party any time or energy.  They would still have to put the information together regarding their transaction and forward it to the person making the thread.  Tens (hundred?) of thousands of dollars have been lost by collectors.  If nobody that's lost money/books can find the time or energy to nominate him as a warning to other collectors, then so be it.

 

Yup.  If you don't care then why should I care?  I did it because I was asked.  If one of the offended parties wants me to write another one up, sure, but all you have to do is reach out. 

 

[Domo Arigato]

On 1/19/2024 at 9:38 AM, THE_BEYONDER said:

Looks like it’s time for @Domo Arigato to do what he does best….

Start a poll 

 

On 1/19/2024 at 4:16 PM, THE_BEYONDER said:

@Domo Arigato 

You still haven't made yours (link). 

 

[Dark Knight]

Looks like another book has been listed on ebay. Does this belong to anyone on here?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/256382461265?hash=item3bb195e551:g:OTQAAOSwMR9lqpQf

[onlyweaknesskryptonite]

On 1/19/2024 at 5:14 PM, Domo Arigato said:

 

You still haven't made yours (link). 

 

Link