Edrum Scams on Ebay
2005-09-14 by Pete
Hi All .... I posted this in my 2 edrum groups so some of you may have already received this post but for those who have not seen it yet, I think it is important to get the word out about whats going on at Ebay. Sorry about any duplication to members. --------------------------------------------------------------------- There is no escaping it. The relentless efforts of low-life perpetrators committing fraudulent acts against unsuspecting buyers at on-line auction giant Ebay. BE AWARE !!!!!!! There is currently high activity of fraudulent listings for electronic drums on Ebay. So far it is mainly for Roland TD-20 and some TD-8 kits. This doesn't mean that these con artists won't try the same tricks with other brands so be very careful when bidding. These scumbags apparently are hi-jacking the accounts of legitimate Ebay members in good standing, utilizing their user ID to post these bogus listings. By all appearances, the sellers have many positive feedbacks further removing any suspicions of under-handed activity. Be advised however, that the seller username on the listing is NOT behind these postings. Chances are real good that they are unaware of what is happening with their Ebay account. These crooks are basically scamming by insisting on payment methods other than those offered by Ebay. Then of course, not delivering the goods. If one responds to these listings as requested, you will receive the following email: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- HI First I want to tell you that my TD 20 Vdrums is brand new, unopened box all accessories included and also an international warranty. The invoice will come at the same time with the package. My price is the best you could get: 800$/unit, including the shipping and insurance taxes. We will pay them because the package will be delivered from Europe.I have 5 units avalaible. As delivery service we use UPS 2 days air service or overnight (with insurance and 15 days return policy), because it's the faster also free. And if you will have a quick payment, we must also have a quick delivery. So that's why we use as a payment method Western Union money transfer, the fastest and also very secure way of sending money. So, if you agree with my terms I'm sure that we can close the deal as soon as possible. Waiting your quick answer right now, If you follow up further, you will receive this Email: My name is MADALIN MIREL MORARU .In order to end this deal in good terms i am going to tell you some things that i want to follow: 1.GENERAL INFO- It is better for you to know that the item is brand new it has never been opened, have international warranty provided by the factory and come with all accesories that you need. 2. SHIPPMENT ---this is a thing about you shouldn't worry about because i belive that it is my responasability to deliver it to your home.We can do it through -UPS overnighted It will take one day and a half for the package to arrive to your door.The shipping costs will be paid by me and i will also pay for the insurance in case of any damage happens during the handling and shipping,so i will be protected in case of damages and you too. 3.THE WAY TO PAY ---as a payment method i have chosen WesternUnion's services because they always served our interests in a professional manner and helped us gain buyers. i consider promptitude a vital condition on the modern e-Commerce markets and a guarantee of quality. To arrange the transfer, you must go in person to a Western Union office and send the money from your name and address to my name and address .Here are the details that you need for the money transfer: First:MADALIN MIREL Second:MORARU street:BAia Doamnei 323 City:MARACINENI State:Buzau Country:Romania Please be carrefull with my first and last name. For sending the money you must find a western union agent location and send the money from there because western union don't send the money online in Romania After that, you will recive an confirmation number and I want you to send me the folowing details : -the sender name -the sender address -the amount -MTCN (money transfer control number) 4. REFOUND ---After the package arrives you have an 7 days period in which you can send the package back for an full and NO QUESTION refound,but you will pay for the shipping and handlling back to me. 5.TAXES ---There may be some customs duties for you to pay, but if you wish we can avoid them (if any): ME --i have to declare the item as a gift for you and in this way you will pay NO costum fees and you will receive the item very fast. YOU--have to declare at Western Union that you send the money to a friend in Romania that need this money, in this way when our deal will be finished and i get the money from W.U. without problems. Please let me know when you can make the payment and after this i will start the delivery process. I hope you agree my terms and we will close this deal sucessfully. I look forward hearing from you. Thanks! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- I suspect that the people behind this are the same ones who send out phony `spoofed" emails requesting users to "update their account information". Unfortunately, the bad guys have gotten very clever in their techniques making it very difficult to spot a phony email. These emails appear to mimic a legitimate Ebay or Paypal mailing, however the links you click thinking your going to Ebay or Paypal site actually will send you to spoofed website that also appears legitimate with forms to fill in your information. Unsuspecting users then fill in the account information including passwords. They got ya at that point. Bottom line here is NEVER supply your account info/passwords to anybody!!! Policies of most legit sites state that they will never ask you for this information in an email. The fraudulent Ebay listings can be recognized if you consider the following info about them. Please .. Be alert, wise and remember the old saying "If it looks to good to be true it probably isn't." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Listings are usually for 24 hour duration Item listed in totally unrelated category Bidders ID kept private [ That way they can't be warned] Seller encourages NOT to use Ebay's "Ask seller a question" link Seller supplies an email address for direct contact outside of Ebay Presents a BUY IT NOW offer at an unrealistic low price if you email direct Sometimes states ridicules excuse that their Ebay inbox is overfull and can't receive your email using Ebay's links Listing is usually a highlighted background and a featured listing at the top of the searched page listings States "I want serious buyers" "only xxxx usd" $3.00 shipping fee and states free shipping Opening bid usually $1.00 Misspellings If you frequent Ebay looking in electronic drums categories and encounter these listings, you can help rid Ebay of these dirtballs by reporting the listing ID number to Ebay security. They DO respond and take action as far as removing the listings. On the top of Ebay pages click the "Help" link. Then in left sidebar, click " Security Center" link. New page opens. Select [if not already selected] "Report another problem" Click "Report Problem" button Fill in form with appropriate selections from drop down menus. Since I am a regular Ebay user, I have embarked on a non-stop crusade to monitor the edrums listings, especially the v drums and report fraudulent listings as fast and often as possible to help minimize the damage done to unsuspecting buyers by these bastards. If you spend time on Ebay , I encourage you to report these phony auctions when you encounter them. Pete [DTXtreme, ElectronicDrums Group Owner/moderator]