Being scammed on ebay! - Should I make this guy suffer!
roastedcat
Posts: 892
In March of 1999. I won a 1933 Sport Kings Babe Ruth PSA 6 for $3500. I had paid the seller a cashiers check as he requested and I insured the money when I sent it. The Jerk sold me a broken PSA slab w a Dover reprint of Babe Ruth. Quickly I emailed him for my money back. He refused and told me that hows he suppose to know that I didn't break the card out and put that reprint in myself. I told him, I'd report him to the proper authorities and take him to court, this guy laughed in my face then gave me a negative feedback on my ebay account and said go for it. I quickly went and filed Small claims at my local court house, however after I filed the court process had made me wait until October 22nd. At which time, the court sent out documents for this seller to appear in court and I recieved the same transcripts for an additional $20, anything the court sent them, I got a copy of. Was the seller ever surprised when he recieved a notice to appear in court. The guy lives in PA, and I'm in CA, so he has to cough up his own expenses to CA to appear in court. I guess the seller figure it's going to cost more money for him to come to California, he asked me to drop the charges he said he'd refund my money, which I said once I recieve my money back, I will drop all charges. He said, he'd FedEx it overnight, for a whole week, I didn't recieve anything. He called me and asked me did I drop the charges yet, did I get the money. He gave me a tracking number that turned up bogus. Did we have a long argument over the phone, I kept every email and this guy kept calling me a crook.
October 22nd 1999 I attended court, the Judge ruled in my favor, because he never attended, about a week later, I recieved a noticed from the court that the seller filed for a greviance finanical hardship, something like that. Which the court order the seller to pay me on an installment basis until my money is fully refunded. On the date I was suppose to recieve my first installment, I didn't recieve anything. I realized I was screwed out of $3500. I had ebay remove my negative feedback because I had court documents to as proof of being scammed, the seller became NARU, I felt upset for a long period of time and fustrated I was out a large sum of money. But I have to live and learn from my mistakes.
About 5 1/2 years later, last week July 8. 2005 I had a knock on my door, it turns up a Private Investigator is looking for me, it seems that the guy who scammed me out of $3500. on ebay, their family was trying to track me down. I have moved twice since then and my phone number has changed a few times. It turns up this guy was recently married and was trying to buy a house, several months ago. but after a long escrow process for a bank loan, on his record a red flag appeared. I guess this red flag is on his permant TRW report. Everytime he tries to apply for credit, a loan or something, he gets denied Looking further into the investigation of the red flag, it seems that court records appear and he has an unpaid loan to me. Never settled, The only way to remove this flag was that the family had to hire a P.I. and find me and get it settled. Only I could drop the charges, not that I wanted too. I told the P.I. that the this guy still owe'd me a large sum of money, and he can keep the red flag on his record for the rest of his life. I don't care. Jerk...
On July 8th, I get a call from the guy who scammed me on ebay, asking me to please drop all the charges, his family has been paying through the nose to try and track me down, Private Investagators aren't cheap! He seemed like he was sorry for what he had did. He gave me his big sob story.... He said he wished he hadn't done this aweful thing, He had scammed 4 other people before me. I was the only one who took him to court. He said he just got recently married, he has a good job, but when he tried to buy his dream home. Everything fell through. He said he tried to buy a New car a few years back, but his credit was denied and he didn't think much about it. During his escrow process, the lender denied him the loan because of a red flag on his TRW. They had to pay alot of money to find out what this red flag was. It turns up the I had never dropped the charges and this incident is stuck on his record permenantly until it is resolved. I told the guy, $3500 pay up and I'll drop the charges. He said, he'd Fed Ex the money to me on Monday July 11th. On Tuesday I didn't recieve anything, he called that night to see if I had the money yet. Nope, maybe tommorrow, Wednesday he calls and I still recieved nothing. Thursday, samething. He said he shipped it, I felt I was being played again. On Friday, I recieved a Fed Ex letter envelope which I signed for. I felt so upset, he sent me an envelope with nothing inside. Then has the nerve to call me and asked If I can drop all the charges. I told him he sent me an envelope with nothing in it. Then he has the nerve to call me a thief and told me he's going to take me to court. I told him, you know you can keep the $3500. I'm not dropping anything, It's going to cost you a lot more and I'll get my attorney to see to that. I hung up my phone and unplugged it, I changed my telephone number yesterday.....Jerk!
What do you guys think I should do, I have a strong feeling I'm not going to see my money anytime soon.
October 22nd 1999 I attended court, the Judge ruled in my favor, because he never attended, about a week later, I recieved a noticed from the court that the seller filed for a greviance finanical hardship, something like that. Which the court order the seller to pay me on an installment basis until my money is fully refunded. On the date I was suppose to recieve my first installment, I didn't recieve anything. I realized I was screwed out of $3500. I had ebay remove my negative feedback because I had court documents to as proof of being scammed, the seller became NARU, I felt upset for a long period of time and fustrated I was out a large sum of money. But I have to live and learn from my mistakes.
About 5 1/2 years later, last week July 8. 2005 I had a knock on my door, it turns up a Private Investigator is looking for me, it seems that the guy who scammed me out of $3500. on ebay, their family was trying to track me down. I have moved twice since then and my phone number has changed a few times. It turns up this guy was recently married and was trying to buy a house, several months ago. but after a long escrow process for a bank loan, on his record a red flag appeared. I guess this red flag is on his permant TRW report. Everytime he tries to apply for credit, a loan or something, he gets denied Looking further into the investigation of the red flag, it seems that court records appear and he has an unpaid loan to me. Never settled, The only way to remove this flag was that the family had to hire a P.I. and find me and get it settled. Only I could drop the charges, not that I wanted too. I told the P.I. that the this guy still owe'd me a large sum of money, and he can keep the red flag on his record for the rest of his life. I don't care. Jerk...
On July 8th, I get a call from the guy who scammed me on ebay, asking me to please drop all the charges, his family has been paying through the nose to try and track me down, Private Investagators aren't cheap! He seemed like he was sorry for what he had did. He gave me his big sob story.... He said he wished he hadn't done this aweful thing, He had scammed 4 other people before me. I was the only one who took him to court. He said he just got recently married, he has a good job, but when he tried to buy his dream home. Everything fell through. He said he tried to buy a New car a few years back, but his credit was denied and he didn't think much about it. During his escrow process, the lender denied him the loan because of a red flag on his TRW. They had to pay alot of money to find out what this red flag was. It turns up the I had never dropped the charges and this incident is stuck on his record permenantly until it is resolved. I told the guy, $3500 pay up and I'll drop the charges. He said, he'd Fed Ex the money to me on Monday July 11th. On Tuesday I didn't recieve anything, he called that night to see if I had the money yet. Nope, maybe tommorrow, Wednesday he calls and I still recieved nothing. Thursday, samething. He said he shipped it, I felt I was being played again. On Friday, I recieved a Fed Ex letter envelope which I signed for. I felt so upset, he sent me an envelope with nothing inside. Then has the nerve to call me and asked If I can drop all the charges. I told him he sent me an envelope with nothing in it. Then he has the nerve to call me a thief and told me he's going to take me to court. I told him, you know you can keep the $3500. I'm not dropping anything, It's going to cost you a lot more and I'll get my attorney to see to that. I hung up my phone and unplugged it, I changed my telephone number yesterday.....Jerk!
What do you guys think I should do, I have a strong feeling I'm not going to see my money anytime soon.
Jery's T206 set: Looking for PSA 6's & 7's!
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Comments
DON'T BACK DOWN.....don't compromise.......
...He made his own bed and he has to sleep in it...
1955 Bowman Raw complete with 90% Ex-NR or better
Now seeking 1949 Eureka Sportstamps...NM condition
Working on '78 Autographed set now 99.9% complete -
Working on '89 Topps autoed set now complete
Forget the attorneys and court.
Hire a hitman!
Unbelievable story. I don't think you'll
see your money anytime soon if ever, but you're
right, he's paying for it in a different way. Hopefully
for the rest of his life. No home, no car, no credit, etc.
His whole family can live in a cardboard box. He can
always add on a new extra cardboard box once a kid arrives.
I agree; keep doing what you're doing. Don't back down.
Good luck to you. Keep us updated.
Also, I am sure that you requested the funds be sent in the form of certified or bank check. Nobody, and I mean nobody in their right mind sends $3500 cash through any delivery company. That way there is a paper trail all the way back to him. You were going to let him off the hook for the original $3500???? Man you are a prince. I would have had this guy begging me to keep it ubder 5K. Also, petition PA to have his wages garnished, that'll frost him even more.
I'm not dropping anything, It's going to cost you a lot more and I'll get my attorney to see to that
Print it, read it everyday, and live by it. That is what this guy deserves.
Be a little smarter next time, and refer all correspondence or payments to your attorney. They are worth it and they earn their money.
RobBob
Just amazing.
AJ i think the guys family paid for the Pvt eye. I think the guy is going to try and say he paid you and his proof is your signing of the fed ex thingy. I would still think he needs a cancelled check or Mo. somthing else.
I guess you could report this to the original court too. the judge may get pissed off enuff and may be able to garnish his wages for you.
good luck
SD
Get a Yellow Pages for his area.
Call every real estate agency, car dealership, boat marina, motorcycle dealer, etc. and leave his name and number stating that you are very interested in buying a house, car, etc.
Do this over a period of a month or two.
Every call he gets from these people will remind him that his credit sucks because he screwed you.
Wick
Enjoy collecting vintage baseball cards, memorabilia and autos
This guy sounds like a real schmuck. Thanks for sharing this story, I hope it all pans out for you in the future.
So remember guys, when you paid a good amount of money on ebay, and get scammed like me. File quickly in court.
You too can hold the MONKEY by it's balls... and squeeze.
I'll keep you all posted.
Jery
I'm vindictive, so i'd just crank the screws on him...i'd also start looking for interest, legal costs, etc.
lsuconnman@yahoo.com
I say you should keep giving it to this guy right in the a55. I mean a momentary lapse of reason where someone does something wrong can be forgiven at times. But this intentional, lengthy deicietful act should keep this jerk from borrowing for the rest of his life.
My Auctions
I say do not let down at all. Either you get $5000 (an estimate of 6% interest) or you keep him in bad credit pergatory. IF he is able to get a mortgage (which he probably will be able to even with this red flag) it will be at a rate that is a few percentage points higher then ideal which could translate into a few thousand $$$$ a year.
and a special congrats to phreakydancin for finding a way to use "duvet" in this forum.......
Thanx for taking the time to tell this unbelievable story.
Is there a statute of limitations on the original court claim - obviously the judgement will stay with him and screw him to the wall until you act.
I was wondering if you can take him to court again since he "reactivated" the issue - promised to pay you and left you with an empty envelope - if he tries to claim he sent you cash, he'll be laughed out of court!
I wish we had a good lawyer friend here that could give you some advice on this. But even if you did spend money on a lawyer, common sense will prevail. Probably all they can do is try to issue some kind of papers to serve the guy. I guess.
Good luck and please keep us posted
This may be trite - but I think you got some of your money back this year in "payback!"
mike
jmo
sd
<< <i>I wish we had a good lawyer friend here that could give you some advice on this. But even if you did spend money on a lawyer, common sense will prevail. >>
Well, I happen to be one. I live in CA, but I'm only licensed in Colorado right now. The rules are pretty universal on multi-state judgments, and I posted my advice above. I know there are other lawyers on the board, and hopefully, there's someone in PA who can give a little more specific advice. Unfortunately, Mike, common sense rarely prevails in the legal system, which is why (among many other reasons) I quit practicing law full time.
<< <i>I was wondering if you can take him to court again since he "reactivated" the issue - promised to pay you and left you with an empty envelope - if he tries to claim he sent you cash, he'll be laughed out of court! >>
I agree...$3500 is too much money to get screwed out of, even for someone who's financially secure
the story about him not being able to afford to pay you back is HILARIOUS...he can afford to GET MARRIED, buy a NEW CAR, and buy a "DREAM HOUSE"...but he can't afford just $3500?!?!?! if he can afford any of that other stuff, he can EASILY afford to pay you back...here's a hint, buddy, pay the bills you ALREADY OWE before you amass NEW debts
obviously this guy isn't too bright to think that the empty envelope with tracking is going to help him...they're going to ask for the money order/cashier's check receipt or canceled personal check, genius
see if there's any way you can take this guy back to court...I know laws differ from state-to-state...but it seems like if the judge ordered him to pay you and he didn't, there'd be a warrant put out for his arrest and he would be facing jail time if caught before you were paid
Give 'em hell Harry!
Dropping the charges is not the word I should of used, what I should of said, is Reopening the case and file paper work and close it. I was told I just have to go to the county court house where I filed and fill out some forms, There might be a fee attached, but it varies from state to state. I was told by information that there is a processing fee of $50. If the guy was sincerly sorry, and I recieved my money back, I would have paid it.
I also agree, thought it stayed on your record 7 years. I'm not too sure about that. Somebody told me it varies from state to state, it may look like it's off your records, but the flag might change shape or color. maybe a small dot, checkmark, even a star or Italic lettering.
Also I want to clarify, I told him speak to my attorney, I don't have an attorney. That was BS, I just told him that to put some scare into him...lol. If I did get an attorney it surely would cost me more than $3500. I do have some friends who are attorneys and I'm always milking them for free advice. Besides when you file with small claims, it's just you and the other person, no attorney involved.
I agree $3500 is alot of money to lose out of, think of how many PSA cards I can grade with that. I'm not rich, I work an average 10 hour day job like you fellas and try our best to get by. I believe in due time people will get what they deserve in this life or the next.
Jery
Like you have any reason to believe a single word he says. I wish he could take it in the shorts AND you get your money back at the same time, but at least he's taking it in the shorts.
He seems to have means of scraping together quite a bit more than $3500, unless it's his wife or his family who's paying for his house downpayment, car, etc. Either way, he had the option of giving you your money back and putting one of those other things on hold. Plus, he probably bought stuff for himself with his scam money ... stuff he could sell to pay his debts. I feel bad for his wife, if she married him knowing nothing about this side of him.
good luck
I had purchased an autographed card for a set I was putting together, I think the book on it was around $120 and I paid about $50 for it. Luckily, I paid through Paypal. Well about 2 weeks went by and no card, then I saw that he was now amassing multiple negs on ebay and was NARU'd within a few days. I filed for refund through Paypal and after a couple of weeks, was refunded about half the money, apparently what was left in his account. Everything was over, or so I thought.
About 9 months later, I get an email from the guy saying something about removing a complaint from Paypal. I had forgotten all about the card actually and had already purchased another one instead. He told me that Paypal would not let him use the service until I remove the complaint against him. I told him if he paid me the balance + 10% for interest and just plain hassle, I would remove it. He emailed me back saying he couldnt send the money since Paypal wouldnt let him deposit any money and if I could remove the compalint he would then send the money...yeah right!
I told him a MO from the post office would be sufficient and gave him my address. Two weeks later he emailed me and asked if I had taken the complaint off. I told him I still hadnt received the money yet and he went into the "cant send funds yet" spill. I told him the only way I would take off the complaint is if I got the dough first and that it wasnt me who was scamming people. I told him that he was lucky that I didnt just eat the money and keep him off Paypal forever.
Three days later I got a fed ex with a money order for the difference + 10%. Moral of the story is that most scammers eventually get whats coming to them.
By the way, on the original story, I'd hammer him as hard as I can. In fact, if he was to give you the dough back, I'd take my time removing anything. Be vindictive, its the only thing these idiots understand
take the judgement and have it recorded in PA (the county) and contact the constable in the county and levy his property.
<< <i>Three days later I got a fed ex with a money order for the difference + 10%. Moral of the story is that most scammers eventually get whats coming to them. >>
To be honest, even after receiving the $$$, I wouldn't drop the complaint. Based on this guy's track record, he would use Paypal to scam others. And why would you want to help him do that?
Tabe
What a bizzare story. The guy seems like a sociopath/narcissist. He cannot stop lying and he tries to charm his way out of things. $3500 is a drop in the bucket considering what he wants to accomplish. I am surprised he is so adamant about not paying you.
How did you manage to sue a guy from PA in the CA system? Was this because it was an online deal? When I sued someone in CA (I live in CA too), I had to sue in the city of where the place of business took place. I thought they might make you sue in PA or somewhere in between. That's a good break because it gives the other guy a real disadvantage (He lost).
I am glad you moved on though. When you win a court case in CA, I believe the defendant has at least 10 years time to pay back. You can garnish wages. If you need more than 10 years to collect the money, you can file an extension. This means that this guy is not getting away with anything.
Good that you changed your number! That will teach him. Also, you may want to write a letter to his wife explaining what happened in a non emotional way. Let her decide what she wants to do. Chances are she does not know what kind of guy she married. Considering he exibits signs of a personality disorder, he probably charmed his way into her life. She might well be the victim in all this too.
Hold on to your guns. You have nothing further to lose. He needs something from you now. Let him do the chasing.
BST: Tennessebanker, Downtown1974, LarkinCollector, nendee
<< <i>He said he just got recently married, he has a good job >>
So what's the problem? Does he have greenzap? It's zappening!!!
Dollars to dognuts this guy is under 25. Have you been in touch with any of the other scamees?
<< <i>Being scammed on ebay! - Should I make this guy suffer! >>
This guy is already suffering. Imagine if you had to get up every day and look in the mirror and shave with a complete scum bag. He does! Just get your money back and loathe him while you sit on the cash he had to cough up. You can even argue that he comitted a new crime when he sent you an empty Fed Ex envelope and said that it contained money.
As far as getting the money, the hardest part would be to get his judgement honored in PA. I honestly do not know how that works, but his local magesterial district judge would tell you over the phone if it can be done. If the judgement is honored in PA, then the fun starts. He has I think 30 days to pay before you may execute your judgement. You may then order the execution of your judgement. That entails a local constable (billed to the defendant) going to the defendant's home with a stack of stickers marked "Sheriff's Sale." The defendant does get a nominal exception, but after that the constable goes around the defendant's home and property putting these big stickers on anything of value. That is normally when the defendant pays up. However, if he does not, the sale will be advertised in the newspaper, at the sheriff's office and at the magistrate's office. On the day of the sale, they actuall sell all of his stuff until there is enough money to pay all of the judement and costs. PA must have been full of deadbeats at one time.
I worked for a small property manager in high school and college. They only had about 160 units, but we went through this process dozens of times. You must note that even though the rules are generally the same, the practices in the different halves of PA are very different. If this guy lives in western PA, you are probably in luck.
Collector of Pittsburgh Pirates cards for a slightly less stupid reason.
My Pirates Collection
Stingray
I would forgive and forget personally, but I WOULDN'T drop the case against his punk a$$.
Even when/if he does pay you back, I would sweat him for ohh say a half year or so before giving him what he wants.
Paybacks is a dish best served cold.
Julen
______
Collecting:
1980 Topps: Over 4,000 cards from vending and wax boxes awaiting a giant bonfire
1969 Topps: Master # 1 1
1987 Kraft Dinners Home Plate Heroes
RIP GURU
I would actually have a warm feeling in my heart knowing that $3500 wrecked this guys credit for life.
Almost worth it.
Of course I am much more vindictive. I would have used the latest contact to play nice and get his address and place of employment.
Then I would have posed as my own PI trying to find him and call his boss and explain why you are looking for him.
Total descruction as I play the violin.
Loves me some shiny!
<< <i>Geezus, what a tool. I feel for you.
Forget the attorneys and court.
Hire a hitman! . >>
Forget that hire Pandrews, he'll do it for less....AND LIKE IT!
I'm curious though, when you were first scammed by him, did you not contact the postal authorities? What did you do besides suing him in small claims court?
GO MARLINS! Home of the best fans in baseball!!
<< <i>I would spend every waking minute of the rest of my life fu*cking with this dickwad. >>
Awesome idea...
That's exactly what I'd do...
Click here to view my Knickstars collection and wantlist
Stingray
Not to be nosey, just curious what kinda feedback this thief had before your transaction.
Heck i get nervous spending a couple hundred bucks on Ebay. $3500 i'd wanna have a look at the card in person first.
Too bad you couldn't get the card you wanted but i'm glad your not letting up!
Ben