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Wally Malewicz is a thief

76.21.195.96
Posted on July 20, 2009 at 16:07:59
mbrooke
Audiophile

Posts: 4
Joined: May 31, 2008
 Well,

It's now been 1 year and 2 months since I ordered $300+ worth of stuff from Wally. about 6 months ago, I finally contacted the Attorney General of the State of Minnesota. Unfortunately, they couldn't proceed against him either criminally or civilly, but they did make multiple attempts to contact him in order to settle the matter as a consumer complaint. But of course, Wally didn't respond to any of their communications. If anyone is in a similar situation, please contact the Attorney General for Minnesota and file a complaint. Make sure they understand that Wally is a business and not a private citizen. Maybe if they get enough complaints, Wally will pay attention.

If you are thinking of buying from Wally, don't!!! This man is a thief. When I purchased my stuff, he told me how helpful he could be and that I could contact him anytime to answer questions, etc. The moment he received my money, he ceased all contact with me. Like an idiot, I did not pay with credit card and I missed the Paypal dispute period.

Wally Malewicz responded in good order, posted on November 2, 2009 at 21:06:52
JTimothyA
Reviewer

Posts: 835
Joined: April 4, 2000
 I'm not doubting issues posted by others, however I've had nothing but success dealing with Wally. Maybe I'm lucky. Three separate orders, all filled within a reasonable time. His turntable setup products are well made and effective. Imo, the trick to dealing with Wally is to engage with him directly, on the phone. YMMV

RE: Wally Malewicz is a thief, posted on August 30, 2009 at 14:14:13
buzzardsbay
Audiophile

Posts: 5
Location: Northeast
Joined: July 12, 2009
 I made the same mistake as you. Since Wally would only accept Paypal I paid him and then tried to file a complaint but got nowhere with paypal since I waited too long before taking action. I am going to contact the AG of Minnesota so they can add me to Wally's list of dissatisfied customers.

RE: Wally Malewicz is a thief, posted on August 13, 2009 at 19:18:17
Nietzschelover
Audiophile

Posts: 137
Location: Dallas/Ft Worth
Joined: May 7, 2003
 FYI: I'm not sure, if Wally has any money to settle any lawsuits.
In fact, I'm not even sure where he is.
His business address, which is/was his home at 247 Cherry Hill Alcove was, apparently, listed for sale a few months ago.
I'm not sure if he did, in fact, sell it, or, whether he got the full $247,000 it was valued at, though.
If his only real asset was the equity in that home, those dollars are, I'm sure, "gone", or, hidden, I'm guessing.
Maybe I'm too cynical. Maybe all retired IRS Revenue Officers are. Maybe it comes with the job.
He just smells familiar.

Wally Malewicz is a thief, posted on August 10, 2009 at 09:46:32
Shakey
Audiophile

Posts: 717
Joined: March 1, 2002
 A crook indeed and every time I read about him in Stereophile I would get pissed.

RE: Wally Malewicz is a thief, posted on July 26, 2009 at 08:06:54
dyana
Distributor or Rep

Posts: 1
Location: maine
Joined: September 18, 2004
 Join the club. You have no idea how bad it is. We posted last year and were merely among the many. Caveat emptor. All of the info is on AA although it often takes a bit of digging. As in all things, however, there will be ardent supporters. Classic con artist methodology. We recovered a substantial sum through private civil litigation. The overhead was about 15% of the amount of the loss but it was worth it as our loss was some 30-fold greater than that associated with the hallowed tools. This guy has even victimized an 80+ year old scholar of some renown. No conscience whatsoever. How and why he's still in operation is testimony to consumer vulnerability and gullibility (including ours) and the complete incapacitation of our judicial and law enforcement systems.

Don't forget Larry Moore of Ultra Fi is a thief as well, posted on July 24, 2009 at 15:05:26
ejlif
Audiophile

Posts: 242
Joined: January 6, 2002
 He scammed me on a USB DAC. Just thought I'd throw that in there once again in case everyone doesn't already know this.

I emailed him and he immediately responded today, posted on July 24, 2009 at 14:59:41
ejlif
Audiophile

Posts: 242
Joined: January 6, 2002
 so we know he is OK and communicating, he is just ignoring you. I hope someone punches this guys face in. If I ever see him at a show or anything I'll be sure to make a scene for you.

RE: Wally Malewicz is a thief, posted on July 23, 2009 at 19:31:02
Michael Samra
Dealer

Posts: 13111
Location: saginaw michigan
Joined: January 30, 2005
Contributor
  Since: June 24, 2005
 This is why I use paypal or a credit card when making a purchase and they give you 45 days to recieve your order in satisfactory condition..If you didnt receive it by then,you should have said BULL SHIT and filed the complaint..I have no problem with someone going over the alloted time as long as they keep in communication with you..When they wont do that,that raises an immediate red flag with me.
If the power supply waveform isn't pretty,neither is the sound in most cases.
Got my order in 2 weeks (nt), posted on July 22, 2009 at 15:45:35
clio09
Audiophile

Posts: 1028
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Joined: January 29, 2006
 nt

RE: Wally Malewicz is a thief, posted on July 21, 2009 at 11:43:12
l1945@sbcglobal.net
Audiophile

Posts: 653
Location: midwest
Joined: July 5, 2007
 I know I'll be hung up by my thumbs over this post, but I'm going to have to Give Stereophile Magazine as well as M. Freemer a little bit of credit for this ever going scam. (note: even Mr. Freemer has stepped away from Malewicz) These guys were the ones who pimped Malewicz, so I think there some blame to be handed out.
What needs to be done is to find someone he scammed, and is from his home state. The sue him adding as many others as he can find as the case unfolds. Where's Joe Sokolove when we need him!
gary
Gary
RE: "What needs to be done.....from his home state.", posted on July 22, 2009 at 05:58:12
JimK
Audiophile

Posts: 3608
Location: Maple Grove, MN.
Joined: April 18, 2008
Contributor
  Since: October 2, 2008
 Funny thing is, Wally seems to treat us "locals" pretty decently. He still shows up Audio Society meetings, and while many (if not all) of the people there are aware of his "shortcomings" and roll their eyes when he makes a presentation, Wally can be a smooth talker, and he tends gets stuff done when in-person. Mind you I'm not making excuses for him....I've had more than a few people contact me and ask me, "Can you help me with this deadbeat?", but sadly I've been unable to do a damn thing for anyone.

Perhaps he is aware that small claims need to be filed locally. I don't know....

Jim
RE: "What needs to be done.....from his home state.", posted on July 22, 2009 at 07:47:43
l1945@sbcglobal.net
Audiophile

Posts: 653
Location: midwest
Joined: July 5, 2007
 these comments are really kind of generic, and could apply to just about anybody doing business.
If you do business accross state lines and use the United States Postal System to conduct business; then you've entered into mail fraud. With that in mind is you paid for said service via a U.S. Postal money order you then have a second recourse to attain a solution to said problem(s). If you paid for the item with a credit card you can contact the credit card issuer, and seek restitution. But if you paid via Pay Pal you may or may not have an avenue to seek restitution (looks like it kind of depends on what kind of mood Pay Pal is in that day). If you happened pay for the service in cash, I'd say you probably just bought a lot of beer.
Being as the transaction might have crossed a state line; I suspect you have another way to attempt to get a reconciliation. Now it would appear that there are a good many people out here with the same plight, and if all of them filed at complaint at about the same time I suspect eyes will open.
Another thing you can do is to gain a judgement against said parties plus all fees incured. I live in Indiana, and I'm allowed to sue at three times the loss plus all fees incured. The other party dosn't have to be present for this to happen by the way. Then you have a judgement against him. If you had two dozen of the judgements against him the boy would be in deep shit. One judgement and a letter from your AG will usually get the other state's attention. A dozen of these letters and they'll at least put him out of business. Then with the judgement I'd go after him vis the postal branch (assuming you mailed him the payment).
gary
Gary
RE: Wally Malewicz is a thief, posted on July 21, 2009 at 10:09:13
Bruce from DC
Bored Member

Posts: 18019
Location: U.S. Capital
Joined: October 13, 1999
Contributor
  Since: March 1, 1999
 Technically, probably not.

What Wally is, is weird. I own one of his Wallytractors (bought it second hand on audiogon years ago and avoided all of the pain and suffering his original purchasers seem to go through). It actually works very, very well.

I think he knows his stuff, technically; and his products are good. His business practices, OTOH, are terrible.

I've said before that what Wally needs is a business manager to run the business while he designs and makes the equipment.


So, someone who receives a check, drops all communication, and, posted on July 21, 2009 at 10:59:12
powermatic
Audiophile

Posts: 5600
Location: central oregon
Joined: November 24, 2005
Contributor
  Since: March 1, 2008
 doesn't provide a product isn't a 'thief'-he's "weird".

Amazing how the apologists will stick up for this guy, no matter how they have to bend the rules of common sense. Using this logic, I guess that makes Bernie Madoff 'a kindly, irascible ol' trickster-god love him!'

What a load.



"dammit"
Agreed! Same crap, posted on July 28, 2009 at 19:22:13
kev313
Audiophile

Posts: 231
Location: Chicago
Joined: November 25, 2004
 some would chime in with for Ron Welborne - - another noted audio jerk (Hey Ron, WHERE ARE MY AMPS?????????????????)

LOL! Well said. ___nt, posted on July 21, 2009 at 14:01:48
sherod
Audiophile

Posts: 2605
Location: Texas
Joined: August 3, 2003

Yep., posted on July 21, 2009 at 12:25:27
Cpk
Manufacturer

Posts: 861
Location: Allentown PA
Joined: May 13, 2005
Contributor
  Since: October 5, 2009
 Is it really that hard to be honest and have common courtesy? Seems the answer for some is yes. It is too bad not all people who deal with him are forewarned.



"He had a momentary lapse of ego" W.T.
If it walks like a duck, looks like a duck..., posted on July 21, 2009 at 10:49:01
Biff
Audiophile

Posts: 3556
Location: Portland, Oregon
Joined: January 27, 2002
 Really, I've read so many negative posts about this guy that at this point, it wouldn't matter to me if he made a cartridge tool that changed the oil in my car while it aligned my cartridge automatically. I wouldn't send him a dime, and I don't understand why anyone would.


***********************
"More music and Les Brown."
RE: Wally Malewicz, posted on July 20, 2009 at 21:13:26
Matts_
Audiophile

Posts: 1975
Joined: February 4, 2005
 I find it somewhat refreshing that someone takes a real stand as a disgruntled consumer rather than a bunch of whining! Of course, liability to the OP is an issue, and I assume he considered that prior to posting and is willing to stand behind what he said unequivocally. Not a step for the fainthearted or unsure for all these factors, but truth is an absolute defense to libel and slander.

Nah., posted on July 20, 2009 at 21:46:56
powermatic
Audiophile

Posts: 5600
Location: central oregon
Joined: November 24, 2005
Contributor
  Since: March 1, 2008
 OP is in zero danger of any legal repercussions. He's just adding to a long list of of folks following the same pattern-send money, communication stops, no product arrives. WM would be a tall fool to bark down any legal trails. Though it'd be fun watching.



"dammit"
I'll have to agree, posted on July 20, 2009 at 20:42:00
JeffH
Audiophile

Posts: 2139
Location: Orange County, So Cal
Joined: April 5, 2000
Contributor
  Since: August 8, 2005
 w/ cdb on this one. What you put out on the internet is a very hot topic these day's. Folks are being held responsible for what they post. You should find it in your heart to print a retraction.

RE: Wally Malewicz is a "thief", posted on July 20, 2009 at 20:10:07
cdb
Audiophile

Posts: 1703
Joined: April 6, 2001
 My HO is that you should have consulted an attorney on the potential repercussions of announcing someone as "a thief" on a public board, and on the Internet. Unless you are so situated as to be prepared to defend a defamation of character action over your few hundreds of dollars.

If what you claim is correct, then perhaps your best stand is the FTC rules regarding mail-order delivery and notification requirements. Do your homework. This a Local Small Claims Court issue. State AG's don't do $300 whines.

As I was advised decades ago on personal matters: "Don't put your shit out on the street". At best, you'll get a group hug.

In this case, because: "Like an idiot, I did not pay with credit card and I missed the Paypal dispute period", if anyone has the slighest interest in your lousy business dealings, a knot on the side of the head is in order.
I doubt the OP is expecting anything in return-even a "group hug"., posted on July 21, 2009 at 11:35:46
powermatic
Audiophile

Posts: 5600
Location: central oregon
Joined: November 24, 2005
Contributor
  Since: March 1, 2008
 What he's probably trying to do is alert people-once again-that if you send this guy money, there's at least an even chance that you won't be provided with a product in return. In other words, he's performing a public service.

As for "potential repercussions", you make me laugh and laugh. Do your homework. There's not a chance in holy hell that WM would institute a "character defamation action", or any other civil suit, for reasons (and defrauded parties) too numerous to enumerate.



"dammit"
In the legal world, there's always the chance in holy hell., posted on July 21, 2009 at 20:21:24
cdb
Audiophile

Posts: 1703
Joined: April 6, 2001
 Even a frivolous lawsuit can't be ignored.

Point being, even PSAs need to be worded carefully.

Good point-as you say, even a lawsuit with no chance in court, posted on July 21, 2009 at 20:37:11
powermatic
Audiophile

Posts: 5600
Location: central oregon
Joined: November 24, 2005
Contributor
  Since: March 1, 2008

can have devastating financial consequences, depending on which party has the deeper pockets, and/or the greater will. Saying that, I believe we can come to an equitable resolution concerning this dispute. Court is now adjourned.



"dammit"
RE: is a "thief", posted on July 20, 2009 at 20:44:14
J.D.
Audiophile

Posts: 6873
Joined: August 31, 2000
 Correct you are.

Although you could even forget legalities ... announcing that "X Is A Criminal" on a public site is nearly begging for any or all of the following ...:

· extenuating circumstances arrive just on time to make you look inept, venal, weird
· other shoe drops and you look pretty awkward making a fraudulent case
· friends or relatives to step in and tell a very different story
· accused's side may have reason to make counter-accusations that you never would want aired in public
· accused goes 'cornered-rat' and posts wildly false but damning counter accusations
· something loop-hole or groundhog-day completely invalidates your claim at the root
· evidence dissappears .. can you say crashed-hard-drive ...?
· or, finally, business is business, this msg-board stuff isn't meant to be your small claims court ....

ETC, etc. There are just way too many vulnerabilities exposed by making public accusations. May feel good in vengeance terms, but comes back to haunt way too often to bet against. Ymmv.

And I think that As a matter of Asylum Policy, such accusations should be automatically deleted, since they don't fit any polite discussion amongst members of audio subject matter.

Anyone else have an opinion on such a policy .. ?



J.

//not affiliated with any party above, below or around this issue.


housepet in a box ©

Not to worry. Wally has had his money for 14 months,, posted on July 21, 2009 at 09:18:31
Wendell Narrod
Audiophile

Posts: 7966
Location: Louisville, KY
Joined: June 2, 2000
 not delivered what was purchased and not communicating with him. Those three actions will negate any charge of libel. At that to all the folks who've complained about Wally's painfully slow or non-delivery and he would come across as a clown in any legal action. Wally will crawl back into his hole and do nothing.

FWIW, I'm not sure he is a thief buy, clearly, he is a horrible businessman.
He deserves to get slammed in public forums.




-Wendell
RE: is a "thief", posted on July 20, 2009 at 20:50:26
fishy
Audiophile

Posts: 336
Joined: April 15, 2002
 I believe that's why we have "Shady Lane" here at the asylum. Maybe the Bored will move this thread to a more appropriate section.

Best,
Dan

'Shady Lane +1., posted on July 20, 2009 at 21:26:55
powermatic
Audiophile

Posts: 5600
Location: central oregon
Joined: November 24, 2005
Contributor
  Since: March 1, 2008
 Agree that's what it's there for, and AFAIK there hasn't been a 'Wally Malewicz ripped me off!' thread at SL for a few weeks days.

Hopefully mod will move thread. Though I feel for OP-sucks. Does WM still show up at hifi shows? Hard to imagine how without protection.



"dammit"
RE: 'Does WM still show up at hifi shows? Hard to imagine how without protection."..., posted on July 20, 2009 at 21:32:14
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 15824
Location: San Francisco
Joined: February 26, 2001
 Yeah, he does!

How does he get away with it?

Audiophiles are SUCKERS!!!

Just guessing, mind you.


If you do a search on AA,...., posted on July 20, 2009 at 19:06:01
JimL
Audiophile

Posts: 3347
Location: New Mexico
Joined: November 24, 2002
 you'll find lots of previous posts in the same vein.

RE: Wally Malewicz is a thief, posted on July 20, 2009 at 17:30:32
cactuscowboy@bresnan.net
Audiophile

Posts: 2877
Location: Powell, Wyoming
Joined: July 23, 2007
 Is this the fellow who sells cartridge alignment devices? I recall reading lots of negative stuff about the guy.

Yes [nt=jtc], posted on July 20, 2009 at 18:53:00
Phil_in_CA
Audiophile

Posts: 899
Location: Central Valley, CA
Joined: January 9, 2004
Contributor
  Since: January 9, 2004
 Go Muffin!

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