E-bay scam du jour

G

Gabe Newell

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Joined
Jan 6, 2003
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This is my first exposure to this kind of e-bay scam.

Background:

A forum member knew of my interest in Fisk knives and had given me a heads up about an e-bay auction for one of his bowies. The auction number was 3651863208. You can see the auction at:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3651863208

As far as I know, the auction is completely legitimate. The only thing that struck me as unusual about the auction was that the listing is in Sporting Goods rather than Collectibles.

The Scam:

In the past when bidding on items on ebay, I’ve had people contact me to offer similar items or to offer reduced prices on items that didn’t meet their reserve price. I think this practice is common enough that people are now building scams around this. Here is the email record as I’m swarmed by three different people trying to sell me bogus Fisk bowies.

It’s interesting to me that they are using some sort of automated tool, as presumably it means that anyone bidding on ebay is going to start getting bid-spammed like this.

I’ve notified the other bidders and the seller.

-----Original Message-----
From: fireflys1@msn.com [mailto:fireflys1@msn.com]
Sent: Saturday, January 10, 2004 12:18 PM
To: Gabe Newell
Subject: Question for seller -- Item #3651863208

Hello there.

Sorry to drop in like this but I have noticed you are interested in the item matching the auction #3651863208. I was wondering if you would be interested in a similar Fisk Bowie Knife that I am selling for $1650.00.
The products is brand new, still factory sealed and as you notice it's considerably cheaper than what was auctioned and I want to give you the opportunity to get it at a bargain. I am only selling this because of some personal problems. If this offer seems appealing to you please e-mail me back and I will provide you with the rest of the information needed to complete the transaction.
I am a registered and serious seller on eBay and my feedback proves it. (my user name on eBay is FIREFLYS and I'm rated 55+ positive) If you want I could ask eBay to contact you and certify I am indeed serious and trustworthy. This transaction will also be covered under eBay's Fraud Protection Program! I will pay shipping & handling + any other fees involved.
Once again, excuse me if I have bothered you with this message and also please accept all my best.

Respectfully yours,
Giorgio MANCINO
--------------------


Question from: fireflys1
Title of item: Fisk Bowie Knife
Seller: gabe_newell
Starts: Jan-06-04 04:46:11 PST
Ends: Jan-13-04 04:46:11 PST
Price: Currently $1,801.00
To view the item, go to: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3651863208



Visit eBay, The World's Online Marketplace TM at http://www.ebay.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Gabe Newell
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2004 10:28 PM
To: 'fireflys1@msn.com'
Cc: Gabe Newell
Subject: RE: Question for seller -- Item #3651863208

Do you have a picture?

Gabe

-----Original Message-----
From: Giorgio MANCINO [mailto:fireflys1@msn.com]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2004 4:09 AM
To: Gabe Newell
Subject: RE: Question for seller -- Item #3651863208


Gabe,

Thank you for getting back to me this fast. The Fisk Bowie Knife is
absolutely new, never used and still covered by the original manufacturer's
warranty. I don't have any pics because the item is still inside its sealed
original package. It's identical with ebay listing no. 3651863208.

I am located in Chicago, IL and because of some serious family problems I
have to sell this immediately. I will be shipping from here via UPS
overnight should we reach an agreement.
Please let me know if interested and thank you for answering my email.

All the best and looking forward to hearing from you.


-----Original Message-----
From: tinelli_david@yahoo.com [mailto:tinelli_david@yahoo.com]
Sent: Saturday, January 10, 2004 10:44 AM
To: Gabe Newell
Subject: Question for seller -- Item #3651863208

Good Day,
Please excuse that i`m contacting you , but i have seen that you are interesed in purchasing a product (Fisk Bowie Knife)current bid on eBay and i`ve decided to make you a real offer.
Have one and i don`t know how to sell it more faster because i need some cash money soon for a new investment that i want to make.
Just in case u are interesed i will wait your mail.
Don't worry about shipping taxes or insurance of the product because
this is my problem.
I am expecting your email.
My Best Regards!!!
--------------------


Question from: 2sour4u
Title of item: Fisk Bowie Knife
Seller: gabe_newell
Starts: Jan-06-04 04:46:11 PST
Ends: Jan-13-04 04:46:11 PST
Price: Currently $1,801.00
To view the item, go to: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3651863208

-----Original Message-----
From: Gabe Newell
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2004 10:38 PM
To: 'tinelli_david@yahoo.com'
Cc: Gabe Newell
Subject: RE: Question for seller -- Item #3651863208

Do you have a picture?

Gabe

-----Original Message-----
From: Tinelli Tinelli David [mailto:tinelli_david@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2004 2:25 AM
To: Gabe Newell
Subject: RE: Question for seller -- Item #3651863208

Hi,
Lock in attach to see the pictures.
Thanks



-----Original Message-----
From: myutzax@yahoo.com [mailto:myutzax@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2004 3:03 AM
To: Gabe Newell
Subject: Question for seller -- Item #3651863208

I am an ebay member and I saw you'r interested in buying a ...........Fisk Bowie Knife ..................... I would like to make you a special offert:I will sell you the same unit without the auction for a lower price than the other ebay sellers.I can afford this because i buy the products in big quantityes and the producers offer me big discounts.
I have a special method for payment and delivery that will satisfy both sides and this deal will be a success .
Here is my offer about the payment and delivery:I will use UPS for shipping and Western Union/wire transfer.
About the shipment:I'll deliver the product through U.P.S. AIR SERVICESS,and i'll give
you the tracking number so you can check that i have made the reservation
for delivering the colet and i will also prove that with a scaned paper
from the delivery confirmation given by the U.P.S. STAFF and the U.P.S.
label.I offer you shippment inssurance - INTERNATIONALY/INSIDE COUNTRY shipped
The shipping is absolutely FREE.Yes, that's right. SHIPPING IS FREE! Not only that the shipping is FREE but you will also receive 100% protection from loss or damage with our "On the House" FULL INSURANCE coverage. Your shipment will be professionally secured with heavy-duty packaging designed to protect the contents of your shipment cross country. Buy from me and your transaction will be 100% HEADACHE FREE! And if any problems do arrise, I'll take care of all the paperwork and ship you replacement parts within a few days. No other SELLER can offer you that kind of SECURITY and PEACE OF MIND. Did your entire package get lost? I'll replace your entire machine for you for FREE! We strive for QUALITY NOT QUANTITY. Here you will receive the individualized care you deserve.
If you are interested please advice me how many units you want to buy please contact me on my mail adress: myutzax@yahoo.com
I am looking forward to hear from you.
Thank you for your time and have a nice day!!!
Kindly Regards,
--------------------


Question from: myutzax
Title of item: Fisk Bowie Knife
Seller: gabe_newell
Starts: Jan-06-04 04:46:11 PST
Ends: Jan-13-04 04:46:11 PST
Price: Currently $1,880.00
To view the item, go to: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3651863208



Visit eBay, The World's Online Marketplace TM at http://www.ebay.com
 
Gabe, that's pretty scary. Makes you wonder what(if anything) they are planning on sending. Still in original factory wrappings? Gee, I didn't know Jerry Fisk was a factory.

Puzzling thing, Fireflys seems to be a legitimate ebayer with no negative feedback. ???
 
Originally posted by Danbo


Puzzling thing, Fireflys seems to be a legitimate ebayer with no negative feedback. ???
Click to expand...

This may not even be Fireflys. You could pick any high feedback person in an e-mail. If they look it up and try to contact through EBay, oh well, onto the next mark. :barf: The one reminded me of all those Help out a Nigerian Prince E-mails and the like :D
 
I suspect if you DID get a knife, it would be Jerry's OVB production.

You know, don't these dopes know that credibility starts with good english and writing? Well, I HOPE they don't learn it, because it's a real tip-off to see the broken english communication. It just doesn't make sense that a *real* Fisk buyer speaks like trailer trash or foreigners. I could be wrong, but methinks I'm not. Thanks for the heads up.

Coop
 
Originally posted by Blade747
Well, I HOPE they don't learn it, because it's a real tip-off to see the broken english communication. It just doesn't make sense that a *real* Fisk buyer speaks like trailer trash or foreigners.

Coop
Click to expand...

Tip tippety top guvnah, shine your boots for 'yah?

wow, call me an illiterate immigrant but that looks like what you just said was

"I don't think anyone that doesn't write perfect english could possibly be classy enough to own a ____________ knife"

If so, i think we should carry this into W&C, email me and we can talk.
 
Anytime I see payment by "Western Union" only, it really makes me think twice. And for $1600, you'd think they would be willing to use an escrow service.

The last email was the best. 100% Headache FREE!

-- Rob
 
Have them send the knife for your inspection before paying! after all, they contacted you.
 
I've received exactly the same e-mails. And yes, I was a bidder too (but I can't compete with Gabe :D ;) ).

JD
 
Originally posted by aaron_simkovich
"I don't think anyone that doesn't write perfect english could possibly be classy enough to own a ____________ knife"
Click to expand...

Oh, C'mon Aaron. You know I didn't mean it in a mean-spirited cultural or social aspect. We've all read the bogus Indonesian and Nigerian or whatnot scams. These were the 'foreigners' I was labeling. You can see them a mile away (usually) and, yep, there is a certain amount of dialect that comes through.

I'll pass on the trip into W&C. You'll rip me apart.. :eek: !

Cheers. We're cool on this. :)

Coop
 
Thanks for pointing out the obvious scam. The last e-mail asking for Western Union payment while providing a "UPS shipping reservation", which is totally meaningless, is all too familiar. It's a scam for sure.
 
The thing that sticks out in every one of those posts is: "I can afford this because i buy the products in big quantityes and the producers offer me big discounts."

and "product is still in factory package" etc


Obviously these guys dont even know what a Fisk Bowie is.....or as mentioned above, they are so lame they think that the product made by Camillus is going for a LOT more than you can buy them on the open market...........those guys are REALLY stupid!!! :p
 
Here is my email contribution. Same scam, looks like same artist.
What a dork!





Sorry, I am not interested in that model.
Thanks
----- Original Message -----
From: Tinelli Tinelli David
To: Anthony Lombardo
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2004 6:56 AM
Subject: Re: Question for seller -- Item #3651863208


Lock in attach to see the pictures.
But way you don't use Western Union sir because is fast...
You don't trust me??
I'm a serios person,and i have family don't risk for this money...


Anthony Lombardo <aplombardo@bellsouth.net> wrote:
I am sorry, I do not use Western Union.
I will gladly send you payment through the postal service and use a postal money order.
Thanks!
----- Original Message -----
From: Tinelli Tinelli David
To: Anthony Lombardo
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2004 12:46 PM
Subject: Re: Question for seller -- Item #3651863208


My address is:

Tinelli David
60-63 71Street Ridgewood
Zip/code 11385
New York
United States

Don't forget,accept my method of payment..
Give me your name and address to send you the package imediately when you put the money by my name and address.
Best regards.


Anthony Lombardo <aplombardo@bellsouth.net> wrote:
OK, whats your address?
I only ship inside the United States and I only send USPS MOney Order via Express mail.
----- Original Message -----
From: Tinelli Tinelli David
To: Anthony Lombardo
Sent: Saturday, January 10, 2004 6:52 PM
Subject: Re: Question for seller -- Item #3651863208


No sir don't use Escrow because i lose a lot of money in this way.
If you really want to buy must send me the money by Western Union because is fast.
For your safety ive me the MTCN number but except the last two digits and afther you receive the package must send me the last two digits to pick-up the money.
Best regards!!!!


Anthony Lombardo <aplombardo@bellsouth.net> wrote:
Will you use an escrow service?
----- Original Message -----
From: Tinelli Tinelli David
To: Anthony Lombardo
Sent: Saturday, January 10, 2004 3:06 PM
Subject: Re: Question for seller -- Item #3651863208


Hi,
Sir my product is same on eBay.
Sorry don't have pictures.
The price is $1200 including shipping taxes and insurance.
Mail me for more details.
Thanks.



Anthony Lombardo <aplombardo@bellsouth.net> wrote:
Sure, send me a picture of the knife and a complete description and I will
take a look at it.
----- Original Message -----
From:
To:
Sent: Saturday, January 10, 2004 1:45 PM
Subject: Question for seller -- Item #3651863208


> Good Day,
> Please excuse that i`m contacting you , but i have seen that you are
interesed in purchasing a product (Fisk Bowie Knife)current bid on eBay and
i`ve decided to make you a real offer.
> Have one and i don`t know how to sell it more faster because i need some
cash money soon for a new investment that i want to make.
> Just in case u are interesed i will wait your mail.
> Don't worry about shipping taxes or insurance of the product because
> this is my problem.
> I am expecting your email.
> My Best Regards!!!
> --------------------
>
>
> Question from: 2sour4u
> Title of item: Fisk Bowie Knife
> Seller: bladeandbarrel
> Starts: Jan-06-04 04:46:11 PST
> Ends: Jan-13-04 04:46:11 PST
> Price: Currently $1,801.00
> To view the item, go to:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3651863208
>
>
>
> Visit eBay, The World's Online Marketplace TM at http://www.ebay.com
 
It's like the Nigeria scam e-mails ("I have [fill in the blank] millions but need someone in the US as a partner so I can claim the money. I understand you, Mr. [misspelled my name], are a trustworhthty person, so I am willing to share my millions with you if you will be my partner. . . . . Send $5,000 to . . . ."). Someone must be going for this stuff every once and a while to make it worth the effort to hook you in.
 
I just have to say, i find the stupidity shown by these scammers to have taken stupidity to a whole new level. If youre going to scam someone for serious money, my god, at least have the slightest clue what youre talking about. This is just amazing to me that one, they'd scam people in the first place, but to do it so ineptly, is there some type of stupid award we can give them?

But of course what i am now very concerned with is that my engraved damascus presentation Fisk Sendero didnt come in its original, sealed packaging, I think I'm going to have to call Jerry... :)
 
Want a real laugh? Enter exact phrase search on eBay for "samurai sword." What - a - hoot! A collection of lame stories and descriptions like I have never seen in one place at one time. (" I got this Japenesse samurai war sword dagger fro an old gentlemen who got it from a Japenesse genral at the end of WW 2" etc. etc. etc.) Obviously, eBay does not give a hoot in hell that it is a forum for hundreds of rip-off wanna'bes.
 
If anyone wants payment through Western Union it most probably is a scam.
Also, look at the sellers previous auctions. These idiots can hijack legitimate sellers accounts who have a bunch of positive feedback. A while back I hit a Buy it Now for a Canon digital camera. $495 for a 7 to 800 dollar camera. Too good to be true I thought. Right away this joker is e-mailing me to send money through Western Union, and if I send it tonight that its free shipping and all that bull. I basically tell him no thanks and to keep his flippin camera. Then I look into his auction history. He goes from selling Coca-Cola related items to all of a sudden listing about 30 high dollar cameras. He hacked into a legitimate account and tried to make some quick cash before getting caught. E-Bay is cool, but you just gotta be cautious.
 
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