Alert! Scammer on the forums--KP Coins *Resolved-No thanks to KP*
MorganMan94
Posts: 1,331 ✭✭✭✭✭
I would like to give a warning to everyone on these boards not to purchase from KP coins. His email is kevinsegaman@yahoo.com if he reappears as any other user.
At the beginning of the month he started posting here, fairly actively on the board asking newbie questions, and then in the B/S/T section. Most of what he was selling was wheat pennies and junk silver, but not at a price that would cause most people to be suspicious. I purchased using PayPal gift as he seemed like a likable guy who said he was searching through old jars of coins he inherited and was actively seeking knowledge on the boards, so I had no red flags going into the deal.
After making payment I heard from him for a few days, I asked for a tracking number after about three days and he said he had it shipped but was so busy at work and would get me the tracking number the next day. After that I have heard NOTHING at all from him despite sending him numerous emails.
I messaged Jeff (Drunner) who posted on his B/S/T post that he sent payment so I was wondering if he had received his item or heard anything from him, which he hasn't either. Jeff also mentioned to me he received a private message from another member (Jay1187) who was wondering if he had received his coins yet since he has not received his. That now brings the total to three of us, and I wouldn't be surprised if there are more out there. If so, please come forward in the comments or via a private message to me.
Just today I started doing what I could to recoup our money, I started by calling PayPal who was actually willing to file a case for me even though it was sent via gift. I also got his real name and they didn't have an address on file but they did have a town which is small enough I may be able to track him down. I am going to attempt to contact the police department in that town and see what they can do for me, as well as hopefully send him a letter of certified mail. If this fails I am considering going to the courts to get a Subpoena duces tecum issued.
Does anyone else have any advice? I am just getting into this and I know it is a lot of work, but I am determined that everyone who has been wronged will be made whole again.
At the beginning of the month he started posting here, fairly actively on the board asking newbie questions, and then in the B/S/T section. Most of what he was selling was wheat pennies and junk silver, but not at a price that would cause most people to be suspicious. I purchased using PayPal gift as he seemed like a likable guy who said he was searching through old jars of coins he inherited and was actively seeking knowledge on the boards, so I had no red flags going into the deal.
After making payment I heard from him for a few days, I asked for a tracking number after about three days and he said he had it shipped but was so busy at work and would get me the tracking number the next day. After that I have heard NOTHING at all from him despite sending him numerous emails.
I messaged Jeff (Drunner) who posted on his B/S/T post that he sent payment so I was wondering if he had received his item or heard anything from him, which he hasn't either. Jeff also mentioned to me he received a private message from another member (Jay1187) who was wondering if he had received his coins yet since he has not received his. That now brings the total to three of us, and I wouldn't be surprised if there are more out there. If so, please come forward in the comments or via a private message to me.
Just today I started doing what I could to recoup our money, I started by calling PayPal who was actually willing to file a case for me even though it was sent via gift. I also got his real name and they didn't have an address on file but they did have a town which is small enough I may be able to track him down. I am going to attempt to contact the police department in that town and see what they can do for me, as well as hopefully send him a letter of certified mail. If this fails I am considering going to the courts to get a Subpoena duces tecum issued.
Does anyone else have any advice? I am just getting into this and I know it is a lot of work, but I am determined that everyone who has been wronged will be made whole again.
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Comments
I lost $800-$900 on the BST last Feb/March getting scammed into sending someone money via PPG. Let's check if it is the same guy.
His name is Kevin Peterson and based off the information I got from PayPal he lives in Sharon, PA.
On Facebook there's a Kevin Peterson in Sharon, Connecticut. Did you mistype PA instead of CT?
I'm coming up empty in searching public records for a Kevin Peterson in Sharon, Pennsylvania.
Thank you for the tip!
Sort of a bummer. I know we should all be vigilant (yes, Forum Police -- I probably should have looked for red flags) but I have had such good fortune on the BST and dealt with so many solid numismatists, I never saw anything coming.
Sort of a creepy feeling . . . being a potential 'victim'. It certainly does have that 'violated' feeling, but I have learned my lesson. I must say, my loss is paltry compared to some.
Thanks to MorganMan94 again . . . his plan is superb.
Drunner
I'm sorry to hear this and hope y'all get restitution. Having a scammer on our BST feels like a home invasion, if you know what I mean.
Collector since 1976. On the CU forums here since 2001.
We all need to be vigilant in our dealings. Whether here, ebay, or anywhere.
I've had people send me $5000+ on my name/reputation, and I have sent others four figures (at one time) the same way.
I've also had those times when I didn't know folks that I wouldn't send money until I got the coin. Particularly if they wanted PPG or a check. Never a problem with folks so far, in that respect. I don't mind walking away if I don't like the way a deal feels.
I've also, when I wasn't so sure and someone wanted PPG, done the PP bit but paid the 3% myself, as mentioned as an option just above this post. Insurance, imo.
I hope people get made hole. I also hope things weren't too much $$$.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
Seems to me the solution is to pay the extra 3% for regular paypal.
+1
Very sad to hear this news
I've never had a problem with my purchases or sales here.
Hope you are made whole.
Thank you for the heads-up.
I hope all works out for those affected. Cheers, RickO
I would agree with everyone here that is it very disappointing, although I haven't been a member here for very long I have never had an issue with this site, other coin forums, or even auto forums buying auto parts. I definitely will not be sending anymore PayPal gift, paying an extra 3% for "insurance" is seeming more worth it to me now that I am on the other end dealing with the issues. 3% does add a decent premium to buying junk silver around melt value which is what initially led me to falling for this.
I have searched the internet using his email, but my guess is it was created solely for this purpose. I am hoping that Drunner and Jay 1187 file with PayPal and he has three disputes on gift transactions over a short period of time, which should throw up red flags to PayPal.
Successful BST transactions with: SilverEagles92; Ahrensdad; Smitty; GregHansen; Lablade; Mercury10c; copperflopper; whatsup; KISHU1; scrapman1077, crispy, canadanz, smallchange, robkool, Mission16, ranshdow, ibzman350, Fallguy, Collectorcoins, SurfinxHI, jwitten, Walkerguy21D, dsessom.
I would also advocate to CLCT to allow only paying members to access the BST. These scams seem to be more frequent than not. CLCT would at least have a name, address and credit card number on file.
Sorry for you guys' loss.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
Moral of the story is to check with others before you send your money.
probably not a good idea to report yourself to paypal.
Sorry for your loss, thanks for outing him and the dangers of PPG.
Do you have an ebay ID for this seller?
If you understand what is coming, then you can duck. If not, then you get sucker-punched. - Martin Armstrong
What city and state?
I lost $800-$900 on the BST last Feb/March getting scammed into sending someone money via PPG. Let's check if it is the same guy.
Can't trust newbies .. to save 3 % ?
They created PayPal Gift for sending money to friends and family.
When you are sending money to someone else other than friends and family,
PayPal has provided you a service, and when someone provides a service,
they should be paid for it. Sorry to be preachy about it, but that is my opinion.
Plus, PayPal Gift doesn't give you any recourse if the deal goes bad.
An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.
This is why there are crooked rivers and politicians...they take the path of least resistance.
BST transactions: dbldie55, jayPem, 78saen, UltraHighRelief, nibanny, liefgold, FallGuy, lkeigwin, mbogoman, Sandman70gt, keets, joeykoins, ianrussell (@GC), EagleEye, ThePennyLady, GRANDAM, Ilikecolor, Gluggo, okiedude, Voyageur, LJenkins11, fastfreddie, ms70, pursuitofliberty, ZoidMeister,Coin Finder, GotTheBug, edwardjulio, Coinnmore, Nickpatton, Namvet69,...
When you send money with PayPal, PayPal is providing a service.
They created PayPal Gift for sending money to friends and family.
When you are sending money to someone else other than friends and family,
PayPal has provided you a service, and when someone provides a service,
they should be paid for it. Sorry to be preachy about it, but that is my opinion.
Plus, PayPal Gift doesn't give you any recourse if the deal goes bad.
That's why I suggest Venmo. You can wire from your bank or debit card for FREE. You can also use credit card for 3% fee. Venmo is owned by Paypal.
Thanks for the heads up.
+1
My YouTube Channel
That's why I suggest Venmo. You can wire from your bank or debit card for FREE. You can also use credit card for 3% fee. Venmo is owned by Paypal.
How does a wire give you any recourse?
Seems to me the solution is to pay the extra 3% for regular paypal.
My YouTube Channel
That's why I suggest Venmo. You can wire from your bank or debit card for FREE. You can also use credit card for 3% fee. Venmo is owned by Paypal.
How does a wire give you any recourse?
Obviously a wire gives no recourse but you can also use a debit card for FREE. Depending on the terms of your debit card, you may have recourse.
You should all file a claim with Paypal because they will try to get your money back even if its via gift
especially if they see a pattern.
Plenty of high dollar transactions :
jdimmick, commoncents05, Smittys, guitarwes
Cheers
Bob
Seems to me the solution is to pay the extra 3% for regular paypal.
This.
The easiest way to avoid getting kicked by a mule is to not stand behind it in the first place.
RIP Mom- 1932-2012
Just curious, how much $$$ are we talking about with this scammer? Were these $20, $200 or $1000 scam sales?
chinees replica for over a grand. Other bought so-called gem bu 1932d and 1932s quarters that were just polished up au’s. as the saying goes “ caveat emptor” hope you get your money back.
a.k.a "The BUFFINATOR"
I know there is no recourse with Paypal gift. Anyone have any experience with Venmo as a payment method?
I would also advocate to CLCT to allow only paying members to access the BST. These scams seem to be more frequent than not. CLCT would at least have a name, address and credit card number on file.
I think this a very good idea.
I know there is no recourse with Paypal gift. Anyone have any experience with Venmo as a payment method?
I would also advocate to CLCT to allow only paying members to access the BST. These scams seem to be more frequent than not. CLCT would at least have a name, address and credit card number on file.
Not to come off as an ***** or insensitive but why in the hell would CLCT ever get involved with the BST function on this board? A stated earlier it's really simple you had better start using Paypal and not choose the family and friends method.
Successful card BST transactions with cbcnow, brogurt, gstarling, Bravesfan 007, and rajah 424.
I know there is no recourse with Paypal gift. Anyone have any experience with Venmo as a payment method?
I would also advocate to CLCT to allow only paying members to access the BST. These scams seem to be more frequent than not. CLCT would at least have a name, address and credit card number on file.
Not to come off as an ***** or insensitive but why in the hell would CLCT ever get involved with the BST function on this board? A stated earlier it's really simple you had better start using Paypal and not choose the family and friends method.
Well you did come off as an *****. By even offering a BST on THEIR site, they are already involved. Doesn't it tarnish their image having these threads surface every month? How hard would it be to ask for a member number?
Maybe they should just take the BST sections off their board.
I know there is no recourse with Paypal gift. Anyone have any experience with Venmo as a payment method?
I would also advocate to CLCT to allow only paying members to access the BST. These scams seem to be more frequent than not. CLCT would at least have a name, address and credit card number on file.
Not to come off as an ***** or insensitive but why in the hell would CLCT ever get involved with the BST function on this board? A stated earlier it's really simple you had better start using Paypal and not choose the family and friends method.
There is less then zero chance they want to take this on
mark
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
I know there is no recourse with Paypal gift. Anyone have any experience with Venmo as a payment method?
I would also advocate to CLCT to allow only paying members to access the BST. These scams seem to be more frequent than not. CLCT would at least have a name, address and credit card number on file.
Worst idea EVER for CLCT to do as, then if there were any incident, they could be involved when they don't want to be.
The BST is, largely, a clean environment for people to transact with each other.
By having its own forum, it keeps "deals" from the USCF and other places.
If CLCT were to restrict it to paying members, they would have to devote resources to making sure each person were still active with them, answer questions, work on issues, etc etc etc....all when 2 parties are just trying to transact with each other.
Then, if something goes really wrong, they would be getting lawyers involved to get information and involving CLCT and they would have to devote resources to that.
Not a smart idea at all.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
I know there is no recourse with Paypal gift. Anyone have any experience with Venmo as a payment method?
I would also advocate to CLCT to allow only paying members to access the BST. These scams seem to be more frequent than not. CLCT would at least have a name, address and credit card number on file.
Worst idea EVER for CLCT to do as, then if there were any incident, they could be involved when they don't want to be.
The BST is, largely, a clean environment for people to transact with each other.
By having its own forum, it keeps "deals" from the USCF and other places.
If CLCT were to restrict it to paying members, they would have to devote resources to making sure each person were still active with them, answer questions, work on issues, etc etc etc....all when 2 parties are just trying to transact with each other.
Then, if something goes really wrong, they would be getting lawyers involved to get information and involving CLCT and they would have to devote resources to that.
Not a smart idea at all.
fine. close down the BST's and ban anyone who hawks a coin on the site.
What's the point of having all these digital sites (pop, coinfacts, prices, forums, etc) if they make virtually no money and only cause headaches? All the money is derived from ads which in aggregate are negligible.
I know there is no recourse with Paypal gift. Anyone have any experience with Venmo as a payment method?
I would also advocate to CLCT to allow only paying members to access the BST. These scams seem to be more frequent than not. CLCT would at least have a name, address and credit card number on file.
Not to come off as an ***** or insensitive but why in the hell would CLCT ever get involved with the BST function on this board? A stated earlier it's really simple you had better start using Paypal and not choose the family and friends method.
Well you did come off as an *****. By even offering a BST on THEIR site, they are already involved. Doesn't it tarnish their image having these threads surface every month? How hard would it be to ask for a member number?
Maybe they should just take the BST sections off their board.
First off let me say I hate the fact that you and some other got burned. It sucks and I hope Karma somehow smashes these crooks in the face.
These threads surface every month because people keep making themselves easy targets by using the Paypal friends and family function. If people started using the 3% option in addition to being more careful in all aspects of their BST transaction less and less of these situations would happen.
Successful card BST transactions with cbcnow, brogurt, gstarling, Bravesfan 007, and rajah 424.
I would also advocate to CLCT to allow only paying members to access the BST. These scams seem to be more frequent than not. CLCT would at least have a name, address and credit card number on file.
One should take measures to protect themselves and not rely on others to do it for them.
Regular Paypal is a fine service. Cutting corners to save a few bucks can, occasionally, be costly.
Now, what CLCT/PCGS does have is the information to track perpetrators. Not that this is any assignment of theirs'. ( To the suggestion of this company having to change , yet again) Leave well enough alone.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5