On 01-31-09 I purchased 5 concert tickets for a Jimmy Buffet show in Michigan on 08-13-09. I paid about $400 for the tickets that turned out to be fraudulent. We were not admitted. I live in Michigan, but it turns out the young man that sold me the tickets lives in Champagne, Illinois. Although I have communicated with the seller, I don't think he's taking me or this situation very seriously. I would like to file a small claim, but have no idea if this needs to happen in Michigan, or Illinois? Any assistance would greatly appreciated.

This is actually a criminal complaint, not a small claims. Call the police or contact the seller's medium (ebay?)

Steve is right, this is fraud and theft, if he sold you counterfeit tickets. Contact the police and swear out a warrant. After he's arrested and faces jail, he may take this seriously enough to refund your money.

This is actually a criminal complaint, not a small claims.

It's actually both.

The question was whether you can sue him in Michigan, or Illinois. You need to examine the small claims statutes for each state.

You can file in Michigan:


Your case must be filed in the city or county where the transaction or dispute took place, or where the person or business you are suing is located. If you are suing more than one person or business, the suit may be filed in the district court where any of the persons live, or where any of the businesses operate. [emphisis added]
Small Claims Self Help (http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/selfhelp/smallclaims/sc_help.htm#authority)

Once you get a Michigan judgment, if you can't find any of his assets in Michigan, you would register the judgment in Illinois and collect it there.