EBAY SCAMMER over $200k : TPQCOLLECT

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kalch23
kalch23 Posts: 312 ✭
in U.S. Coin Forum
Just wanted to start a thread for people who got taken but this shyster.

For those of you who aren't aware, the ebay user TPQCOLLECT, with over 1700 feedback (100% positive before scam), listed hundreds of thousands of dollars in coins for no reserve auction on ebay using stolen photos from Heritage and elsewhere. After delaying shipment for around 7-10 days with various excuses, he proceeded to send photographs of the coins instead of the coins themselves. I'm not exactly sure how much money he got away with but I will say that I got taken for over $20,000 myself on multiple lots and my guess is the total is in the $200,000 - $300,000 range. He had been a seller of coins in the $20 - $2000 range in the past (with 100% feedback) but given that these items were also listed in the category of "art - posters" I'm sure if he gets arrested he will try to claim he was just selling posters….

This will hopefully be covered by eBay's money back guarantee but I wanted to start a thread for others who also got taken so we can share our experiences and updates with any news.


Here's a link to one of his items I won:

Morgan Dollar


Here's his ebay feedback now:

TPQCOLLECT
«13

Comments

  • ricko
    ricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Wow.... incredible....what a shyster... Cheers, RickO
  • DennisH
    DennisH Posts: 14,041 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I hope they catch this scumbag!
    When in doubt, don't.
  • scubafuel
    scubafuel Posts: 2,080 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Wow! How did you all find these in the Art-Posters section to bid on them?
  • TomB
    TomB Posts: 23,189 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    At the very bottom of the long verbiage, they write that it is a poster approximately 21 centimeters by 30 centimeters in size.
    Thomas Bush Numismatics & Numismatic Photography

    In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson

    image
  • TomB
    TomB Posts: 23,189 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    At the very bottom of the long verbiage, they write that it is a poster approximately 21 centimeters by 30 centimeters in size.
    Thomas Bush Numismatics & Numismatic Photography

    In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson

    image
  • coinlieutenant
    coinlieutenant Posts: 9,328 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    That is sickening...

    siliconvalleycoins.com

  • Bigbuck1975
    Bigbuck1975 Posts: 1,278 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I guess we learn that we need to actually read the description of the item being sold.

    I would bet he will claim that he was selling a poster all along!
  • buffnut
    buffnut Posts: 935 ✭✭
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    Yup- scum scum scum. Here is the verbiage from the Morgan Dollar link:

    "Terms and Conditions of the Sale.By placing a bid on any lot offered by topq,inc., the bidder indicates acceptance of the following terms of sale; These conditions of sale constitute a binding agreement between the bidder and topq,inc. The following terms and conditions constitute the sole terms and conditions under whichtopq,inc will offer for sale and sell the services and/or prints,other property.We do not ship internationally.Paypal is the prefered method of payment. Please note that topq,inc reserves the right to reject a bid from the bidder who has had two unpaid item notification in the past three months and/or low feedback score.The poster sizes for the sale of this lot may vary,but approximately are two hundred ten millimeters on two hundred ninety seven millimeters.Topq,inc does not accepts no liability for any delay and/or failure in executing bids,or any errors contained in bids due to internet nature.Purchases must be paid in full within five days of the end of the auction.Sales tax will be chargedunless the item is being shipped out of state,or the buyer provides a current state exemption form.We combine multiple lots."

    image
    The WTP Collection
  • Lakesammman
    Lakesammman Posts: 17,696 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Wow - that's going to be a tough one to arbitrate......
    Gone but not forgotten: IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Ricko, Big Moose, Cardinal, CoinsAreFun.
  • kalch23
    kalch23 Posts: 312 ✭
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    << <i>Wow - that's going to be a tough one to arbitrate...... >>



    Given that I'm sure he does not own the coins he listed, he does not own the rights to make reproductions posters of those coins for commercial sale..

    I really don't think he has a legal foot to stand on here.
  • morgansforever
    morgansforever Posts: 8,512 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Very deceptive/criminal, but from a legal standpoint he may win the argument unfortunately. kalch23, I wish you the best of luck recovering your funds.
    World coins FSHO Hundreds of successful BST transactions U.S. coins FSHO
  • ctf_error_coins
    ctf_error_coins Posts: 15,433 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    You can not sell posters of photos that you do not have the copyright for.

    I am sure he does not own the copyright so he is breaking the law selling the photos.
  • Davideo
    Davideo Posts: 1,364 ✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>Very deceptive/criminal, but from a legal standpoint he may win the argument unfortunately. kalch23, I wish you the best of luck recovering your funds. >>



    Also, fraud does not need to technically include a lie, it could just be very deceptive like you stated.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
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  • Wolf359
    Wolf359 Posts: 7,666 ✭✭✭
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    You can only sell actual Morgan dollars in the Morgan dollar category. His listings are all fraudulent, therefore hopefully, invalid and if not the scumbag, then Paypal or eBay will be forced to return the money.

    But someone needs to visit his house and break his face. A couple of times. A few weeks in the hospital might be in order.
    Multi-channel listings of coins and inventory management

    Free Trial
  • GRANDAM
    GRANDAM Posts: 8,785 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    If you want to block this guy you need to spell it in lower case,,,,, not upper case.

    GrandAm image
    GrandAm :)
  • Hmann
    Hmann Posts: 157
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    Just another reason to never buy from ebay. I don't have an account there and never will!
    image
  • Coppercolor
    Coppercolor Posts: 1,475 ✭✭✭
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    Each listing is catalogued under both:

    Art>Art from Dealers & Resellers>Posters

    and

    Coins & Paper Money>Coins: US>Other


    His title indicates a coin for sale, no mention of a poster

    (Edited for Accuracy)
    I'd like my copper well done please!
  • kalch23
    kalch23 Posts: 312 ✭
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    Here are some links to some of the other "posters" I won:

    Link

    Link

    Link

    Link

    Link

    Link

    Link

    Link

    Link

    Link
  • Tallpaul000
    Tallpaul000 Posts: 193 ✭✭
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    Guess Ill get my photo monday, as I was out this saturday when the package arrived. I won a 29D walker from him, but I checked the pcgs cert (19427953) before purchase and saw the heritage sale it came from, so I bid close to that 2012 price. Seller also had all positive feedbacks. I was leery of the private listing, but have bought from other sellers before with no problems. The walker was listed under art posters and walkers, and said the following at the end of the very long description:

    The following terms and conditions constitute the soleterms and conditions under whichtopq,inc will offer for sale and sell the services and/or prints,other property.We do not ship internationally.Paypal is the prefered method of payment. Please note that topq,inc reserves the right to reject a bid from the bidder who has had two unpaid item notification in the past three months and/or low feedback score.Topq,inc does not accepts no liability for any delay and/or failure in executing bids,or any errors contained in bids due to internet nature.The size of the images(depicted)for the sale of this lot may vary,but approximately are two hundred ten millimeters on two hundred ninety seven millimeters. Purchases must be paid in full within five days of the end of the auction.Sales tax will be charged unless the item is being shipped out of state,or the buyer provides a current state exemption form.We always combine multiple lots to save you on shipping.

    I also saved the original listing as a webpage and its represented as a regular coin listing, no ambiguity there. I have no doubt that ebay will refund all these purchases.

    Maybe it was the frosty the snowman pic that got me….
  • puffer
    puffer Posts: 535
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    Also a link to the sold listings: Text
  • messydesk
    messydesk Posts: 20,814 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Let the copyright holders for these images (if you can determine them) know about the auctions, so they can come down on this tool like a ton of bricks.
    John
    Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
  • Tallpaul000
    Tallpaul000 Posts: 193 ✭✭
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    posted twice, sorry
  • bluelobster
    bluelobster Posts: 1,223 ✭✭✭
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    That is absolutely the lowest of the low, either that or a hacked account, especially after he sold actual quality coins. Usually these scams aren't involving that much money. I hope you have swift recourse, I'm sure the perp thinks they are smarter than they are. If this link is correct, it sounds like Ebay should take care of you.

    Ebay picture scam
  • puffer
    puffer Posts: 535
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    Fraud nullifies all contracts even if it is "constructive" fraud which no one in their right mind would accept. i.e. if you agree to become someone's slave or some other extortion agreement, it would naturally be nullified by state and federal laws.
  • Raufus
    Raufus Posts: 7,559 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    When you think that you've seen it all. Unreal. What scum!! Should be prosecuted.
    Land of the Free because of the Brave!
  • Type2
    Type2 Posts: 13,985 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I will try any thing.

    Item not as described in the listing, Money Back Guarantee. This sucks... image


    Hoard the keys.
  • COALPORTER
    COALPORTER Posts: 2,900 ✭✭
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    If this is true you should be telling the police and the post office and not us.

    How did this seller get around eBay's sellers limits ? I wouldn't be allowed to list this much at once.

    What did paypal say about this. I would think they would put a hold on the money because you always
    have 60 days to get your money back (doesn't matter what you type in your auction rules)
  • epcjimi1
    epcjimi1 Posts: 3,489 ✭✭✭
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    HTF does a seller rack up a boatload of negs in a month on ebay and not get the account stopped by "buyer and seller" protection services + policy.

    Holy Chit.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
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    This content has been removed.
  • yellowkid
    yellowkid Posts: 5,486 ✭
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    Didn't any alarms go off for you when he didn't list any condition report or description of the piece, and it was listed in a non coin category? I mean this is fraud, but you should have done a little more due diligence. I sometimes buy on eBay without reading all the description, but when I spend "real" money I pay more attention.

    ed. for spelling
  • ms70
    ms70 Posts: 13,958 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I'll bet he was planning on bowing out of eBay, did this, got his funds, closed the bank account, and closed shop.
  • TopographicOceans
    TopographicOceans Posts: 6,535 ✭✭✭✭
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    His only play now is to leave the country.

    He was probably funding his retirement account first.
  • Nap
    Nap Posts: 1,777 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Pretty miserable.

    Could be a hacked account, but given that he's otherwise a fairly active seller it's probably him that did this.

    My medieval coin collection
  • Schultz24
    Schultz24 Posts: 202 ✭✭
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    Um yea, remember that 1882-O $10 gold i said i bought about a week ago.....yep, still waiting. Didn't even get the pictures. No reply, no coin, no pictures. Luckily I lost a few others i bid on, but hopefully we can all get a refund based on fraud, no item, not as described, etc... I also disputed the purchase on my CC so be sure to do that as well. The 'bay wont let me file a claim yet based on not recieved since the listing says it could arrie by the 5th. Everyone please keep the group informed on what they hear from their claims.
  • grote15
    grote15 Posts: 30,223 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    This reminds me of a Judge Judy episode where Judy tore into a defendant for sending a picture of the item instead of the item itself.

    I hope they catch this dirtbag and that he suffers greatly.


    Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
  • Timbuk3
    Timbuk3 Posts: 11,658 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    That's so messed up. They should hang
    that bas___ !!! image
    Timbuk3
  • earlycoins
    earlycoins Posts: 282 ✭✭✭
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    Hopefully, eBay sees fit to come down on the right side of this situation.

    Please keep the forum in the loop.
  • planetsteve
    planetsteve Posts: 1,425 ✭✭✭✭
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    I'm no lawyer, but I would think that Heritage owns the copyright on their images. I don't suppose that they registered these copyrights, and that might be the least of the seller's legal challenges, but Heritage should be contacted about the unauthorized use and sale of their images.

    I'm sorry for those of you that are going through all this grief right now. Hope you're made whole!
  • CoinZip
    CoinZip Posts: 3,255 ✭✭✭
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    image

    coinzip.com

  • Unknown
    Unknown
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  • coinguy1989
    coinguy1989 Posts: 1,056 ✭✭
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    Both mail and wire fraud are federal crimes. I suggest that you contact your local FBI office, and provide all of the documentation that you have. I also don't know what eBay's IP address retention policy is, but I would contact them and inform them of the fraud with instructions to preserve records of his IP address and other identifying information that might be useful to authorities.
  • puffer
    puffer Posts: 535
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    What town is this joker from?
  • bestday
    bestday Posts: 4,272 ✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>If eBay drags their feet, I would talk to my CC company... assuming you paid with a CC. >>



    Always pay with a CC on ebay...... Ebay on the hook for this crook .. coins are advertised , auctioned , paid for .. not delivered......... open and closed book
  • puffer
    puffer Posts: 535
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    There was a thread on ebay's forums on this scammer that was deleted.
  • kalch23
    kalch23 Posts: 312 ✭
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    they deleted a thread on ebay about this?? wow.
  • philographer
    philographer Posts: 1,383 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    "Topq,inc does not accepts no liability"

    Double negative. So I guess they do accept liability!

    He who knows he has enough is rich.

  • lostincoins
    lostincoins Posts: 4,278 ✭
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    If he were to do it near right he would have used images of coins that he may have sod or auctioned in the past then he could have a better leg to stand on. This is crazy but his ad does state that they are posters and even gives dimensions. I am not saying this is right but it is dam creative and looks like it caught a good number of people sleeping. I always read the entire listing as wording can be very creative and what is written is what is "LAW" on the bay and in legal matters when on appeal. This guy very well may own the images and I wonder if he changed the images enough if that would constitute creative licence issues like with innovation patents.

    I could see some one doing this if they just found out they are going to die and are going out in a blaze of glory!!!!
  • puffer
    puffer Posts: 535
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    << <i>they deleted a thread on ebay about this?? wow. >>



    I asked them why they were deleting threads on this scam and this was their response:

    "In regards to your comments "Ebay needs to adress this $200K plus scammer quickly! You should have multiple threads discussing the issue and offering options for scammed buyers."
    - this is just to let you know that you have reached the eBay Discussion Boards Moderation Team and this is the ONLY area that we deal with.

    "I suggest that you contact eBay via their Customer Support page here http://ocsnext.ebay.com/ocs/cuhome"
  • messydesk
    messydesk Posts: 20,814 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>"Topq,inc does not accepts no liability"

    Double negative. So I guess they do accept liability! >>


    May as well say they don't accepts no guilty verdict, either. Doesn't matter.
    John
    Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution

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