Online pawn shop may swindle clients

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Better Business Bureau is handing out a warning when it comes to two Austin-based online pawn shops.

The Austin BBB has been bombarded with complaints against the owner of DVDPawn.com and Gamepawn.com. Victims say the sites, both operated out of a North Austin apartment, are not paying out as promised.

"The way that it's supposed to work is that consumers contact the business online," said Erin Jones, of the Austin business bureau. "They receive a quote back from the business on how much they can expect to receive once they do send in the DVDs."

The Web sites instruct clients to send in DVDs and games. In return, the seller is supposed to get money. However, that is not happening, according to the BBB.

Nearly 30 customers have filed complaints against Rerun Media, the parent company for both Web sites. Jeffery Winkler is the owner of Rerun Media.

"The business has not only stopped responding to the Better Business Bureau (but) stopped responding to the consumers," said Jones.

The company is operated out of Winkler's apartment. He did not answer the door or return a request for a phone call. 

Austin police said this is considered theft, but no victims have contacted police to file a complaint. Detectives said online theft is a difficult crime to prove.

They advise sellers to deal with reputable companies and check it out first.

You can research online companies through the Better Business Bureau Web site.

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