The following is from one guy in Illinois and what HE is doing: (I wonder how they found you, since the orders were sent to your friends home, and not yours? Did the notice come to your address or to your friends?) To All: Well, here is a follow up to the letter I sent to the Michigan State Treasury requesting under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, any and all information they had on record to substantiate their claim that I allegedly purchased tobacco products out of state: “…To the extent we understand your description, your request is granted. To the best of the undersigned’s knowledge, information and belief, the documents you requested, which the undersigned certifies are in the form the items exist in the department, are enclosed.” Signed……… The ONLY information that was provided which somehow incriminated me in this vast internet tobacco tax scam was a single page spread sheet of names, addresses, cartons ordered and cost of the order. This was a single date in September of 2002 which in no way includes all the other purchases they claim I made. It is as I suspected, they have no definitive evidence to support their claims other than spreadsheet information containing only the names, addresses, quantities of cigarettes ordered and the costs of same. My advice to everyone reading this post who is under assault by their respective state, go on the offensive and exercise your rights under the FOIA. At this point, based on what they provided me, I am sending another letter demanding a refund of the taxes I previously paid.
I guess it was the "Jenkins Act" - some type of subpoena to the supplier - esmokes.com - to provide the purchasers name, address, and where they had the cigarettes delivered. You need to give them all this info when you submit your credit card. Esmokes won't answer my email. But NJ has all my info now, and full details of my order, too. So I guess I'm nailed here - funny part is, my order was only $100 but the taxes are $238. This is so creepy, coming out of the blue like that after 3 years.
This is brilliant!
No, not the way this story is described, but the whole concept.
Are you aware if FOIA exists in all states? or just Illinois?
The wooden stake to drive through the bureaucracy has just been discovered. The silver bullet.
Awaiting your response with much excitement...