PCinDC

<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33748&item=2407690239&rd=1" target="_blank">Ebay Porsche Wheels</a>

You'll notice a new set of wheels that usually goes for $2500 on ebay lised at $1500 with no reserve price. I contacted the gentleman and he says he's selling cheap because he needs fund immediately. You'll also notice that the location listed is USA. After arriving at a price of $1500 (?!?!?) for the wheels, he requests that I western Union the funds to a location in the UK. He also says that if I pay via western union, he will cover shipping costs. Seems WAAAAY to good to be true, however, he has very good feedback ratings - although they are all BUYER feedback ratings, and no SELLER feedback ratings. What would you do?

pete944

Personally, I would walk. I'm not real trusting with my hard earned cash. It smells like a scam to me.

Matt 944S

I would be careful.

It is seems odd that you need to send the funds to the UK, yet he is shipping from the US. Did you question him about this? I have run into situations similar to this in the past. The seller was happy to describe the disconnect. If he is legit, then i am sure he wouldnt mind explaining himself.

I just would not want to give away $1500.00.

Matt

DangerIsland

With no seller feedback, I wouldn't trust it at all.

Riff

Isn't against ebay policy to end an auction early because someone offered you the asking price w/o a "Buy it Now"?

Perry 951

Don't do it. Western Union does not insure money transfers. There are a lot of scams out there that use Western Union because of this.

Escrow is the only way I'd go with an amount over $1500. You deposit tme money to them, seller sends product, and when you get it, the escrow is released. As safe as it gets unless you do a cash exchange in person.

Matt 944S

How much does Escrow charge? Where can i find out more about it?

PCinDC

I did contact the seller expressing my concerns and asked if it would be possible to speak with him via telephone. I've not received a return email yet, but honestly, I just sent the email 10 minutes ago. If I don't hear back from him then I know it's a scam and I can tell everyone to stay the hell away. If he does write back with phone number or actually call me, then I might be more inclined to do the deal. Like you all, I am more than a little skeptical....
I beleive it is against ebay policy unless you specifically state in the ad - "Seller Reserves right to end auction early." That another thing that concerns me. If we do this outside of ebay, then I am not protected. I suppose the only other thing to do would be to bid, wait until the auction closes and then have ebays' buyer protection....hmmm....if it's true it's just such a damn good deal!!!!!

PCinDC

Okay, just got an email back from the guy - Here's the text of the email thread:

Hello Paul,

We have an affiliate in USA , but our main headquarters is UK, London.
that way.NO, the price for shipping will be lower,because we have a
contract with UPS. Please call me at 00447747715980.I will wait

--
Best regards,
office mailtoffice@beastsell.com

Tuesday, March 18, 2003, 8:29:00 PM, you wrote:

Jean Michelle -
I appreciate your willingness to do this deal. I'm confused about a couple
of things. On the Ebay ad, you list USA as your location. You have
requested that I Western Union the funds to the UK.
Shipping to the US will likely be a few hundred dollars for a full set of
wheels and tires and you offer to pay it. I don't want to offend you, but
at this price, it seems a little too good to be true. Is it possible to
speak with you via telephone?
Kind regards,

Paul Caiazzo

-----Original Message-----
From: office@beastsell.com [mailtoffice@beastsell.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2003 2:22 PM
To: Paul Caiazzo (Falls Church)
Subject: Re[2]: Question for seller -- Item #2407690191

Hello Paul,

OK, we have a deal ,but please no check , will take to long to
clear,please. NO check. please , i pay the shipping if you will use
WESTERN UNION. I will wait your mail soon.

I will use UPS express 2-3 days delivery time.

You can submit the payment with western union.

Here is the information for Western Union.
First name: NAME REMOVED
Last name : NAME REMOVED
Address: ADDRESS REMOVED
Zip: ADDRESS REMOVED
City: London
Country: UK

After transfer please send me Sender Name & MTCN number from the Western Union receipt) & total amount that was send.

I can help you to located the nearest Western Union office
just send me your name and address or you can check <a href="http://www.westernunion.com" target="_blank">www.westernunion.com</a>

Perry 951

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">OK, we have a deal ,but please no check , will take to long to
clear,please. NO check. please , i pay the shipping if you will use
WESTERN UNION. I will wait your mail soon.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Scam. Don't do Western Union.

PCinDC

Thanks Perry- I'm going to take your advice (and all others who posted here) and not do the deal. Or at least wait until the auction is almost up and snipe it for cheap - that way I have ebay protection...

Any ebay buyers, be skeptical of deals offered by office@beastsell.com

Perry 951

Paul, Escrow is not expensive. 2.5% if that, and is safe. If the seller will not agree to do it, you'll know it is a bad deal.

Burma Shave

To my knowledge this is a scam, I e-mailed this guy some time ago(free shipping on wheels sounds absurd) as well and was approached to end auction early and pay w.u.. I then noticed several other auctions with same pics /descriptions but different user names and e-mail address. I contacted ebay and those auctions were pulled within hours.I have since seen more auctions like these and there have also been posts over on the 944turbo

944S2NUT

DEAD link

cambria

USE A ESCROW SEVICE. DONOT I REPEAT DONOT PAY WITH WESTERN UNION. THE DEAL SOUNDS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE. YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS, IT IS NOT TRUE.