[SEL] ebay scam alert - pass this onto tractor people - particularly in Oz where this guy seems to prey most...

[Paul Pavlinovich]

I found a John Deere compact utility tractor in new condition on ebay. 
The unit was at $150 with zero bids. There were three from the same 
seller boys131085 all in Onslow Western Australia (does this town 
exist?). After I asked my question I got an email from ebay kinda 
advising me to avoid the seller (if you read between the lines) and they 
cancelled all the seller's items from ebay - they are gone without trace.

This morning I found another tractor probably from the same person (same 
location, same setup, different ebay seller swanvalley51)
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=11752&item=7503449687&rd=1
This one is a Kubota working on the same scam setup... I'm going to ask 
this seller a question too and see what happens.

Here is the message I got from ebay (I've checked the full headers and 
it really is from ebay - directly with no intervening parties and the IP 
addresses are in the range assigned to ebay)
> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: NOTICE: eBay Ask Seller a Question or Contact eBay Member Alert
> Date: Thu, 24 Mar 2005 09:12:25 PST
> From: moreinfo at ebay.com
> To: paulp at steamengine.com.au
> 
> Dear paulp4fsq (paulp at steamengine.com.au): 
> 
> Our records indicate that you recently sent an email to or received an email from boys131085 through the eBay email system (for example, you may have sent an email to this member through Ask Seller a Question or received an email from this member through Contact eBay Member). 
> 
> Sometimes eBay accounts are used to send email solicitations for transactions outside of eBay, or to send unrelated questions in hopes that you will respond so that the other party can obtain your email address. We wanted you to be aware of the potential fraud risk these solicitations pose and encourage you to be cautious about the email you received from this member. 
> 
> Please keep in mind, sales that take place outside of eBay are not eligible for any eBay or PayPal protective services and you run the risk of losing your money or your item if you complete these transactions. We would encourage you to review the eBay pages related to Fraud Protection at the address provided below for information on steps you can take to ensure that your transactions are successful:
> 
>  http://pages.ebay.com/help/tp/isgw-buyer-protection-steps.html
> 
> If you have already sent the item or sent payment for the item, please reply to this email and we will send you additional information about how to protect yourself. 
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Trust & Safety Department



Here is the message I got back the seller to my query about the JD
> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: RE: Question for - John Deere 4100 Compact Utility Tractor
> Date: Thu, 24 Mar 2005 22:36:48 +0000
> From: Balica Stefan <balica0stefan at msn.com>
> To: paulp at steamengine.com.au
> 
> 
> hello,
> 
> I`m glad that you´re interested in my John Deere 4100 Compact Utility 
> Tractor. Let me tell you all about this deal.
> Details about the unit:
> The unit is accurate.It has no scratches, no damages, no hidden defects.Kept 
> it in a warm garage.It comes with all the documents needed for registration, 
> it has a clear title and it can be anytime registered into your name any 
> time without a problem so, I want you to stay cool about this.
> Price:
> The buy it now price is AUD 4,500.The buy now price include the shipping and 
> insurance fees. I realize that the price is low,but this is the price for a 
> fast deal.
> Location:
>  The unit is in Australia,
> Address:C/-Sun Chalets,
> City: Onslow,
> State: Western Australia,
> Zip:6710
>  but for the moment I am in Sweden and I will come back as soon as 
> everything will be arranged.
> Shipping:
> I made a couple of phone calls and the best and fastest way I can ship with 
> is using TNT and it takes  5-6 days to arrive at your door.
> I will pay all the shipping fees, and the insurance in a case of any damage 
> during the shipping.
> The most important thing in all my activity here is that I am affiliated at 
> Ebay  , I have a a purchase protection account for $5,340.00 and I assume 
> you know what this means.How you are protected by Ebay,in case we have a 
> deal:
> 1) If you will not receive the Unit as i described to you,although this is 
> not the case,Ebay will refund you with 100% from the whole amount.Even in 
> case you will not receive the unit ,they will refund you the money.
> 2) You will make the transfer on my name but eBay will keep the payment 
> details until you will receive the product.After you'll receive and see that 
> the item is the one you want,you just notify Ebay to forward  me the payment 
> details so I will be able to pick up my money.
> I will wait for your email to let me know if you are interested in knowing 
> more details about the purchase.Let me know if it's OK with you,so that we 
> can move forward with this deal and I will contact eBay in order to start 
> the transaction.After that they will email you all the details.
> Email me asap.
> 
> _________________________________________________________________
> Don’t just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search! 
> http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/
> 


-- 

pjp at steamengine.com.au
Emerald, Victoria, Australia
www.steamengine.com.au


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