In January of 2009 I gave a co-worker a check for 72.00. She was going to buy me 2 cartons of cigarettes in Maryland since she was moving there. As of today I still have not received the cigarettes.I have called her several times and she promised to bring them or mail them to me but so far I have not gotten any cigarettes. I called her twice in the last 2 days but I guess she is screening her calls and won't pick up. I told her that she has to send my money back by Saturday or else I will go to the police dept and file a complaint.I realized that its only 72.00 but I hate to be taken for a ride.its the principal more than the money.what are my options regarding this and how do I start? Thanks

I know what you mean by being taken for a ride on this, but I would chalk it up to experience and move on. It would be very hard to prove anything to the police.

First, sorry but I doubt the police will do anything, since you gave them the money,

They merely did not provide the service you asked for.
** and I have a funny one on this, if you asked them to buy cigarettes in another state ( and bring them to you to get a cheaper tax rate) you were trying to not pay the proper local state taxes) And may not be actually legal. *** not that they would arrest you for it

But that brings us to the issue,
First it is not criminal, they merely did not follow up on the verbal contract, so you can sue them in small claims court for the money.

BUT>>>> if the purchase of cigarettes in another state, for another person, is actually illegal in your state, then this contract was for a illegal activity, and you can not sue for refund of money lost in a illegal activity.

But at best you sue in small claims court,