Have you had problems with the T.W. Conroy auction company? Talk about your experiences with the company here.

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Phil Rankin, Web Producer, NewsChannel 9

Back in July of 07 they took from our home over 30 items/lots many with sentimental meanings to my wife, the others antiques we had collected . I have called them 3 times without them following through with what I was promised during each phone call. I was first  promised an updated status report which I never recieved, the two calls after that I was promised a return phone call and they never called back. Your report has shed some light on my situation, but now I do not know where to turn. Any suggestions on how I should proceed, or where I can file a report/claim would be very much appreciated.

In June of '07, I listed several antique collectible items with Conroy's online company, My Sister the Lister.  After many phone calls and emails (all of which went unanswered until News Channel 9 stepped in) I finally received my proceeds in December.  I had also enlisted the help of the Attorney General's office and the Better Business Bureau.  The proceeds were less than what I was expecting, but I am just glad to get some kind of reimbursement.

Call or write to the Better Business Bureau.  After I contacted them, I did receive my money.

In August Conroy came and packed up antiques and collectibles from my home to be sold in their store, at auction and by My Sister the Lister.  In September and November almost $1,200 worth of items were sold on eBay by My Sister the Lister.  To date, I have received not one penny. 

I have been attempting to contact them since November by e-mail, Dave's cell phone(the rep who picked up the items at my home), calling Renee at My Sister the Lister and calling T W Conroy's location as well.  I have almost called daily since 1/6/08 and have never had one phone call returned! 

I have made a complaint to eBay and contacted my attorney.  They informed me they are representing another client who has never received payment either owed substantially more than my claim. 

Not only am I concerned for the items which have already been sold but I still have items unaccounted for -- and no one will call me back to let me know when I can pick them up! 

To make matters worse, I am currently in the lower Keys for the winter -- and after all the feedback I have gotten this week from disgruntled customers -- I'm sure someone in Florida is the last person they will consider to pay. 

I would appreciate if you would alert everyone in the Syracuse area that the T W Conroy is no longer the upstanding and honest antique appraiser/auctioneer we respected. 

Please help us put an end to this THEFT which is going on in the Syracuse community!!!!!!!

Peg

Two weeks ago Renee (Tim Conroy's wife) called to say she was sending a check to me the following week.  To date I have received nothing.  I have contacted everyone I can contact except the police ...... any other suggestions for me to be reimbursed and/or to take action against Conroy & My Sister the Lister?

Peg

I'm just interested to know if you ever got anything from My Sister the Lister -- I have received nothing even when promised a check would be mailed 2-1/2 weeks ago.  Is this unbelievable from such a respected business in our community? 

Peg

P H Rankin -- I see your web article is a year+ old -- does anyone care anymore that this fraud continues? 

Peg

Peg,

We've been doing stories with upset TW Conroy customers for the past year or so.  Our last story was about a month ago.  Have you contacted the newsroom looking for our help?  If not, please do at 446-9900. We need more speifics about your case.

Thanks

Didn't they move from B'ville to Elbridge? I thought I saw a sign in an antique store window there, and the name I believe was T.W. Conroy...By the light, down from the B'ville diner.

Villians.

I consigned two still life paintings to TW Conroy on August 1, 2007. The paintings were sold during their big Labor Day Auction.  On September 4, 2007 I was told on the phone that my check ($1,900 minus commission) would be mailed within 4 to 6 weeks.  You guessed it...as of March 27, 2008 I have not received a penny.  The last communication I have is an e-mail dated December 26, 2007 which promised a check by New Years.  Since then phone calls, e-mails have gone unanswered.  I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau which produced no results.  I am now contacting the Attorney General's Office, and I am also filing a complaint with the American Society of Appraisers.  This has been a very stressful experience for me and I cannot recommend that anyone do business with this company until they get their act together.

Hi Jennifer,

I just received notification yesterday  (4/18/08) from the State of New York Office of the Attorney General's office regarding the lawsuit against Timothy Conroy, et al, and the People of the State of New York Index #2008-2591; RJI No. 33-08-1182.  On 4/11/08 an order was signed by Justice Donald reenwood which prevents T W Conroy and his businesses from engaging in any deceptive fraudulent or illegal business practices and requires that they timely pay consumers.  I am named in the suit to receive restitution. 

In addition to required monetary restitution, T W Conroy and My Sister the Lister are also required to pay costs and civil penalties to the State of New York. 

I thought you might find this latest event interesting. 

I have been living in the Florida Keys this winter -- returning to Syracuse mid-May and would be happy to update you on these latest developments when I return. 

 

 

Hello,  I am another unhappy consignor that has been waiting for proceeds (from T W Conroy Auction House) for the sale of a very valuable antique oil painting. The sale date of auction was March 8, 2008. I have been trying to receive a check from them since then. I have also been calling at least once a week...both the office & the sales person rep for T W Conroy. In a nutshell, they have given me the "Run Around" & are being evasive when I do talk to them or just plain out Not returning my phone calls. They are in breech of contract as we speak. If, you read this message Peg, please contact me immediately so that I too can pursue this lawsuit against T W Conroy with the Attorney General's office. Thank You, I would appreciate your help.

Contact Judith C. Malkin, Assistant Attorney General (315) 448-4848.  She is the one who sent me the letter regarding the lawsuit. 

She can give you the website to print forms necessary to make a complaint against T W Conroy.  You will need to send your contract and notification the painting has sold and the amount.  I suggest you do it as soon as you receive this e-mail. 

Part of the lawsuit demands they keep in contact with their customers -- so be sure to highlight the fact that are not returning your calls.  This is a breach of the lawsuit -- and you will probably get the Attorney General's attention. 

Interestingly, when I contacted eBay (many of my items were sold through My Sister the Lister) they told me to contact the police.  You might consider this option -- if I would have been in Syracuse I certainly would have. 

I am furious that they are allowed to remain in business and continue to rip people off. 

Good luck. 

If you have any further questions, feel free to e-mail me at flxterny@aol.com -- be sure to put Conroy in the subject line -- I am very wary of spam. 

Peg

 

January 27, 2007 I purchased an item for $19,880.00 by phone bid from TW Conroy.  I made payment arrangements with Renee Conroy and had the item paid in full May 30, 2007.  I have never received the item.  No one returns phone calls.  No one responded to certified mail or email inquiries.  I had to hire an attorney to file suit.  I received a default judgment December 27, 2007, but still have had no contact with any one from TW Conroy and Associates.  Since I live in Idaho, I also have had to hire a New York attorney to try to collect what is rightfully mine, either the item or my money.  If you look at the web site, the company appears to be legitimate.  Tim Conroy is very involved in charity auctions.  All the complaints against it have been recent.   I am angry and frustrated and would love the opportunity to face them and find out what is going on!