Hi Everyone, Just a note about ebay identity fraud problems. When you bid on an item, be sure they will let you pay through a credit card, preferably PayPal. And, also be sure they are PayPal verified. I ran into several really suspicious sellers over the weekend. They were pretending to be ebayers with a long positive feedback record.
In one case the ad said the seller would accept PayPal, but then he sent me an e-mail saying he would take only western union. I declined to participate. In another case, the seller's answer was similar, plus it was so suspicious, I didn't go further. Some time later I got an E-mail from the real seller in answer to my original question. He said his identity, as well as his E-mail account, had been taken over. He contacted ebay and then began notifying the people who were bidding on the item or who had, at least, inquired. Apparently, he had reached them in time to prevent their been taken in. About this time, ebay suspended the ad page and made it unavailable. Several other ebay pages were suspended over the weekend I noticed, particulary in the Apple/Macintosh section. I'm not saying not to bid on ebay. Just be very, very wary. Read the ad carefully. And, even write an email to the seller to see what kind of reply you get. I like ebay, and hope they get this straightened out...or that this kind of fraud doesn't become more prevalent. Have a good meeting tomorrow night. I'll miss you all. Jane FYI Here are the emails we exchanged. I've taken his full name and email address out: ---------- From: Patrick A. Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2003 19:43:42 -0400 To: <jblake at win.net> Subject: RE: Apple PowerBook G4 You weren't the only one. ?He was trying to work side deals outside eBay with a few interested parties for the same item. ?Considering I am in IT, and an IT professional, it's impossible for you to sign a document a bring it in anywhere. ?Nor will the item be shipped and registered to you unless Apple does it themselves. ?Besides, his post indicated that he accepted credit cards, but his email only accepted money transfer or cash. I've contacted all the bidding parties that I'm aware of since the time I got my email account back, and I'm glad I saved everyone the trouble of possibly losing their money. ?Only bad thing is I doubt I'll ever get my 590 positive feedbacks from eBay. Good luck... Patrick -----Original Message----- From: jblake at win.net [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2003 7:27 PM To: Patrick A. Subject: Re: Apple PowerBook G4 Dear Patrick, Thanks for your letter. I was contacted by the other party (See copy of his letter below) who answered this same question. His answer was so suspicious to me I didn't reply. And, now I understand why I felt that way. I have heard of a lot of this lately. JB > From: "PA" > Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2003 13:19:21 -0400 > To: <jblake at win.net> > Subject: RE: Question for seller -- > ---------- > From: "PA" and his email address > Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2003 13:19:21 -0400 > To: <jblake at win.net> > Subject: RE: Question for seller -- > > Hi... > > This is the real Patrick A and the item that was posted on ebay was > fraud. My email account and ebay account were taken over by whoever > this person is yesterday...I have contacted ebay, in which they've > cancelled the auction and I have regained my Yahoo account. > > If the seller attempts to contact you outside of ebay, I recommend that > you pass on the item. You will lose your money. > > Regards, > Patrick A > > > -----Original Message----- > From: jblake at win.net [mailto:jblake at win.net] > Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2003 3:15 AM > To: Patrick A > Subject: Question for seller > > Hello....Is this a new, used or refurbished machine? Thanks, JB > -------------------- > > > Question from: ??????????Jane Blake > Title of item: ??????????Apple PowerBook G4 > Seller: ?????????????????PA > Starts: ?????????????????Apr-15-03 14:20:59 PDT > Ends: ???????????????????Apr-18-03 14:20:59 PDT > Price: ??????????????????Currently $999.00> > > > Visit eBay, The World's Online Marketplace TM at > http://www.ebay.com From: Patrick A and his email address Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2003 08:16:42 -0700 (PDT) To: jblake at win.net Subject: Re: Apple PowerBook G4 Dear buyer, The PowerBook G4 is absolutely new. In the sealed box with all the accessories. The warranty is international and fully transferable will be issued in youre name. All you have to do is to sign it and you can use it at any Apple representative. You will receive the product via UPS(I will cover the fees) or FedEx(additional costs must be supported by the buyer). It will be covered by insurance on the exact purchase amount. I am able to receive payments thru moneytransfer and cash (face-to-face deal). If you are really interested I am waiting for an offer from you're side! Respectfully regards, Patrick Adam. jblake at win.net wrote: Hello....Is this a new, used or refurbished machine? Thanks, JB -------------------- Question from: Jane Blake Title of item: Apple PowerBook G4 Seller: Patrick A. Starts: Apr-15-03 14:20:59 PDT Ends: Apr-18-03 14:20:59 PDT Price: Currently $999.00 -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/enriched Size: 5670 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.math.louisville.edu/pipermail/macgroup/attachments/20030422/27f05199/attachment.bin -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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