"To good to be true"

[WAeyes]

About 3 weeks ago I posted that I won an auction for a St. Croix fishing rod at Ebay. This was a brand new never used Legend Elite that retailed for $300. I felt very lucky to win this auction with a $200 bid. After checking on the sellers feedback profile and questioning him on the item, I felt very confident in bidding on a legitimate item. Here is where it gets interesting. When I emailed him on where to send my money order payment, he responded the very next day with his home address. I also included my address so can send me the rod after he receives my payment. One week goes by so I decide to email him requesting verification that he received my payment...no response. A few days later I repeat another email...no response. I begin to check if the money order has been cashed, not yet. Ok, another week later I call him and leave a message on his answer machine to call or email me...no response. I know it was the right phone # because it mentioned his last name on machine. It has now been another week and found out my money order was cashed this week. I have filed a report with Ebay and with a company called Square Trade on this matter. Still no response from this PUTZ! I do have other options of filing for mail fraud and even contacting legal authorities in his town. Any suggestions?

[dave]

What was his feedback rating?

[Gumbo]

My wife and I use ebay all the time, and while we've run into a few deadbeats we've never been stiffed. I'd keep calling him, contact ebay, and even email others who have purchased from him to see what their experiences were. On ebay, go into the site map and find where you can file a complaint. If a user gets three complaints they're kicked off ebay forever. Threaten to use this before you do--that usually gets their attention.

Bummer--keep after him. Post the seller's name/contact info here and if anyone lives nearby they can go get your rod for you and try it out!

[WAeyes]

His feedback rating was good. All positive and just one neutral. No negative comments about him, I just don't get it.

[WAeyes]

Thanks Dennis, I have already filed a couple of complaints with Ebay. I would love to post his name and address here but I will try to restrain myself awhile longer. Still holding out hope my fishing rod is on its way.

[Ristorapper]

There was a fellow here in our state prosicuted for selling items through e-bay and not delivering the goods. I don't recall the penalty he did get for doing this but do know he is no longer living with the person at the time of the crimes. Crimes!! he did it repeatedly until he was finally caught. So beware they are out there. And I do believe he was dealing in firearms, had the proper credentails to do so but did not deliver the weapons. We sportsmen are always in the middle of this it seems!

I refuse to even visit e-bay for this reason but my daughter is really into it. She's had good luck with all transactions so far but was late on a payment and several e-mails as to where the payment was so just be cautious. She is really into cross-stitch so if you or your spouse have any, get em up on e-bay, she'll take a look at anything in that catagory you have.

BW

[Punch1]

I have had over 300 transactions on ebay and have been stiffed twice. Luckily it wasn't over a $200.00 item. I would contact the local police department and see if they can make contact and maybe shake him up enough to either refund the money or send the rod. Usually the smaller police departments wil at least attempt some sort of contact. Other departments will say that this is a civil matter. Don't buy this line because fraud and or theft is not a civil matter, it is a criminal matter.

A last resort would be small claims court. Obviously this may not be feasible. Whatever you do, wait a little bit before posting negative feedback because the damage is done once you post it and he has nothing to lose at this point. However there are time limits on feedback postings so watch that as well. Good luck and just keep trying.

[Miller Mi.]

A friend was ripped off on e-bay about six months ago and the individual was banned from e-bay. About a month I got some lures from an e-bay deal. Turned out to be the same name and address as the guy who ripped off my friend, just a different e-mail address. Larry

[Juls_WI]

Maybe since the check was just cashed this week...it just might be, that he was on vacation and just got back. It's that time of year for vacations. Maybe, he has sent the rod by ordinary mail, which can take quit awhile sometimes for the larger packages, and he just didn't feel the need to respond to your calls or emails since he has sent the rod. Who knows? Some people are rude that way. It would be nice if he would respond, but don't count on it. If you already tried to contact him numberous times, he probably isn't goin to respond to you. I sure hope you don't get ripped off. That would be a bummer.

Good luck...

Juls

[Gilligan]

I am thinking along the same lines of what Juls said. Vacation..computer crash..death in family?? I have done excellent with buying at EBAY when checking out seller as you did.

Maybe drop him a link to this post to see all the posible negative business he would get if you posted his identy here??

[docIN]

I just checked this jerks ratings and he has five negatives and one of them happens to be on yet another st croix rod. Becareful so very careful with these people on Ebay. I sent him an email as well and maybe the preasure may help. I was nice and asked them to please send your rod. Best of Luck and hope there is a good reason for the delay.

[GullGuide]

I too use ebay quite a bit for old decoys and shell boxes. Have not been stiffed yet.
Some things I will ALWAYS do before bidding-
1)Check feed back on the seller and NEVER buy from someone who has any negitive feedback.
2)If the seller has a low rating, I will email the seller with a question about the item. If the seller responds to the email in a timely fashion, I'll give him/her the benifit of the doubt.
3)Check the bid history of the item and cross reference it with items that the seller has on aution at the same time as well as past auctions. If similar names keep poping up and these names are never the high bidder at the end of the auction, beware- it might be a scam such as the seller having friends bid up the price for him/her.
If you have a problem, contact ebay. They are pretty good at helping you out.
Good Luck
>"////=<

[WAeyes]

Now I am really pissed off! I don't know how doc/IN was able to check his feedback comments without knowing his User ID, but he is right on. This guy has 5 negative comments and they all pertain to not responding to emails and no contact and not sending the auctioned item. This really has me mad now because when I checked this very same feedback of the seller during the auction, it was all positive with one neutral. Now how in the world can the feedback change? I never would have gotten into this auction with the feedback that he has now. The strange thing is some of the negative comments date back several months ago. Why weren't they there when I checked it during the auction? I want to blame Ebay for not showing his correct feedback profile! I think I am going to contact Ebay again and tell them this. Someone spray me down with water, I am HOT! Juls, I noticed you are from WI, so is this guy. Will you go beat him up for me and get my money back? LOL

[Gumbo]

It's not hard for Doc to search and find your transaction. Email all the users who gave him negative comments and find out why, and if they ever filed a complaint with ebay. Three complaints and you're kicked off ebay. Also let this guy know that you know how many complaints he's had filed against him. Also, persuade others who were stiffed to file complaints if they didn't. Post back if you can't find where to do it from and I'll look for it and give you the link. I'm sure you'd be happy just to get your money back, and hopefully you'll be able to make that happen.

Good luck.

[WAeyes]

Just got done doing exactly that. I emailed all of the people who gave him negatives. 2 of the 5 were not registered users so I let those go. I did not however ask anyone if they filed an official complaint though. Heard back from 2 already. One said they finally received item after a very long time. One said they never sent him money because they got a warning from another Ebay user not to because he was a deadbeat. There is definately one complaint filed on him...mine! His poor selling habits have been strung out for several months so I doubt there is any emergency reason he hasn't contacted me. He has my phone #, my address, my email address, and now my cashed money order. Hold back on negative feedback? Not any more! Anyone know how to contact the police in La Crosse, WI?

[Juls_Wi]

Call information at 608-555-1212 and ask for that number.

Sorry, but I only open cans of Whoop @ss on walleye..;-)

Good luck! That stinks. I hope you get your money back.

Juls

[WAeyes]

Thanks Juls, I am going to do whatever it takes to get my money back and see that this guy can't do this to anyone else. This has just ruined my first auction at Ebay. It may turn out to be my last. Ebay says that buyers are insured up to $200 minus a $25 deductible. Hopefully this is straight up. I bet you can open up a mean can a whoopazz on them wallys! Good Fishin

[Jack]

LaCrosse Police 608-785-5962
LaCrosse County Sheriff 608-785-9629

[WAeyes]

Thanks Jack. Maybe a knock on his door by the local police will get a response out of this guy. I really want the fishing rod, not the money. I can file an insurance claim with Ebay to get reimbursed minus a $25 deductible but will have to wait another week or so.

[Eyemadman]

Thanks for warning us, Ive never used e-bay and never will after hearing this nightmare, Ive got enough headaches!
EMM

[Hawgeye]

WAeyes had a bad experience. There are ways to protect yourself using PayPal or Billpoint while bidding on items. Also just because there is a single deadbeat, that does not mean that there is not 100 legitimate sellers. I have purchased and sold many items on ebay and have made some really good deals. Don't let one loser influence your decision on a really good business/site. I have purchased about 10 transducers for depth finders for $25 cheaper than had I got them on sale at a store. Well worth the hassle.

[WAeyes]

Just a quick update to this situation. After calling the LaCrosse police dept., they told me I had to contact my local police dept. As another post stated, they told me it was a civil case and said they could not do anything. I asked them if fraud was a civil case and they said yes. I am no lawyer, but I got the feeling they either didn't want to investigate, or didn't have time. On another note, I got an email from Mr. Putz himself (the seller) and he stated that the rod was sent over a week ago. Hmmm...how long does U.S mail or UPS take? I told him it should have arrived by now and asked him what the tracking number was. I'm not expecting a reply. Could the rod really be on its way? Stay tuned...same bat channel...same bat time!

[Juls_WI]

If he sent it by regular mail, it can take some time to get there. I had sent a package by regular mail to a friend in MI, and it took almost a month to get there. But, it did get there.
I hope you get your rod. That was an Elite wasn't it? Worth the wait...;-)

Juls

[Al]

I've had a dozen or more transactions on ebay. Not one problem except a winner on my sale bailed. I ended up sending the second place bidder an email and he took it (a Garmin GPS/Sounder). You are right on asking for the tracking number. No matter what...if you get the rod tomorrow, leave very negative feedback. If he's responded to none, it should be bad news for his future sales if the buyers check him out. Sorry about the trouble you've had. I personally like the service.

[rpc]

I agree with the other posts regarding ebay. Don't let one bad one diss you towards other transactions. I have bought gads of tackle off ebay that I would call dirt cheap. When you buy new Bang-o-lures for under $1.50 each its a deal. It does take awhile to get some things. One batch of lures I bought took about 3 wks to get. I was getting worried but what the hey. Good luck.

[WAeyes]

Another update of this upsetting but now entertaining transaction. He is now emailing me regularly telling me that he sent the rod out at the same time he sent out other rods he auctioned. I am the only one who hasn't received it yet...hmmm? I keep emailing him asking what the tracking # is. He says he is "working" on that but it is hard because he is in Seattle now...hmmm? He just happens to be half way across the country in the same city as the other person involved in this transaction (me)????????.....hmmmm again! I just invited him over for dinner to discuss this transaction further!!! Do you think I should be expecting him???

[CJW]

I have bought over 20 rods on e-bay. I never pay with anything other than my personal check. I tell seller I'm sending a check they say it will be a weeks wait. I tell them that in 10-14 days if I hear nothing from them about the item being on its way the check will be canceled. And if the item doesn't arrive in 10 days after they say its on the way, I'll cancel the check. Have never had a problem even with someone with a bad mark. I would never send a money order, too hard to stop. Just my 2 cents. Good luck! Craig

[Robert]

Similar situation on Ebay. Only for a cable modem. Probably 20 people by now. We have filed Internet fraud with www.ifccfbi.gov and consumer protection agency in Fla. I don't know how close you are to this scumbag but the police or sheriff in his county may help. Good luck. It doesn't take many to screw up a good thing.
Robert

[WAeyes]

Thanks Robert, he lives in Wisconsin and I am in Washington State. I tried contacting the LaCrosse police dept. about this. They told me I had to go through my local police dept. My local police dept. told me that this was a civil case, not a criminal case. Yes, they told me fraud was a civil case. Right now I am either waiting for him to send the rod, or I can file for an insurance claim with Ebay 30 days after the end of auction

[WAeyes]

Well....after a full month of stressful days wondering if I just threw a couple hundred bucks down the drain...it came. A St.Croix Legend Elite spinning rod in brand new, perfect condition. I feel like I over reacted now, but the way this guy handled this transaction, I felt like I was forced to respond in such a manner. I left him some very negative feedback at Ebay (he deserved it) but I also said he never sent the rod. I wonder if I can go back and atleast mention that the rod finally came? I am in no hurry though, he wasn't. Can't believe how light this rod feels in my hand! Do I dare use fireline with this light, seemingly brittle rod? I sure would hate to break this thing on a snag with a no stretch line.

[Juls_WI]

If you have the fast tip, I wouldn't suggest using Fireline on it. Too stiff.

I have two Elites that I use with 8# Super Silver Thread, and I am very happy with the results.

Glad to hear you finally got it!

Juls

[WAeyes]

Thanks for the tip. Never used Silver Thread. How does it compare to other monos...stretch, handling characteristics, toughness?

[Juls_WI]

I'm too tired tonight to compare...to much typing..;-)

All I can say is that I am completely happy with the performance of this line. I use it on some of my trolling rods too, and it has not let me down yet.

I used to use Trilene. I like the SS thread much better.

Juls

[REW]

Certainly use fireline if you wish with this wonderful rod.
These rods are tougher than you might think.

However, as is always the case with any line - use the drag on your reel for what it is intended. i.e. if you are running 8 lb line - set the drag at 4 lbs or less.

Never, Never, Never, try to pull a snag loose with your rod.

Take either a gloved hand, or a dowel or broom handle, wrap the line around it -- ahead of the rod, and pull the snag free, or break the line - with the use of your hand -- NOT the rod.

Enjoy your wonderful rod

Take Care
REW

[scott5019]

Sounds all too familiar. I also had a similar experience on E-bay. I have bought a fair amount of merchandise and for the most part, haven't had many problems. But one purchase didn't go so well. I sent the money order out the same day as the auction ended, and didn't expect any problems. The seller had a good rating and it wasn't that much money. But after a couple of weeks with no delivery, I sent an e-mail just to varify that he received payment and that he had my correct address. I received no reply.
It was about a month after the auction ended that I received a non paying warning from E-bay. After a few more unanswered e-mails, I had the money order traced and found out that it had been cashed in his hometown and at which bank that it was cashed.
So I sent him another e-mail stating that I had found out the money order had been cashed and where. Giving him the benefit of the doubt, just in case that it had been stolen, I told him that I was going to have the bank pull its video records because of a possible theft. I never did contact the bank and never had any intentions of doing so. I received an e-mail the same day saying that in fact that he had received payment and that there had been a mix up the money order. I wasn't all that concerned about the merchandise, but I just didn't want a non-paying blemish on my E-bay account. Anyway, if that's what it takes to get your fishing rod back, maybe it will work for you. Also, doesn't E-bay have an insurance policy up to $200.00? I think that you have a $25.00 deductable, but at least you will be most of your money back. Good luck getting your fishing rod.

Scott

[AquaMan]

LAST EDITED ON Jul-11-01 AT 07:50AM (CST)[p]Hmmmm, I was also duped by a fellow over a St. Croix rod early in my e-Bay days. I was told, and the auction showed, this rod was a current model in mint condition. What I received was nothing short of a rusty antique wiggle stick.

I had used PayPal with my Credit Card and was able to get the charges reversed after 6 months of haggling with e-Bay and PayPal. E-Bay has fruad collection/protection but it is time consuming. Make copies of all your coorispondence, the auction and your check and send it into the fruad department. Look under the Safe Harbor for more details. I will never send a cashiers check unless I have a history with the seller.

It was a real pain in the rear. What I learned was this: Everyone you buy from on e-Bay is a stranger and posses the option of taking your money and running. Most are genuine and honest. However, I quit dealing with people selling items that have fewer then 50 positive feedback's for any purchases over $25. The risk is just too high. What irked me is that when I was taken, I contacted some of the other buyers and they were in the same boat. But they NEVER left negative feedback. I wanted to reach thought my PC a slap them since they would have saved me a lot of aggravation. ALWAYS leave honest feedback within 20 days. Even small issues like shipping delays can provide some insight into the seller's personality and business acumen.

I currently have 266 positive responses and not one negative. I stand behind what I sell and it shows. I am not tooting my own horn (well maybe) But my point is this, there are more sellers that are good then are bad. Shop wisely. The old phrase BUYER BEWARE can be minimized if you shop smart.

Sorry to hear what happened. But, quit being a nice guy and slam this guy before he is removed from e-Bay and you never get a chance to say your piece. A ton of sugar will not get you your rod at this point. You could save the next guy the same heart ache.

>>>
I see below that you got the rod, but I think that you were fine in your feedback. Product should only take, at most, 10 days to be received if shipped from one side of the contry to the other and less if the distance is shorter. If a seller lists product and has a problem with their PC, then they should go to the library or a freinds. Outstanding service is rewarded with good feedback. Poor feedback is typically the result of the opposite.

Glad to hear it all worked out and you DID NOT over react.

AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~

.·´¯° --- "It all begins and ends at the water's edge"

Eric@crowncomputerinc.com

[AquaMan]

Yep. Shill Bidding is a big no no and eBay will suspend on the spot.

AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~

.·´¯° --- "It all begins and ends at the water's edge"

Eric@crowncomputerinc.com

[WAeyes]

Uh-Oh...conflicting advice on the use of Fireline with this rod. I hear what you are saying REW, use it but be careful. I just hold my spool and pull straight back with a Fireline snag. Is this OK or is it hard on the roller of your bail? By the way, my Stradics fit like a glove on the Legends reel seat. Not to knock G-Loomis, but theirs didn't fit well at all with a Stradic.