Former Corvette Parts Dealer Busts Out The Gehrig

Vargha · May 2, 2004 10:36PM

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm . . .

1934 Goudey Lou Gehrig # 37 PSA 6 NO RESERVE

purelyPSA · May 3, 2004 4:31AM

There's a guy who should consider escrow.

1420sports · May 3, 2004 4:35AM

What is the concern? It appears legit, and if I was looking for one I would bid.

Vargha · May 3, 2004 5:49AM

A few concerns --

1. Covered up serial number which will only be revealed to the winner (after bidding ends) on a scan that looks like a Post-It note on the scan rather than on the holder.

2. Seller has not sold any cards at all.

3. Seller has only purchased modern cards (mostly sealed wax) with no value over $175.

4. Buyer is in Canada (not really a huge concern).

5. eBay member for 2 months.

The guy may very well be legitimate. However, the earmarks of a suspicious transaction are there.

Aknot · May 3, 2004 5:55AM

Well I disagree with the post it scan. That looks legit. I dabble in PS a lot and that looks "good" especially with the shadow drop. He also will provide original if requested BEFORE payment.

I was thinking maybe someone paid him in some cards for car parts or car work.

Of course I almost just got burned for $350 so what the heck do I know.

Almost Burned

CON40 · May 3, 2004 6:13AM

The hairs went up on the back of my neck for a different reason... he has only been on eBay for two months and has no history buying or selling high-priced vintage cards... yet, yet, he knows that scans can be hijacked to post in fraudulent auctions... hmmmmmmm!

I'd like to say it's legit, but it just doesn't give me a secure feeling... also, it's nearly impossible to track international swindlers, even in Canada... bidders should be very wary.

boston1918 · May 3, 2004 8:12AM

You guys are unreal. How would YOU expect someone new to Ebay to sell a high dollar card? No matter how the auction is, there'd be 200 people on here saying scam. You don't think a guy who has Corvette parts and such from vintage Corvettes that are up to $100,000 and more depending on the car would have money for a high dollar card? How many other hobbies do you have? Does a guy selling beanie babies then a high dollar card any better? You'd be all over him too. Card is available for pickup or whatever else the buyer wants, how is that a problem.

I guess the question is, for all you guys who scan Ebay for scams, how does someone new list an item and NOT get you all over them?

purelyPSA · May 3, 2004 8:15AM

I'd have a reputable, nationally known seller do it and cut him in on it. The nationally known dealer will clear more than enough money more than the newbie to make it worth the extra effort. At least that's what I would do.

murcerfan · May 3, 2004 8:40AM

crooks don't usually bother offering any assurances or let you pick up in person.

1420sports · May 3, 2004 8:45AM

exactly Dave, plus he accepts PayPal so pay by credit card.

About two years ago, I passed on a Rose PSA 9 due to ZERO feedback, and he now has over 1000 positives and is 100%

you have to start somewhere

Vargha · May 3, 2004 8:48AM

Well boston, to answer your question:

I would provide serial numbers in my scan.
I would make hobby references available upon request. Certainly if I had a $4,000 card, this would be no big deal.
I would explain how I came into possession of the card and why I am selling it so I could add crediblity and try to realize a higher price.

Again, I'm not saying that this is a scam. The seller certainly has some positives as well. It's just that some weird things are floating around this auction, which at worst may cause him several hundred dollars in unrealized hammer price due to the suspicions that have been raised. As far as the $100,000 Corvettes go, those were $30 parts (hammer price). Hey, the guy even takes PayPal, so you are protected if you use MasterCard or Visa. I just found it to be a tad interesting and posted it.

bill7549 · May 3, 2004 9:39AM

Well, I sure as heck wouldn't buy it. I was nervous about buying my '52 Mantle, and it was coming from BOTN. I think though that if I did really want this card, I'd make the trip to Canada to pick it up in person. But I guess that's just me.....I am a little paranoid about purchasing expensive cards anyway, let alone from someone with no card selling history and low feedback.

boston1918 · May 3, 2004 10:06AM

I just think people on this board are too quick to jump to conclusions about everyone. Sure there are tons of scams out there, but like we were discussing in another post, there is just no safe way to trade things on the net as all payments can be bad or reversed. I know how it is also, if someone has something I really want and have 0 FB I won't even look at the auction unless they are local and I can pickup. Everyone has to start somewhere on Ebay but not everyone who has 0 FB is a scammer. And with all the people stealing scans like the Fogel Mantle PSA 10, why would you give someone a scan with the number showing, I think it's just asking for trouble. Not necessarily for the real owner, but what would happen if someone said that Fogel asked them to sell the card or something for him? I know it's not likely, but if he did then Fogel would have to get involved and go through the trouble, which seems dumb to me. And for guys that steal scans for lower cards like $500 and aren't as high up or known as Fogel then it's a case of word against word. I don't know, I've just had so many problems on the net, I don't like buying OR selling anymore. It's buyer beware, AND seller beware for things now. Guess you have to get the good with the bad though.

WinPitcher · May 3, 2004 10:09AM

RobE · May 3, 2004 10:12AM

It looks legit.It's possible he is selling this for a friend who told him about the horror stories of evildoers with hi value baseball cards.

Dhjacks · May 3, 2004 11:21AM

To me, he is saying all the right things. And quite frankly I'm tired of reading auctions that say where they got it and why they need to sell it. It never sounds believable anyway.

Mantlefan · May 3, 2004 11:42AM

OK..I sent him an e-mail asking for the cert #. Let's see what he says.

mudflap02 · May 3, 2004 12:13PM

As long as the seller says up front that the item can be viewed prior to bidding or can be picked up in person, that guarantees it 100% in my book. Looks like a great card.

NickM · May 3, 2004 1:02PM

Question: What were the last words of the card collector who was afraid of scams?

Answer: Dr. Lecter, I'm here to see that card you have on eBay.

Nick

Scoop · May 3, 2004 1:20PM

He also bought a 1933 reprint set. Could this 1934 be from a reprint set, too (using the WIWAG process)?

boston1918 · May 3, 2004 7:35PM

That last post just goes to show you that even if the auction was done perfect and worded perfect, there'd still be someone saying the case is bad and card was switched. You guys are impossible/

Vargha · May 3, 2004 10:06PM

Hey, just because I'm impossible, that doesn't mean that you have to lump in everyone else with me.

Cubfan · May 3, 2004 10:36PM

The only part that really smells to me is that he wont give out the cert number until AFTER the auction. I can barely understand the ebay fraud item because what is that to him? However, not revealing the cert number until the auction is over, as opposed to those who can ask him, stinks as that would in no way lead to fraud.

Keith

Mantlefan · May 4, 2004 8:47AM

I emailed him about the cert #. His response....you PSA guys are bashing me without cause. I won't give you the cert #!

I'll pass on this one.

bill7549 · May 4, 2004 9:18AM

Anyone who won't give out the cert number is a scammer until proven otherwise. In my book that is.

spacktrack · May 5, 2004 8:00AM

I have the cert #. PM me if really interested in it.

Former Corvette Parts Dealer Busts Out The Gehrig

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