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March 2006
Posts: 15
Location: Dawesville,Western Australia | That"s a very hard lesson as that particular scam has been around a long time. The authorities seem to have so much to go on but it appears they "can"t be bothered". If they were bothered how many other offences would they uncover? You were dead right ...the banks should not pay up until the cheque is cleared... I would take that up with them..a long letter might work..or fifty letters.. perhaps you can change the system? If it makes you feel better it has cost you about 65 cents a week for your lifetime. Another way you can be positive is to think of all the times you won something or got a bargain ....all the best...get writing !!!! |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 1889
Location: Central Massachusetts | Edensharvest, you need to talk to your local police about your options here... unfortunately they are likely somewhat limited, but it's worth a try.
here's a good "fraud awareness" page from craigslist that discusses this particular scam, among others... it has some links and phone numbers you might want to look into craigslist discusses internet scams
You might also want to check your homeowners/renters insurance policy.. some policies cover theft and credit card fraud, so there may be some hope there.
A good "to-do" list specific to victims of this scam: http://www.scamvictimsunited.com/resources_cashier\'s_check.htm
and another...
http://www.snopes.com/crime/fraud/cashier.asp |
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Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 3736
Location: Sunshine State, Australia | Hey guys, don't write all us foreigners off as scammers. Some of us have no choice but to buy their O's from dubya land. Try and find a US made, deep bowl cutaway downunder for less than 3 grand. I think I'm the only one in Australia with a contour bowl. (I had to use my wife's cousin in LA as no-one would ship overseas - except Paul, but he wasn't selling an '05)
More importantly, the 'second chance offer' scam has found its way Downunder, too. The email is very cleverly disguised and there's even a link on their email to report suspect emails. The original email looks legit and the linked page looks legit.
I didn't realise immediately, but I was about to leave my account wide open. The link asked me to log in. It had my eBay identity, but not the password. I typed the password in and hit 'enter' and got an uneasy feeling. I don't know why, but I immediately shut down firefox, restarted it, logged into my eBay and changed my password.
Oh, I remember now why I was alerted. My computer is set up to remember all my login details as I'm the only one that uses it. I thought it was unusual that it wanted my password.
I contacted eBay and they confirmed that it was a fraud.
I think that's how these scam scum take over people's accounts.
eBay advised me that if you aren't sure if it's a genuine eBay communication, check in your 'messages' in 'My eBay'. If there's not a copy there, it's not from eBay.
I hope this warning helps prevent someone from losing control of their account. |
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Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Also, Ebay and Paypal will always use your real name when they send you an email. Anyone can get your user id. |
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Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 972
Location: PDX | Originally posted by edensharvest:
I just did...bank just verified that the check was no good - $2641 actual loss,
Oh man, what a f'd up mess. You must feel just horrible.
I hope they catch this guy for you.
If you have home owners/renters insurance, be sure to check with your agent to see if any of this is covered. Maybe, maybe not, either way small consolation for the violation you've suffered.
Vile acts like this damage us all. We take defensive posture and become suspicious of our fellow man. In the end it drives us apart. Sad.
_____
gh1 |
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Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 425
Location: SE Michigan | EH, you mentioned that you have some phone numbers where you called this guy? There are web sites where for a small fee they can translate even unpublished numbers into addresses. Who knows, might be nearby someone on this forum.
And if nothing else, once you have exhuasted all of your law-enforcement options, I would make certain that the people at those phone numbers get woke up at 3am on a regular basis. Even if they are not the actual maggot, I would be sure his friends learn what he is doing. I would also enroll the guy's email address in every porn web site I could locate, maybe the maggot is married. Maybe you should pass those phone numbers and email addresses around, there are some pretty creative people on this forum.
It just makes me sick that assholes get away with inflicting severe harm on other people and it doesnt seem to bother them a bit. |
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Joined:
March 2006
Posts: 1634
Location: Chehalis, Washington | Thanks, guys for all the support. Muzza, I know what you mean - I almost got caught in the same thing a while back. I clicked on an ebay link,and a fake login page popped up.
I appreciate truly all your concern. We'll see what happens with the authorities. Meanwhile I'm still fighting with the bank.
Just more fun... |
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Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 1817
Location: Minden, Nebraska | Bad news. I'm sorry to hear it. Keep the faith. |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12761
Location: Boise, Idaho | I tried to post this before, but the site apparently dropped it. My father-in-law ran into a similar scam last week trying to sell his motor home out of a newspaper in the midwest. Someone wanted $7500 wired to him in Canada. My father in law smelled a rat and emailed me and tried to call me, but we were on vacation. I hope he didn't do it. |
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Joined:
September 2004
Posts: 777
Location: East Wenatchee, WA | EH,
How did you send the money to this guy. If Western Union, is there a fraud method of stopping payment? (although too much time has probably passed).
Grasping at straws here (as one of those nasty evil bankers wanting to redeem the profession). |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4081
Location: Utah | EH, I feel saddened that you have been victimized like this. When the scum take advantage of good people it is maddening!
I hope that you find a way to get your money back, or at least get even in some way. |
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Joined:
March 2006
Posts: 1634
Location: Chehalis, Washington | Jeff, I did send via WU, but they picked it up the next day in Paris, so no luck there. It's in the hands of the FBI now (maybe?). I am working another lead now...we'll see where that goes. |
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Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 208
Location: Illinois | Just a thought before reading the rest of the responses. As I haven't time this p.m. and want to put my 2¢ in to maybe save you some green.
I have heard that checks from a foreign land, even a cashier's or bank check, may, MAY mind you, take several months to 'bounce'. By the time it gets through your bank and your bank's bank and your bank's bank's bank... ad. infiniutum, to the bank upon which it is drawn (if it exists) then possibly rejected then back through your banks' bank's bank, yada, yada yada. to YOU. could be months. Unless you have unreserved trust in your buyer and / or a letter of credit (that's how the big boys do it), respectfully decline to accept foreign checks. Given the current state of foreign affairs, especially through France, I'd be reluctant to buy or sell anything overseas.
ESPECIALLY IF I HAVE TO PART WITH COLD HARD CASH!
This moax obviously did not follow YOUR RULES, which didn't include giving back four figures worth of 'change', cancel the sale without further discussion. I case you haven't figured it out, this guy doesn't care about getting your guitar, he want's your cash.
If he wants to legitimately do this on one check. Have him write the check to his courier and have the courier cash it and give you and every other seller CASH at delivery.
I'd be willin' to bet a shiny new pick this guy is a s dirty as the day is long or my pen name aint TommyK. |
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Need thoughts on ebay scam
