How would Nicky Santoro, played by Joe Pesci in the movie Casino, handle being burned for $20k? Teeth knocked out? Broken ribs? Testicles cattle prodded? Something worse?
<< <i>Saturday I reported this via the NumismaticCrimes.org website (I was scammed for $1000+ / 1893cc Morgan) and received a reply back from Doug (ex-law enforcement & founder of website) saying he would contact eBay today (apparently he has contacts beyond the worthless customer support reps located off-shore). >>
It's dumb to take the law into your own hands, and you would have to be prepared to face the judge if caught. I've heard dealers talk tough about cheats and rip-offs; "I've got people" they say. Or the bad old days where they would hire a tough to break the guy's limb and if he still didn't fork over the goods, he would break another bone. No way to fight back. Good gumshoes can get results and know the authorities well once they locate the perpetrator.
Hoohoo, got my package today, made sure I took some pics before I opened her up!!! Thought about keeping it sealed and making a collectible, but Id rather have a refund. Seller should have done this on 1 April, might have went over better. Enjoy!!
In reference to the comment about going to the house, etc.
I had the misfortune of being a vendor to company that over committed what it could do (Building Classic Cars) and went bankrupt, and left everyone except the IRS with nothing. Many people who had put down deposits off $50,000 to almost $500,000 got nothing after the place was liquidated.
The one the were REALLY scared about was a person from south of the US who had paid the entire, IIRC, $300,000+ for his car in cash, and the car was not delivered.
Fortunately for them, this person was terminated with extreme prejudice by another competing "businessman".
There are people who, as a matter of practice, do not use the courts to settle business disputes.
I can't help but laugh seeing those pictures. I am not trying to be unsympathetic, but 272 auctions were bought and paid for? All getting pictures delivered to them right now? When everyone gets their money back, maybe they will laugh also. What else can you do?
It's amazing the Feebay seems to police it's forum more aggressively than it's fraudulent sellers while at the same time giving so many top teir sellers a needlessly hard time.
W/o doubt the value of ALWAYS paying with a CC on Feebay is clear.
I so hope that this guy just gets nailed. What scum.
It's really painful reading this thread. I sincerely hope that those who were scammed are made whole.
Thanks also very much for keeping us all in the loop.
So very interesting to see all the bashing of Ebay especially from people who have not used it in over 8 years. I find that most people who complain about Ebay are really mad at themselves because they screwed up and want to blame someone else. I always read a listing from top to bottom before bidding on an item and because of this practice have not had any real issues. If others would just follow this very simple rule you to would not have issues most likely. Many even complain about the fees but I can tell you that 98% of all other auction sites end up being more expensive when all is said and done than ebay that I use. If you are a good seller you get good discounts. If I were to complain about the other auction sites that many use here I would just get bashed for it and I find that funny. I hope that those of you who made the mistake of purchasing these cute little posters for so much money can get a refund if it is not what you wanted, I would assume you read the whole listing before bidding and understood what you were bidding on. If this is not the case you may have a bit of a struggle but would think you will still be made whole some way. Good luck all with this and keep us informed as to the out come.
<< <i>So very interesting to see all the bashing of Ebay especially from people who have not used it in over 8 years. I find that most people who complain about Ebay are really mad at themselves because they screwed up and want to blame someone else. I always read a listing from top to bottom before bidding on an item and because of this practice have not had any real issues. If others would just follow this very simple rule you to would not have issues most likely. >>
Nice try, but false John. Have witnessed the Ebay freefall from an active front row seat over 14 years.
Blaming a victim of fraud is specious at best. I have never ever read long descriptions from top to bottom any more than I have read Ebay/Paypals terms and conditions in their entirety.
I skimmed through 6 pages and posts and nowhere did I see the guy's name or address. If you have this information, or any other identifying information, please post it.
Anyone scammed should report it to the FBI. Another idea might be to contact the state attorney general, particularly if there is a unit specializing in consumer protection.
You will likely need to file a complaint. Another victim in your area would be good.
For those who have asked, yes, it is fraud. On a simpler level, it is unfair and deceptive, which is less onerous to prove.
Ebay is a vital and huge resource used by major numismatic sellers like Heritage Auctions and Apmex. Where else can you quickly list your numismatic items instead of having to ship them to an auction house and go through their lengthy process? It really is an ideal hobby medium but the system is no better than the participants and the policing of the site by ebay and paypal professionals. I just hope with their scheduled cut-backs customers will not be ill-served. Let's hope all the customers ripped off by this scammer get their money back; some have not contacted ebay yet, but the law does not work unless you invoke it.
<< <i>So very interesting to see all the bashing of Ebay especially from people who have not used it in over 8 years. I find that most people who complain about Ebay are really mad at themselves because they screwed up and want to blame someone else. I always read a listing from top to bottom before bidding on an item and because of this practice have not had any real issues. If others would just follow this very simple rule you to would not have issues most likely. Many even complain about the fees but I can tell you that 98% of all other auction sites end up being more expensive when all is said and done than ebay that I use. If you are a good seller you get good discounts. If I were to complain about the other auction sites that many use here I would just get bashed for it and I find that funny. I hope that those of you who made the mistake of purchasing these cute little posters for so much money can get a refund if it is not what you wanted, I would assume you read the whole listing before bidding and understood what you were bidding on. If this is not the case you may have a bit of a struggle but would think you will still be made whole some way. Good luck all with this and keep us informed as to the out come. >>
The description is this: "Photographs for your judgement."
Listed in coins.
I guess that you are the only one who knew that they weren't going to send you coins, only photographs of coins, huh? How did the OP screw up by trying to purchase coins from a person whose feedback had previously been 100%? I still use ebay despite the bashing, but not to make $2,000 coin purchases.
How does ebay allow a flea market level seller like this scammer to go from selling $15 items to running certified rare coins? Don't they put limits on all sellers but credentialed PNG and other authorized dealers, especially in cases like this? I hope they get some hot shots in silicon valley to prevent fiascos like this in the future.
<< <i>I have to wonder if feepay/PayPal have decided to hide behind the seller's description in refusing refunds.
I'd be interested to hear from the OP and anyone else that been taken what and how feepay is handling the issue. >>
The representative from ebay I spoke with yesterday in the "high value resolution department" told me that ebay was going to be covering this and start issuing refunds within 48-72 hours.
When I opened up my last cases against him last night after following bay's timetable, ebay listed his address to return the items to. Here it is in case anybody else needs it:
Topq inc 88 Ascot Lane # 2715, Willowbrook, IL, 60527 , US
I JUST RECEIVED A FULL REFUND!! Not sure if you need to initiate a case or not, but my purchsed item was taken off of my ebay, and as soon as i hit send on my resolution department query, i got an expedited refund notification. Hopefully the same good news for all!!
<< <i>So very interesting to see all the bashing of Ebay especially from people who have not used it in over 8 years. I find that most people who complain about Ebay are really mad at themselves because they screwed up and want to blame someone else. I always read a listing from top to bottom before bidding on an item and because of this practice have not had any real issues. If others would just follow this very simple rule you to would not have issues most likely. >>
Nice try, but false John. Have witnessed the Ebay freefall from an active front row seat over 14 years.
Blaming a victim of fraud is specious at best. I have never ever read long descriptions from top to bottom any more than I have read Ebay/Paypals terms and conditions in their entirety. >>
Bully for you. No offense to the fooled, but really? You fell for this scam? It's not that difficult if your BS detector is in good working order, however, it seems for many this is anything but the case -- and thus, a scammer saw and seized an opportunity and took advantage of the gullible. You don't exactly need to read the whole description to know something's fishy -- in fact, just the awkward reams of small type should have raised peoples' hackles.
In the end, I've no doubt every victim will get made whole, as some are just beginning to -- so it's a happy ending, and hopefully, one with lessons learned.
<< <i>So very interesting to see all the bashing of Ebay especially from people who have not used it in over 8 years. I find that most people who complain about Ebay are really mad at themselves because they screwed up and want to blame someone else. I always read a listing from top to bottom before bidding on an item and because of this practice have not had any real issues. If others would just follow this very simple rule you to would not have issues most likely. >>
Nice try, but false John. Have witnessed the Ebay freefall from an active front row seat over 14 years.
Blaming a victim of fraud is specious at best. I have never ever read long descriptions from top to bottom any more than I have read Ebay/Paypals terms and conditions in their entirety. >>
Bully for you. No offense to the fooled, but really? You fell for this scam? It's not that difficult if your BS detector is in good working order, however, it seems for many this is anything but the case -- and thus, a scammer saw and seized an opportunity and took advantage of the gullible. You don't exactly need to read the whole description to know something's fishy -- in fact, just the awkward reams of small type should have raised peoples' hackles.
In the end, I've no doubt every victim will get made whole, as some are just beginning to -- so it's a happy ending, and hopefully, one with lessons learned. >>
No I didn't get hosed on this fraud. The few times I have been scammed on Ebay was on under market priced buy it now's as time was of the essence. Ebay/Paypal made me whole.
Real victims are the legitimate sellers that receive unearned scorn fore their mere presence on the site.
This guy is now officially NARU and all auctions pulled, so this may now dovetail with folks getting refunds like Schultz above. So, what's the consensus here? Scammer from the get go? Scammer who bought a legit account? Stolen/hacked account?
<< <i>No I didn't get hosed on this fraud. The few times I have been scammed on Ebay was on under market priced buy it now's as time was of the essence. Ebay/Paypal made me whole.
Real victims are the legitimate sellers that receive unearned scorn fore their mere presence on the site. >>
LMAO as you are one of the biggest ebay bashers around.
Seems like the buyers will be made whole, ebay is an awesomely safe place.
Ebay is the best coin venue by far for buyers and sellers.
This is excellent news, and hopefully it will be done automatically as clearly no certified coins were sent by this crook or whoever hijacked his account. When the other shoe drops on the perpetrator hopefully there will be an announcement of a lengthy prison sentence as the long arm of the law reaches where people think they are safe. Ebay is a great option for buyers and sellers.
<< <i>When I opened up my last cases against him last night after following bay's timetable, ebay listed his address to return the items to. Here it is in case anybody else needs it:
Topq inc 88 Ascot Lane # 2715, Willowbrook, IL, 60527 , US
I believe his name is Laurynas Karpis >>
His corp filing with the State of IL was done just 10 days ago and lists a different address:
Entity Name TOPQ,INC. File Number 68147387 Status ACTIVE Entity Type CORPORATION Type of Corp DOMESTIC BCA Incorporation Date (Domestic) 10/15/2011 State ILLINOIS Agent Name LAURYNAS KARPIS Agent Change Date 10/15/2011 Agent Street Address 6173 KNOLL LANE CT APT 103 President Name & Address LAURYNAS KARPIS Agent City WILLOWBROOK Secretary Name & Address SAME Agent Zip 60527 Duration Date PERPETUAL Annual Report Filing Date 01/21/2015 For Year 2014
<< <i>So very interesting to see all the bashing of Ebay especially from people who have not used it in over 8 years. I find that most people who complain about Ebay are really mad at themselves because they screwed up and want to blame someone else. I always read a listing from top to bottom before bidding on an item and because of this practice have not had any real issues. If others would just follow this very simple rule you to would not have issues most likely. >>
Nice try, but false John. Have witnessed the Ebay freefall from an active front row seat over 14 years.
Blaming a victim of fraud is specious at best. I have never ever read long descriptions from top to bottom any more than I have read Ebay/Paypals terms and conditions in their entirety. >>
Sorry Mac but some victims must shoulder some of the blame.
Take the recent rash of IRS ripoff calls from scammers telling the victim that they owed $1400 in back taxes and that the local Sheriff was in possession of a Warrant for their arrest unless they purchased $1400 worth of "cash cards" and forwarded the numbers to the caller?
ANY collector that is going to lay out $1,000 or more for a coin, had damn well better read the ENTIRE auction listing. Otherwise, they need to shoulder some of the blame.
I cannot cheat you unless YOU allow me too.
I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.
<< <i>No I didn't get hosed on this fraud. The few times I have been scammed on Ebay was on under market priced buy it now's as time was of the essence. Ebay/Paypal made me whole.
Real victims are the legitimate sellers that receive unearned scorn fore their mere presence on the site. >>
LMAO as you are one of the biggest ebay bashers around.
Seems like the buyers will be made whole, ebay is an awesomely safe place.
Ebay is the best coin venue by far for buyers and sellers. >>
I rarely agree with you on anything but agree with you on this one.
I don't walk down unlit streets at 2 am in the morning with $1000 in my pocket and I certainly don't commit $1000+ to an eBay listing without knowing what I am actually purchasing.
Yep, this selling account was a scamming folks, but it was all right in front of them.
I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.
<< <i>So very interesting to see all the bashing of Ebay especially from people who have not used it in over 8 years...... >>
It sure is. I haven't done a "coin" transaction on Ebay since 2008. But, I also purchased a $12,000 car via Ebay in 2012.....3 years ago. The down payment of $500 went via paypal. The rest was paid in cash when I went to pick up the car. Still didn't have any faith in Ebay and Paypal so I made sure there was <$1,000 in that c/c account. Since that purchase I've let that C/C lapse so that Ebay nor Paypal has my credit info on file. Sleeping a whole lot better these days. While I'm still up a net several thousands bucks from my 2002-2012 Ebay purchases, the sting of losing $2K to a scam ring will never go away.....and they had perfect 100% Feed Back, no one had hijacked their accout either. It was just a perfect scam with the seller either complicit or fronting for the 3rd party. A lesson learned would be to shoot off some specific PM's to the seller before a >$1,000 auction ends or immediately after. Ask some tough questions...especially about the item's condition and provenance. If you can't get that, I'd look elsewhere. In the case of this thread, I wouldn't be surprised if the seller sold the account, or was acting as a 3rd wheel to the real scammer. A lot of scammers target slow moving or inactive accounts and try to work out a deal with that person. If they are now moving up to very active accounts...that's a new wrinkle on me.
You can't rule out even the "best dealer" you know going rogue....regardless of how many others vouche for them. It happened to me in 1988 when my major wholesale buyer's entire operation was shut down by the FEDs for fronting a drug operation. Fortunately for me I didn't have a $20K shipment sitting with them.....just a single coin on memo for $4K. The FEDs gave me $3200 and told me I should be happy. That dealer did serve time. And they were a major wheeler dealer in the late 1980's coin market. Haven't heard of them since. And it happened a 2nd time for me in the 1990's when my dealer went bankrupt....with my coins in their thieving little hands. Ironically, they came right back into business a few years later...and might be still at it today. Don't forget "good dealers" with alt Ebay ID's. I lost $700 to an Ebay dealer that dozens of people on this forum probably know as a "model" of the Chicago area coin community. When I went digging a little deeper it turns out they have 4 alt ID's.....3 of those came into being when the first one accumulated a large number of negs and neutrals. On Ebay, it's not always that easy to know who you are really dealing with. And just because you've had successful face-to-face transactions with a particular dealer on the bourse floor, doesn't mean they aren't capable of screwing people under the cloak of Ebay. I've probably had half a dozen thefts and frauds committed on me by other dealers/collectors over the past 40 years.....one third of them were on Ebay.
<< <i>No I didn't get hosed on this fraud. The few times I have been scammed on Ebay was on under market priced buy it now's as time was of the essence. Ebay/Paypal made me whole.
Real victims are the legitimate sellers that receive unearned scorn fore their mere presence on the site. >>
LMAO as you are one of the biggest ebay bashers around.
Seems like the buyers will be made whole, ebay is an awesomely safe place.
Ebay is the best coin venue by far for buyers and sellers. >>
I bash Ebay about the draconian obstacles placed on legitimate sellers. Ebay is indeed an awesomely safe place.....for the buyers. The sellers get hosed repeatedly and it is this type of scam artist that makes it much more difficult for the legitimate operators to sell our coins as ultimately we have to eat the costs that Ebay/Paypal has incurred as the thieves skate off into the sunset.
If I were specializing in $3 errors as you do (nothing wrong with that) and Kayaking for my groceries I guess it would be no big deal. To those though that have used the site as a legitimate income source, it is a continuation of the same old decline.
<< <i>I am a seller and have never been hosed by ebay. >>
I have. Sold many $2000+ coins when the FVF fee was $35 (2.5% first $1000 and 1% on the second thousand). Now the fee is $120.
By paying $16 a month and kissing the rear of every unreasonable buyer, the 20% discount brings the FVF down to $96. Of course that discount can disappear in a flash.
Nearly got hammered for $3300 a year ago when a registered package was delayed because of the extended blizzard conditions in the North East. Was a day away from the hit as promised by the high value resolution team.
You enjoy that type of business partnership EOC.....good for you.
So I received my "photos" today and went to ebay to try to open a "Resolution Center" case to get my money back. However, since the seller is no longer registered and has been kicked off ebay, the items have now been removed as well and the system therefore isn't letting me open a case to receive my money back. Anyone know how to deal with this?
<< <i>ANY collector that is going to lay out $1,000 or more for a coin, had damn well better read the ENTIRE auction listing. >>
One could reasonably assume that the listing in the Ebay coin category along with a title for a coin and 100% 1700 feedback rating would be fine. What if the shyster had not bothered to note deep into the body of the listing that the sale was for an image? Should the bidder have anticipated that as well.
Certainly some folks are not too bright and fall for obvious hoaxes such as ObamaCare, but I give a pass to those that got stung on what appeared to be a reasonable and legitimate coin listings.
<< <i>ANY collector that is going to lay out $1,000 or more for a coin, had damn well better read the ENTIRE auction listing. >>
One could reasonably assume that the listing in the Ebay coin category along with a title for a coin and 100% 1700 feedback rating would be fine. What if the shyster had not bothered to note deep into the body of the listing that the sale was for an image? Should the bidder have anticipated that as well.
Certainly some folks are not too bright and fall for obvious hoaxes such as ObamaCare, but I give a pass to those that got stung on what appeared to be a reasonable and legitimate coin listings. >>
Well, since the coin category was NOT the primary category the item was initially listed under, folks should really have taken precautions and perhaps wondered WHY it was listed under posters or whatever that initial category was?
Just sayin'
There were some red flags which were ignored.
I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.
<< <i>So I received my "photos" today and went to ebay to try to open a "Resolution Center" case to get my money back. However, since the seller is no longer registered and has been kicked off ebay, the items have now been removed as well and the system therefore isn't letting me open a case to receive my money back. Anyone know how to deal with this?
Any advice would be appreciated. >>
Contact eBay directly using their help line. You have no other alternative other than a dispute through PayPal if that was the method chosen.
I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.
<< <i>I am a seller and have never been hosed by ebay. >>
I have. Sold many $2000+ coins when the FVF fee was $35 (2.5% first $1000 and 1% on the second thousand). Now the fee is $120.
By paying $16 a month and kissing the rear of every unreasonable buyer, the 20% discount brings the FVF down to $96. Of course that discount can disappear in a flash.
Nearly got hammered for $3300 a year ago when a registered package was delayed because of the extended blizzard conditions in the North East. Was a day away from the hit as promised by the high value resolution team.
You enjoy that type of business partnership EOC.....good for you. I have fortunately steered most of my business in another direction. >>
Don't forget that "ebay has your back."
While they might have the backs of those who essentially compromise enough people to qualify for a $200K class action lawsuit.....the results are often much different when you're standing alone and "only" $1K to $3K is at stake. And this is probably how >95% of Ebay complaints go down....1 buyer and 1 seller. I've only been a buyer on Ebay. I wouldn't ever consider being a seller.
No, according to Ebay, it is the sellers fault. >>
Two weeks of heavy snowfall locked in the New York area and greatly hampered mail service. Ebay high dollar resolution maven disregarded the registered tracking info (took several hours to get tracking on registered as USPS rarely shows its hand) and considered the package 24 hours from being lost.
On what level does that seem reasonable EOC? Ebay will even note heavy weather conditions when asking buyers to be a bit patient. The New Jersey buyer no doubt saw an opportunity and it nearly worked.
If the high dollar rep had any experience with registered mail and its 99.99% percent success rate and if he looked at the weather in the region and considered my 13 successful years on the site, he would have certainly deferred action for a week. That is how reasonable businesses conduct themselves and not lower a hatchet at every opportunity.
Here's a thread about what happens when they catch up with this guy....eBay's seller was scamming on currency. They'll get this guy if he's still in the country.
Comments
Teeth knocked out? Broken ribs? Testicles cattle prodded? Something worse?
<< <i>In case you're wondering OP, I tallied those I could find.
272 "poster" transactions since the middle of January (when the last normal auction seemed to conclude); $188,217.67 total. >>
What is ebay saying right now?
<< <i>Saturday I reported this via the NumismaticCrimes.org website (I was scammed for $1000+ / 1893cc Morgan) and received a reply back from Doug (ex-law enforcement & founder of website) saying he would contact eBay today (apparently he has contacts beyond the worthless customer support reps located off-shore). >>
Welcome twoOaks
<< <i>And for those piling on eBay (fleabay, scambay, etc.), plenty of coin dealers have committed fraud without using eBay. >>
Ebay was once a quality and respectable venue to trade coins. It now resembles skid row more than Rodeo Drive.
I had the misfortune of being a vendor to company that over committed what it could do (Building Classic Cars) and went bankrupt, and left everyone except the IRS with nothing. Many people who had put down deposits off $50,000 to almost $500,000 got nothing after the place was liquidated.
The one the were REALLY scared about was a person from south of the US who had paid the entire, IIRC, $300,000+ for his car in cash, and the car was not delivered.
Fortunately for them, this person was terminated with extreme prejudice by another competing "businessman".
There are people who, as a matter of practice, do not use the courts to settle business disputes.
I can't help but laugh seeing those pictures. I am not trying to be unsympathetic, but 272 auctions were bought and paid for? All getting pictures delivered to them right now? When everyone gets their money back, maybe they will laugh also. What else can you do?
It's amazing the Feebay seems to police it's forum more aggressively than it's fraudulent sellers while at the same time giving so many top teir sellers a needlessly hard time.
W/o doubt the value of ALWAYS paying with a CC on Feebay is clear.
I so hope that this guy just gets nailed. What scum.
It's really painful reading this thread. I sincerely hope that those who were scammed are made whole.
Thanks also very much for keeping us all in the loop.
Good luck!!
<< <i>So very interesting to see all the bashing of Ebay especially from people who have not used it in over 8 years. I find that most people who complain about Ebay are really mad at themselves because they screwed up and want to blame someone else. I always read a listing from top to bottom before bidding on an item and because of this practice have not had any real issues. If others would just follow this very simple rule you to would not have issues most likely. >>
Nice try, but false John. Have witnessed the Ebay freefall from an active front row seat over 14 years.
Blaming a victim of fraud is specious at best. I have never ever read long descriptions from top to bottom any more than I have read Ebay/Paypals terms and conditions in their entirety.
Anyone scammed should report it to the FBI. Another idea might be to contact the state attorney general, particularly if there is a unit specializing in consumer protection.
You will likely need to file a complaint. Another victim in your area would be good.
For those who have asked, yes, it is fraud. On a simpler level, it is unfair and deceptive, which is less onerous to prove.
Their current gate keepers remind me of these guards. http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VpASHbMHusM/UC4M3ksnkPI/AAAAAAAAC9o/p9YV2ZEoixA/s640/monty_python_holy_grail_swamp_castle_guards.png
<< <i>So very interesting to see all the bashing of Ebay especially from people who have not used it in over 8 years. I find that most people who complain about Ebay are really mad at themselves because they screwed up and want to blame someone else. I always read a listing from top to bottom before bidding on an item and because of this practice have not had any real issues. If others would just follow this very simple rule you to would not have issues most likely. Many even complain about the fees but I can tell you that 98% of all other auction sites end up being more expensive when all is said and done than ebay that I use. If you are a good seller you get good discounts. If I were to complain about the other auction sites that many use here I would just get bashed for it and I find that funny. I hope that those of you who made the mistake of purchasing these cute little posters for so much money can get a refund if it is not what you wanted, I would assume you read the whole listing before bidding and understood what you were bidding on. If this is not the case you may have a bit of a struggle but would think you will still be made whole some way. Good luck all with this and keep us informed as to the out come. >>
The description is this: "Photographs for your judgement."
Listed in coins.
I guess that you are the only one who knew that they weren't going to send you coins, only photographs of coins, huh? How did the OP screw up by trying to purchase coins from a person whose feedback had previously been 100%? I still use ebay despite the bashing, but not to make $2,000 coin purchases.
This should end shortly as feepay contacts the seller and offers him a job as head of marketing with a 7-figure salary.
I'd be interested to hear from the OP and anyone else that been taken what and how feepay is handling the issue.
<< <i>I have to wonder if feepay/PayPal have decided to hide behind the seller's description in refusing refunds.
I'd be interested to hear from the OP and anyone else that been taken what and how feepay is handling the issue. >>
The representative from ebay I spoke with yesterday in the "high value resolution department" told me that ebay was going to be covering this and start issuing refunds within 48-72 hours.
Topq inc
88 Ascot Lane # 2715,
Willowbrook, IL, 60527 , US
I believe his name is Laurynas Karpis
Ike Specialist
Finest Toned Ike I've Ever Seen, been looking since 1986
<< <i>Don't they put limits on all sellers but credentialed PNG and other authorized dealers, especially in cases like this? >>
Nah. They are more concerned about stripping away top seller discounts from quality sellers that get a registered package hung up in new Jersey.
<< <i>
<< <i>So very interesting to see all the bashing of Ebay especially from people who have not used it in over 8 years. I find that most people who complain about Ebay are really mad at themselves because they screwed up and want to blame someone else. I always read a listing from top to bottom before bidding on an item and because of this practice have not had any real issues. If others would just follow this very simple rule you to would not have issues most likely. >>
Nice try, but false John. Have witnessed the Ebay freefall from an active front row seat over 14 years.
Blaming a victim of fraud is specious at best. I have never ever read long descriptions from top to bottom any more than I have read Ebay/Paypals terms and conditions in their entirety. >>
Bully for you. No offense to the fooled, but really? You fell for this scam? It's not that difficult if your BS detector is in good working order, however, it seems for many this is anything but the case -- and thus, a scammer saw and seized an opportunity and took advantage of the gullible. You don't exactly need to read the whole description to know something's fishy -- in fact, just the awkward reams of small type should have raised peoples' hackles.
In the end, I've no doubt every victim will get made whole, as some are just beginning to -- so it's a happy ending, and hopefully, one with lessons learned.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>So very interesting to see all the bashing of Ebay especially from people who have not used it in over 8 years. I find that most people who complain about Ebay are really mad at themselves because they screwed up and want to blame someone else. I always read a listing from top to bottom before bidding on an item and because of this practice have not had any real issues. If others would just follow this very simple rule you to would not have issues most likely. >>
Nice try, but false John. Have witnessed the Ebay freefall from an active front row seat over 14 years.
Blaming a victim of fraud is specious at best. I have never ever read long descriptions from top to bottom any more than I have read Ebay/Paypals terms and conditions in their entirety. >>
Bully for you. No offense to the fooled, but really? You fell for this scam? It's not that difficult if your BS detector is in good working order, however, it seems for many this is anything but the case -- and thus, a scammer saw and seized an opportunity and took advantage of the gullible. You don't exactly need to read the whole description to know something's fishy -- in fact, just the awkward reams of small type should have raised peoples' hackles.
In the end, I've no doubt every victim will get made whole, as some are just beginning to -- so it's a happy ending, and hopefully, one with lessons learned. >>
No I didn't get hosed on this fraud. The few times I have been scammed on Ebay was on under market priced buy it now's as time was of the essence. Ebay/Paypal made me whole.
Real victims are the legitimate sellers that receive unearned scorn fore their mere presence on the site.
So, what's the consensus here? Scammer from the get go? Scammer who bought a legit account? Stolen/hacked account?
RIP Mom- 1932-2012
<< <i>No I didn't get hosed on this fraud. The few times I have been scammed on Ebay was on under market priced buy it now's as time was of the essence. Ebay/Paypal made me whole.
Real victims are the legitimate sellers that receive unearned scorn fore their mere presence on the site. >>
LMAO as you are one of the biggest ebay bashers around.
Seems like the buyers will be made whole, ebay is an awesomely safe place.
Ebay is the best coin venue by far for buyers and sellers.
<< <i>When I opened up my last cases against him last night after following bay's timetable, ebay listed his address to return the items to. Here it is in case anybody else needs it:
Topq inc
88 Ascot Lane # 2715,
Willowbrook, IL, 60527 , US
I believe his name is Laurynas Karpis >>
His corp filing with the State of IL was done just 10 days ago and lists a different address:
Entity Name TOPQ,INC. File Number 68147387
Status ACTIVE
Entity Type CORPORATION Type of Corp DOMESTIC BCA
Incorporation Date (Domestic) 10/15/2011 State ILLINOIS
Agent Name LAURYNAS KARPIS Agent Change Date 10/15/2011
Agent Street Address 6173 KNOLL LANE CT APT 103 President Name & Address LAURYNAS KARPIS
Agent City WILLOWBROOK Secretary Name & Address SAME
Agent Zip 60527 Duration Date PERPETUAL
Annual Report Filing Date 01/21/2015 For Year 2014
<< <i>
<< <i>So very interesting to see all the bashing of Ebay especially from people who have not used it in over 8 years. I find that most people who complain about Ebay are really mad at themselves because they screwed up and want to blame someone else. I always read a listing from top to bottom before bidding on an item and because of this practice have not had any real issues. If others would just follow this very simple rule you to would not have issues most likely. >>
Nice try, but false John. Have witnessed the Ebay freefall from an active front row seat over 14 years.
Blaming a victim of fraud is specious at best. I have never ever read long descriptions from top to bottom any more than I have read Ebay/Paypals terms and conditions in their entirety. >>
Sorry Mac but some victims must shoulder some of the blame.
Take the recent rash of IRS ripoff calls from scammers telling the victim that they owed $1400 in back taxes and that the local Sheriff was in possession of a Warrant for their arrest unless they purchased $1400 worth of "cash cards" and forwarded the numbers to the caller?
ANY collector that is going to lay out $1,000 or more for a coin, had damn well better read the ENTIRE auction listing. Otherwise, they need to shoulder some of the blame.
I cannot cheat you unless YOU allow me too.
The name is LEE!
<< <i>
<< <i>No I didn't get hosed on this fraud. The few times I have been scammed on Ebay was on under market priced buy it now's as time was of the essence. Ebay/Paypal made me whole.
Real victims are the legitimate sellers that receive unearned scorn fore their mere presence on the site. >>
LMAO as you are one of the biggest ebay bashers around.
Seems like the buyers will be made whole, ebay is an awesomely safe place.
Ebay is the best coin venue by far for buyers and sellers. >>
I rarely agree with you on anything but agree with you on this one.
I don't walk down unlit streets at 2 am in the morning with $1000 in my pocket and I certainly don't commit $1000+ to an eBay listing without knowing what I am actually purchasing.
Yep, this selling account was a scamming folks, but it was all right in front of them.
The name is LEE!
<< <i>So very interesting to see all the bashing of Ebay especially from people who have not used it in over 8 years...... >>
It sure is. I haven't done a "coin" transaction on Ebay since 2008. But, I also purchased a $12,000 car via Ebay in 2012.....3 years ago. The down payment of $500 went via paypal. The rest was paid in cash when I went to pick up the car. Still didn't have any faith in Ebay and Paypal so I made sure there was <$1,000 in that c/c account. Since that purchase I've let that C/C lapse so that Ebay nor Paypal has my credit info on file. Sleeping a whole lot better these days. While I'm still up a net several thousands bucks from my 2002-2012 Ebay purchases, the sting of losing $2K to a scam ring will never go away.....and they had perfect 100% Feed Back, no one had hijacked their accout either. It was just a perfect scam with the seller either complicit or fronting for the 3rd party. A lesson learned would be to shoot off some specific PM's to the seller before a >$1,000 auction ends or immediately after. Ask some tough questions...especially about the item's condition and provenance. If you can't get that, I'd look elsewhere. In the case of this thread, I wouldn't be surprised if the seller sold the account, or was acting as a 3rd wheel to the real scammer. A lot of scammers target slow moving or inactive accounts and try to work out a deal with that person. If they are now moving up to very active accounts...that's a new wrinkle on me.
You can't rule out even the "best dealer" you know going rogue....regardless of how many others vouche for them. It happened to me in 1988 when my major wholesale buyer's entire operation was shut down by the FEDs for fronting a drug operation. Fortunately for me I didn't have a $20K shipment sitting with them.....just a single coin on memo for $4K. The FEDs gave me $3200 and told me I should be happy. That dealer did serve time. And they were a major wheeler dealer in the late 1980's coin market. Haven't heard of them since. And it happened a 2nd time for me in the 1990's when my dealer went bankrupt....with my coins in their thieving little hands. Ironically, they came right back into business a few years later...and might be still at it today. Don't forget "good dealers" with alt Ebay ID's. I lost $700 to an Ebay dealer that dozens of people on this forum probably know as a "model" of the Chicago area coin community. When I went digging a little deeper it turns out they have 4 alt ID's.....3 of those came into being when the first one accumulated a large number of negs and neutrals. On Ebay, it's not always that easy to know who you are really dealing with. And just because you've had successful face-to-face transactions with a particular dealer on the bourse floor, doesn't mean they aren't capable of screwing people under the cloak of Ebay. I've probably had half a dozen thefts and frauds committed on me by other dealers/collectors over the past 40 years.....one third of them were on Ebay.
<< <i>
<< <i>No I didn't get hosed on this fraud. The few times I have been scammed on Ebay was on under market priced buy it now's as time was of the essence. Ebay/Paypal made me whole.
Real victims are the legitimate sellers that receive unearned scorn fore their mere presence on the site. >>
LMAO as you are one of the biggest ebay bashers around.
Seems like the buyers will be made whole, ebay is an awesomely safe place.
Ebay is the best coin venue by far for buyers and sellers. >>
I bash Ebay about the draconian obstacles placed on legitimate sellers. Ebay is indeed an awesomely safe place.....for the buyers. The sellers get hosed repeatedly and it is this type of scam artist that makes it much more difficult for the legitimate operators to sell our coins as ultimately we have to eat the costs that Ebay/Paypal has incurred as the thieves skate off into the sunset.
If I were specializing in $3 errors as you do (nothing wrong with that) and Kayaking for my groceries I guess it would be no big deal. To those though that have used the site as a legitimate income source, it is a continuation of the same old decline.
And yes it is a legitimate income source for me, and a great marketing tool for the higher end coins that go directly to my website.
Nice try bashing me.
<< <i>I am a seller and have never been hosed by ebay. >>
I have. Sold many $2000+ coins when the FVF fee was $35 (2.5% first $1000 and 1% on the second thousand). Now the fee is $120.
By paying $16 a month and kissing the rear of every unreasonable buyer, the 20% discount brings the FVF down to $96. Of course that discount can disappear in a flash.
Nearly got hammered for $3300 a year ago when a registered package was delayed because of the extended blizzard conditions in the North East. Was a day away from the hit as promised by the high value resolution team.
You enjoy that type of business partnership EOC.....good for you.
Any advice would be appreciated.
<< <i>ANY collector that is going to lay out $1,000 or more for a coin, had damn well better read the ENTIRE auction listing. >>
One could reasonably assume that the listing in the Ebay coin category along with a title for a coin and 100% 1700 feedback rating would be fine. What if the shyster had not bothered to note deep into the body of the listing that the sale was for an image? Should the bidder have anticipated that as well.
Certainly some folks are not too bright and fall for obvious hoaxes such as ObamaCare, but I give a pass to those that got stung on what appeared to be a reasonable and legitimate coin listings.
<< <i>So the blizzard was ebays fault????? >>
No, according to Ebay, it is the sellers fault.
<< <i>
<< <i>ANY collector that is going to lay out $1,000 or more for a coin, had damn well better read the ENTIRE auction listing. >>
One could reasonably assume that the listing in the Ebay coin category along with a title for a coin and 100% 1700 feedback rating would be fine. What if the shyster had not bothered to note deep into the body of the listing that the sale was for an image? Should the bidder have anticipated that as well.
Certainly some folks are not too bright and fall for obvious hoaxes such as ObamaCare, but I give a pass to those that got stung on what appeared to be a reasonable and legitimate coin listings. >>
Well, since the coin category was NOT the primary category the item was initially listed under, folks should really have taken precautions and perhaps wondered WHY it was listed under posters or whatever that initial category was?
Just sayin'
There were some red flags which were ignored.
The name is LEE!
<< <i>So I received my "photos" today and went to ebay to try to open a "Resolution Center" case to get my money back. However, since the seller is no longer registered and has been kicked off ebay, the items have now been removed as well and the system therefore isn't letting me open a case to receive my money back. Anyone know how to deal with this?
Any advice would be appreciated. >>
Contact eBay directly using their help line. You have no other alternative other than a dispute through PayPal if that was the method chosen.
The name is LEE!
Probably best to do this tomorrow during business hours (mountain standard time).
<< <i>
<< <i>I am a seller and have never been hosed by ebay. >>
I have. Sold many $2000+ coins when the FVF fee was $35 (2.5% first $1000 and 1% on the second thousand). Now the fee is $120.
By paying $16 a month and kissing the rear of every unreasonable buyer, the 20% discount brings the FVF down to $96. Of course that discount can disappear in a flash.
Nearly got hammered for $3300 a year ago when a registered package was delayed because of the extended blizzard conditions in the North East. Was a day away from the hit as promised by the high value resolution team.
You enjoy that type of business partnership EOC.....good for you. I have fortunately steered most of my business in another direction. >>
Don't forget that "ebay has your back."
While they might have the backs of those who essentially compromise enough people to qualify for a $200K class action lawsuit.....the results are often much different when you're standing alone and "only" $1K to $3K is at stake. And this is probably how >95% of Ebay complaints go down....1 buyer and 1 seller. I've only been a buyer on Ebay. I wouldn't ever consider being a seller.
<< <i>
<< <i>So the blizzard was ebays fault????? >>
No, according to Ebay, it is the sellers fault. >>
Two weeks of heavy snowfall locked in the New York area and greatly hampered mail service. Ebay high dollar resolution maven disregarded the registered tracking info (took several hours to get tracking on registered as USPS rarely shows its hand) and considered the package 24 hours from being lost.
On what level does that seem reasonable EOC? Ebay will even note heavy weather conditions when asking buyers to be a bit patient. The New Jersey buyer no doubt saw an opportunity and it nearly worked.
If the high dollar rep had any experience with registered mail and its 99.99% percent success rate and if he looked at the weather in the region and considered my 13 successful years on the site, he would have certainly deferred action for a week. That is how reasonable businesses conduct themselves and not lower a hatchet at every opportunity.
Banknote Scammer Nailed