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  3. 1130366466

I fell victim to a scam

I purchased a piece of audio equipment from an Audiogoner with 0 feedback. The Paypal account was unverified as well. I thought, "I was a newbie once, everyone has to start someplace". I've performed dozens of internet transactions and have never been burned, until now.

I received a tracking number "billing information received"... But no product was ever shipped. I was burned out of a decent amount of cash. I won't starve, but I'm pissed. Paypal was useless in helping. They basically told me that Paypal protects Paypal. Audiogon does not disclose account information either.

I have started a police investigation, and they have obtained a search warrant to get the address and bank records of the seller. I'm not holding my breath to catch him though.

If he (or she) is an amateur, then the bank records may lead me to him. If he is a pro, then I guess there is a way to launder the cash.

I mean, Paypal either wires the money to his bank, or cuts him a check. Is there a way to track this? Any Lawyers out there want to chime in?

Part of me is tempted to spend the money to find this person (or people) and prosecute. Am I spinning my wheels?

As I search through other Audiogon adds, I see other suspicious deals. Zero feedback, too good to be true deals. Obviously, I'll do my homework next time...
the_lanman
the_lanman OP
19 posts
 
Thanks for your responses so far. To answer a couple of your questions:

This scammer has already canceled his account on Audiogon.

I paid with cash through my Paypal checking account. I'll know better next time...
matchstikman
205 posts
 
I have never been burned on Audiogon, but I have purchased a few used items that were as described by the previous owner, but crapped out a few months after purchase. The repair costs were high enough that had I purchased the unit new and had it repaired for free with a warranty, it would have been less that the amount I paid used plus the repair cost. However, I don't think there was anything malicious on the seller's part. It just turned out that way. I have been burned twice on Ebay and Amazon in the last 4 months.
jburidan
672 posts
 
It's extremely satisfying to track down a crook and put him behind bars. With much good luck, I found the guy who stole my car in 1978. I saw him attempting to steal another car, and ran several blocks to alert two policemen who were directing traffic for a Saturday matinee concert. The guy went to jail. And I even got my car back. I hope you track down that SOB.
Jay
semi
646 posts
 
I was a victim to a DEALER! They do business both here and on ebay and have negative feedbacks on both sites. They only take check, no credit card! I thought they were a dealer and what could go wrong? I was dead wrong.

I had to sue them, but the court there was so messed up they dismissed my California judgment for no good reason. I felt like I should sue that state for discrimination.

I think Audiogon should start their own Paypal service to protect the active members on this site.
hpims
125 posts
 
COD?? That's not idiot proof either. Read on..

Years ago, I sold a NOS rear window for a Plymouth SuperBird to a guy in Texas. The item comes back as "NOT ACCEPTED".
It was opened and the NOS window exchanged with a used scratched one!! All UPS would do is get me a cheap reproduction, worth about 1/3rd the price of the NOS piece.

So I got burned on a COD. Apparently, the UPS guy was in on it.
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