Possible Scam Alert!

L

Les Robertson

BANNED
Joined
Oct 10, 1998
Messages
3,565
I will pass this along for what it is worth.

I was contacted by an individual named "Peter" from New Zeland.

He wanted to buy a $1,000+ knife from me.

However, his client had already written the check out (to me) for $3,500.

After asking why he just couldn't just write another check, Peter replied "he has already written this one"???

The kicker is, after I receive the check Peter wants me to send the knife and wire transfer (note he won't wire transfer me the money) to his account the difference between the cost of the knife and what he sent.

He emailed me steadily for 5 days.

Then I asked him for the following information:

His name, address, phone number and bank information.

His clients name, address, phone number and bank information.

I explained to him that my bank required this to receive approval from his bank. The check would stay in my bank until it had completely cleared my bank and his bank.

There have been a lot of people in the US receiving bank checks from banks in Africa. You receive what you think is a bank check (turns out to be a personal check). You cash the check, send the merchandise. Two weeks later the money is removed from your account and your charged a fee for a "bounced" check. Your bank assumes no liablity for this...even though they cashed the check!

Since I have asked Peter for this additional information 4 days ago I have not heard from him.

I will give him another week. If I still don't here from him. I will post his full name and email address.
 
Thanks for the heads up Les, I've been getting some off shore orders latley and have been a little reluctant ( they're all western europe ) due to the number of scams lately. For all the people pulling these scams, I've got a baseball bat I'd like to introduce them to. - Charles
 
Good luck, I think it would be safe to make sure that baby clears first for sure, I'd even wait a few days after that, sounds very fishy! Paul
 
If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck...

Mr Marlowe, I fully understand that feeling :mad:

Its these scammers and cheats that make it difficult for the genuine customers to buy knives from the States. I have been refused a couple of times but the cheats are now so plentiful I dont blame some dealers for flat out not doing international orders.

And thanks for my new knife, Les. It got here on the other side of the world in 3 working days.

Andrew Lim
 
This stuff makes me sad. And also a little bit afraid when I was reading C. Marlowe's comment about possible scams even from WESTERN EUROPE....

For the benefit of the makers/dealers I do business only thru my VISA card. Is this correct, all these scams are connected to checks?

I am mostly into forged knives from US makers because there is nothing close to their quality standards here in Europe.

I hope I don't get in trouble ordering knives form US sources in the future due to this kind of bad stuff.
 
Thanks Les. Yep, this method is a known scam tactic. Not to say that this fellow is definitely scamming you, but it does smell a little fishy.

Another area for scam fests is Indoenesia, BUT I have done business with good folks there and everything worked out great. I guess sometimes you have to just go with your gut feeling.

Swissdagger,
I don't think you have to worry. Everyone who has done business with you knows of your high integrity. If you ever do need a reference from here in the US for some reason, just send them my way. I'll let them know that you're great guy to do business with.
 
HI guys, just to clarify, I have'nt had a problem ( knock on wood ) with doing business with anyone in W. Europe. My point was simply that given all the talk about scams, each order that came in I was a little aprehensive about. - Charles
 
Les:
Yep it sure sounds fishy to me. Almost sounds like Peter wants a free knife and change too. Once again you have shown that you're the man and that's why you have been able to stay in business for so long. Good luck.
 
The one thing in common with these scams is that they offer a "bank check" for much more than the total. It's a variation of an old sting. Be careful, and be wary of the "too good to be true."
 
Originally posted by swissdagger
This stuff makes me sad. And also a little bit afraid when I was reading C. Marlowe's comment about possible scams even from WESTERN EUROPE....

For the benefit of the makers/dealers I do business only thru my VISA card. Is this correct, all these scams are connected to checks?

I am mostly into forged knives from US makers because there is nothing close to their quality standards here in Europe.

I hope I don't get in trouble ordering knives form US sources in the future due to this kind of bad stuff.
Click to expand...

I have done business with several people in Europe and even did a deal out of Bulgaria for a watch. There are plenty of good people everywhere but, it's the cheats who make everyone nervouse about the deals in a foreign land.

When you are honest, there are many ways you can pay securely for the knife you want. You and the knifemaker or seller will both get what you want. Myself, I will be looking at a wire transfer to Australia the 1st quarter of next year. Money orders and cashiers checks still work, you just need time to let them clear on the sellers end. Of course, good references never hurt either ;)
 
I've had requests from at least a half dozen people from overseas wanting me to send them knives. Since we have little protection from fraud originating overseas I always reply to them to send a money order payable in US funds and give them the appropriate costs for the knife, shipping and insurance. To date I have only had one person send the reqested funds and in turn I shipped her knife.

I must assume that all others were trying to run a scam on me.
 
Thanks Les, I havent had that type of experience yet but sadly its probably just a matter of time.

This might be a good Idea for a deicated thread...


thanks again for the headds up :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top