I would have funded a sport sock company if that's what I wanted. I'm not sure what I'd do with a shirt that is military related as well. I'd bet the amount of money I pledged (bad idea clearly) on the chance that I've never heard of this 'supplement' company. It's sort of fun to come here and read all the hate and really how pathetic it is that a major company that makes headlines has zero connect with any of this. Just disappointed with kickstarter and I hope nothing but bad things for Will from here on out.
I've given up hope on the shirts and refund (I know, its a risk we take being on Kickstarter), but filed my complaint with the FTC today (thanks George and others for the info below!). The "here is some old crap I couldn't unload... OH! and spend MORE of your money with my 'buddy' on supplements" update was the last straw. Forgive me if I don't think highly of a con-artists recommendation...
I personally would not care whether I get any money back or not. Probably not, as an international backer, but I also 'only' backed $70 and not over $300, like some other poor guys here. All I would want is for the Simons to get prosecuted for this.
"The court ordered a total of $668 in restitution for the 31 Washington state backers, $31,000 in civil penalties for violating the state Consumer Protection Act ($1,000 per violation), and $23,183 to cover the costs and fees involved in bringing the case."
“Washington state will not tolerate crowdfunding theft,” said Ferguson. “If you accept money from consumers, and don’t follow through on your obligations, my office will hold you accountable.”
"The campaign was successfully funded on Oct. 31,[2012] receiving $25,146 on a $15,000 ask."
"Project backers were promised the playing cards and other rewards with an estimated delivery date of December 2012. The project was not completed and none of the backers received any of the promised items or any refunds. Additionally, the company has not communicated with its backers since July 2013."
Hahaha, it's quite comical how this campaign seems so similar - yet on a larger scale (about 10x).
But the bad news is...
"The Attorney General’s Office filed its first-of-its-kind lawsuit April 30, 2014." and it wasn't settled until Dec 2015.
We could be waiting YEARS for anything to happen. Also, the biggest issue here is that the press release states:
"The court ordered a total of $668 in restitution for the 31 Washington state backers"...
That means the 31 backers received $21 each and the other 770 backers received nothing??
Well that was the nail in the coffin for me. Being an international backer, I've fully 100% accepted now that even if they are prosecuted, I will receive nothing. Therefore, I have to just accept defeat and forget about the ~$300 wasted on these sad lives.
Irregardless of that, I still want to have Will and Vince Simon prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Let's all contact Bob Ferguson!!!
I know for a fact that I'm not getting these "amazing shirts" I was promised but yet I still come back to this page as if there is going to be some new development. I think because I know we're all more or less in the same boat and can relate to how terrible this is.
I wish we had a petition or something so all of us could be represented as one. A handful of individuals filing complaints would look better with a couple thousand names attached.
"Unfortunately I cannot share any information at this time. This is still an active investigation. I will reach out to any / all complainants that have filed with the Attorney General’s Office for the District of Columbia as soon as I can."
So if you haven't filed with the DC AG's office, and you want any update, file with them. Specifically, the Consumer Protection Division.
Whether he will be able to get away with it is up to us! Could maybe someone who was already in contact with the DA's office try to reach out to them again? Inquire whether they are still on it?
Has anyone thought about contacting one of the local DC news stations that do investigative reports? I'm sure our issues with this particular project would be a good segue into overall issues on Kickstarter. Would probably make a pretty good story.
What I know is that the Washington D.C Office of Consumer Protection had contacted Will about all the complaints. I spoke with someone there and was told this. It seems Will was misrepresenting his relationship with them when he stated here that he working with them on a plan to move forward. He made it sound like the office was helping him bring the project to completion. I was told that is not the case. I was also told the mention of offering the fabric to a major player such as UA, Addidas, Reebok, Nike was completely ridiculous and wouldn't happen. So anyone thinking those of us who actually tried to get info scared him away, you are wrong. Will would've continued to kick this can down the road so more and more people just forgot about it.
We obviously don't know how much, if any, of the money Will used on himself. But it's my opinion this project got way, way, way over his head and he got completely overwhelmed. He looked for ways out, "Would you just like to forget this project exists? Check Yes", saying he would offer it to the other apparel companies, asking for more money, etc. He lacked complete transparency, honesty and integrity with long communication gaps.
I may try to contact the person at the Office of Consumer Protection for an update, but there's no guarantee I'll get a reply. At this point, I'm expecting neither my shirt, the fabric or money. I hope Will gets justice for his actions, and he can drag his brother Vince back into it as well. Backers shouldn't be the only ones that incur risks on these projects.
Seriously he will never get away. This project will haunt him and find a way back to his life. This will jeopardize his future if he doesn't end this well.
I emailed his work and didn't receive a response. Let them know about him being a scam artist conning 3,759 people out of $289,888. Sent them a link and politely suggested they read the comments. They have yet to answer.
It's curious why i keep coming back to check comments. As an educated person, i realize that there will be nothing but negative comments about kickstarter failing to protect its customers and Will stealing our money without recourse. I guess I return as a sort of a group therapy where I can comiserate being scammed. Maybe someday we will see a message from kickstarter other than "we aren't liable " or a message from Will saying something truthful......
I have this perception that Kickstarter is a platform for scammers, con-artists and those who would like to get rich quickly schemers. True there's a clause but to think of it, this is the opportunity/channel for such criminals. We are given the false impression that Kickstarter is a reliable platform. But this campaign is one of those that just say otherwise. I wonder the other projects that have scammed backers. The amount in total could be millions I guess...
@Dan can you understand why its getting to this point where people are taking that path? I mean look at how long its taken to get any progress of the fabric and even then no one has actually seen it. Lack of communication leads to backer frustration and eventually anger. Don't blame the backers when all it took was regular communication and updates from the creator to avoid the negative comments.
Until factual proof is presented people will just see this as a scam.
To all you guys out there shaming him, can you see now that he completely gone silent and ran away for go. He probably dun even bother anymore to try complete the project by getting other parties to make the shirt, after all the name and shame he's been getting. Thnks a million, here goes my 2 shirts worth of dole, dude!
Still waiting for my T-shirt (Best never made) Just wanted to provide some links to file complaints about this project. I think we get more people to file the better chance we can get our money back!
Will apparently no longer works at north American senior benefits. It looks like he works at Global Vision Communications now. Here is his linked in profile. https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-simon-61a35345… .
I also found the address and phone number for his current employer (if you wanted it):
On their website there is also a way to contact the company. I wonder if his company is aware of the lack of communication and his previous endeavors on kickstarter? Seems like communication would be important to a company called "Global Vision Communications".
I've exhausted what I can do. I hope the DC Consumer Protection agency is still working on it. Most likely we'll get nothing from this, but hopefully Will and Vince get the justice they deserve. However, Will updates singularly in the 1st person, no "we", "our", "myself and Vince", etc. I wonder if Vince bailed out on him a long time ago.
I've ordered like 10 shirts costing me USD$235. With that money, I could just buy a shirt off UA but this project seem honest and passionate... Now I have to suck it all up and hoping for the best that any shirts actually arrive at my doorstep. From July 2015 till now.
tried submitted a dispute charge to my credit card company - which they promptly denied - stating that federal law requires them to consider disputes within 60 days of when funding/charge occurred. tough if not impossible to do when the "promises" of delivery are for the future and then get pushed back. kickstarter is definitely complicit in this fraudulent scheme! no more backing for me.
Strange enough the crowdfunding sites in china have better control and regulation compared to KS and iGg. Only 10% of funds are released when the project is funded. Another 50% released when goods are manufactured (with proper documentation of purchase of raw materials, payment to suppliers, factories etc). The final 40% is only released when the pledges are starting to be fulfilled (at least 25-30%) of the tracking numbers being sent out to backers. For a country where fraud is prevalent, I must say they do a good job from deterring shitty crowdfunding companies.
I think the only way KS implements tighter controls on creators is to either start losing money, federal regulations require it, and/or lawsuits force their hand. Their policies clear them of all liability once they collect the funds. As we all know, once they get their cut, they don't care. The red flags were clearly present with this Campaign prior to funding. I foolishly chose to stick with them.
@Vincent great link. Just fascinating to see another project down the toilet and the hidden areas of the financial side.
You would think by now Kickstarter would deem it mandatory that all creators have a transparent log of financial expenses. Would save all this pain
Use this space to cheer the creator along, ask questions, and talk to your fellow backers. Please remember to be respectful and considerate. Thanks!
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Show older commentsGiorgio De Fiore on September 19
Please issue a refund for me. Thanks
Adam Tschida on September 19
Also this... "Additionally, I have several thousand high quality athletic socks that are city/sports team themed."
Why do you have all these socks?? You can't afford to make us shirts but you have "SEVERAL THOUSAND" pairs of socks????
Adam Tschida on September 19
I would have funded a sport sock company if that's what I wanted. I'm not sure what I'd do with a shirt that is military related as well. I'd bet the amount of money I pledged (bad idea clearly) on the chance that I've never heard of this 'supplement' company. It's sort of fun to come here and read all the hate and really how pathetic it is that a major company that makes headlines has zero connect with any of this. Just disappointed with kickstarter and I hope nothing but bad things for Will from here on out.
Sean Harrington
Superbacker
on September 19
Send my money back I don't need socks or a shirt I didn't order.
Kristine Beatty on September 19
I've given up hope on the shirts and refund (I know, its a risk we take being on Kickstarter), but filed my complaint with the FTC today (thanks George and others for the info below!). The "here is some old crap I couldn't unload... OH! and spend MORE of your money with my 'buddy' on supplements" update was the last straw. Forgive me if I don't think highly of a con-artists recommendation...
Kari Dreyling on September 19
Has anyone filed a complaint on WA state? I'd be happy to add to it.
Redpeeptoes on September 19
Where is my reffund that you had promised several months ago not jyst to just me but other unhappy backers. Still nothing. I want my full refund
Tim on September 17
I just sent a letter to the AG in DC. Here we go.
Dan Dan on September 17
Where is this thief?? He's been silent since the last time he was lambasted by backers. Another swindler on the run. Bad Karma for him and his family.
Redpeeptoes on September 16
No refund still!
Justus Ackermann on September 16
I personally would not care whether I get any money back or not. Probably not, as an international backer, but I also 'only' backed $70 and not over $300, like some other poor guys here. All I would want is for the Simons to get prosecuted for this.
PoweredByPho on September 15
Interesting read...
"The court ordered a total of $668 in restitution for the 31 Washington state backers, $31,000 in civil penalties for violating the state Consumer Protection Act ($1,000 per violation), and $23,183 to cover the costs and fees involved in bringing the case."
“Washington state will not tolerate crowdfunding theft,” said Ferguson. “If you accept money from consumers, and don’t follow through on your obligations, my office will hold you accountable.”
"The campaign was successfully funded on Oct. 31,[2012] receiving $25,146 on a $15,000 ask."
"Project backers were promised the playing cards and other rewards with an estimated delivery date of December 2012. The project was not completed and none of the backers received any of the promised items or any refunds. Additionally, the company has not communicated with its backers since July 2013."
http://www.polygon.com/2015/9/11/9310945/kickstarter-court-victory-attorney-general-washington-asylum-playing-cards
Hahaha, it's quite comical how this campaign seems so similar - yet on a larger scale (about 10x).
But the bad news is...
"The Attorney General’s Office filed its first-of-its-kind lawsuit April 30, 2014." and it wasn't settled until Dec 2015.
We could be waiting YEARS for anything to happen. Also, the biggest issue here is that the press release states:
"The court ordered a total of $668 in restitution for the 31 Washington state backers"...
That means the 31 backers received $21 each and the other 770 backers received nothing??
Well that was the nail in the coffin for me. Being an international backer, I've fully 100% accepted now that even if they are prosecuted, I will receive nothing. Therefore, I have to just accept defeat and forget about the ~$300 wasted on these sad lives.
Irregardless of that, I still want to have Will and Vince Simon prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Let's all contact Bob Ferguson!!!
Rashaad Smith on September 15
I know for a fact that I'm not getting these "amazing shirts" I was promised but yet I still come back to this page as if there is going to be some new development. I think because I know we're all more or less in the same boat and can relate to how terrible this is.
John Aleo
Superbacker
on September 13
I wish we had a petition or something so all of us could be represented as one. A handful of individuals filing complaints would look better with a couple thousand names attached.
George on September 12
I emailed the contact on Friday. I was told,
"Unfortunately I cannot share any information at this time. This is still an active investigation. I will reach out to any / all complainants that have filed with the Attorney General’s Office for the District of Columbia as soon as I can."
So if you haven't filed with the DC AG's office, and you want any update, file with them. Specifically, the Consumer Protection Division.
Justus Ackermann on September 12
Whether he will be able to get away with it is up to us! Could maybe someone who was already in contact with the DA's office try to reach out to them again? Inquire whether they are still on it?
Sandro on September 9
Well it's creeping on 2 months again. I guess they have succeeded in getting away with daylight robbery
Francis Beyens on September 7
Would be meta to make a kickstarter funding campaign to get to the bottom of this scam.
Francis Beyens on September 7
George when can you make us a proper tshirt? :)
John Stagaman on September 6
The boys from South Park decide to create a startup company funded through Kickstarter so that they never have to work again
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go_Fund_Yourself
This seems on the money.
Sean Nguyen on September 2
Has anyone thought about contacting one of the local DC news stations that do investigative reports? I'm sure our issues with this particular project would be a good segue into overall issues on Kickstarter. Would probably make a pretty good story.
Brian Beeck on September 1
Well Vince blocked me on social media because I asked for an update.
John Aleo
Superbacker
on September 1
Ran by an asshole and an idiot. It's not as if he created the fabric or made any designs. He literally failed in every aspect of this project.
George on September 1
What I know is that the Washington D.C Office of Consumer Protection had contacted Will about all the complaints. I spoke with someone there and was told this. It seems Will was misrepresenting his relationship with them when he stated here that he working with them on a plan to move forward. He made it sound like the office was helping him bring the project to completion. I was told that is not the case. I was also told the mention of offering the fabric to a major player such as UA, Addidas, Reebok, Nike was completely ridiculous and wouldn't happen. So anyone thinking those of us who actually tried to get info scared him away, you are wrong. Will would've continued to kick this can down the road so more and more people just forgot about it.
We obviously don't know how much, if any, of the money Will used on himself. But it's my opinion this project got way, way, way over his head and he got completely overwhelmed. He looked for ways out, "Would you just like to forget this project exists? Check Yes", saying he would offer it to the other apparel companies, asking for more money, etc. He lacked complete transparency, honesty and integrity with long communication gaps.
I may try to contact the person at the Office of Consumer Protection for an update, but there's no guarantee I'll get a reply. At this point, I'm expecting neither my shirt, the fabric or money. I hope Will gets justice for his actions, and he can drag his brother Vince back into it as well. Backers shouldn't be the only ones that incur risks on these projects.
Kelii Yamashita on September 1
Seriously he will never get away. This project will haunt him and find a way back to his life. This will jeopardize his future if he doesn't end this well.
Brian Beeck on August 31
I emailed his work and didn't receive a response. Let them know about him being a scam artist conning 3,759 people out of $289,888. Sent them a link and politely suggested they read the comments. They have yet to answer.
Justus Ackermann on August 31
@Gordon
+1
I also hope that someday, somebody who was in contact with the DA's office will post some news.
Gordon Smearer on August 31
It's curious why i keep coming back to check comments. As an educated person, i realize that there will be nothing but negative comments about kickstarter failing to protect its customers and Will stealing our money without recourse. I guess I return as a sort of a group therapy where I can comiserate being scammed. Maybe someday we will see a message from kickstarter other than "we aren't liable " or a message from Will saying something truthful......
Hussni on August 31
I have this perception that Kickstarter is a platform for scammers, con-artists and those who would like to get rich quickly schemers. True there's a clause but to think of it, this is the opportunity/channel for such criminals. We are given the false impression that Kickstarter is a reliable platform. But this campaign is one of those that just say otherwise. I wonder the other projects that have scammed backers. The amount in total could be millions I guess...
New Ekkanat Sanguansut on August 29
Creator's Last login Jul 22 2016
They forgot the password of their account?
Sandro on August 28
@Dan can you understand why its getting to this point where people are taking that path? I mean look at how long its taken to get any progress of the fabric and even then no one has actually seen it. Lack of communication leads to backer frustration and eventually anger. Don't blame the backers when all it took was regular communication and updates from the creator to avoid the negative comments.
Until factual proof is presented people will just see this as a scam.
Dan Dan on August 28
To all you guys out there shaming him, can you see now that he completely gone silent and ran away for go. He probably dun even bother anymore to try complete the project by getting other parties to make the shirt, after all the name and shame he's been getting. Thnks a million, here goes my 2 shirts worth of dole, dude!
Derek on August 28
Hi everyone,
Still waiting for my T-shirt (Best never made) Just wanted to provide some links to file complaints about this project. I think we get more people to file the better chance we can get our money back!
http://dcforms.dc.gov/webform/oag-consumer-complaint-form#overlay-context=webform/oag-consumer-complaint-form
And
http://globeviz.com/contact/ (his company who hired him as a Director, Policy & Strategy!)
Frank on August 24
Will apparently no longer works at north American senior benefits. It looks like he works at Global Vision Communications now. Here is his linked in profile. https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-simon-61a35345… .
I also found the address and phone number for his current employer (if you wanted it):
http://globeviz.com/contact/
On their website there is also a way to contact the company. I wonder if his company is aware of the lack of communication and his previous endeavors on kickstarter? Seems like communication would be important to a company called "Global Vision Communications".
Francis Beyens on August 23
http://listings.findthecompany.com/l/29775964/American-Senior-Benefits-in-Youngstown-OH
Francis Beyens on August 23
Can't someone call him at work?
https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-american-senior-benefits…
Vinicius on August 23
All I could get from Vince on twitter is blocking :)
George on August 23
I've exhausted what I can do. I hope the DC Consumer Protection agency is still working on it. Most likely we'll get nothing from this, but hopefully Will and Vince get the justice they deserve. However, Will updates singularly in the 1st person, no "we", "our", "myself and Vince", etc. I wonder if Vince bailed out on him a long time ago.
Hussni on August 23
I've ordered like 10 shirts costing me USD$235. With that money, I could just buy a shirt off UA but this project seem honest and passionate... Now I have to suck it all up and hoping for the best that any shirts actually arrive at my doorstep. From July 2015 till now.
Justus Ackermann on August 19
Well, the money is gone and the shirts will never come, that's pretty much clear right now. What I now want is justice.
Shatners Bassoon on August 18
I only ordered 1 Shirt so I'd really rather have that than the money back, looks like I'm SOL though as this was a complete scam from the start!
Justus Ackermann on August 18
We all do, Giulio, we all do.
Giulio on August 17
a want my money back!
Giulio on August 17
any news?
Jonathan McGechie on August 17
Just wondering who on here gave them more money?
Russell R Herman on August 16
tried submitted a dispute charge to my credit card company - which they promptly denied - stating that federal law requires them to consider disputes within 60 days of when funding/charge occurred. tough if not impossible to do when the "promises" of delivery are for the future and then get pushed back. kickstarter is definitely complicit in this fraudulent scheme! no more backing for me.
Colin Tan on August 15
Strange enough the crowdfunding sites in china have better control and regulation compared to KS and iGg. Only 10% of funds are released when the project is funded. Another 50% released when goods are manufactured (with proper documentation of purchase of raw materials, payment to suppliers, factories etc). The final 40% is only released when the pledges are starting to be fulfilled (at least 25-30%) of the tracking numbers being sent out to backers. For a country where fraud is prevalent, I must say they do a good job from deterring shitty crowdfunding companies.
Robert McMeeking on August 15
The Best Workout Shirt Never Made. Guaranteed.
George on August 15
I think the only way KS implements tighter controls on creators is to either start losing money, federal regulations require it, and/or lawsuits force their hand. Their policies clear them of all liability once they collect the funds. As we all know, once they get their cut, they don't care. The red flags were clearly present with this Campaign prior to funding. I foolishly chose to stick with them.
Sandro on August 15
@Vincent great link. Just fascinating to see another project down the toilet and the hidden areas of the financial side.
You would think by now Kickstarter would deem it mandatory that all creators have a transparent log of financial expenses. Would save all this pain