MC500 scam

[masterlu]

Saw an MC500 on the bay, I asked the seller if I could pick it up locally once I win. Here is his response:

"I don't accept local pickup. It associate with one bad experience I had.
I prefer to pack item very carefully and ship it right to the door of buyer.
Thank you"

NOT! :no:

[forzaroma]

Saw an MC500 on the bay, I asked the seller if I could pick it up locally once I win. Here is his response:

"I don't accept local pickup. It associate with one bad experience I had.
I prefer to pack item very carefully and ship it right to the door of buyer.
Thank you"

NOT! :no:

I am not 100% sure it's a scam; but there are definitely some red flags (including the fact that he's only accepting non-reversible payment methods).

But there are also some signs that indicate a bonafide transaction: an auction vs. a buy it now for a ridiculous price, some pictures that don't look like they were lifted from a review/ad, some pretty good feedback over the years, etc.

I can appreciate why some people would not want local pick-up - I had to deal with some pretty weird characters from eBay and craigslist when doing local pick-up. On the other hand, I also met some great people doing the same.

More importantly, MasterLu, why are you looking at mid-level, 8-year old Mc equipment? Is this for your collection/museum:D.

Alberto

[Laemmle]

Alberto,

It's a gift for the guy who details Ivan's fleet of carriages:yes:




I am not 100% sure it's a scam; but there are definitely some red flags (including the fact that he's only accepting non-reversible payment methods).

But there are also some signs that indicate a bonafide transaction: an auction vs. a buy it now for a ridiculous price, some pictures that don't look like they were lifted from a review/ad, some pretty good feedback over the years, etc.

I can appreciate why some people would not want local pick-up - I had to deal with some pretty weird characters from eBay and craigslist when doing local pick-up. On the other hand, I also met some great people doing the same.

More importantly, MasterLu, why are you looking at mid-level, 8-year old Mc equipment? Is this for your collection/museum:D.

Alberto

[masterlu]

More importantly, MasterLu, why are you looking at mid-level, 8-year old Mc equipment? Is this for your collection/museum:D.

Alberto


I only buy my Mac gear new from the factory (unless it is something incredibly rare). I would just hate someone here to be scammed.

[forzaroma]

I only buy my Mac gear new from the factory (unless it is something incredibly rare). I would just hate someone here to be scammed.

Well, thank you for looking out for us big guy :banana:.

Do you, and your guns, also offer services AFTER some of us get scammed :D. Now, that would be some really impressive buyer protection.

Alberto

P.S. But I must say that I find Laemmle's explanation more "romantic". I was going to apply for the job of Ivan's auto detailer.

[Gaucho1]

There's another one right now for a C34, MC7270, a thorens TT and an SME3012. This one caught my attention a few weeks ago, so it must have worked before. They say they are looking for 800-1200 and will close the auction if you make an offer and they accept it.

Actually, they duplicated it about a dozen times.

[masterlu]

Well, thank you for looking out for us big guy :banana:.

Do you, and your guns, also offer services AFTER some of us get scammed :D. Now, that would be some really impressive buyer protection.

Alberto

P.S. But I must say that I find Laemmle's explanation more "romantic". I was going to apply for the job of Ivan's auto detailer.


Another Classic post!

[dj_AmTraX]

I reported this one to the Bay a few times. He also has a C200.

A possiable pick-up (test) question is what I always ask even if I am too far away.

[cornfeded]

These scams keep popping up. . . .

Has anyone here ever used an escrow service such as escrow.com for online transaction?

It is supposed to protect both buyer and seller from scams.

[dewickt]

Had several experiences on pick up, always do the pick up as a team, never alone, keep the cell phone handy, do it in a fairly busy parking lot, I usually pick a local fast food, never his or my house unless you know the seller. Went to get a MC2300 several years ago, all looked good till I examined the amp, close to mint and a good price - BUT - the serial number had been scratched off, very noticeable - said no thank you and vacated before he new what happened...

[masterlu]

These scams keep popping up. . . .

Has anyone here ever used an escrow service such as escrow.com for online transaction?

It is supposed to protect both buyer and seller from scams.


No, I have never used escrow services; however Amex thru Paypal has always been a fool proof Firewall for fraud. :yes:

[dj_AmTraX]

No, I have never used escrow services; however Amex thru Paypal has always been a fool proof Firewall for fraud. :yes:

Most credit cards will protect you. I hate that Pay Pal always default to checking account. I always change the funding option to CC.
What is so special about AMEX through Pay Pal?

[masterlu]

Most credit cards will protect you. I hate that Pay Pal always default to checking account. I always change the funding option to CC.
What is so special about AMEX through Pay Pal?


Amex in general is much stronger than Visa & Master, in regards to taking the buyers side.

Amex "Black" is their highest level card & difficult to get. When you dispute a charge with the Amex Black card, you immediately & permanently win the dispute, hands down!

The card is also very cool looking, it is made of Black Steel. The down side is that you get one by invitation only, there is a one time joining fee, the Membership Fee is very high & the fact that you must spend $250K per year with it.

I just buy my Mac gear with it. ;)

[dj_AmTraX]

I guess getting the blue will not pay off for me. :(

[masterlu]

I guess getting the blue will not pay off for me. :(

Get the new Plum Card, almost as good. No Membership fee, No Annual fee, Monthly discounts, Excellent Service.

[PHC1]

The down side is that you get one by invitation only, there is a one time joining fee, the Membership Fee is very high & the fact that you must spend $250K per year with it.

"Sir, how will you be paying for your F430 Scuderia?" Charge it to my black card. :naughty:

[cougit25]

The card is also very cool looking, it is made of Black Steel. The down side is that you get one by invitation only, there is a one time joining fee, the Membership Fee is very high & the fact that you must spend $250K per year with it.

I just buy my Mac gear with it.

Only in my dreams.. :dammit:

[Bill C]

Ivan,

Could you please post that picture again? I couldn't quite make out the number.:D

[masterlu]

"Sir, how will you be paying for your F430 Scuderia?" Charge it to my black card. :naughty:

You read my mind, I was thinking of you doing that! :yes:

[masterlu]

Ivan,

Could you please post that picture again? I couldn't quite make out the number.:D

Good One! :thmbsp:

[PHC1]

You read my mind, I was thinking of you doing that! :yes:
I would but no one offered me an amex black yet... :dunno: maybe I should be charging more new McIntosh gear on my amex platinum. :D

[masterlu]

I would but no one offered me an amex black yet... :dunno: maybe I should be charging more new McIntosh gear on my amex platinum. :D

Yes, Sir Ri :yes:

[Laemmle]

:ntwrthy::lmao:Well, thank you for looking out for us big guy :banana:.

Do you, and your guns, also offer services AFTER some of us get scammed :D. Now, that would be some really impressive buyer protection.

Alberto

P.S. But I must say that I find Laemmle's explanation more "romantic". I was going to apply for the job of Ivan's auto detailer.

[Elfasto]

The card is also very cool looking, it is made of Black Steel. The down side is that you get one by invitation only, there is a one time joining fee, the Membership Fee is very high & the fact that you must spend $250K per year with it.


Bah! What's the point if I can't clank this card down and say "That Aston Martin DB9, black, tan Camay leather, convertible, with the full leather suitcase package, and I would like to pick it up in one hour"

:smoke::D

[Laemmle]

Ivan is so correct,

I have stopped utilizing all of my bank cards.......too much BS if a problem develops with seller/merchants.

I live by AMEX...........they have backed and protected me on a least half dozen situations........in all cases I won the dispute......

One thing that drives me nuts is shipping costs...now follow this.....you purchase an item....you pay to have it shipped to you.....for whatever reason you return it in the same condition received.....you pay for the return shipping.....in essence the seller has been made 'whole' and the playing field as it were is even....he has his goods as if no transaction ensued.....follow me?...........here is the F-ing kicker.......the seller 98% of the time refuses to refund the initial shipping charge I paid to receive the item.....so the prick keeps a sum of money he/she is not entitled to.

Amex has agreed with me every time and 'reached' out to the merchant.....I was in the end made 'whole' by receiving my initial shipping costs.

Viva AMEX!





Amex in general is much stronger than Visa & Master, in regards to taking the buyers side.

Amex "Black" is their highest level card & difficult to get. When you dispute a charge with the Amex Black card, you immediately & permanently win the dispute, hands down!

The card is also very cool looking, it is made of Black Steel. The down side is that you get one by invitation only, there is a one time joining fee, the Membership Fee is very high & the fact that you must spend $250K per year with it.

I just buy my Mac gear with it. ;)

[masterlu]

Bah! What's the point if I can't clank this card down and say "That Aston Martin DB9, black, tan Camay leather, convertible, with the full leather suitcase package, and I would like to pick it up in one hour"

:smoke::D

That's exactly what you can do!

Amex called me and asked if I wanted to fly out & see this years Superbowl (great seats too, for a price of course).

But, that's Service. :yes:

[Elfasto]

That's exactly what you can do!

Amex called me and asked if I wanted to fly out & see this years Superbowl (great seats too, for a price of course).

But, that's Service. :yes:

So the $250K is not a limit, but a minimum?

[masterlu]

So the $250K is not a limit, but a minimum?

It is one time annual minimum (1st year).

The card does not have a limit, they approve charges based on your ability to pay for them.

As they say, be careful what you wish for. Approvals are like butter, regardless of what you are purchasing.

[poohsan]

you must spend $250K per year with it.

I just buy my Mac gear with it. ;)

To paraphrase Mel Brooks - "it's good to be masterlu!" :yes:

Ivan, if you don't mind my asking, what do you do for a living? I'm thinking I'm due for a career change. :scratch2:

[masterlu]

To paraphrase Mel Brooks - "it's good to be masterlu!" :yes:

Ivan, if you don't mind my asking, what do you do for a living? I'm thinking I'm due for a career change. :scratch2:


I own a large Financial Firm.

[Vinyl Rules!]

Well, thank you for looking out for us big guy :banana:.

Do you, and your guns, also offer services AFTER some of us get scammed :D. Now, that would be some really impressive buyer protection.

Alberto

P.S. But I must say that I find Laemmle's explanation more "romantic". I was going to apply for the job of Ivan's auto detailer.
I'm thinking of a tag line here (or maybe a crude hand-lettered sign on dirty cardboard), like . . . . . .

Will Whack for a Mac!:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

[poohsan]

ah, for some reason I'm picturing the First National McBank where one can deposit a MC275, allow it time to grow and then later withdraw a MC2KW. :D :tresbon:

Sounds more lucrative than being an IT manager :yes: though I'm guessing that knowing how to grow money is probably a required skill. :no:

Thanks for sharing with a stranger though!

[masterlu]

No problem, its in my Profile also.

[70salesguy]

Not to hijack this thread, but when you folks stop genuflecting, there are some real words of wisdom in this thread about American Express.

I have used the Amex card for over 25 years, mostly for business. Although you will occasionally find a merchant that doesn't accept the card, most of the places that I need to use the card when travelling accept the card.

The Amex card does not have a preset limit. The "limit" is determined by the pattern of use.

IMHO, there is no better way to pay for eBay purchases than PayPal with an Amex card. I have made over 450 eBay purchases, with only a handful from sellers that would only accept a money order. Most of the purchases have been business items, but some have been vintage audio items. The only dispute that I ever have had with a seller (he had not shipped the item) was quickly resolved when I stopped the charge with Amex. Amex debited PayPal and PayPal debited the seller. Amazingly, the problem was quickly resolved shortly after that!

The earlier post also mentioned that the PayPal payment options always default to bank account. This is true, and you have to select the credit card option each time.

I have a premium level card, but certainly not the black card. Amex offers an excellent reward program, which I have used to obtain premium seating at a concert event. When it comes to the premium level cards, you pay for the level of service you want and need!

I use the card a lot for business travel and other business expenses because of the level of service they provide. They offer the option to extend payment for some categories of charges, but you don't really want to do this. In my case, if I did this, I could have a $20,000 balance real quickly!

As far as someone having the black card, it would probably be OK in New York and L.A. or Miami Beach, but might cause confusion elsewhere. About 20 years ago, I had dinner with some buddies at a seafood restaurant in Carolina Beach, NC. I wasn't sure if the restaurant accepted Amex, so I took out my Gold Amex card and asked the waitress "Do you accept this card"?. She looked at it and said "No, we only take the green ones"! :yes:

By the way, I hope the TIME article portrays this hobby and this particular collector in a positive light, and not as some "eccentric". I have no doubt that masterlu has done a good job trying to convey that, but we can only hope the writer carries that through to print!

[PHC1]

As far as someone having the black card, it would probably be OK in New York and L.A. or Miami Beach, but might cause confusion elsewhere. About 20 years ago, I had dinner with some buddies at a seafood restaurant in Carolina Beach, NC. I wasn't sure if the restaurant accepted Amex, so I took out my Gold Amex card and asked the waitress "Do you accept this card"?. She looked at it and said "No, we only take the green ones"! :yes:

Was she a blonde? :nutz:

[Laemmle]

I own a large Financial Firm.

Ivan invented the 'non recourse loan' utilized so beautifully to fund major motion picture production. He is the darling/wunderkind of Hollywood:yes: