Something Doesn't Smell Right... Or Am I Being Too Paranoid?

[W3WN]

Forgive me if this isn't in the right place...

But do any of you folks out there on the Left Coast know of a ham in Oakland CA named Fred Green K6BJR?

Here's the... let's say concern...

I'm currently looking around for an HF amp that I can afford, 160 - 10, about 500-600 W out (SB-200 class, but with 160). My friend Bill W3WH forwarded to me an ad on QTH.COM for an Ameritron 811H for $550, including shipping, which is in my price range... but almost a little too good to be true. Potential red flag.

So I email the gentleman for more information, and this is the response I get:

"Hi Ron,
How are you? Thanks for your response to my Add placement. Yes the Amp is still very much available. It is in excellent working condition, 10-160 Meters. It does 600 Watts DC out with 45 Watts drive to it. You can drive it with 100 Watt radio, there are no known issues with this amplifier. I m not interested in any trades.

I bought this amp in 2014 but don't use it enough to justify keeping it. the manual and box included. Kindly get back to me with your shipping info so that i can arrange for shipment and forward you my account info for payment.

73,s

Fred, K6bjr"

The English just doesn't feel right, almost like someone speaking in a different language (red flag). It doesn't really tell me anything. That last sentence about shipping info & account info? Wait a sec, I haven't agreed to buy it yet. (another red flag)

The email address says the name of the sender is "Rex Fredrick" with an email of rex.federick122@gmail.com. (another red flag) That name doesn't match the FCC name on the call. And on further inspection, the ad was posted by "G R Frederick", which DEFINITELY doesn't match the call.

E-mail was sent to me just before 8 AM. Which means that IF it was sent from the coast, this person is at best a very early riser. Seems kind of strange though, doesn't it?

An internet search shows that the call goes back to the early 1960's at least. Which makes me really wonder about who's behind this ad.

And the final kicker... a search on QTH.COm for recent ads from this call shows this:

RADIOVHF - FOR SALE: Ameritron 811-H I have an Ameritron 811-H in a very good physical and working condition.
Comes in original box with all accessories. I'm the original owner and was purchased 4/2014. Shipped to your address and insured. $550
Fred. K6bjrListing #1297703 - Submitted on 11/25/16 by Callsign K6BJR, Modified on 11/27/16 - IP: 67.215.230.88.static.quadranet.comClick Here to Email -- Click Here to View Picture -- Send this Ad to a Friend

RADIOVHF - FOR SALE: Alinco DR-610
I have an Alinco DR-610 for sale. I'm the first owner, It is in excellent working condition - It came with all the accessories which include : Microphone, power cable, manuals etc. I am asking $250 plus shipping. Photos are seen below. Let me know if you are interested.
Regards,
Rex k6bjrListing #1297678 - Submitted on 11/25/16 by Callsign K6BJR - IP: 67.215.230.88.static.quadranet.comClick Here to Email -- Click Here to View Picture -- Send this Ad to a Friend


Now why would someone use one first name on one ad, and a different first name on another?

So I think we have a hijacked call here.

Or am I just being paranoid?

Incidentally, just as I started typing this, I asked Bill for his opinion...

...and in case anyone has any doubts about my sanity, which there are plenty of in other circumstances, I believe that if it looks like skunk, walks like a skunk, and smells like a skunk, I'm not going to wait around to get sprayed and find out for certain that it IS a skunk...

...and his reply, which just came through, was "Walk no run away from it. You might also share your concern with KA9FOX." (Which I have done) So I don't think I'm being paranoid. Still, I'm curious as to other's opinions.

And if anyone DOES know K6BJR, he might need to be made aware of this.

[KC2UGV]

Stinks to me.

[KK4AMI]

I'm confused. There is a Rex and Jane Frederick KB6TBL and KB6TBK.

[W3WN]

I'm confused. There is a Rex and Jane Frederick KB6TBL and KB6TBK.

Neither of whom are K6BJR.

[KJ3N]

If the info on QRDead is to be believed, K6BJR is 97 years old (born 1919). I find it unlikely he has a computer, let alone an email address. The ticket was renewed in 2008 and I suspect he died not too long after that.

"Of course, that's just my opinion. I could be wrong" - Dennis Miller

[PA5COR]

600 watts DC out? rings a bell...i thought my P.A made H.F, stupid of me...
Looks dodgy, in case of any doubt, let it go.

[K7SGJ]

Over the years, and God knows there have been a shit load of them (just ask Carl), I've really come to trust my first impression/instincts. I have found this to be true with people as well as merchandise. While I can't claim 100% accuracy, and I have missed out on a deal or two, it has kept me out of bad deals on many, many occasions. Also, passing up a questionable deal, has put me in a better position to take advantage of a later deal, usually better priced or better condition, or just made a better all around experience. That said........

If I were in your position, I think I would steer clear of this deal, and continue your quest. After all, time is your friend right now, and I would think that Santa will probably be putting new amps in many a hams stocking, which, as you know, will stretch the shit out of them, and will more than likely bring many new used amps on the chopping block for your perusal.

But then, I could be full of shit, too.

[NQ6U]

I agree with the general consensus—stinks of scam. Drop it like a radioactive potato.

[W3WN]

If the info on QRDead is to be believed, K6BJR is 97 years old (born 1919). I find it unlikely he has a computer, let alone an email address. The ticket was renewed in 2008 and I suspect he died not too long after that.

"Of course, that's just my opinion. I could be wrong" - Dennis Miller

Thanks Jim.

That's the final straw. I don't access Over Yonder from the work computer, only during lunch hours from my iPad, so I wasn't going to be able to check that until lunch. But that does fit in with the pattern.

Stolen identity from a Silent Key.

BTW, did you know... Dennis Miller graduated from the same High School that Little Miss Field Day did? They are very proud of that factoid. I'm sure that he couldn't care less, though.

[WØTKX]