Indiegogo

We understand this customer has additional concerns on this matter, as they have not received a refund from the owner of this campaign.
As has previously outlined, per our privacy policy, we are UNABLE to share details of any orders etc. with email addresses that were not used during the transaction and associated with the Indiegogo account. We appreciate your understanding of Indiegogo's need to protect our customer's information and maintain a platform that fosters trust by not sharing information with users who have not demonstrated they are the same user. However, as this user has clarified this was the email address used via [redacted] (though again, NOT the one associated with their Indiegogo account), I was able to locate the transaction in question.
That said, just to clarify, Indiegogo is a global crowdfunding platform that empowers people to raise funds for the things that matter to them, and in turn allows backers to help fund ideas they'd like to see come to life.
It is important to note that contributing to a campaign on Indiegogo is not the same thing as making a purchase in a store. People can raise money for various things, and be at various stages of their project. Contributors are backing an idea, not purchasing a pre-made project or item. Like anyone contributing to an early-stage project, you accept the risk that the project might experience delays, changes to their original vision, or may not come to fruition. We have tips on how to evaluate a campaign in our Help Center[redacted]
The owner of this specific campaign (who is solely responsible for the perks offered and their campaign) has posted recent updates outlining their updated shipping plans:[redacted]. We recommend this backer frequently review the updates tab, as that is the best place to get the most up-to-date information from the campaigner.
 
Regarding this customer's refund request, our records show that this contributor’s contribution has already been sent to the campaigner, which means that Indiegogo can no longer issue a refund. Learn more about our refund policy [redacted] and in our Terms of Use[redacted]
Therefore, we recommend the contributor reach out directly to the campaign owner if they are interested in receiving a refund:[redacted]

I've been a contributor to 2 campaigns. I would never under any circumstance ever fund anything again. They do nothing to protect your investment contrary to their terms of service. Both missed delivery date, big time, as a matter of fact I'm still waiting on one. They are only concerned with getting contributors money. Read some comments on the closed campaigns. They paint an ugly picture of a format that will likely fail in the end, but I'm sure not before duping as many people out of their money as they can.

Revdex.com:I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted].  I  received the refund due from Nonda Inc. and hence consider this resolution closed.
Sincerely, Ramana [redacted]

We took a look at this backer’s order and can confirm that the dispute is no longer pending in [redacted], and as such the order is no longer on-hold on Indieogo. The backer and campaign owner can both confirm this on the order details page for this order.
Regarding the refund, this transaction has...

already been disbursed to the campaign owner, which means that a refund can no longer be issued by Indiegogo or via the Indiegogo platform. Learn more about our refund policy [redacted], and in our Terms of Use, [redacted].
As such, any refund will have to be worked out between the campaigner and backer off the Indiegogo platform. We recommend the contributor reach out directly to the campaign owner if they are interested in receiving a refund.

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2015/07/29) */
We understand this customer has a question about a campaign which raised funds on Indiegogo.
Indiegogo is a global crowdfunding platform which empowers people to raise funds for the things that matter to them, and in turn allows contributors...

to help fund ideas they'd like to help bring to life. Campaign owner's often offer perks (goods, services, etc.) in exchange for contributions to their campaign.
Campaigns are run by their respective owners, and perks are offers made solely by the campaign owner- not by Indiegogo. As such, Indiegogo is not able to guarantee that perks will be delivered or deemed satisfactory. The nature of crowdfunding is such that campaigns on Indiegogo are raising funds for work-in-progress projects, ideas, or causes. Contributing to a campaign and claiming a perk on Indiegogo is not the same as buying something online. Like anyone getting in on an early-stage project, contributors accept the risk that the project may experiences changes, delays, unforeseen challenges, and it's possible that a project they fund might not come to fruition.
We see that the owner of this campaign has been communicating with their contributors regarding the status of their project, as well as roadblocks they are encountering, and what steps they are taking. We encourage this contributor to review the campaign's updates tab (https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/wave-electric-28-mph-bike#/updates) for the most up-to-date information from the campaign owner, directly.
Because contributions made through Indiegogo are transactions that take place between the campaign owner, contributor, and payment processor, we are unable to issue a refund to this contributor. However, we do suggest that the contributor feel free to reach out directly to the campaign owner to resolve any perk questions or request a refund.
We have been in touch with this contributor to outline this information.
Initial Consumer Rebuttal /* (3000, 7, 2015/08/03) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
My account was debited TO INDIEGOGO not any campaign owners,So Indiegogo along with any "Campaign Owners" Have entered into contract with me.
You Indiegogo accepted my deposit and monies for perks for a specific item being made.After this item was made An e-mail was sent to me requesting the balance of the monies including shipping.The e-mail also stated the bike will not perform as advertised at the time YOU ACCEPTED MY DEPOSIT.
This is my problem with this contract sales. I should have been informed the bike was not to specification earlier.
In the eyes of the law this is a simple contract sale,you may call it what you want,You or your Campaign owners cannot take monies and not deliver the said product or change product right before shipping. I have asked for one of two things: 1. bill me and send me the bike advertised
THE DAY YOU TOOK THE DEPOSIT or 2.Refund my $279.00.
I have tried e-mailing your Campaign Owners Aaron Brady and Justin Brasmit many time both though your website and their own website I have never received a response.I will further my Complaints.
Final Business Response /* (4000, 9, 2015/08/06) */
We understand this customer has additional concerns in this matter.
As previously outlined, Indiegogo is a global crowdfunding platform that empowers people to raise funds for the things that matter to them. It's important to note that contributing to a campaign on Indiegogo is not the same thing as making a purchase in a store. People can raise money for various things, and be at various stages of their project. Contributors are backing an idea, not purchasing a pre-made project. Like anyone contributing to an early-stage project, you accept the risk that the project might experience delays, changes to their original vision, or may not come to fruition. We have tips on how to evaluate a campaign in our Help Center: http://support.indiegogo.com/entries/XXXXXXXX-how-to-evaluate-a-campaign.
Our Terms of Use states,
"Indiegogo is an online crowdfunding venue for people and entities seeking to raise funds for their own Campaigns and to contribute to the Campaigns of others. Campaign Owners can offer gifts or rewards in the form of tangible items or intangible services (collectively, "Perks") to Contributors. Perks are not offered for sale. Indiegogo makes no representations about the quality, safety, morality or legality of any Campaign, Perk or Contribution or the truth or accuracy of your User Content (as defined below) posted on the Service. Indiegogo does not represent that Campaign Owners will deliver Perks or that Contributions will be used as described in the Campaign. Users use the Service at their own risk."
Additionally,, contributions are non-refundable by Indiegogo, as stated in our Terms of Use (www.indiegogo.com/about/terms.) Therefore, we recommend the contributor reach out directly to the campaign owner if they are interested in receiving a refund.
Final Consumer Response /* (4200, 11, 2015/08/10) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
Again, If I have an issue with one of your "artists" which I have tried to "reach out to directly" many times and will not communicate with me.You as the "crowdfunding Venue" who has accepted my monies into YOUR account and will not facilitate any type of assistance with resolving issues by hiding behind your "terms of use" policy.
We as people funding projects have to right to disagree and have some type of dialogue with both you and the Campaign owners But Obliviously we don't.You simply cannot take someone's money and then turn your back on them when an issue comes up.You must provide some type of mediation even if just a phone number here you have taken my money not provided nothing not even a good explanation.
I will continue my efforts until I get a satisfactory answer.

We appreciate this customers additional concerns, and feedback on this matter.
To be clear, Indiegogo offers an open platform that allows campaign owners to raise funds for their project. In turn contributors can fund projects that they'd like to help bring to fruition. Indiegogo does not run campaigns nor do we offer or fulfill perks. Instead, the owner of the campaign is the party solely responsible for their unique campaign and fulfilling any perks offered through their campaign [redacted]
Indiegogo doesn't vet campaigners ability to follow through on their claims or guarantee that perks will be delivered or deemed satisfactory by the contributors. Instead, the decision whether to contribute to a campaign is at the sole discretion of the contributor. We leave it up to the contributor to make his or her own judgment about a campaign’s merits before making a contribution.
Our Terms of Use[redacted] states:
"Indiegogo is a Venue
Indiegogo is an online crowdfunding venue for people and entities seeking to raise funds for their own Campaigns and to contribute to the Campaigns of others. Campaign Owners can offer gifts or rewards in the form of tangible items or intangible services (collectively, "Perks") to Contributors. Perks are not offered for sale. Indiegogo makes no representations about the quality, safety, morality or legality of any Campaign, Perk or Contribution or the truth or accuracy of User Content (as defined below) posted on the Services. Indiegogo does not represent that Campaign Owners will deliver Perks or that Contributions will be used as described in the Campaign. Users use the Services at their own risk."
Indiegogo’s Trust and Safety team routinely reviews campaigns based on automated and manual techniques using multiple data points. In addition to these routine reviews, our team also investigates real-time feedback and concerns from our users and partners as new information comes to light.
Indiegogo and its Trust and Safety Team strives to promote a positive experience for all users, and facilitate timely communication and trust between our campaigners and backers. Our policies and guidelines are frequently reviewed and constantly evolving to improve this experience throughout.
 
Again, we appreciate this customer’s opinions and feedback on this matter, and will pass it along to our team, as such.

Indiegogo is a global crowdfunding platform that empowers people to raise funds for the things that matter to them,...

and in turn allows backers to help fund ideas they'd like to see come to life. Regarding this customer's refund request, our records show that this contributor’s contribution has already been sent to the campaigner, which means that a refund can no longer be issued by Indiegogo. Learn more about our refund policy[redacted] and in our Terms of Use,[redacted]
 
Therefore, we recommend the contributor reach out directly to the campaign owner if they are interested in receiving a refund. Although we are unable to refund the contributor’s contribution, we have been in touch with this contributor and have shared the campaign owner’s contact information with this contributor in an effort to facilitate communication.

Complaint: [redacted]I am rejecting this response because:
 
Indiegogo has been no help and they are not holding up their terms of use. They told me that **, the campaigner, is bound by the terms of use of their website to either refund me or provide a replacement of equal value. I passed this information along to ** and outlined in detail from the terms of use how he cannot possibly provide anything of equal value so he is obligated, as Indiegogo said, to refund me, and ** has been unresponsive. (Not surprisingly, he's scammed $17,800 off of this campaign, of course he isn't going to respond to me I have no power only Indiegogo does.) I then contacted indiegogo again and they told me that I can take up legal action against ** if I want on my own, to which I responded with the following message, that they have no responded to yet: "Hi [redacted]. So you're basically telling me I'm supposed to get my own lawyer and go after him. But in the Terms of Use, it directly says , "Campaign Owners shall not make any false or misleading statements in connection with their Campaigns" which ** has done with this campaign. When the guests of honor all dropped out, he removed the poster from the description of the campaign, and after we all started finding out from social media, then he sent an ambiguous and vague email saying there was 'a change to the lineup' but the event would still go on. That is a VERY misleading statement, because ALL of the line up dropped out thus the event is now mute, and an entirely different thing all together. That email he sent is a direct violation of your terms of use, which means he is violating the terms you bind him by, which means his campaign should be shut down. That is something you are obligated to do because he is breaking your rules. When someone breaks the rules in a sports game it is the responsibility of the organization to put a stop to it, not up to the fans to call lawyers and individually go after the injustice. Your terms also say "we may delay, withhold, reverse or refund any Contributions or other amounts without notice or liability" which tells me that someone on your end has the authority to grant my refund. I get that Indiegogo doesn't guarantee the quality of perks, but Indiegogo does guarantee that the campaigner will not intentionally mislead funders, because it is explicitly prohibited in the terms of use, which ** has done by telling us there was a small change to the line up and the event is on, when the change is the entire line up and the event is not on. That is on you. That is a scam that he is carrying out which your terms directly hold him accountable for. An abuse of terms of use has been committed, blatantly. ALSO, the indiegogo terms of use bind ** to abide by the [redacted], for credit card processing which he violates: "you agree to: (i) accurately communicate, and not misrepresent, the nature of the Transaction, " and..."(iv) not use Services to sell products or services in a manner that is unfair or deceptive" and also "If you engage in Transactions with Customers who are individuals (i.e. consumers), you specifically agree to provide consumers disclosures required by Law, and to not engage in unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices [redacted]." [redacted]. This situation right here, could be turned into a class action lawsuit pretty quickly, because you are supposed to hold **, the campaigner, by those two terms of use/service documents as you claim you do, and by not holding him responsible to those agreements and expecting me to do it myself, well then you're not actually holding up your terms of use at all. The terms of service must be abided by otherwise he is not allowed to use your website, that's how terms of service work, they are legal documents. So either you need to do something about his clear and direct violation of Indieogogo's terms that he is breaching and the secondary breach of [redacted] Indiegogo states he is required to abide by as well, which is technically an actual misdemeanor of the law, or you are breaking your own agreement between your company and your users which is a much b[redacted]er legal problem."
This business should be held accountable to hold up their terms of use that the campaigners and backers agree too. I agreed to these when I gave money to this campaign to meet the 13 writers, and because it is not being abided by / held up by the company, I believe I am more than entitled to a refund. They most certainly have the power to give one as first, I have talked to another person in this campaign that was refunded, and seccond, they also have the power to either force ** to refund me directly or to charge him the cost of refunding me as he has breached the terms he agreed to be bound by as a campaigner. Sincerely,[redacted]

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2015/06/21) */
We understand that this campaign owner is concerned about the status of their campaign's disbursement of funds. Unfortunately, we have no record of a campaign created or run by the individual filing this complaint.
That said, we see they...

have been in contact with us via Ticket #XXXXXX and reference a different email address, which is the owner of the campaign. For this account listed under the other email address, our records show we have been in touch regarding their campaign.
The campaign in question, our records show this campaign ended on June 12, 2015. Campaign funds raised via Direct Credit Card are disbursed within 15 business days of a campaign's deadline, assuming that the bank account information is complete and accurate. This disbursement timeline is clearly outlined during the campaign creation process. Additionally, all disbursement information is outlined in our Help Center: https://support.indiegogo.com/hc/en-us/articles/XXXXXXXXX.
This campaign owner can expect the funds to be disbursed within 15 business days of their campaign's deadline. We are happy to let this customer know that the funds for this campaign were disbursed last week and should have received an email notification when the funds were disbursed.
We have also been in contact with the campaign owner directly in order to clarify this process.

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2015/12/06) */
Indiegogo is a global crowdfunding platform that empowers people to raise funds for the things that matter to them. Regarding this customer's refund request, our records show that this contributor's contribution has already been sent to the...

campaigner, which means that a refund can no longer be issued by Indiegogo. Learn more about our refund policy https://support.indiegogo.com/hc/en-us/articles/XXXXXX, and in our Terms of Use, www.indiegogo.com/about/terms.
Therefore, we recommend the contributor reach out directly to the campaign owner if they are interested in receiving a refund. Although we are unable to refund the contributor's contribution, we have been in touch with this contributor and have shared the campaign owner's contact information with this contributor in an effort to facilitate communication.
We recommend that the contributor reach out directly to the campaign owner if he or she is interested in receiving a refund. By creating a campaign on Indiegogo, the campaign owner agrees to use funds and fulfill all perks as stated in their campaign. If, for any reason, they are unable to use Contributions as described in their Campaign, they agree to work with the Contributors to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution, which may include refunding their Contributions.
Initial Consumer Rebuttal /* (3000, 7, 2015/12/10) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
I not accept the response. Why:
Because I said, I sent money to Indiegogo not for compaingn!!
As I said, the money was sent to you, so you are the ones to blames. You are guilty of permitting this.
I sent the money to you !!!! I have the evidence! the proof What do you do then with him, it is another matter.
If you send all the money at once for the Company, it is a mistake that you have done.
You should sending the money, as they will need investment and should be your responsibility to manage all investment and application of money.
I suggest you change your procedures.
If in the few times did not receive my REAL money, I will try also court and say that the problems are start with you, and can tell the world that anybody can trusted in you.
I want refund my money: 799 usd.
I sent money to indegogo, not for other sponsored compain, so, Is Indiegogo that would refund.
When I sent money for compain sponsored by indiegogo, in first the money is goiñg to INDIEGOGO! So, the Indiegogo should give me the money. It is 799 usd.
The payment is by PAYPAL.
The payment is in January 05, 2014
Order is a Panel Solar
I have various email's that can confirm the above.
Of course part of the money should going for some compain: Solar Liberator, BUT in first is going to Indiegogo.
The first email:
From: Indiegogo mailto:[redacted]@indiegogo.com
Sent: Sunday, January 05, XXXX XX:XX PM
This is a proof that money going to Indiegogo
If the Indiegogo sponsored campaign's, should have some secure.
See the other proof:
"Hello Solar,
A new contribution came in for 'Solar Liberator' on Indiegogo.
The contribution was deposited directly into your campaign's PayPal account, and you should also receive a confirmation email from PayPal.
Here are the details:
Contributor Name: jmazevedo
Contribution Amount: $799 USD
Payment Type: PayPal
Visibility: This is a Visible Contribution - You may reveal their identity and amount publicly
They selected the following Perk: Get a 500W Unit - Supporters get their 500W Solar Liberator for just $799 Save 20% off $999.95 retail price. Includes a Li-ion smart battery, enabling you to use solar power even at night. Free shipping in the United States. Please add $35 for international orders.
You can find campaign analytics, fund disbursement status, and perk fulfillment information on your dashboard.
Reply to this email to thank your new contributor! Or thank your contributors on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.
Sincerely,
The Indiegogo Team"
I hope, as I said, my money back!
Final Business Response /* (4000, 9, 2015/12/20) */
Indiegogo is a global crowdfunding platform that empowers people to raise funds for the things that matter to them. Our Terms of Use (http://www.indiegogo.com/about/terms) obligates campaign owners to fulfill any promised perks. Perk fulfillment is the full responsibility of the campaign owner. Our Terms of Use states,
"Indiegogo is an online crowdfunding venue for people and entities seeking to raise funds for their own Campaigns and to contribute to the Campaigns of others. Campaign Owners can offer gifts or rewards in the form of tangible items or intangible services (collectively, "Perks") to Contributors. Perks are not offered for sale. Indiegogo makes no representations about the quality, safety, morality or legality of any Campaign, Perk or Contribution or the truth or accuracy of your User Content (as defined below) posted on the Service. Indiegogo does not represent that Campaign Owners will deliver Perks or that Contributions will be used as described in the Campaign. Users use the Service at their own risk."
With that said, we have been in contact with this contributor to explain our Terms of Use. We have also shared the campaign owner's contact information with this contributor in an effort to facilitate communication between these two parties.
Regarding this customer's refund request, our records show that this contributor's contribution has already been sent to the campaigner, which means that Indiegogo can no longer issue a refund. Our Terms outline "For Campaigns that have ended, or in situations where the contribution funds have been transferred to the Campaign Owner, Contributors should contact the Campaign Owner directly regarding refunds." As such, we do suggest that the contributor feel free to reach out directly to the campaign owner to resolve any perk questions or request a refund.
Final Consumer Response /* (4200, 11, 2015/12/25) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
Answer this questions:
1.º The money was sent to you or not?
(do not forget that email in paypal is yours...)
2.º From this money I sent, all are given to campaign?
If not, what is the percentage?
thanks
[redacted]

Complaint: [redacted]I am rejecting this response because:
This transaction was not "backing an idea" but payment in exchange for a product that I was led to believe existed (photos and videos showing it in action were plastered all over their web page).  The cop out that I "was provided contact information for the" manufacturer is not acceptable.  Indiegogo knows full well that the manufacturer has said they will no longer communicate with purchasers directly.  Indiegogo has all the cards.  They advertised the product on their website.  They took the funds from me.  They are the only party that has a contractual relationship with the manufacturer and with me. And, they are the only party that has the ability to contact the manufacturer.  I didn't get what I was promised, and the only acceptable solution is a full refund of the money I paid TO INDIEGOGO.  If they need to go to the manufacturer and obtain a refund for amounts they paid to it, then they should do so, as they have the relationship with the manufacturer.  At this point, they have simply stolen my money and given me nothing in return. 
Sincerely,[redacted]

Complaint: [redacted]I am rejecting this response because:Sincerely,[redacted]

It is apparently too easy to perpetrate fraudulent activities via Indiegogo. The campaign that I contributed to has effectively taken the money and run, with no recourse.

As previously outlined like anyone contributing to an early-stage project, you accept the risk that the project might not come to fruition. Again, Indiegogo does not make claims or verify that a “campaign owner will deliver perks or that contributions will be used as described on the campaign.”  The decision to contribute to any campaign is in the sole determination of the contributor and their evaluation of the campaign, not Indiegogo. We recommend that each contributor go through their own vetting process before they decide to contribute. We have compiled a list of how to evaluate a campaign, as a good starting point:[redacted]
Indiegogo does not vet individual campaign owner’s ability or merits upon which they can complete or fulfill their projects. Instead, we are an open platform that gives campaigners the opportunity to raise funds from their communities/networks. In turn allows Backers to support projects they care about and would like to have a small part in helping potentially bring to life. Instead, it is up to the individual Backer to review the campaign and the people behind the project, ask questions when necessary and generally determine whether they believe in the project and are willing to put money behind the campaign team to help them further their goal, or not, before deciding to fund the project.
We are sorry to hear that this campaigner has been less than communicative. While we understand that Campaigner’s can face hurdles, some of them even insurmountable, we do expect Campaigners to be transparent to contributors about the status of their project by posting updates to their campaign. As this doesn’t seem to be the case for this campaign, we have reached out to the Campaigner to remind them of their obligations and encouraged them to post an update. If this Campaigner continues to be unresponsive, Backers may be able to use our Terms of Use to take legal action against this campaigner. We share the disappointment of our Backer Community when a Campaigner is unable to meet Backer expectations.
Finally, while we are unable to mediate any user disputes- including those around refunds or perk fulfillment, we have previously shared the contact information of the owner of this campaign, with this Backer, in an effort to facilitate communication and in line with our Terms of Use.  This is all the information we are able to share with Backers due to Privacy Concerns. However, should this Backer require additional information, Indiegogo will comply with any court ordered/legal release of information of a campaign owner. Our Terms of Use [redacted] outline how such orders should be filed with Indiegogo.

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2014/12/02) */
Indiegogo is a global crowdfunding platform which empowers people to raise funds for the things that matter to them. Our Terms of Use (http://www.indiegogo.com/about/terms) obligates campaign owners to fulfill any promised perks. Perk...

fulfillment is the full responsibility of the campaign owner. Our Terms of Use states:
"Indiegogo is an online crowdfunding venue for people and entities seeking to raise funds for their own Campaigns and to contribute to the Campaigns of others. Campaign Owners can offer gifts or rewards in the form of tangible items or intangible services (collectively, "Perks") to Contributors. Perks are not offered for sale. Indiegogo makes no representations about the quality, safety, morality or legality of any Campaign, Perk or Contribution or the truth or accuracy of your User Content (as defined below) posted on the Services. Indiegogo does not represent that Campaign Owners will deliver Perks or that Contributions will be used as described in the Campaign. Users use the Services at their own risk."
Because contributions made through Indiegogo are transactions that take place between the campaign owner, contributor, and payment processor, we are unable to issue a refund to this contributor. However, we do suggest that the contributor feel free to reach out directly to the campaign owner to resolve any perk questions or request a refund.
With that said, we have been in contact with the this contributor to explain our Terms of Use and clarify any other questions. We have also provided this contributor with the campaign owner's contact information in an effort to facilitate communication between the two parties.
Initial Consumer Rebuttal /* (3000, 7, 2014/12/08) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
I think Indiegogo bears some level of responsibility for ensuring that people raising money on their platforms are not scammers. I have contacted the people behind the campaign multiple times and they have not responded. That is the very first red flag. As I have noted in all my correspondence with them, it does not matter that much to me that I did not get my perk. I just want to know where my money went. Why Indiegogo is sticking up for a group of scammers who used their site to steal over $11,000 makes no sense to me. If anything, Indiegogo should be working to identify the parties behind the campaign and determine what happened to the funds, and the perks the campaign was supposed to deliver. As I noted several time during correspondence with Indiegogo, I am not demanding a refund and I realize that the site has terms and conditions excluding the possibility of a refund in most cases.
But in a case of clear fraud, the company should take some responsibility for its actions and at the very least, be in communication with the users who were fleeced out of over $11,000. Indiegogo is not a company I feel safe doing business with, and not a company I would ever recommend. Defending con artists is unacceptable.
Final Business Response /* (4000, 9, 2014/12/16) */
Indiegogo provides an open crowdfunding platform permitting funds to be raised for a wide range of projects in accordance with our Terms of Use posted at www.indiegogo.com. Campaigns are run by their individual campaign owner's and not by Indiegogo. Indiegogo does not manage campaigns, nor are perks offered by Indiegogo. Instead, all perks are offers made by Campaign Owners, and we recommend to any contributor who has questions about a campaign's offerings that make inquires of the campaign owner.
People can raise money for various things, and be at various stages of their project. Contributors are backing an idea, not purchasing a pre-made project. Like anyone contributing to an early-stage project, you accept the risk that the project might not come to fruition. Again, Indiegogo does not make claims or verify that a "campaign owner will deliver perks or that contributions will be used as described on the campaign." The decision to contribute to any campaign is in the sole determination of the contributor and their evaluation of the campaign, not Indiegogo.
In order to maintain the openness of our platform while protecting the security of our users, Indiegogo uses a proprietary fraud detection algorithm to quickly catch violations or unwanted behavior on our platform. We also rely on our team of Trust and Safety experts to review and verify activity on our platform and take the appropriate action. Finally, we have a fantastic community of users who let us know about suspicious or inappropriate behavior that helps us keep our platform secure.
That said, we appreciate this customers thoughts on Indiegogo's position as an open platform. Indiegogo offers a space for innovation and discovery. Instead we provide a platform where people who are passionate [redacted] their ideas can connect with funders who believe in their vision. It's a core part of our ethos as a business and we vehemently stand by this belief. Our customers deserve the opportunity to fund ideas they believe in. The crowd is entitled to decide, eyes wide open, what concepts they want to have a part in trying to advance.
Final Consumer Response /* (4200, 11, 2014/12/22) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
Again, Indiegogo is not addressing my problem. I fully accept the fact that I was backing an idea and not buying a product. I fully accept the fact that many campaigns fail and backers don't receive their perks. As Indiegogo suggested, I have contacted the camusing owner but my inquiries have been ignored. This campaign appears to have been a scam that fleeced Indiegogo users out of over $11,000. The fact that Indiegogo doesn't give a [redacted] about their platform being used to scam people is sickening and frightening. For the umpteenth time, I AM NOT DEMANDING A REFUND. I JUST WANT COMMUNICATION FROM THE CAMPAIGN OWNER ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED TO MY MONEY. IF INDIEGOGO WANTS PEOPLE TO USE ITS PLATFORM THEY SHOULD NOT AID AND ABETT FRAUD AGAINST BACKERS.

Indiegogo is a global crowdfunding platform that empowers people to raise funds for the things that matter to them, and in turn allows backers to help fund ideas they'd like to see come to life. Regarding this customer's refund request, our records show that this contributor’s contribution has...

already been sent to the campaigner, which means that Indiegogo can no longer issue a refund. Learn more about our refund policy [redacted], and in our Terms of Use, [redacted].
Therefore, we recommend the contributor reach out directly to the campaign owner if they are interested in receiving a refund. By creating a campaign on Indiegogo, the campaign owner agrees to use funds and fulfill all perks as stated in their campaign. If, for any reason, they are unable to use Contributions as described in their Campaign, they agree to work with the Contributors to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution, which may include refunding their Contributions.
Although we are unable to refund the contributor’s contribution, we have been in touch with this contributor and have shared the campaign owner’s contact information with this contributor in an effort to facilitate communication.

Complaint: [redacted]I am rejecting this response because:
They have not actually provided any contact information, as they claim. Further lies from this company are not surprising. 
I will continue to reject this, because I feel it is vital that any future backer realizes that this company is completely and totally fine with fraudulent campaigns being created, taking almost 20,000 dollars from backers, and then never--NEVER--providing any of the promised goods or services or "perks" as Indiegogo claims. And, though Indiegogo claims they would like to help backers, THEY DO NOT actually assist. They say leaves it on the backers, those who have lost their money, to deal with it on their own.
[redacted] provides better assistance. All campaign creators who are legitimate should go to [redacted]. All backers who want to actually get their products and have proper customer service interactions and assistance from the organization TAKING OUR MONEY should go to [redacted].
 Please, all backers, avoid Indiegogo. They are rude, they don't care whatsoever about their backers, and all they want to do is make money. They continuously lied to me throughout this process, and to Revdex.com. 
Until Indiegogo changes their policy to assist backers, they are clearly purely a company that is interested in making money for criminals from good, honest customers.
Sincerely,[redacted]

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 10, 2016/01/20) */
Indiegogo is a global crowdfunding platform that empowers people to raise funds for the things that matter to them. Regarding this customer's refund request, our records show that this contributor's contribution has already been sent to...

the campaigner, which means that a refund can no longer be issued by Indiegogo. Learn more about our refund policy https://support.indiegogo.com/hc/en-us/articles/XXXXXX, and in our Terms of Use, www.indiegogo.com/about/terms.Therefore, we recommend the contributor reach out directly to the campaign owner if they are interested in receiving a refund.
Although we are unable to refund the contributor's contribution, we have been in touch with this contributor and have shared the campaign owner's contact information with this contributor in an effort to facilitate communication.
Initial Consumer Rebuttal /* (2000, 12, 2016/01/22) */
(The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.)
Hello,
This is a gray area. I hope if I answer, Yes, someone reads this and understands that it is not resolved but I understand Indiegogo steps out of the accountability role for the the vendor. I appreciate forwarding the message to the vendor.

Complaint: [redacted]I am rejecting this response because: PLEASE read my complaint and read the CASE NUMBERS! I understand now that you refuse to help your customers and are in no business to keep them either. But I do ask you to reference the correct support numbers and actually answer me instead of closing the cases and ignoring my complaints, hence why I have to come here. Support cases #[redacted] and [redacted]. I have also enclosed screen shots of you not answering me and closing the cases. Please provide the contact information as promised and I would take this to a non public forum but you refuse to answer me on there so that is that. Sincerely,[redacted]

Indiegogo is a global crowdfunding platform that empowers people to raise funds for the things that matter to them, and in turn allows backers to help fund ideas they'd like to see come to life.
 
Contributing to a campaign on Indiegogo is not the same thing as making a purchase in a store....

People can raise money for various things, and be at various stages of their project. Contributors are backing an idea, not purchasing a pre-made project. Like anyone contributing to an early-stage project, you accept the risk that the project might experience delays, changes to their original vision, or may not come to fruition. We have tips on how to evaluate a campaign in our Help Center: [redacted].
Regarding this customer's refund request, our records show that this contributor’s contribution has already been sent to the campaigner, which means that a refund can no longer be issued by Indiegogo. Learn more about our refund policy [redacted], and in our Terms of Use, [redacted].
 
Therefore, we recommend the contributor reach out directly to the campaign owner if they are interested in receiving a refund. Although we are unable to refund the contributor’s contribution, we have been in touch with this contributor and have shared the campaign owner’s contact information with this contributor in an effort to facilitate communication.