Ebay Fraud? Beware

brett_bottomley · Post by **brett_bottomley** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 4:14 am

Okay guys I new here but I haven't seen anything on the forum about this so here it goes. There is a private auction zero feedback CS model up for sale on Ebay, out of the UK. I don't know if these type of frauds are common with rics but with chapman sticks (my other passion) they are very common and 99.9% fraudulent! Maybe this is legit however I would be very very cautious I've seen people loose thousands on these things. What do you guys think. Has there been any similar CS auctions in the past year or so? they usually swipe the pics from old auctions change the wording a little and try to hook someone.

Brett Bottomley

edski · Post by **edski** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 4:23 am

Haven't been perusing the 'Bay much since I scoed my new Laredo from POTR's...although I should to keep a pulse on the market in case I decide to unload my 75 4001.

Fraud is fairly common on the 'Bay for Rick's, but fortunately RIC has a CEO who keeps a close eye on the goings on there, and isn't afraid to warn a seller if their item looks suspicious. But nobody can catch everything.

If you could post the link, I'm sure a lot of eagle-eyed Rick-freaks would be more than happy to critique.

incubus2432 · Post by **incubus2432** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 4:46 am

It is about as common with Rics as it is anything else on Ebay. I still buy things there but am pretty cautious......I would rather lose out on a good deal than risk getting taken for my hard earned cash. Usually if I feel funny about an auction I just avoid it but if I'm very interested I'll ask for some specific pics or possible pretend that I live nearby and ask if I can a look at it and if I'm avoided or given excuses I pass......and send "caution" emails to any bidders.

freewheelin · Post by **freewheelin** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 5:07 am

When I bought my 4001 on Ebay, people on this forum thougth it was a fake (he he, it wasn't). You can find lots of interesting things on the 'bay but you have to take care... anyway, where is this CS ? I'm looking for a cheap one, so... ?

if you can put the link...

marty · Post by **marty** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 5:52 am

I know the one you're talking about Brett:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=324&item=5562815847&rd=1

I would be very cautious, firstly a zero feedback seller and secondly only one picture.

I'm not saying it is a scam for definate, but it is fairly common for Rics to be scammed on the bay.
There was a 4001CS a little while ago in mint codition and one of the guys spotted that the pics had been lifted from a previous auction.

Again, it might be genuine, but I would ask the seller for pictures of specific parts of the bass and see if he comes up with the goods....If he starts using the old chestnut that 'My digital camera is broken at the moment', then you can steer clear.

BTW...Welcome to the forum Brett

brett_bottomley · Post by **brett_bottomley** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 6:04 am

They want a bank check. You would be crazy IMHO to send anything for this bass without first hand inspection. I sent an Email asking for a serial so far no response I'll post it if It comes (it won't)

Brett

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 6:18 am

I have bought a lot of expensive things including several Rics from ebay, the most important thing is communication. I will never bid on anything expensive without establishing a good line of communication with the seller first, I feel them out through e-mail. When I bought my 72 4001FL several years ago I must have e-mailed back and forth 5 or more times and each time I got a thoughtful e-mail with all my questions answered, some of the people I have bought from I have actually established a little short relationship with, haha! You need to ask the correct questions and if you feel something is strange or think the person is being evasive, steer clear no matter how good the deal looks. You also have to be able to tell if the person is being evasive or honestly doesn't know much about the item they are selling. A few e-mails will usually settle that question quickly. An honest seller will usually want to answer any questions you may have, not always but usually.

atomic_punk · Post by **atomic_punk** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 6:24 am

I notice he doesnt say what number of 1000 it is. He has the certificate, he should say this is #656 or 1000 or whatever it is. I dont know, the description sounds really generic.
And...he joined Ebay today. Hmm...ok, now I am on Ebay, I'll sell my CS. I dont think so. People don't just join Ebay and start selling Rics. SCAM.

tony_carey · Post by **tony_carey** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 6:49 am

I agree with Bob. I have sold two guitars & bought two guitars on ebay & all have been very good experiences. There was no hint of scam anywhere. You HAVE to be aware of the possibility though. This CS is in Plymouth, which is about an hour from me. So it would be easy enough to bid on it & to arrange to pay cash on personal collection. If he refused that, then we know if it's a scam or not!

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 8:34 am

If I lived an hour away I would ask if I could check it out personally before I bid, if he's reputable he would most likely agree.

leftyguitars · Post by **leftyguitars** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 8:59 am

I have bought literally dozens of guitars and basses on Ebay and I think of myself as being "on the ball". I agree entirely with Bob And Tony about forming a trusting relationship with the seller. You can usually tell by the response (or lack of) as to whether it is genuine or not. I too often say that I will pick it up if I win just to see what their response is. But saying that, I have been burned before, once for £930 ($1400). Always pay with credit card (through Paypal if possible) and if all else fails you can claim the payment back from the CC company. Don't try claiming theough Paypal as it is a waste of time! I even had some "nice person" offering to sell me a guitar that I was actually selling on Ebay at that very moment. I replied to him saying that I was very interested and would he send me his address as I would like to send the payment in cash to him. He swallowed the bait and sent me his address (In New York - I am in the UK). I replied that I only lived around the corner and would "visit" him with a few of my mates to sort the deal out. Needless to say, he disappeared without trace! The moral of this story is... Take real care out there, it is a minefield!

simer4001 · Post by **simer4001** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 9:06 am

Maybe you can check it out for all of us Tony.

leftyguitars · Post by **leftyguitars** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 9:09 am

I have just checked this auction out, As well as the just registered and Zero feedback, sellers who hide the bidders IDs only do that for two reasons. One is because the item may be something that you don't want everyone to know that you bought, i.e. porn, etc. The second reason is because the item is obviously a scam and they don't want people to mail the "gullible" bidders to warn them.

marty · Post by **marty** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 9:22 am

It doesn't make sense that the opening bid is £700.00 and there have been two bids and the current price is still £700.00....if the bidding is in increments of £20.00 as it appears the current price should be £720.00....smells fishy!

leftyguitars · Post by **leftyguitars** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 9:31 am

The bidding will stay at £700 if it is the same person bidding twice. I.E. He bids say £700, then later he bids say £800 because he might not be able to bid again (no PC access, holiday, etc.)