Nevermind, scammed! Here's the complaint I just put in with the FTC and Military Sentinel. Next stop....? Local Police and MP's maybe?
On 12 April I sent an e-mail to:
[email protected]
With the text: Hello,
I'll be able to purchase the 650S in the next 2 weeks. If at all possible I would like to purchase it, but if you'd be unable to hold it until then I understand. I can pay either via paypal, or I can have my parents pick it up with the cash. I'm looking forward to hearing your reply and more information if possible!
-On 14 April I received a reply from: Lt. Col. Conley, Christopher <
[email protected]>
With the text:
Hello and sorry for the late reply. Hope I'm not too late and you didn't already purchased another bike.
For sale is my 2006 Suzuki SV 650S in immaculate condition with only 5,045 miles, rust free, no scratch and hasn't been involved in any accident. It has an 650cc engine. This bike needs nothing and comes with a CLEAN title.
I want this transaction to be smooth and I don't have much time at my disposal to waste my time with endless discussions. I believe $2,000.00 (not negotiable) is more than a fair price.
You can reach me at (701) 212-1354 or you can email me if you are interested.
Thank you,
Lt. Col. Conley, Christopher
P.S. More pictures here:
http://s730.photobucket.com/albums/ww310/chrstphrconley/
to which I replied on 14 april:
Sir,
You are definitely not too late! I'm at work at the moment so my ability to view the extra pictures is somewhat limited unless I proxy it, which I may do during lunch. My main concerns center around the mechanical/maintenance aspect of the bike, and it's ability to be ridden off immediately. I'll be TDY up in the mountains of WV all summer without immediate access to a bike shop, so anything that needs to be done I would have to do before I leave. How are the tires, brakes, oil? Has the spring maintenance been done? What do the tune up/maintenance costs normally run around here? Looking forward to hearing from you!
His next reply:
The bike is at Minot AF Base, North Dakota, where i am currently stationed, until April 27, when I will be deployed to Afghanistan. This is why I must sell it before that. Shipping won't be a problem for me. I will take care of that, with no costs on your end.
This is a large amount and I would like to conduct the deal using an authorized third party like eBay using their Purchase Protection Program, so this should eliminate any trust issues. They will keep a deposit until the purchase is final, and you test and accept the bike. If you will not get the bike as described, and also a clean title you will receive your money back.
To be able to use this program you need to qualify. I have been approved 3 years ago and I was very satisfied. So, if you are interested in buying my bike just let me know your name and shipping address.
I will forward them to eBay's protection program and wait for the approval.
The ad generated a great deal of interest and people have been calling me non stop and the line was down for a while.
to which i replied:
Sir,
So how do I proceed with buying? I might have the money on the 17th, but the absolute latest would be the 24th, so either way you will have it before you deploy. I know it would be a bit much to ask you to wait to sell it until the 24th, but it would be a huge help to me. I fall into the young soldier category that got married at bragg to one of the girls who's mother's trained them to marry a soldier, have a kid, and divorce him to be taken care of for at least 18 years by the child support. Anyway, I digress, if you want to proceed through the bay bit, I will attempt to get all that in order as soon as possible. I would personally prefer to go through paypal, as I already have a long standing account with them, and I do tend to trust the word of a fellow service member in regards to the quality of an item I'm purchasing(yes it has gotten me into trouble). Thank you for the swift reply and I'm looking forward to hearing back from you sir! If you want to proceed with the ebay, here's the address:
editted out
Thanks again sir!
-On 15 April I received an email from: eBay <
[email protected]>
With an invoice and these instructions:
Payment Instructions:
eBay requires the deposit of $ for this item to be done through MoneyGram transfer service to our representative.
How to make payment:
1. Go to the nearest MoneyGram Office:
2. Make the deposit with cash using the following eBay representative information:
Name
Michael Dawson
Address
153 Boston Post Road
City - State:
East Lyme - CT
Zip:
06333
Country:
United States
3. After you complete the transfer, fax eBay Motors at +1 (408) 904-5876 or
+1 (408) 490-2779 the following:
- MoneyGram receipt(s)
- Shipping Address
Note:
-The only MoneyGram payment service admited is: MoneyGram Money Transfer. Please DO NOT use MoneyGram Express Payment or any other MoneyGram Services.
-There is no need for the "4-digit receive code", you only need the information provided above.
NOTICE: When eBay receives the payment confirmation the item will be shipped to your address by DAS for ground delivery or insured airship cargo for long distance delivery. The Vehicle Purchase Protection program protects your vehicle purchase against fraud and material misrepresentation. This program is provided by eBay for FREE. There is no sign-up, opt-in, or registration necessary. Your vehicle purchase is protected for up to $20,000 or the vehicle purchase price, whichever is lower.
Regards,
Safeharbor Department (Trust and Safety Department)
eBay.
-On 16 April I followed the instructions and send the moneygram to Michael Dawson, with the reference number: 98702586 for the amount of $2000.00, plus the $85.00 fee to send the moneygram. I then faxed the mentioned documents to the number indicated, for the price of $3.89 at the Staples across the street.
I informed the "Lt. Col" that the money was sent and he should receive a response from e-bay shortly.
On 16 April in response, I received this e-mail:
Just received the confirmation. Shipping will start today. Thank you for a smooth transaction. Will keep you posted.
I had not heard from him since then though I sent multiple e-mails. Today 20 April, I attempted to contact him via Minot AFB, and was told that there was no service member by that name on active duty at that location. So I entered into a live chat session with an actual e-bay representative, where I was informed that this was a common scam.