Moral Reflections: Profiting from Crime and Consumer Justice

In this article, we delve into the different perspectives and moral reflections surrounding the idea of benefiting from a crime experienced as a victim. We explore three distinct personal experiences in the realm of vehicle damages, theft, and consumer fraud, providing insights into how victims respond to such situations and the complex emotions involved.

Victim of a Hit-and-Run Incident

One day, while driving on a busy street, my car was rear-ended by a reckless driver who, upon reversing into it, promptly disappeared. Initially, the process of dealing with the aftermath seemed routine—exchanging details, seeking quotes for repairs, and even following up multiple times.

Feeling taken advantage of, and frustrated with the lack of response from one of the garage, I took to Google to share my dissatisfaction. This tireless effort eventually paid off in an unconventional and somewhat satisfying way. A body shop decided to fix my car for free in exchange for a positive review.

Theft and the Unintended Outcome

A poignant moment in my life occurred when my mother was burglarized over 20 years ago. It was a traumatic experience, but thankfully, it was the only time it ever happened. In her anxiously searching through the stolen belongings, my grandmother's diamond engagement ring, a treasured family heirloom, was thought to be stolen.

To her credit, my mother, known for her honesty, insisted on an insurance claim for a new ring. However, the relief was short-lived as the insurance policy provided a replacement that, while valuable, was not exactly identical. Six months later, the actual diamond ring that had been stolen reappeared, accidentally stored in a drawer. Thanks to this mix-up, I now have a ring that will surely bring joy to one of my sons when they marry.

The Volkswagen TDI Buy-Back Program

Among more somber experiences is my involvement with the Volkswagen TDI car models during the infamous emissions scandal. Prior to the fraud exposure, my car, while not perfect, generally met my expectations. However, the known issues, especially the sunroof problem, hinted at a looming crisis for some owners.

Many chose to sweep the issue under the carpet due to the complexity and cost of facing the problem head-on. Unfortunately, for me, the situation deteriorated, culminating in a black mold infestation that impacted my car's resale value. Frustrated with the bureaucratic process and a lack of support, I eventually chose to participate in the buy-back program.

The procedure was excruciating, involving years of jump-throughs and eventually declaring the car to be towed. The satisfaction of standing by and watching the person handle the buy-back was mixed with a sense of schadenfreude. Yes, this well-dressed gentleman was not at fault and was a victim too, but my delight in his discomfort was small and petty. I have no regrets for my reaction; I wanted to do everything nice, but to VW, I was merely a liability.

These personal stories underscore the difficult moral and emotional challenges faced when dealing with injustices. They also highlight the varying degrees of justice and compensation that can be sought and obtained in different contexts.

Keywords: victim witness, consumer justice, moral reflection