BROWNING'S MARINE INC

I worked directly with the owner Jim Browning to sell my boat. When I first sat down with him he suggested that I list the boat for $9,000, with the hopes that I would be able to sell it for the "Kelly's Book" value of ~$7,700. This seemed reasonable enough to me. They agreed to do this for a 10% commission ($1,000 minimum) and fee for bringing the buyer for a test ride and oil change ($250-350). I was surprised when I saw the boat listed on Boat Trader for $12,000, but Jim assured me that this he was just trying to get me the most $$ for the boat. He called me a week later with a buyer willing to pay $8,000. Given that this was within the original price we discussed, I agreed to the sale. All I needed to do was bring him the title to the boat and trailer. When I came back with the titles, Jim met me at the front of the showroom and immediately wanted me to sign the titles over. I requested that he produce a Bill of Sale and the proceeds check before I sign any documentation. 15 minutes later Jim returned with a "copy" of the Bill of Sale and a check for $6,750. I told him that he had given me the original Bill of Sale (I could feel the pen impression on the back of the page from the signatures), but he insisted that this was a photocopy, which he used a black marker to cross through the buyers personal information, such as cell number and address. When I left, in my gut I knew that something was not right. About a week later (and before I had cashed the check), on advice of counsel, I called the buyer of the boat and asked him what he had paid. He very nervously told me $10,000. With this information, I contacted the Virginia Beach detectives office to seek advice regarding a course of action. After explaining all of the possible scenarios for proceeding, the detective suggested this could possibly be an "accounting error" and that I should contact Browning's Marine and ask them to double check their numbers. After calling a few times and not being able to get Jim to call me or pick up, I explained the situation to the woman answering the phones. I told her that I spoke to the buyer of the boat and that he had purchased the boat for $10,000 and per my calculations there was still $2,000 due on my account, and that I would come down to pick up the check in 45 minutes. She seemed very nervous and said she would talk with Jim. When I came down to pick up the check, with my brother as a witness, she pulled me aside hurriedly and insisted on speaking to me alone in private. I obliged. She explained that Jim got confused with the paperwork, and this indeed was an accounting error. She gave me a check for $2,000. When Jim Browning told me the story of his company, he explained that he had been in business for over 30 years, and he had sold hundreds of boats. With all of this experience, I am concerned that he has not yet learned how to read his own Bill of Sale forms and could make such a huge error in his favor. Accounting error?!?!? You decide. This was the most unprofessional and unethical business dealing I have ever had in my life.