Quote Originally Posted by WD4ICJ View Post
The following occured between 10/10 and 10/26/11:
1. I ran a "wanted" ad for a Globe Scout 65-A on the AM Fone site.
2. Scammer wrote me: "I have one. Looks good and works perfectly. Interested in buying?
3. Me: Yes! How much? Scammer: $100 Me: You have a deal. How do you want to be paid? I can do "Pay Pal", MO, or cashier's check. Scammer: Send money via a Western Union Money transfer. (RED FLAG #1! But I didn't listen)
4. Scammer sent me his name and address, ask for same from me , plus my phone number...I sent him name, addrss & phone, and asked for HIS phone number. (Didn't get it. RED FLAG #2! But I didn't listen.) I STILL don't have his phone number....but he got mine) 5. Scammer sent me a UPS form, stating that the item was "boxed" on 10/17/11, and tracking # would be provided upon receipt of $100. 6. Me - "How much for shipping? There was no shipping amount listed on the form." Scammer: "Shipping is $20. Total amount to send: $120." 7. I sent $120 via WU to the scammer's name and town. 8. Scammer: "I couldn't pick up the money because the WU control number is wrong". (RED FLAG #3! Once a scammer has the control number, he can collect the cash without an ID!!! I didn't know that before. I know now....but too late. Like a dumb ass, I sent the scammer the control number.) 9. Me to scammer: "Please let me know when Xmtr ships so I know when to expect it here. Also please send the UPS tracking number, and your phone number". Scammer: "Transmitter has been shipped, it should get to you anytime from now. Thanks" (NO UPS tracking number, and NO phone number sent.) 10: (about a week later) Me: "The transmitter has not arrived, it is long overdue. Please use the UPS tracking number and find out where it is, and advise." (Nothing heard from scammer since)

Scammer's name: (or one of them...) Leonard Chiddister
Address provided: 15531 Lago Vila, Tomball, TX 77377 (Yes, there really is a Tomball, TX!)
No phone # ever received, no UPS tracking # ever recieved, no ham call letters, no Xmtr ever received....the money's gone. Watch out for this guy! Thanks for your help, and for letting me post this. Ron Kocher, Palm Coast, FL
It would be great if every ham that had an issue with a transaction would present the facts like you did. Well done.