Anatomy of an Ebay fraud. Note these are the actual progression of auction pictures listed on Ebay and changed within several hours of PFFC - that's PCGS Forum First Contact.
Edited to add phase two of the metamorphosis, first identified by Dr. Shamika.
I wouldn't worry about things....you didn't do anything wrong or that could get you attacked. Frauds are generally the ones who yell the loudest. Someone who was honest about things would have said something like "thanks for letting me know...here is the gist of things...do you have suggestions?"...or just ignored it if they thought they were being harassed.
Obviously this person is getting upset by the number of people who are pointing out the fraud and trying to choose to yell at some of them.
Also, as people who like to point out these types of frauds tell the frauds about this forum, they likely come here and read....so, that is probably why some of the latest revisions are happening. Each time something is pointed out and she (if it is a she) sees more posts about her and pointing out what shows it is a fraud, she changes it.
Sequitor is smart...he saved each progression...I would almost bet he has notes (times at least) with each set as well.
Wonder how many sheets of laser paper he/she has burned through with all those counterfeit labels. PCGS should report seller here for the fraudulent use and abuse of PCGS's corporate identity to effectuate a fraud.
I agree that PCGS should contact the seller/do something. It is too bad that people pushed her to change her pics...would have loved to have them still up when PCGS contacted her/ebay.....now, I doubt they will contact her
I also like the "we" and "our" for auctions....maybe she found someone besides her "ex" in her life to help her with her ebay endeavors? Lucky guy...muhahahahhaha
I also like the feedback left by the latest person: " Love my balls, Thanks "
Hhahahahhahhaha.....guy must have been waiting on that feedback!
This is hilarious! Better than a sitcom. I think PCGS should still send a friendligram since it's clear what the problem is. In fact, PCGS would be well served to have a mechanism in place for us to report scams that appear to reference PCGS so they can get their lawyers earning their money.
Dont worry about her suing you or your family. It will never happen. Just a disgruntled divorced "I can do it all myself I dont need anybody else my life is hard" woman. She doesnt have the money or the time to try and squeeze a few pennies from you. But this has been a hilarious outcome. She is running to the hills. I'm gonna bid ONE DOLLAR. At the rate of the price lowering, I just might get it. I quess we should try to be a little understanding to others, and not assume they are blatently fraudulant. I think this one was just a little uneducated, doing things HER own way. We just educated her a bit.
My oh my.....that Franklin's down to MS-63 now! It seems just like the crackout game - except the opposite direction! Pr-67, MS-65, MS-63..... It's still got 4 days to go! Now accepting bets for the final closing grade of the Franklin Half Dollar! Personally, I think all the smart money's on AG-3 when it closes. But I do have to wonder about this line: "AND IS A 63 DOES NOT HAVE ANY SCRATCHES" Lets' see. If it doesn't have any scratches, shouldn't it be a MS-70? I need to email her - I have 2 email accounts, so I can at least twice. What should I tell her? Ooooo, I'm so scared I'll be blocked form bidding and e-mailing her, and that I'll be sued...NOT! Now then, here's an idea: Everyone who's e-mail hasn't been blocked yet, go find the biggest folder on your computer and send it as an attachment about 50 times. We'll crash her inbox! Now where's that hour long movie......
<< <i>In fact, PCGS would be well served to have a mechanism in place for us to report scams that appear to reference PCGS... >>
You know, this is actually a pretty good idea. PCGS could put together a simple form letter on official company letterhead to be forwarded to fruadulent individuals such as this case. Perhaps a reward of one free submittal could be offered to the individual who makes the initial discovery.
Biggest mistake we made was failure to place a bid to preserve the then-current state of the auction. Placing a bid would have prevented said scam artist from making certain of the myriad changes to the auction, including the pictures and certain descriptions.
At least we saved the pictures and can refer to them here.
<< <i>At least we saved the pictures and can refer to them here. >>
Don't forget, we also have a list of her REVISIONS. It sort of like the missing watergate tapes. The mere fact that she's made numerous changes to her auction suggests impropriety.
I quess we should try to be a little understanding to others, and not assume they are blatently fraudulant.
I disagree, due to the name calling and threats in her reply to my first email in which I made no accusations of any kind, just merely pointed out the fact that PCGS may not take kindly to an item being advertised as a PCGS product that clearly is not.
Shamika, it'd be a great idea even if it was only a 50 cent discount on a submission. With ebay, you could easily get multiple free submissions worth of auctions like this. Even still, it'd be a good idea for PCGS to at least have something along this line. I'll submit it on the Q&A.
For Shamika I don't know if you are really a minor or not, but I certainly wouldn't like some (expletive deleted ) emailing my kids with the F-word. Especially if you were even reasonably polite!
Dear Legalassistmom,
My husband and I were reviewing my son's email correspondence (as we do at least twice a week), and I see where he contacted you in an effort to assist you. Clearly my son felt you had made an honest mistake due to some confusion in an area where you are lacking in expertise and was willing to help you, free of charge.
Imagine my horror, when especially after you have noted he is a minor, you have used such foul and abusive language! I am outraged! I cannot imagine how anyone who pretends to be connected to the legal profession, who may even be an officer of the court, could engage in such egregious behavior! I will certainly be contacting the Burleson, TX area courts with copies of the email! Where we live people do not take kindly to the verbal abuse of minor children, do not contact my young son ever again!
<< <i>I sent her a reply, and kindly explained what the.68 meant and the fact that the certification number states that it's something else, >>
I don't get it....they are obviously doing something wrong...why give them clues on how to make a better scam next time? I applaud you guys for trying to alert, then stop, this person, but at the point it is obvious they are a scammer, why tell them HOW you know?
I always like to keep that part to myself so they keep making the same mistakes.....no desire to educate crooks who want to remain crooked. >>
Boy, you aren't kidding. Last year I got caught up in a scam and for about a week I stayed in touch with 5 other buyers that were also caught up in it. We exchanged info and anything else we could come up with on this scam. Well, I'll be damn, one of the five I was exchanging e-mail with was scamming too and he came up with a over and over again same item deal auction, AND he had it set up so all the buyers IDs were private so you couldn't contact other buyers!! Both sellers have been suspended from e-Bay.
Comments
Edited to add phase two of the metamorphosis, first identified by Dr. Shamika.
You missed this iteration.
I wouldn't worry about things....you didn't do anything wrong or that could get you attacked.
Frauds are generally the ones who yell the loudest. Someone who was honest about things would have said something like "thanks for letting me know...here is the gist of things...do you have suggestions?"...or just ignored it if they thought they were being harassed.
Obviously this person is getting upset by the number of people who are pointing out the fraud and trying to choose to yell at some of them.
Also, as people who like to point out these types of frauds tell the frauds about this forum, they likely come here and read....so, that is probably why some of the latest revisions are happening. Each time something is pointed out and she (if it is a she) sees more posts about her and pointing out what shows it is a fraud, she changes it.
Sequitor is smart...he saved each progression...I would almost bet he has notes (times at least) with each set as well.
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 also like the "we" and "our" for auctions....maybe she found someone besides her "ex" in her life to help her with her ebay endeavors? Lucky guy...muhahahahhaha
I also like the feedback left by the latest person: " Love my balls, Thanks "
Hhahahahhahhaha.....guy must have been waiting on that feedback!
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
SHE divorced her husband? Uh-huh.
Jim
http://cgi2.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback&userid=legalassistmom
Looking for 1967 PCGS/NGC slabbed coins.
The coin has now been downgraded to an MS-62.
Joe.
Edit: spelling
<< <i>Someone should report this guy for fraud
What difference would it make? Did you see the thread with the counterfeit trade dollar that ebay apparently has no problem with?
Coin's for sale/trade.
Tom Pilitowski
US Rare Coin Investments
800-624-1870
<< <i>Read the latest feedback left on her account. *classic*
http://cgi2.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback&userid=legalassistmom >>
Do I hear $10?
Troublemaker
Looking for PCGS AU58 Washington's, 32-63.
LOL
<< <i>I see it's received one bid. What do you want to bet it's the seller bidding on her own coin? >>
Or a forum member bidding planning a negative feedback for her fruadulent ways..
Perhaps the 450+ observers noted on her "counter" has her nervous.
Here's the email I received from her. Oh well, my loss!
Dont worry about her suing you or your family. It will never happen. Just a disgruntled divorced "I can do it all myself I dont need anybody else my life is hard" woman. She doesnt have the money or the time to try and squeeze a few pennies from you. But this has been a hilarious outcome. She is running to the hills. I'm gonna bid ONE DOLLAR. At the rate of the price lowering, I just might get it. I quess we should try to be a little understanding to others, and not assume they are blatently fraudulant. I think this one was just a little uneducated, doing things HER own way. We just educated her a bit.
<< <i>In fact, PCGS would be well served to have a mechanism in place for us to report scams that appear to reference PCGS... >>
You know, this is actually a pretty good idea. PCGS could put together a simple form letter on official company letterhead to be forwarded to fruadulent individuals such as this case. Perhaps a reward of one free submittal could be offered to the individual who makes the initial discovery.
Looking for 1967 PCGS/NGC slabbed coins.
<< <i>You are now being sued for harassment as well as your little forum and friends. >>
I figured I'd better get in here so I could be added to the list.
Attention seller: In case you're reading this, you're a clueless loser who should get back on the short bus and head home.
Okay, sue me.
Russ, NCNE
Biggest mistake we made was failure to place a bid to preserve the then-current state of the auction. Placing a bid would have prevented said scam artist from making certain of the myriad changes to the auction, including the pictures and certain descriptions.
At least we saved the pictures and can refer to them here.
Russ, NCNE
<< <i>you're a clueless loser who should get back on the short bus and head home. >>
Uh oh... it's the "short bus" once again. This must be serious business!!!!
<< <i>At least we saved the pictures and can refer to them here. >>
Don't forget, we also have a list of her REVISIONS. It sort of like the missing watergate tapes. The mere fact that she's made numerous changes to her auction suggests impropriety.
<< <i>Read the latest feedback left on her account. *classic*
http://cgi2.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback&userid=legalassistmom >>
After seeing this post, I had to look at the auction to see what he was talking about. The auction says:
These are really cute stress Balls that are so adorable that they can be used anytime and anywhere.
Sit one on your dash board for that road stress. Put one on your desk at work for that over bearing boss stress.
Please see all our listings for great bargain prices on all items.
hmmmm . . . . I have some balls here that I may try that with . . . .
I disagree, due to the name calling and threats in her reply to my first email in which I made no accusations of any kind, just merely pointed out the fact that PCGS may not take kindly to an item being advertised as a PCGS product that clearly is not.
Looking for PCGS AU58 Washington's, 32-63.
I can't believe by her response that she didn't know exactly what she was doing.
NEVER LET HIPPO MOUTH OVERLOAD HUMMINGBIRD BUTT!!!
WORK HARDER!!!!
Millions on WELFARE depend on you!
Dear Legalassistmom,
My husband and I were reviewing my son's email correspondence (as we do at least twice a week), and I see where he contacted you in an effort to assist you. Clearly my son felt you had made an honest mistake due to some confusion in an area where you are lacking in expertise and was willing to help you, free of charge.
Imagine my horror, when especially after you have noted he is a minor, you have used such foul and abusive language! I am outraged! I cannot imagine how anyone who pretends to be connected to the legal profession, who may even be an officer of the court, could engage in such egregious behavior! I will certainly be contacting the Burleson, TX area courts with copies of the email! Where we live people do not take kindly to the verbal abuse of minor children, do not contact my young son ever again!
I loved your suggested reply. If only she hadn't blocked my email address...
<< <i>Can you still ask seller a question thru ebay? >>
Probably, but I think I'll let some other member carry the torch for awhile.
The sellers two coins are now listed close to what they are. Maybe?
I don't think the lady? knew what the l she was trying to sell.
<< <i>
<< <i>I sent her a reply, and kindly explained what the.68 meant and the fact that the certification number states that it's something else, >>
I don't get it....they are obviously doing something wrong...why give them clues on how to make a better scam next time?
I applaud you guys for trying to alert, then stop, this person, but at the point it is obvious they are a scammer, why tell them HOW you know?
I always like to keep that part to myself so they keep making the same mistakes.....no desire to educate crooks who want to remain crooked. >>
Boy, you aren't kidding. Last year I got caught up in a scam and for about a week I stayed in touch with 5 other buyers that were also caught up in it. We exchanged info and anything else we could come up with on this scam. Well, I'll be damn, one of the five I was exchanging e-mail with was scamming too and he came up with a over and over again same item deal auction, AND he had it set up so all the buyers IDs were private so you couldn't contact other buyers!! Both sellers have been suspended from e-Bay.