Those early backers, many of whom pre-ordered helmets for $1,400,
are unlikely to see a refund — which highlights the risks of the crowdfunding industry. Once a campaign ends, Indiegogo has no obligation to refund contributions or intervene in disputes between backers and companies, according to the platform's terms of service.
The lawsuit was filed by Isabelle Faithhauer, the Wellers' former assistant who says she was responsible for the company's bookkeeping and wrote fraudulent entries for expenses paid for with Skully money, including two Dodge Vipers, an Audi R8, limo rides in Florida and a $2,000 charge at a strip club.
Last year, the Wellers booked a trip to Bermuda, but “Marcus Weller was not pleased with Bermuda,” so he booked a first-class flight to Hawaii on 24 hours’ notice at Skully's expense, Faithhauer's lawyer wrote. After receiving a traffic violation in his Audi, Marcus Weller made Faithhauer attend driving school on his behalf and charged the related $450 attorney expense to the company, the complaint said.
Faithhauer is suing for employment violations, alleging that the Wellers failed to pay her overtime and give her meal breaks, and that they fired her when she complained about their accounting practices