How do I get my money back from the now bankrupt Levitz furniture store?

Question

I have recently bought furniture from Levitz, but they are now bankrupt and so my furniture will not arrive. How do I get my money back? I used a mastercard from Taiwan, so I called the credit card company but they said that since Levitz already withdrew the money from a bank in the US, they cannot get the money back. They said that I could fill out a form and they would deal with Levitz and get back to me within 45 days. I went back to Levitz and they said I could also go to the bankruptcy court. I am confused, what do I do? Does it matter whether the mastercard is from Taiwan or the US? I know most companies refund you if the product does not arrive.
Thanks in advance for the replies. (Sorry, not sure which category to post this in)

The worst part is, those dishonest business people sold me the stuff a week after they filed for bankruptcy!

Without letting me know!

Answer 1

You need to file a protest in writing to your credit card company.
When a company goes bankrupt they owe a lot of people. The furniture you paid for is a asset to them and your money is a liablity. Many others are in line to be paid before you like the IRS and the bankruptcy attorneys. If any money is left to pay your class of creditor you will be on the list and may get a portion of a refund.
If you paid cash you would be pretty much out of luck even if you paid cash and were just going to pick up the next day.
Since you used a credit card you can claim you didn't get your merchandise and you should get a refund. It isn't your problem that they released the funds to the furniture company.
Read your card agreement.

Answer 2

Since you used a non-US credit card, you don't get the same credit card protections required on US credit cards by US law. Depending on the state, you would have to file for a refund in bankruptcy court.

Answer 3

Oh I'm P-Oed at them for you! You can take them to court, depending on how much it is, every state is different when it comes to the amount. In Michigan, if it's under $5000 you can take them to small claims court which only costs $65. You may not get your money right away but at least you can get a judgement against them....and someday they will have to pay you back. You also have limitations on how long you have to file a claim....most states give you a year. So get a move on!