Ebay seller verification question

[widebody911]

I just won an item on ebay, and the seller will only take cashier's checks or postal money orders. Before I send off my semi-anonymous payment, I'd like to figure out of this guy is who he really says he is.

One thing that caught my attention (apart from wanting untraceable payment) was the ebay login is "shanewoodson" but he wants the money sent to "Joshua Oglesby"

The address to send it to is 336 N. Hollywood Way Burbank, CA - I looked it up on Google Maps and it looks like an appt building, but I can't really be sure that what google maps is pointing to is the read address - when I look up my own house, it points to the house next door.

I looked him up on google and zabasearch - nada.

The only other auction of his which is still in ebay's history doesn't have any feedback.

Any other suggestions?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320016996154

[Dave L]

sounds like a good COD candidate.

[89911]

Pick it up in person? Not sure how close you are. I think those that want only this type of payment are going to take a hit on the price, since it is a gamble the winner is going to have to take. eBay, don't you love it?

[bryanthompson]

maybe a pelican in his area could pick it up for you?

[Eric Coffey]

I'd start here with an eBay "contact info" request to see what name/address is listed, and call the phone number that is provided. I would also call 411 to see if there are any phone #'s listed for that name in the Burbank area.

Or as mentioned earlier, you could request to pick up in person. Even if you don't intend to, it might be worth asking just to see what his reaction is. If he is reluctant to meet in person and exchange for cash, I would be very skeptical of the deal.

[BeyGon]

All you really have to go on is his feedback and it looks OK, my ebay name and my name have nothing in common, most don't, and, like him, I only take money orders or cashier checks. What else is there?

Dean

[Paul K]

http://www.toolhaus.org/

[RickM]

Yup, I'd rely on feedback too. Or ask for a phone# and tlak person to person.

[craigster59]

Thom, You have a PM

[speeder]

Well, he has 100% feedback and has been a member since 2003, so I would not be too worried. He mostly buys stuff on ebay, as opposed to selling, but so do I. And there is a sizable minority of ebay members who will not use Paypal for various reasons, (the fees, etc.), so no automatic red flag there.

I just got hosed by a guy who took Paypal on a small part, but I got my $$ back through PP so it is an advantage for buyers.

I personally would not worry here, but it's your $$. What good would it do a thief to put a bogus address on his listing to send a MO to? And using the USPS to rip people off would not be too smart; "short-range thinking" is how cops put it.

[singpilot]

Thom. I am in the valley, and could pick it up in person. PM me the details if you'd like.

Michael.

[911pcars]

Thom,
I'm sorta close to Burbank. Let me know. But don't send me the money via PayPal. I only accept bank checks and postal money orders

PS: How big is the ebay item? How are you going to eventually take possession of the item? Would it happen to be a complete factory new MFI setup that I can use? (just playing with you).

Seriously, let me know.

Sherwood

[VenezianBlau 87]

It's all disclosed in the listing. What's the issue, after the fact? Bidder's remorse?

[widebody911]

Originally posted by VenezianBlau 87
It's all disclosed in the listing. What's the issue, after the fact? Bidder's remorse?

I'm just leery after seeing so many episodes of people selling under hijacked accounts.

Someone did a drive-by for me and verified that it is indeed a residence, and after trading a couple of emails with the guy, I sent off payment today.

Bidder's remorse? Hell no! Do you have any idea how hard these tachs are to come by? The last one I saw for sale was $3500, although it was NOS.

[VenezianBlau 87]

Just from reading the listing, it passes my "gut instinct" test on every count (FWIW). Can't really quantify it in the end. Maybe he's selling it for a friend, hence the different name. Good luck!