Over the past week I’ve been combing ebay looking for a road bike. There’s some bad mojo out there. Take a look at the following link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3621951851
Same guy or guys are trying multiple avenues. First, they somehow get the user ID and password to a legitimate ebayer so they can hid behind the positive feedback ratings. In the example above, I asked the seller a question (hey, what size is the bike?), and they responded with an overload of info and a request for wire to Western Union. They are from the Netherlands or somewhere over there.
The link above looks harmless from the surface. Dig a little and you’ll find a maggot trying to rip you off. Here’s the clues:
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Their user name is CRUZER and their email address associated with the user name is from NYCNY (Get your FREE E-Mail today at http://www.NYCNY.net), but they live in the Netherlands. CRUZER? People in the Netherlands speak Dutch I believe. These guys are working harder to blend in.
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Read the feedback reviews for the seller from the link above. You think a legitimate seller would be peddeling all of that crap (i.e. mascara) in single units from overseas? Look at the origins of the items that were sold, they were all U.S. based.
Just my advice to anyone looking to buy a bike on ebay. First, ask the seller questions, plenty of them. Ask to talk with them on the phone, set a time. For a high-dollar bike, consider using the services of www.escrow.com or similar as intermediary (it’ll cost you a little, but at least you will get the bike). And just use plain common sense (don’t send anyone your money without covering all bases).
The email addresses this scum has associated himself with includes mansolera@aol.com and cruzer3122@nycny.net. Go ahead and send them an email. Spread the word. Caveat Emptor…let the buyer beware.