Scam using hijacked callsign from England - RL Brunton (G4TUT)

[K6OVI]

All,

See the below series of emails (start from the bottom) in regard to an attempt to defraud the unsuspecting.

The actual owner of the G4TUT call sign posted a warning on his QRZ bio to warn folks of this scam.

My apologies in advance for any "strongly worded" responses to this rip-off artist.

Mac / K6OVI




You won’t do that because you can’t. It would take you a minute and I could see the change, then you could change it back. And it would verify you as who you say you are. But you obviously are running some sort of scam here…

Get all offended and pissed off if you like – I’ll keep my money and you can shove your radio as far up your ass as you can reach. If you were here, I’d do it for you – for free.

Oh, and you have a good day…


From: RL BRUNTON [mailto:eddygate00@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 12:31 PM
To: Haszard, Mac (ES)
Subject: Re: EXT :I Have your requested item forsale

.. NO i am not going to do that SON . ..if you are willing to buy then what are you waiting for .. i will prove by first giving you your confirmation number from UPS .. then you track the goods online okay .. that is the only i can do for you now .. Thanks .

..
On Wed, Apr 27, 2011 at 6:26 PM, Haszard, Mac (ES) <mac.haszard@ngc.com> wrote:
Change something on you QRZ page, like adding “I do have an IC-703 that I’m willing to sell, so any correspondence associated with that is real”.

Try that and get back to me. I can verify whatever you change there.



From: RL BRUNTON [mailto:eddygate00@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 12:23 PM

To: Haszard, Mac (ES)
Subject: Re: EXT :I Have your requested item forsale

so how do you want me to prove that ...?
On Wed, Apr 27, 2011 at 6:17 PM, Haszard, Mac (ES) <mac.haszard@ngc.com> wrote:
Sir,

Just looked up your call sign on QRZ and found the following which causes me great concern. Also, you seem to lack the writing skill of a native English speaker – nor do your emails match the style and grammatical correctness of the below post.

Based on all of that, I don’t believe you nor this offer are legitimate.

Prove me wrong or cease this scam immediately.



G4TUT
RL BRUNTON
181 KESTREL HOUSE ALMA ROAD PONDERS END
Alma Road, Ponders End, ENFIELD, EN3 4QF
England
Lookups: 16995 QRZ Moderator


Biography (http://www.qrz.com/db/#t_bio)
Detail (http://www.qrz.com/db/#t_detail)
Notes (http://www.qrz.com/db/#t_note)
Logbook 2 (http://www.qrz.com/db/#t_logbook)

Warning!
I have recently been made aware of the fact that, someone purporting to be me, is offering amateur radio equipment for sale via email
These emails typically offer used ham radio equipment, including antennas, for sale. They are normally signed as 'RL Brunton' or sometimes just 'Brunton', and on occasions, may also have my callsign attached.
I can assure you that I have never sent any email offering equipment for sale, nor do I have ANY equipment for sale.
I would therefore urge anyone receiving such an email to exercise extreme caution, and NOT to part with any cash, as it will almost certainly be a scam!
Please take care!



From: RL BRUNTON [mailto:eddygate00@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 11:48 AM

To: Haszard, Mac (ES)
Subject: Re: EXT :I Have your requested item forsale

here are the pictures
On Wed, Apr 27, 2011 at 5:40 PM, RL BRUNTON <eddygate00@gmail.com> wrote:
Here is my Call sign G4TUT. .. i am selling it because i dont want it
any more want to buy a better one .. i only use Via western Union
Money transfer because i dont have a verified Via PayPal account .. so
i want it Via western Union okay ..




RL BRUNTON
181 KESTREL HOUSE ALMA ROAD PONDERS END
Alma Road, Ponders End, ENFIELD, EN3 4QF
England
G4TUT

On 4/27/11, Haszard, Mac (ES) <mac.haszard@ngc.com> wrote:
> Sir,
>
> What brand antenna? Do you have pictures of the unit? This unit is the Plus
> model and is only two months old? If I may ask, why are you selling it?
>
> Please provide me your callsign.
>
> Also, I can only remit payment via PayPal, but this will come directly to
> your email address. Is this acceptable?
>
> Thank you,
>
> Mac.

>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: RL BRUNTON [mailto:eddygate00@gmail.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 11:15 AM
> To: Haszard, Mac (ES)
> Subject: Re: EXT :I Have your requested item forsale
>
> Hey Mac i understand you ..
>
> Accessories include ; Automatic Antenna Tuner Mounts the control head
> at a convenient angle.Mobile/Base Antenna Modular Jack to 8 pin Mic
> Adapter Cable. 13pin Conn w/Cable.Remote Mount Kit.
>
> HF Antenna in Good condition
>
> I am Offering you a 6 months Guarantee
>
> I accept western Union Money transfer i think that is safe for me ..
>
> Thanks i Hope to hear back from you as soon as Possible
>
> On 4/27/11, Haszard, Mac (ES) <mac.haszard@ngc.com> wrote:
>> Sir,
>>
>> Please specify what accessories are included. I would like to operate this
>> mobile from my Jeep as well as afoot.
>>
>> What recommendations do you have for antennas for this rig?
>>
>> Also, what guarantee are you offering? Do you accept PayPal?
>>
>> I apologize for all the questions, but I'm a bit leery of an Int'l
>> purchase
>> of an item I can't check out myself.
>>
>> Thanks for understanding..
>>
>> Mac.
>>

>>
>> From: RL BRUNTON [mailto:eddygate00@gmail.com]
>> Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 8:42 AM
>> To: Haszard, Mac (ES)
>> Subject: Re: EXT :I Have your requested item forsale
>>
>> Wating to hear from you soon ..
>> On Wed, Apr 27, 2011 at 2:27 PM, RL BRUNTON
>> <eddygate00@gmail.com<mailto:eddygate00@gmail.com>> wrote:
>> it is in Good condition and the age is just 2 months old.. yeah it will be
>> coming with all the accessories ..
>>
>> On Wed, Apr 27, 2011 at 2:23 PM, Haszard, Mac (ES)
>> <mac.haszard@ngc.com<mailto:mac.haszard@ngc.com>> wrote:
>> Sir,
>>
>> Condition and age? What if any accessories come with this unit?
>>
>> Mac.
>>

>>
>>
>> From: RL BRUNTON
>> [mailto:eddygate00@gmail.com<mailto:eddygate00@gmail.com>]
>> Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 8:22 AM
>>
>> To: Haszard, Mac (ES)
>> Subject: Re: EXT :I Have your requested item forsale
>>
>> okay it will cost 320$ plus shipping i am located at London .. get back to
>> me with you full address details so i can prepare the way bill of your
>> item
>>
>> Thanks
>> On Wed, Apr 27, 2011 at 2:19 PM, Haszard, Mac (ES)
>> <mac.haszard@ngc.com<mailto:mac.haszard@ngc.com>> wrote:
>> Sir,
>>
>> Just looking for one unit. What is its condition and age?
>>
>> Where are you located?
>>
>> Mac.
>>

>>
>>
>> From: RL BRUNTON
>> [mailto:eddygate00@gmail.com<mailto:eddygate00@gmail.com>]
>> Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 8:16 AM
>> To: Haszard, Mac (ES)
>> Subject: Re: EXT :I Have your requested item forsale
>>
>> How many units are you buying .. and i would like to know your offer..
>> how
>> much you would like to buy unit and the shipping cost 25$ to your address
>> ..
>> On Wed, Apr 27, 2011 at 2:06 PM, Haszard, Mac (ES)
>> <mac.haszard@ngc.com<mailto:mac.haszard@ngc.com>> wrote:
>> Sir,
>>
>> How much are you asking for the unit?
>>
>> Also, where are you located and what do you estimate shipping to be to Zip
>> Code 32765?
>>
>> Thanks, Mac.
>>

>>
>>
>> From: RL BRUNTON
>> [mailto:eddygate00@gmail.com<mailto:eddygate00@gmail.com>]
>> Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 7:55 AM
>> To: K6OVI@arrl.net<mailto:K6OVI@arrl.net>
>> Subject: EXT :I Have your requested item forsale
>>
>> Hello
>>
>> I will like you to know that I have your requested item in an
>> excellent working and physical condition.
>>
>> So do get back to me if you are still interested in getting it,so we
>> can strike a deal.
>>
>> Waiting to read back from you soonest.
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> RL BRUNTON
>>
>>

[WW1ME]

Very interesting. This same individual, "RL Brunton," contacted me (I did not respond), allowing that he had a part (rather hard to find) that I'm looking for.

I also got a response to my ad (placed just a day or two ago) from a fellow using the name "Gaved Ali" and purporting to be MW6GAV. This call sign is listed on QRZ.com, but the listing is odd, insofar as the name and address are all in lower case. He wanted my address and telephone number (hmmmmm).

Yet another reply showed up from a "Wolfgang Mita," who purported to be G4SSX. I did not reply to that one either.

In all three cases, the English was tortured and not that of a native speaker ("Wolfgang" addressed me as "mate"), and the text appeared to be some kind of boilerplate message of the sort I've received from other scammers.

Oh, and Mr Ali offered to sell me the switch I am seeking for the equivalent of $575, which is about twice the value of the entire antenna tuner I'm trying to fix.

So, just ignore these guys. They are not going away in any event.

[K6OVI]

Eric,

All the emails I received were from the same crew: Gavid Ali, Wolfgang Mita, and RL Brunton. All seem to have hijacked English ham's call signs, all have "issues" with the English language, and all refused to modify their qrz bio page to "prove" ID.

Probably the same dirt-bag, hoping to increase his odds of landing a sucker with multiple fake offerings.

Best to you,

Mac / K6OVI

[KA2CDT]

Good job exposing this dirt bag. Usually you will never hear from them again once you start questioning their legitimacy. This guy actually had a running conversation with you after the fact.

[WW1ME]

BTW, Mac, I loved it that he called you "son." Got another reply today from someone purporting to be IKØGGB. One common thread on these is that the perps rarely, if ever, claim to have anything specific. They say "the unit" or "the article you're looking for." As my former colleague Brennan, N4QX, likes to say, "Ba**ards, all of them!" 73, Rick / WW3DE

[N3HQN]

BTW, Mac, I loved it that he called you "son." Got another reply today from someone purporting to be IKØGGB. One common thread on these is that the perps rarely, if ever, claim to have anything specific. They say "the unit" or "the article you're looking for." As my former colleague Brennan, N4QX, likes to say, "Ba**ards, all of them!" 73, Rick / WW3DE

Yep, just got one also from IK0GGB. The Zed address for him bounces back as no good. Dirty Rat Basjrds. I'd love to get them in my sights, just once. Oh the address he used was. ik0ggb@aol.com
By all rights that should be able to be tracked.

[KI4EXQ]

I got an email from this person as well, replying to an equipment wanted post. Noticed the bad grammar so I figured it was a scam.

[KD4SUB]

Good for you doing your homework,

It is pretty easy to do a little legwork and check folks out, great to see these schmo's called out..

What goes around comes around and I hope they get theirs !!

[KK4BNO]

Amazing stuff here. Sad and frustrating too! I admire those who go out of your way to play 20 questions with them until they cannot take it anymore. It is also a scary thought with all the hi-jackers around this site, that maybe one day they would take it a step further in some way to actually be able to modify a profile. As a brand new ham, it makes me a bit worried that one day someone would do that to me. However, we seem to have a few people that are on top of things regarding it and now I am aware of what to look for, when getting replies on any "units", "items", "lots", whatevers...


.. NO i am not going to do that SON . ..if you are willing to buy then what are you waiting for .. i will prove by first giving you your confirmation number from UPS .. then you track the goods online okay Really?? The way they say "okay" makes me think of Lil Jon or so, considering his "SON" comment. Also, its irritating to see the typical nature of how liars will turn it all around usually with a question for you to answer them just so they do not have to answer you and make final statements of how things will go, cause they have to call the shots. I love how he throws in the middle of his response a pitch..."If you are willing to buy what are you waiting for?" like, somehow you will read that and be like "Yeah, he is right, I am being stupid, I will just send the money" ...pff.

If I get one of these, I shall surely give them a run for their money cause if they wanna waste my time, they will have to waste theirs too!

73

[K8DQ]

I'm glad to see this thread, as it further confirms my research. I posted a wanted ad just yesterday to locate an older Yaesu FL-1000 series amplifier. I'm still hopeful that I'll find one, but thought it very strange to receive an e-mail from Wales. My questions were:

1) Who would think it was economically affordable to ship a 50lb amplifer from the UK to the US?
2) Why does the QRZ lookup for MW6GAV look so odd, and why has he got fewer than 300 lookups?

I thought I would investigate. His email said he had the "parts/items" available. When I asked for more information, his reply came from a gmail.com account, yet his original reply was from a ymail.com account. - Strange, I thought.

He claimed he had a FL-1000B amplifier in "excellent" condition for just $250 Euros ($373 US Dollars). It would certainly be a bargain, since UPS shipping from his claimed address of NP207SQ to my home in Ohio would have been $417US !!!

Always check it out. If it sounds too good to be true IT IS!!!

Gaved Ali, aka MW6GAV appears to be a fraud!

Oh, yeah - one last thing. If you Google "MW6GAV" you will find hundreds of listings in ham radio and automotive forums. This guy apparently makes a living by doing this.

Be careful, and don't give up. There are still lots of good ham radio operators out there that really are here to help.

-Ken, K8DQ

[G8WRB]

I'm glad to see this thread, as it further confirms my research. I posted a wanted ad just yesterday to locate an older Yaesu FL-1000 series amplifier. I'm still hopeful that I'll find one, but thought it very strange to receive an e-mail from Wales. My questions were:

1) Who would think it was economically affordable to ship a 50lb amplifier from the UK to the US?
-Ken, K8DQ

Clearly what you describe is a scam, but I would certainly not assume the fact someone wants to ship 50 lbs internationally to indicate it's a scam. However, coupled with the other facts, then I would agree.

I've bought numerous items from the USA into the UK weighing more than that. Of course, one has to factor in the shipping weight in the price, but if I can't find something locally, and someone has it in the USA, I will buy from the USA.

Recently I bought a Kenwood TS-940S from the USA. With the other items it came with (external speaker and a complete spare front panel), it probably weighed more than 50 lbs. But it was in nice condition and had a later serial number than any I could fine in the UK. Coupled with the fact I thought the price was quite reasonable, I decided to buy.

Dave