This has been going on for over 20 years all over the country. As Hraes said its called the white van speaker scam. Google it and you will learn. I have been approached 3 times in the past 2 years and I have resorted to saying the most hate things I can think and calling them out before they can finish their sentence.

Wow did you get screwed. Those speakers arent even worth $100. I am sure they showed you some nice fake pamphlets and everything.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_van_speaker_scam

Options for those scammed

"Law enforcement officials are often reluctant to get involved in these transactions, despite their questionable legitimacy. Employers with proper business licensing often hire independent contractors to sell the speakers on the street from white vans.

In Pennsylvania, USA, the act of selling speakers through the white van scam can be charged as theft by deception, with the grading of the offense and possible penalties dependent upon the amount of money taken from the victims.[7]

Dissatisfied buyers are usually unsuccessful in obtaining a refund, particularly since locating these workers and their warehouses is seldom easy. This is because white van salesmen list their operational hours to be between 9 and 5, when in fact they are only at the warehouse for one hour in the morning, usually between 8 and 9. Moreover, returns are only allowed within three business days. Therefore, although the legality of this business model is questionable with regard to trademark infringement, unfair competition, false advertising, and possibly income tax and sales tax evasion, buyers generally have little ability to take direct legal action. However, if you deliver the notice of cancellation within three business days and you take the speakers to them early in the morning, you may be able to return them.

However, there are some things the conned or the simply disappointed can do. In the US, a disgruntled buyer may file a complaint with the state Attorney General, alleging that the seller intentionally misled him to believe he was purchasing high quality goods from a reputable manufacturer. They may also report the seller to the Internal Revenue Service or their state's Department of Revenue.

The local police should also be contacted. Law enforcement could issue citations, as rarely do the speaker guys obtain the proper permits and license to sell "out of a vehicle". However, this is not always the case. The reason why speaker men work for companies is because these companies shield them from potential lawsuits often by providing tax identification codes, licenses to sell out of vans and other guidance on how to avoid law enforcement and civil suits. Many of the sales take place in the parking lots of Best Buy, Home Depot, Wawa Stores, or other stores with video surveillance equipment installed, making video evidence of the act likely, and where ATMs are handy for their customers."