I might be getting scammed on an eBay purchase in San Fran.
 

I came across a decent deal on eBay, but was outbid on the auction. The seller contacts me a few days later saying the buyer backed out and was I still interested? After some discussion (email and phone) we agreed on a price. He offered to re-list the item on eBay w/a buy-it-now (which he did) and then have me pay him through PayPal so we would both be protected (his words). As soon as the auction was posted, I "bought-it-now" and payed through PayPal - basically immediately.

Since then, communication w/him has been difficult at best. He is a few states away from me and I have been trying to arrange w/him to have a friend pick up the item (it's big) for two weeks, but it's been difficult. The latest news is that he is going to deliver it to my friend's but this has been postponed/rescheduled a few times already.

There have been a few red flags along the way, yet every excuse/reschedule could have merit . . . if he's being honest w/me. I hate being a dick. It's not something I'm good at or enjoy. My emails and phone messages to him have been getting increasingly more firm in tone, but I have yet to demand ultimatums or threaten getting my money back.

I've read good and bad stories about the eBay/PayPal resolution process. How do you guys handle situations like this? I like to believe people are generally good and have yet to be scammed like this - have I just been lucky up until now?

One more thing - the item is Porsche related and located in San Francisco. The seller has told me that the item is loaded in his truck and ready to take to my friend in Paso Robles. Is there anyone local in San Fran. that might be able to check it out for me?

Thanks,
Tom

I understand why you are concerned, and why you hesitate to accuse him of a scam. Just be aware that this may be a delaying tactic to let the Paypal/eBay time limit on complaints expire. Keep all emails and take notes on any phone conversations.

Personally, I have not had a bad experience with eBay but I don't shop there too often. From the forum here, there are several examples of how Paypal doesn't really protect you--depending on the circumstances. If he has no money in his account, or can demonstrate that he "delivered" the goods, you're stuck. Hopefully, you backed your funds with a credit card as that's the best line of defense--the card company will take the money back from Paypal and they don't like that.

I think this post may be your best hope. Likely, someone here is relatively close to where he lives and can check out the situation first hand. Just don't let the clock tick until recourse time expires.

You also may want to post this in the "parts for sale" section as there is better traffic.

Tom, if the transaction goes bad, you can get your money back by filing a dispute with Paypal. How much feedback does the seller have?

i am in the south bay, about 40 miles from san fran. if you want to have dude drop it at my house for your friend to pick up that might call him on a bluff if he is dicking you around. i have side yard gate access if its a roller or something?? i also have room in the garage for a smaller tranny/motor type sized item. paso robles is if you are not aware is a 3+ hour drive, maybe that is contributing to his reluctance to make a date? you can email me through the board here if i can be of any help. additionally if it is local south bay i would be happy to sniff around. often the bay area will be termed san fran for more broad discriptions

if not best of luck

Not much, under 10. But that's the same w/me too. I don't do much eBay business.

Thanks for your offer to act as a local drop off and (very temp.) storage. That is a great way to call his bluff if that's what he is doing. He has told me that it's loaded in his truck, waiting to go to Paso. My friend in Paso is willing to drive up to get it (it's an engine), but obviously doesn't want to drive up for nothing. If the seller doesn't deliver it to Paso by tomorrow, I may be in touch w/you to see if we can work something out.

Thanks again for the offer,
Tom

do you have an address?

That's one of the red flags. . . I'm working on getting one right now.

You can request an address through the dispute resolution system. However, that will tell him you requested that info- not sure if that matters.

Hope it works out!

Find out what your time limit is to file a complaint with ebay and Paypal then tell him professionally that if you don't get the engine a few days before that date you will have to file a claim against him to cover your @ss. Be careful with your words though as you don't want to piss him off. He could easily sabotage the motor. Make sure he sees the situation through your eyes. Document as much as you can through email communication. Also, make sure he stated what the delivery methods were going to be and you covered all those options.

Yes, I did this a few days ago, but it didn't have a street address, just the City. Also, the phone number that's attached to his eBay account is not good anymore. I've just got an email and cell # for him.

Most of the communication has been through email, so I have a good record of the (mostly one-sided; ie:me) conversation.

I still have a while before the time limit expires to file a complaint, but it's smelled fishy for a while and I want to stay ahead of the curve on things.

His communication skills leave a lot to be desired.

Thanks for the help and suggestions so far,

Tom

A seller doesn't have a leg to stand on when a buyer pays through paypal for an ebay item. If he has a low feedback rating, the money will be held for 21 days or until he proves that you received the item and left him positive feedback. Even if he manages to sweep the money out of his account, paypal will refund your money, and slap him with a negative balance before reporting him to collections. Just file the dispute if you are uncomfortable. You are definitely protected if you used paypal on an ebay transaction.

Well, it's official. I have been scammed. I did some more digging and found out that the buyer from the original auction didn't back out after all. The seller has his money too.

So the seller sold the same engine to both of us under two different official eBay auctions. I emailed and spoke to the other buyer on the phone this morning - I wish we could have met under different circumstances as he sounded like a great guy!

Both of us have filed claims against the seller. We'll see what, if anything, happens.

Thank you to all that have offered help. If I find out where this bozo lives exactly . . . well, I will cross that bridge when I get to it.

Tom

this is bullcrap...i hate people like this.

Keep us posted - I have an outstanding auction right now with a less than credible seller, and though I hope I don't have to arbitrate, it would be nice to know how.

mo

Was his email address born2befast??? If so, it's that idiot that had/has a shop in sonoma at the race track... He's screwed everyone
here's is information:
Richard Kriegen or Krieger???
53 Monterey Ave
San Anselmo, CA

Born 2 B Fast Classic Cars
29659 Arnold Dr.
Sonoma, CA 95476
(415) 793-5527

Wonder if his name is Jimmy? Not kidding one bit, he has scammed two people in the SFO area that we know of...

I have had REALLY bad luck with PayPal disputes. I have a 800+score, and 100% feedback.

What PayPal will do is tell you what was provided to them as security and verification from the seller was bogus, and there is no money to go after. Your money is gone. You'd think (ASSuME) that since PayPal belongs to eBay, that would have legitimized the process, but it has not.

For the record, I have never been scammed as a seller, only as a buyer.

Rotsa Ruck.

I wish it was this easy as well as being true.

Try getting a refund out of PayPal. Would rather pull teeth or pay taxes. If you have you are one of the few....