BS: eBay warnings

Subject: BS: e-bay warnings
From: GUEST,sadder but wiser
Date: 17 Nov 04 - 11:47 AM

I thought that it would be useful to explain how I've just been taken for a ride by a scam external but connected to e-bay. I am a regular member, but to hide my embarassment I find that luckily my cookie isnt showing!
I looked for a guitar, and bid for it, and lost the bid.
I was contacted by what appeared to be the bone-fide seller, stating that the highest bidder didn't come up with the money, and would I like to re-bid.
I did receive e-bay messages telling me I should not reply to contacts after the bid finished, but whoever it was that obtained my e-mail address, (however they did that,) had a mock-up of a e-bay notice that convinced me that it was on the level. I entered into correspondence with whoever was supposedly selling the guitar, and in spite of my nagging misgivings I sent £1250 cash via Western Union to a London branch, I had to show my passport, and presumed that the same would happen in the other branch.
You probably guess that that was the last I heard from my correspondent, and e-bay didnt seem to be bothered, because it was not directly their fault, so I contacted the police, and their computer fraud unit downloaded all my e-mail correspondence with the alleged seller, and in spite of lots of computer info, and knowing where the money was picked up, the in shop video had already been wiped, and that was the end of the trail.
So like e-bay says- never correspond after the sale if you dont win the item, and never use Western union for internet transfer of cash.

Subject: RE: BS: e-bay warnings
From: Maryrrf
Date: 17 Nov 04 - 03:01 PM

Ooooh that's bad. You must feel terrible. My sympathies.

Subject: RE: BS: e-bay warnings
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 17 Nov 04 - 03:10 PM

"So like e-bay says"

Ya said it all right there...

Subject: RE: BS: e-bay warnings
From: DougR
Date: 17 Nov 04 - 04:41 PM

Sorry, Sadder. It's too bad there are people in the world who delight in taking innocent folks's money. That's a real bummer.
DougR

Subject: RE: BS: e-bay warnings
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 17 Nov 04 - 05:04 PM

Hey... if it wasn't for those innocent folks, I'd never get gigs!!

LOL

Subject: RE: BS: e-bay warnings
From: Mr Red
Date: 17 Nov 04 - 05:21 PM

Video tapes wiped? - Sounds like an inside job there. Given the kind of money Western Union transact and the possibility of money laundering the police would give them a hard time if they wiped tapes recording drug money moving. I would hazzard a guess there was a value threshold and a 30 day threhold on small sums. Keep telling people how Western Union protect their integrity, there is such a thing as bad publicity. People who handle money have nothing else to trade with.

Subject: RE: BS: e-bay warnings
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 17 Nov 04 - 07:34 PM

I think ebay is usually ok, but you have to keep alert for the warning signs - and untraceable money payments is a big one...

I have also bought ebay spinoffs - but there usually wiser to collect with cash.

A guitar for £1250, I would definitely say collect with cash - better negative fedback than a scam that size.

Subject: RE: BS: e-bay warnings
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker..
Date: 17 Nov 04 - 07:55 PM

"A guitar for £1250"..!!!!

i'd get at least 10 ok guitars for that kinda money..
off ebay..
all for different tunings and styles of playing..

still, its very sad you got ripped off for so much..
and very concerning how the crook managed to get your email address..


my biggest worry on ebay is transit damage
by careless delivery workers

Subject: RE: BS: e-bay warnings
From: LadyJean
Date: 17 Nov 04 - 11:48 PM

You might want to tell your story to Snopes.com. They publicize internet scams, and it would go a long way towards keeping this creep from scamming anyone else.

Subject: RE: BS: e-bay warnings
From: Susan-Marie
Date: 18 Nov 04 - 08:33 AM

ANd in case you didn't know this already, there are many people creating convincing-looking e-mails from e-bay saying your ID has been used for a fraudulent purchase and asking you to go to a site and re-enter your user ID and password and probably financial info as well - DONT DO IT! SInce you fell for one scam you will probably be targeted for others.

Subject: RE: BS: e-bay warnings
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 18 Nov 04 - 09:12 AM

See here for some current ebay scams and advice.

sorry you got caught by one SBW.

Jon