A new ploy for fraud?


I recently got an inquiry on one of my ads (not here on Audiogon but on another site) for a pair of interconnects. After a few emails back and forth, we agreed on the price of $90. The prospective buyer then said he is in England and would like to propose an (unusual!) payment method. He said someone in the states owes him $3000, so he will ask this guy to send me a check for $3000, I am to cash the check and then WIRE him the difference ($2910 in this case). Of course I said thanks but I deal in cash. I never heard from him again. Has anyone experienced this?
gingko
Americans have become easy prey, at least the unsuspecting one to these forms of scam. For that reason, I seldom sell anything worldwide. Remember the adage"if it sounds too good to be true, then probably it is"
Am I stupid or what? Why are we talking about $3000 for a $90 pair of interconnects? If the guy is owed $3000, that's his problem! Tell him you were born at night...just not last night, and walk away!
Hi , here is a 2 emails someone sent me this morning. I was a little scepticle when I received them. Now I know I'm not doing this deal. They are as follows:

hi,my name is phillipe.i`m from the netherlands.i`m based in the united arab emirates.i`m interested in buying the ampilfier for the stated price.get in touch.thanks and God bless
The next read:
johnhansman ,



i am based in united arab emirates but presently on a business trip to africa,however i intend to pay with a cashiers check through my colleague in US that is owing me $6,000,i
will instruct my colleague to send the check to you,when the check
clears ,you deduct the cost of the amplifier and send what ever balance to
me.i have already made shipping arrangements,when the check has been
cashed,i will inform my shipping agent to contact for the pick up of
the amplifier ,if you are willing to assist with this transaction,then
provide me with the name and address where you want the check
sent.so that the check will be sent immediately,as i will like to
have this amplifier pretty soon.

thanks once again.

philipe.

His email is: [email protected]

Buyer Beware



If this gentleman can write you a check drawn on a US bank, then that check is backed up by an account and routing number. Which means he can directly wire-transfer funds to his cohort in England. Or HE could cash his own check and wire away to England. Wise move to back away. It's funny how some people think how stupid we are... it's sad that some also fall for it by sheer greed or misplaced good will.
Hi, I had a little bit of a different experience I would like to share, I won a bid on E-Bay 2 weeks ago for a Krell 600C, the guy is from Belgium. I wanted to pay him Paypal, wich was offered or meet him in person with a bank draft, deal was worth $5500.00 usd. He wanted me to deposit the money in his New York bank account. He would not call me or give me his telephone contact number. All I had was an e-mail and a telephone number that was directed to an answering machine. Hardly a secure position to hand over $5500. The guy said he would hold the amp until he got back about 5 days. I new something was wrong. I contacted the person that was the bidder below me. I told him that I was from London and wanted to know if he had been contacted by the seller of the Krell 600C he was bidding on with auction #, and that I suspected that this could be a fraud. He contacted me , and said that yes he was contacted, and that he had wired the funds in his account. He was very worried at this point.He got back to me and, had done some investigation and replied that ( he thought this person was using someone else site )and that the over 300 + feedback didn't belong to him. He thinks he has been scamed, but still hoping for the package. Remember pay by Credit Card and (usually) if you don't get the product you don't have to pay, there is some form of protection. A bank transfer cannot be recovered, (If you have the person contact number, and you feel secure, your choice) I sure hope that this guy gets his package. I have done many deals in high end audio, everyone until this deal has been very informative with an open telephone communication, willing to share ideals and there valuable time.