Weird message from the winner of one of my eBay coin auctions

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UtahCoin
UtahCoin Posts: 5,366 ✭✭✭✭✭
in U.S. Coin Forum

Received this just a while ago. This almost sounds like one of those Nigerian scams, except they didn't ask for any banking numbers. Googled "Thomas J. Mazeekes" and got nothing.....

New message from: 2014_mazee (994Purple Star)
Hello e bay seller,
My name is Robin V. Clark Administrate Assistant to Thomas J. Mazeekes ESQ. I fortunately of (unfortunately) am responsible for dealing with all e bay matters for Mr. Mazeekes.. Mr. Mazeekes had an emergency family business in New York tending to to the recovery of his sons recent car accident. In the spirit of ebay he has asked me to inform all e bay sellers winning bids. He will return on October 31,2017 and will pay all wins via paypal. We both ask for your understanding and patience regarding this matter

May God bless ,

Robin V. Clark.

I used to be somebody, now I'm just a coin collector.
Recipient of the coveted "You Suck" award, April 2009 for cherrypicking a 1833 CBHD LM-5, and April 2022 for a 1835 LM-12, and again in Aug 2012 for picking off a 1952 FS-902.
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Comments

  • TommyType
    TommyType Posts: 4,586 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Someone just trying to buy some time?

    (Or someone who really needs to find a new "Administrate Assistant" with better language skills. :) )

    Easily distracted Type Collector
  • ms70
    ms70 Posts: 13,958 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Where is the seller located?

  • AUandAG
    AUandAG Posts: 25,050 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    LOL

    bob :)

    Registry: CC lowballs (boblindstrom), bobinvegas1989@yahoo.com
  • Kkathyl
    Kkathyl Posts: 3,762 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I would say it is up to you if you want to wait or to relist the item he won.

    Best place to buy !
    Bronze Associate member

  • MorganMan94
    MorganMan94 Posts: 1,331 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited October 25, 2017 9:41AM
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    Probably depends on the amount of the transaction but with 994 feedback I would proceed but with caution. How long since their previous purchase? It could be a hijacked account as well.

  • REALGATOR
    REALGATOR Posts: 2,705 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Trust your gut. Now you know what to do.

  • JBK
    JBK Posts: 17,860 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    As I read it I was sure it was a scam but there was no switcheroo at the end.

  • CascadeChris
    CascadeChris Posts: 2,529 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited October 25, 2017 9:45AM
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    He's definitely foreign trying to write in proper US English grammar.

    The more you VAM..
  • derryb
    derryb Posts: 38,604 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    the only way to avoid ebay fees is to wait for the payment. If you don't get it by then just file an unpaid item claim and avoid ebay fees.

    How much was the transaction for?

    Government is the great fiction through which everybody endeavors to live at the expense of everybody else. - Bastiat

  • divecchia
    divecchia Posts: 6,715 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    If they were able to deal with ALL of his eBay matters then they would be able to send payment, but in this case the administrative assistant is only a flunky so they are unable to send payment.

    Donato

    Hobbyist & Collector (not an investor).
    Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set

    Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
  • drwstr123
    drwstr123 Posts: 7,053 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Please wait, I'm curious.

  • TomB
    TomB Posts: 23,188 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Walk away from this one.

    Thomas Bush Numismatics & Numismatic Photography

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

    image
  • WillieBoyd2
    WillieBoyd2 Posts: 5,410 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I would use the Ebay system to send a message to the buyer asking for confirmation.

    :)

    https://www.brianrxm.com
    The Mysterious Egyptian Magic Coin
    Coins in Movies
    Coins on Television
  • messydesk
    messydesk Posts: 20,814 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Don't you have the shipping address available, even before payment arrives, to help figure this out? "In the spirit of eBay" as it were, I guess it couldn't hurt to contact eBay with concern over the possibility of a hijacked account. If it's legit, he needs a slightly more literate administrative assistant.

    John
    Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
  • Gluggo
    Gluggo Posts: 3,566 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Where can I send my checks to this way I will feel good I helped him during these bad times?

  • 291fifth
    291fifth Posts: 25,218 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Red flags flying.

    All glory is fleeting.
  • TwoSides2aCoin
    TwoSides2aCoin Posts: 45,216 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    "in the spirit of eBay".... you better wear some garlic around your neck.

  • ChrisH821
    ChrisH821 Posts: 7,147 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Cheap item, he didn't ask you to do anything against ebay policy. I'd just wait it out too and see what happens. Strange way to ask for a few days to pay though.

    Collector, occasional seller

  • cameonut2011
    cameonut2011 Posts: 10,866 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited October 25, 2017 2:38PM
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    I'm surprised that he didn't promise to send you a check sent by "special courier" with you paying a small fee to expedite the request.

  • bestday
    bestday Posts: 4,272 ✭✭✭✭
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    Bs story .. 99 out of a 100.. anything nonsense with Nigerian in text .. flaming red flag

  • LindeDad
    LindeDad Posts: 18,766 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I'd just cancel and relist as a BIN , and tell them they can buy it when funds for payment are availabe.
    Be sure and engage imediate payment in the listing.

    My Current project....https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/mysetregistry/album/160794
  • jonathanb
    jonathanb Posts: 4,154 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Wait the week. I've had sellers delay more than a week and not send any explanation. At least this one contacted you first.

  • Beefer518
    Beefer518 Posts: 33 ✭✭✭
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    Was this a BIN, or an auction? If it was a BIN, he should have paid when he bought it.
    If it was an auction, how long before the auction ended did he place the bid?

    My suggestion on how to handle this depends upon the answer to the above, but waiting the extra week can't really hurt.

  • shorecoll
    shorecoll Posts: 5,447 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Not directly Nigerian, but when I was in High School one of our exchange students got called down to the office and informed that every member of his family had been executed in a coup...I think it was the Idi Amin takeover of Uganda.

    ANA-LM, NBS, EAC
  • 1630Boston
    1630Boston Posts: 14,157 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Does not sound legit to me
    But that is only my opinion...............and I am very skeptical of everyone that calls me :smile:

    Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb, Ricko

    Bad transactions with : nobody to date

  • amwldcoin
    amwldcoin Posts: 11,269 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Patience is a virtue!

  • ldhair
    ldhair Posts: 7,460 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I would end this as fast as ebay will let you.

    Larry

  • btwini
    btwini Posts: 35 ✭✭
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    I mean hell if he actually pays with paypal I don't see any reason not to. I'd only be concerned if there was another message saying that "the urgent business too longer than expected, the money will instead be sent by check" or something.

  • JBK
    JBK Posts: 17,860 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @shorecoll said:
    Not directly Nigerian, but when I was in High School one of our exchange students got called down to the office and informed that every member of his family had been executed in a coup...I think it was the Idi Amin takeover of Uganda.

    Wow, that is harsh - getting called down to the principal's office to be told your entire family was wiped out. I wonder if he was allowed to stay in the US.

  • BigA
    BigA Posts: 2,715 ✭✭✭✭
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    Wait until the 31st and see what happens. But I should add that a admin assistant with access to his Ebay account probably, in an emergency, should have had access to his PP account to pay for his purchases...or at least a CC to use instead

    My Ebay Stuff
  • RegistryCoin
    RegistryCoin Posts: 5,132 ✭✭✭✭
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    Sure, it COULD be just fine, but his excuse does closely resemble those that blatantly scream scam.
    But if you want to feel good about giving the benefit of the doubt, be prepared to take full responsibility.

  • ricko
    ricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I am naturally a skeptic....in all things. I do not believe in coincidences, and I question all excuses. Over the years I have seen the most extraordinary lies....In this case, I am immediately alerted by the text, and the intimation of multiple buys.... I do not yet see an avenue to a scam, but feel the bait is there. Proceed with caution. Cheers, RickO

  • tennbjj
    tennbjj Posts: 97 ✭✭✭
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    Just wait. Either way you are going to get a good story out of it.

  • 1630Boston
    1630Boston Posts: 14,157 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Yes @TommyType ....The grammar used here would be a big red flag for me :smile:

    Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb, Ricko

    Bad transactions with : nobody to date

  • giorgio11
    giorgio11 Posts: 4,267 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Whatever you do stay away from those Esquires, they're guaranteed trouble.

    Kind regards,

    George

    VDBCoins.com Our Registry Sets Many successful BSTs; pls ask.
  • TommyType
    TommyType Posts: 4,586 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @giorgio11 said:
    Whatever you do stay away from those Esquires, they're guaranteed trouble.

    Kind regards,

    George

    I always found the use of Esquire to be rather amusing. It's a title of honor with no known requirements or qualifications. Kind of like "Dude"....or "Bro". Just a little classier. ;)

    Easily distracted Type Collector
  • JBK
    JBK Posts: 17,860 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @1630Boston said:
    The grammar used here would be a big red flag for me.

    Especially in conjunction with a very English-speaking type name like "Robin V. Clark".

  • TwoSides2aCoin
    TwoSides2aCoin Posts: 45,216 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I’m hoping you at least told him “okay” , in response.

  • crazyhounddog
    crazyhounddog Posts: 14,250 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    It leaves me wanting more :D

    The bitterness of "Poor Quality" is remembered long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
  • cameonut2011
    cameonut2011 Posts: 10,866 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @TommyType said:

    @giorgio11 said:
    Whatever you do stay away from those Esquires, they're guaranteed trouble.

    Kind regards,

    George

    I always found the use of Esquire to be rather amusing. It's a title of honor with no known requirements or qualifications. Kind of like "Dude"....or "Bro". Just a little classier. ;)

    I personally think it sounds a bit pretentious and annoying. That said, it is used frequently by attorneys.

  • JBK
    JBK Posts: 17,860 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @cameonut2011 said:
    I personally think it sounds a bit pretentious and annoying. That said, it is used frequently by attorneys.

    Enough said. Nothing more to add. ;)

  • 1Mike1
    1Mike1 Posts: 4,445 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    My name is not Mazeekes! Master Robins shall hear of this!

    "May the silver waves that bear you heavenward be filled with love’s whisperings"

    "A dog breaks your heart only one time and that is when they pass on". Unknown
  • ktb919
    ktb919 Posts: 8 ✭✭
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    Ha wow. I read the name and it reminded me of "Mr Meeseeks" from Rick and Morty. Don't trust this guy. Walk away! Plenty of other buyers who aren't being sketchy as all get out

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