Alpha 87 Amplifier Craigslist Orlando Scam!

[KA7NIQ]

This is a scam (http://orlando.craigslist.org/ele/2390718112.html). This is an Alpha 87 for 1000.00, LOL
I replied to this, and I got the following email back. I wonder how many others did too. The ad has been on CL for over a week!

Alpha 87A HF Automatic Linear Amplifier - $1000 (Orlando)
Date: 2011-05-19, 2:27PM EDT
Reply to: sale-akyjq-2390718112@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Fully automatic HF amplifier covering all amateur bands, 160 m through 10 m, including the WARC bands. , this is a late model Alpha 87A that runs a full legal limit, 1500 W, on all bands and has been fully upgraded and refurbished at the factory. This automatically tuned amplifier uses 2 3CX800 tubes and has been fitted at the factory with a new front panel and new cover - it looks brand new. The amplifier also has the external fan installed. 6 month warranty on the amplifier and the tubes from RF Concepts.

* Location: Orlando
* it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

image 0 image 1
image 2 image 3
PostingID: 2390718112


Here is the email I sent the scammer, and his reply.

From:
This sender is DomainKeys verified
"Allen McGonnigle" <allen.mcgonnigle@gmail.com>
Add sender to Contacts
To:
"Chris Tucker" <ka7niq@yahoo.com>
Hello,

I still have the Alpha 87A HF Automatic Linear Amplifier for sale at the price of US$1000.00. I am currently out of country because I work with "Save The Children Foundation" and I am traveling a lot all over the world, where children needs my help. I am now in United Kingdom and I will have to stay here for at least 6 months. If you still want to buy it, we can do it with the help of a very good shipping company - www.parcelforce.com . You will have 10 days inspection period to make sure it is in like new condition. I will pay all shipping fees. If you are interested in buying this, just let me know and I will provide all complete details on how this transaction will work.

Thanks
Allen

On Thu, May 19, 2011 at 10:29 PM, Chris Tucker <ka7niq@yahoo.com> wrote:


Call me about the old Alpha 813 655 8777 Chris Ka7niq
http://orlando.craigslist.org/ele/2390718112.html

Chris Tucker
Owner - Apple Roof Cleaning
President - Brandon Singles
813 - 655 - 8777
www.saferoofcleaning.com
www.brandonsingles.com

[KA2CDT]

"Save the Children Foundation"- I love the way these scammers are getting so creative.:)

[KA7NIQ]

I have tried flagging the ad on craigslist, no luck!
What he wants of course, is for us to send him the money overseas, for an amp that will never arrive. An amp he don't even own.

[AD6KA]

Besides the ridicuously low price, the seller ads:

You will have 10 days inspection period to make sure it is in
like new condition. I will pay all shipping fees.

Inspection period? LOL!
FREE international shippping...and BOTH WAYS? LOL!

[WB2WIK]

Since he says the amp is in Orlando, why not just tell him you'll buy it and pick it up in Orlando, and pay for it there when you pick it up? No shipping required, no worries about freight costs, etc. Simple transaction.

If you offer this you'll probably never hear from him again, but I'd take a shot.

[KA7NIQ]

Since he says the amp is in Orlando, why not just tell him you'll buy it and pick it up in Orlando, and pay for it there when you pick it up? No shipping required, no worries about freight costs, etc. Simple transaction.

If you offer this you'll probably never hear from him again, but I'd take a shot.
Here is what the email says - I still have the Alpha 87A HF Automatic Linear Amplifier for sale at the price of US$1000.00. I am currently out of country because I work with "Save The Children Foundation" and I am traveling a lot all over the world, where children needs my help. I am now in United Kingdom and I will have to stay here for at least 6 months. If you still want to buy it, we can do it with the help of a very good shipping company - www.parcelforce.com . You will have 10 days inspection period to make sure it is in like new condition. I will pay all shipping fees. If you are interested in buying this, just let me know and I will provide all complete details on how this transaction will work.

The "amp" is supposedly overseas, not in Orlando. I am near Tampa, and could drive there, Tampa is only an hour away from Orlando.


Thanks
Allen

[WB2WIK]

Here is what the email says - I still have the Alpha 87A HF Automatic Linear Amplifier for sale at the price of US$1000.00. I am currently out of country because I work with "Save The Children Foundation" and I am traveling a lot all over the world, where children needs my help. I am now in United Kingdom and I will have to stay here for at least 6 months. If you still want to buy it, we can do it with the help of a very good shipping company - www.parcelforce.com . You will have 10 days inspection period to make sure it is in like new condition. I will pay all shipping fees. If you are interested in buying this, just let me know and I will provide all complete details on how this transaction will work.

The "amp" is supposedly overseas, not in Orlando. I am near Tampa, and could drive there, Tampa is only an hour away from Orlando.


Thanks
Allen

I get it, but I'm also a really good reader and the Craigslist ad said: LOCATION: ORLANDO, FL. which means the item for sale, regardless of the silly e-mails, should be in Orlando. If the item is not in Orlando, that violates Craigslist rules, and I'd report him simply for that. You can't say an item is in Orlando when it's someplace else.

I didn't see anywhere in his e-mails where the "seller" said the amplifier is in the U.K., or anywhere at all. He talked about shipping, but that means nothing to me. I'd call his bluff and say, "I'm in Orlando, give me the address, and I'll go pick it up!"

[KA7NIQ]

I get it, but I'm also a really good reader and the Craigslist ad said: LOCATION: ORLANDO, FL. which means the item for sale, regardless of the silly e-mails, should be in Orlando. If the item is not in Orlando, that violates Craigslist rules, and I'd report him simply for that. You can't say an item is in Orlando when it's someplace else.

I didn't see anywhere in his e-mails where the "seller" said the amplifier is in the U.K., or anywhere at all. He talked about shipping, but that means nothing to me. I'd call his bluff and say, "I'm in Orlando, give me the address, and I'll go pick it up!"

I understand what you are saying:)
Orlando is the 407 area code, Tampa is the 813 area code.
Here is the email I sent him, that he replied to.

On Thu, May 19, 2011 at 10:29 PM, Chris Tucker <ka7niq@yahoo.com> wrote:


Call me about the old Alpha 813 655 8777 Chris Ka7niq
http://orlando.craigslist.org/ele/2390718112.html

Chris Tucker
Owner - Apple Roof Cleaning
President - Brandon Singles
813 - 655 - 8777
www.saferoofcleaning.com
www.brandonsingles.com

My 813 area code is repeated twice, so he knows I am only an hour away. I could easily drive to inspect the amp, why pay shipping ?
Everyone here in Florida knows each others area codes, he knows where I am at.
Every Ham reading this thread should go to craigslist link and FLAG this ad. I have been trying to do it everyday.

[AD6KA]

Maybe ask for his cell phone number and REAL Email, as
you are tired of going through Craig's List and want to ask
him some questions....just for laughs and grins.
He'll no doubt come up with some lame other excuses.
Also ask him for the amp's serial number and other stuff.
(Weight, dimensions, size of box, etc),
Are you the original owner, etc.
But only put ONE new question per email to string him along. :p

The idea is to keep him busy thinking you REALLY ARE going
to buy the amp. Any time spent corresponding with with and
wasting time with you is time away he could spend on a real victim.

IP Addy traces are sometimes fun....sometimes useless.

Have you talked payment yet? He'll want Western Union no doubt!
Then tell him you went with your wad of cash to the Western Union Office.
There was a sign on the wall that said "NEVER send money by WU to strangers".
So you got nervous and backed out.
Then tell him you want to do an International Wire Transfer to his bank account.
(Tell him not to forget the SWIFT CODE, that way he will know you have
done this before, so he wont have to hold your hand through the process.)
If he gives it to you, report it to the authorities like IP3, etc.

I love playing with these scammers and wasting their time! :D

[KA7NIQ]

Maybe ask for his cell phone number and REAL Email, as
you are tired of going through Craig's List and want to ask
him some questions....just for laughs and grins.
He'll no doubt come up with some lame other excuses.
Also ask him for the amp's serial number and other stuff.
(Weight, dimensions, size of box, etc),
Are you the original owner, etc.
But only put ONE new question per email to string him along. :p

The idea is to keep him busy thinking you REALLY ARE going
to buy the amp. Any time spent corresponding with with and
wasting time with you is time away he could spend on a real victim.

IP Addy traces are sometimes fun....sometimes useless.

Have you talked payment yet? He'll want Western Union no doubt!
Then tell him you went with your wad of cash to the Western Union Office.
There was a sign on the wall that said "NEVER send money by WU to strangers".
So you got nervous and backed out.
Then tell him you want to do an International Wire Transfer to his bank account.
(Tell him not to forget the SWIFT CODE, that way he will know you have
done this before, so he wont have to hold your hand through the process.)
If he gives it to you, report it to the authorities like IP3, etc.

I love playing with these scammers and wasting their time! :D
Hey, the man who emailed me back about this amplifier says his name is Allen McGonnigle, any way we could see if a Ham Radio License is associated wih that name ?

[WB2WIK]

Hey, the man who emailed me back about this amplifier says his name is Allen McGonnigle, any way we could see if a Ham Radio License is associated wih that name ?

Nobody with that last name in the QRZ.com licensee data base, but of course that includes only U.S. amateurs plus those from other countries who specifically registered with QRZ.com. It doesn't access data bases from other countries, and some countries don't publish licensees. It's likely all B.S. as you say, but if I could pick up an 87A for $1000 I'd make the drive to Orlando from here (in California)! It's worth probably 5x that. The savings would cover my gas and hotel rooms...

[KA7NIQ]

Nobody with that last name in the QRZ.com licensee data base, but of course that includes only U.S. amateurs plus those from other countries who specifically registered with QRZ.com. It doesn't access data bases from other countries, and some countries don't publish licensees. It's likely all B.S. as you say, but if I could pick up an 87A for $1000 I'd make the drive to Orlando from here (in California)! It's worth probably 5x that. The savings would cover my gas and hotel rooms...
Picking up an Alpha 87 for 1000.00 is the scam, and I must admit, I did reply to the ad!
Who wouldn't want an Alpha, especially the 87A for 1000.00
That is exactly what the con man is counting on.
His email and a link to the ad is in the thread, go ahead and contact him, and go for it!
If you do drive here to Florida, you can stop and see me here in Tampa, it is right on the way to Orlando.
Since you already have a Log Periodic, I could sure use some help with my getting up my Cush Craft ASL 2010.
Then, you could operate on it, and see what, if any differences there are, compared to your Tennadyne T 8. They are both on 18 foot booms.

I am 100 percent convinced the Alpha Sale is a scam. He could EASILY sell it in Europe, so why advertise it in the USA, if it is not in the USA ?
I asked him to call me, even gave my number, yet he chose to hide behind email.
Remember, Tampa is only an hour from Orlando.

[AD6KA]

Just for laughs and grins, have you done an IP Address search?
(Just curious to see if he shows up in Nigeria, Ghana or Equatorial Guinea)
If you don't know how, email me and I'll walk you through
it, it's easy. My email good at QRZ.
PS: I can't get it from you forwarding his emails, sorry, that
removes the ORIGINAL header, which we need.
73, Ken AD6KA

[KA7NIQ]

Just for laughs and grins, have you done an IP Address search?
(Just curious to see if he shows up in Nigeria, Ghana or Equatorial Guinea)
If you don't know how, email me and I'll walk you through
it, it's easy. My email good at QRZ.
PS: I can't get it from you forwarding his emails, sorry, that
removes the ORIGINAL header, which we need.
73, Ken AD6KA
Unfortunately, it was remailed through Craigslist, I saw no way to get the header.

Hello,

I still have the Alpha 87A HF Automatic Linear Amplifier for sale at the price of US$1000.00. I am currently out of country because I work with "Save The Children Foundation" and I am traveling a lot all over the world, where children needs my help. I am now in United Kingdom and I will have to stay here for at least 6 months. If you still want to buy it, we can do it with the help of a very good shipping company - www.parcelforce.com . You will have 10 days inspection period to make sure it is in like new condition. I will pay all shipping fees. If you are interested in buying this, just let me know and I will provide all complete details on how this transaction will work.

Thanks
Allen

On Thu, May 19, 2011 at 10:29 PM, Chris Tucker <ka7niq@yahoo.com> wrote:


Call me about the old Alpha 813 655 8777 Chris Ka7niq
http://orlando.craigslist.org/ele/2390718112.html

Chris Tucker
Owner - Apple Roof Cleaning
President - Brandon Singles
813 - 655 - 8777
www.saferoofcleaning.com
www.brandonsingles.com

this message was remailed to you via: sale-akyjq-2390718112@craigslist.org

[AJ4GQ]

Try this:

"Allen McGonnigle" <allen.mcgonnigle@gmail.com>

[KA7NIQ]

Try this:

"Allen McGonnigle" <allen.mcgonnigle@gmail.com>
OK, due to "Popular Demand" I responded to him, I just sent this to him. If and when I hear back from him, I will post any reply.

From:
"Chris Tucker" <ka7niq@yahoo.com>
View contact details
To:
"Allen McGonnigle" <allen.mcgonnigle@gmail.com>
OK, I am in Tampa Allen, and I can drive over to Orlando, no need for shipping, unless the amp is with you overseas ?
Tell me about the Amp Allen, the money is no problem. Are you a Ham, I am :)
I think it is wonderful you are overseas helping children!


Chris Tucker
Owner - Apple Roof Cleaning
President - Brandon Singles
813 - 655 - 8777
www.saferoofcleaning.com
www.brandonsingles.com


--- On Wed, 5/25/11, Allen McGonnigle <allen.mcgonnigle@gmail.com> wrote:


From: Allen McGonnigle <allen.mcgonnigle@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Alpha 87A HF Automatic Linear Amplifier - $1000 (Orlando)
To: "Chris Tucker" <ka7niq@yahoo.com>
Date: Wednesday, May 25, 2011, 4:05 AM

Hello,

I still have the Alpha 87A HF Automatic Linear Amplifier for sale at the price of US$1000.00. I am currently out of country because I work with "Save The Children Foundation" and I am traveling a lot all over the world, where children needs my help. I am now in United Kingdom and I will have to stay here for at least 6 months. If you still want to buy it, we can do it with the help of a very good shipping company - www.parcelforce.com . You will have 10 days inspection period to make sure it is in like new condition. I will pay all shipping fees. If you are interested in buying this, just let me know and I will provide all complete details on how this transaction will work.

Thanks
Allen

[AD6KA]

Chris:
I wrote the guy yeterday and got the same "I'm overseas" spiel today.

I just replied with a similar letter to yours. Let's see how greedy he gets
and ifhe slips up. I'm thinking I MIGHT say "I want this am VERY badly.
I might be willing to beat the advertised price to get it, if you can work with me....):D His greed may lead to mistakes..

No way to trace Gmail IP Addys except with "ReadNotify" Software. (one word).
My trial version has expired but you can get a 15 day trial version at: http://www.readnotify.com/
It will get the guys REAL IP Address (Not Gmails in Mt View, CA) about %95 of the time.
It will also tell you the IP and email Addy of anyone he forwards the message to,
and of anyone who THAT persons forwards it to. (If he is a member of a group or gang, has a boss). He may be a "Small Cafe Boi" working off a script.
Lets try to get him OFF SCRIPT! :)

Be Careful: If you download and use the free "ReadNotify" 15 day trial,
READ ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST, or you will can tip off the receiver
that he's being tracked. Once you get it configured though, it's a gem.

73, Ken AD6KA

EDIT:
OK, since you are willing to see the amp in Orlando, I have a "friend" willing to
meet him in London and pay him his money:

"I have a long time ham radio friend who lives about 40 km outside of London!
WHERE IN LONDON ARE YOU STAYING?
He can come over right away to your location and pay the $1,000 to you cash.
I will arrange a trucking company to pick up the amplifier in Orlando, just give me the address.
I much prefer to ship HF Amps by truck on a pallet, as they are too
heavy and fragile delicate for Air Frieght carriers to handle
THanks so much for helping me out, I've wanted this amp SO badly for SO long!
Sincerely, Fake Name.
PS: IMPORTANT: Please give me your cell number so my friend can
call you and arrange a day, time and place to meet for the payment, thanks!

[KA7NIQ]

ROTFLMAO, OK, Let's 'work' this scammer. One can only wonder how many Hams he may have screwed ? Often, people are so embarrassed when they get taken, they clam up, and the scammer gets away. I have been screwed before selling stuff out of state. My other hobby is High End Audio. I sent a 3000.00 Pure Class A Stereo Amplifier from Tampa to California for a Certified Check. Found out the hard way, you can STOP PAYMENT on a Cashiers Check!

[KA7NIQ]

I just received a phone call from a non Ham, who found this thread on Google. I didn't ask him if he was here in Tampa Florida, but he said he got the EXACT same script sent to him on some Precor Exercise Equipment this Scammer also has advertised on Craigslist.
Here is what I believe this Crook is doing.
He watches Ebay for expensive items that get lots of Bids.
I submit, an Alpha 87A with no reserve will get 100's of bids.
He simply copies the pic's and description, then throws it on Craigslist. He uses the same script for each item.

[WB2WIK]

I just received a phone call from a non Ham, who found this thread on Google. I didn't ask him if he was here in Tampa Florida, but he said he got the EXACT same script sent to him on some Precor Exercise Equipment this Scammer also has advertised on Craigslist.
Here is what I believe this Crook is doing.
He watches Ebay for expensive items that get lots of Bids.
I submit, an Alpha 87A with no reserve will get 100's of bids.
He simply copies the pic's and description, then throws it on Craigslist. He uses the same script for each item.

See? I've always said not all scams originate in Nigeria.

However, since we're friends here and all, I do have a new and unused 87A sitting at my warehouse in Lagos. $552.80 cash, plus you can pick it up there! The bullets coming at you are "no extra charge," and if you can catch any, just keep them.

Thanks for working with me.

[AD6KA]

See? I've always said not all scams originate in Nigeria.
Sure, there's scammers everywhere. Just don't mess with the
Romanian and Russian ones. (The "Vlads") Scam Baiters call them.
They are very smart, VERY computer savvy, and they will either ignore
you or email bomb your ass.
But then again the Vlads don't bother penny ante scams like this one...

Anyway....
This 87A Amp guy says that he will be stationed in London for 6 months
due to his work with "Save The Children". When the time comes when he asks for
payment, he will of course give name and UK Address for a Western Union or Money Gram transfer.

But I'll bet you anything that at the very last minute he will say
"So sorry, but I have been called to Lagos,
(or Abuja or even Taiwan, etc) because
of an emergency situation with "Save The Children". Please send the
money me there, here is the information.....:D

[KD4VJP]

I'm in Orlando and can meet then at say, the Orlando Police Dept, to do the exchange. See if they want to do it? And ask if they will take food stamps?

KD4VJP

[WB2WIK]

Funny part is "Save the Children" is based in the U.S. and the workers are mostly here. The children they're saving are mostly in Africa.

I doubt they're saving any children in London. It's damned near a Socialist state and the taxpayers save their children quite well there.

Actually per their website, they have no presence in the U.K. at all. Or anywhere in Europe, for that matter.

http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6146421/k.292A/Contact_Us.htm

[W1IRQ]

I subscribe to to Readnotify.com
U write and I'll send / report
Ken W1IRQ

[AD6KA]

After offering to have a friend meet him in London
and put cash in his hand, he replied with the original script.
Apparently his way of saying "Don't bother me this foolishness". ;)

So I said, OK, what do you need for payment?
His reply, full of CLASSIC scam BS.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++
Hello,


I am glad you decided that you want to buy it. Parcel Force is a very good delivery company and 100% secure for both of us. All I need is your complete name and address so I can start the shipping to you.

Once I will start the transaction, they will send you an invoice with all delivery details. Once they will receive the package from me, they will verify it and provide you details regarding the condition of the product. (Sure they will...)

You will have to send the money to an Parcel Force representative by: Liberty Reserve (you can pay with Paypal,bank wire tranfer,credit card only through Liberty Reserve) , Western Union Money Transfer or Money Gram eMoney Tranfer.

Immediately after your payment is verified the product wil be delivered to you. The Parcel Force representative will hold your payment until you receive the product and decide if you want to keep it or not. (Yeah, right!) If the item is not as described by me or if it doesn't work, the Parcel Force agent will come to your home, will take the item and give you the money back. (In my dreams :D)

This transaction is made through Parcel Force and Craiglist so it will be secure for both of us. Once I will receive your details I will take the item to the Parcel Force office and start the transaction. I will wait your email.
Thanks,Allen
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++

Golly! Since when did a scam victim have so many options to pay?
Credit Card, Pay Pal, Bank Wire Transfer, eMoney Transfer....
plus our good old standbys: Western Union & Money Gram, naturally. :)

Well, the Scam BS stands out so blatently it hardly needs listing, nor is it original.

The only thing I haven't seen before is payment through Liberty Reserve.I http://www.libertyreserve.com/
Apparently they are a Costa Rica based currency exchange/money transfer firm
with a shady history. They operate outside the US because they handle money for
"Play with real money" gambling websites, and one of heir officers in New York was once indicted for Money Laundering.
If you Google 'Liberty Reserve, scam' or Liberty Reserve, fraud, you will get thousands of hits.

Very hard to get this guy off script. But he said he was in London
and the amp is in Orlando,. In the second script he says:
Once I will receive your details I will take the item to the Parcel Force office and start the transaction. I might call him on that later.

The Pay Pal angle interests me so I play dumb (always good tactic
with scammers) so I ask for HIS Pay Pal account.
What's the worst that can happen?
I send him this:
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++
Hey Allen!
Thank you for the payment information on the 87A.
Remember, I responded first, I want that amp.
Here are my details:

My Shipping Adress for Amplifier
Mr. Robert Bxxxxxx
Fake address on real street
In Real Town (nowhere near me)
Real State
U.S.A

I do not have an account with Liberty Reserve so I will send you the
money via Pay Pal. Please send me your Pay Pal Account information.
Once I get it I can send the money immediately.

(IF I get a personal Pay Pal account, I think I have
enough info by now to get it killed & tracked, if it's verified)

I am REALLY looking forward to getting the Alpha 87A.
73, Bob
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++

Well THAT didn't work!


Hello,

I do not have a PayPal account. We will have to do it with Parcel Force , as I suggested in my previous email. If you agree let me know.

Thanks, Allen
Oh well, my last to him for now:


OK Allen,
I THINK I understand now. :D

So what is Parcel Force's Pay Pal Information?
I sent you my shipping adress in the last email,
Robert

We'll see where this goes next..........

[KA7NIQ]

He never responded back to me, after the first script.

[AD6KA]

He never responded back to me, after the first script.
Hi Chris:
Maybe he's gotten so many replies (hopefully all from hams
who realize it;s a scam) that he thinks right now he doesn't have
to reply to all of them. "Put some on the back burner" as it were.
Or turn the "extras" over to his buddies in the Cafe or his fellow gang members.

I'm thinking that if this guy (or there GUYS) are using an international
currency exchange that takes credit cards and Pay Pal, they are
NOT independent Cafe Bois.....and are pretty organized.

I ust realized that I have been violating the first rule of Scam Baiting:
"Never do more work than the scammer" :cool:

MAYBE if we all just IGNORE him and don't send him anything
for the rest of the week, by Monday he'll be more compliant. :D

Scammers usually do NOT work on weekends anyway.
Anyway, sounds liike a plan to me.
I'll post anything he send me until then, but will NOT respond.

73, Ken AD6KA

[AD6KA]

I am thinking that there is no way to hurt this scammer other than maybe killing his email account, which is pretty meaningless.

This Liberty Reserve is a really shady outfit and I've learned more,
mostly from their own website!
http://www.libertyreserve.com/

There is absolutelty NO way to your the money back after sending it.

Payments to LR accounts are 100% irrevocable. (See "Term of Service 2.4.3" below.)
They are used by hackers and carders (Sellers of stolen Credit Card numbers)
to sell their wares.
LR is protected by its offshore trust and its incorporated under the laws of Panama, though based in Costa Rica.
LR is a way to send or receive money to anyone in the world
LR is way to make payments anonymously and convert Liberty Reserve currency to any other currency.
Has worldwide offices - one is in New York (Indicted for Money Laundering,
before moving offshore to handle Internet Gambling Wesbsite accounts.

From their own website:

2.4.3 User understands and acknowledges that user is aware that Liberty Reserve spends are irrevocable
and that user agrees to follow the policy of buyer beware ("Caveat Emptor") when using Liberty Reserve at various merchant sites, especially merchants such as gaming or gambling or "HYIP" and other types of investment or chance games or matrices or Ponzis (pyramid schemes), which are identifiable by their promises of extremely high (more than 1% per day) rates of return, and that should user still wish to deal with such merchants that it is at user's own risk.
AND......

Liberty Reserve is not qualified, nor does it have the investigative tools or legal permissions, to conduct criminal or civil investigations of any Liberty Reserve merchant or user.

Liberty Reserve's only recourse is to rely on legitimate court orders or arbitrations in order to freeze or close or limit any particular account, except where Liberty Reserve has direct knowledge of malfeasance such as a hacking attempt on its servers or other security violation against Liberty Reserve or its users.Always use your head when paying others with Liberty Reserve! Please read Liberty Reserve's Terms of Service, and pay particular attention to this section:

"Legitimate Court Orders, huh?" Yeah, right. You're going to fly on down to a s***hole corrupt country like Panama and try to sue a company that generates millions in kick-backs and tax revenue?
...that's like trying to sue the Pope in Rome! :D...and even if you did go down there, and WON, all you could DO is "freeze, close, or limit an account"!... Oh, unless they catch you hacking their server, then you're in trouble!

Look out, Western Union, there's a newer, smarter, SCAMMER BANK in town!

Put the word out guys! The new scam payment "Tip off" payment method
is Liberty Reserve, not just Western Union or Money Gram anymore...

Sorry for the big fonts & colors....it's a carry over from another site.

[KA7NIQ]

So, Liberty Reserve it is ? Well, good work.

[AD6KA]

So, Liberty Reserve it is ?

Well..... in short:
http://www.libertyreserve.com/
Nice professionally done website, they accept Credit Cards, Pay Pal, Wire Transfers, etc. They offer "Live Customer Service Chat".
SEEMS on the up and up, right? Not quite.....

Liberty Reserve is one of the best kept secrets for money laundering, accepting payment for illegal goods , illegal services, and payments in general to scammers and crooks of all kinds.

They are used by Hackers and “Carders” (Dealers of stolen Credit Cards and card dumps) to collect money for their wares. Other LR clients include illegal online “pharmacies”, many of whom even sell Schedule C-II Opiates like Oxycontin, Percocette, Demerol, and Morphine. They collect and launder funds for Ponzi Schemes (and other "High Yield Investment Programs"), online purveyors of "knock offs" of brand name high end merchandise. Probably their BIGGEST money making activity is managing the online payments to offshore “Gambling with real money” websites.

There is absolutely NO way to get your money back after sending it to a LIberty Reserve merchant's account. NO WAY.
No Credit Card chargebacks, no Pay Pal interventions, nothing.

LR is incorporated under the laws of Panama, and is protected by its offshore trust
AND their outrageous "Terms Of Agreement", again written under Panamanian Law,
to which you agree to abide by when registering to use their service.

Tell your friends, please!
If "Liberty Reserve" is part of the deal, it's a scam.
73, Ken AD6KA

[KA8DKT]

Here is what the email says - I still have the Alpha 87A HF Automatic Linear Amplifier for sale at the price of US$1000.00. I am currently out of country because I work with "Save The Children Foundation" and I am traveling a lot all over the world, where children needs my help. I am now in United Kingdom and I will have to stay here for at least 6 months. If you still want to buy it, we can do it with the help of a very good shipping company - www.parcelforce.com . You will have 10 days inspection period to make sure it is in like new condition. I will pay all shipping fees. If you are interested in buying this, just let me know and I will provide all complete details on how this transaction will work.

The "amp" is supposedly overseas, not in Orlando. I am near Tampa, and could drive there, Tampa is only an hour away from Orlando.


Thanks
AllenFollow the "parcelforce.com" link. Parcel Force is located in the UK...
-gary

[KA7NIQ]

Follow the "parcelforce.com" link. Parcel Force is located in the UK...
-gary
I sent him an email asking for his Ham Call sign, ALL emails from him stopped, after that request!

[AD6KA]

Follow the "parcelforce.com" link. Parcel Force is located in the UK...
-gary
Right....and he claims to be in the London working for "Save The Children" which doesn't even have a LOndon Office. Parcel Force is a real private company that delivers International packages for the UK Royal Mail. (Oh, and they have a 30kg limit, and they don't pick up in the USA). It's all part of the BS scammers frequently bring in the names & URL's of real companies that have nothing to do with the scam, I guess to add veracity to their already unbelievable stories! :D

ALTHOUGH.... a typical scam like that might also refer the buyer
to a FAKE Parcel Force site, or the buyer might get an email from
a FAKE "Parcel Force Customer Service Agent" with an email addy
like parrcel_force023@yahoo.co.uk , which you could get anywhere
in the world.

A Russan ham got seriously snookered last year by just such a fake shipping company. Yeah, he paid some OTHER SOB for rigs he never got, but the real scam was from the fake "shipping company". Charged him 2,000 UK pounds between the charge for the radios (300 GBP for an IC718, AND an FT-847, and an LDG Autotuner, which should have been his first clue)

Then the "shiping company" "First Flight Couriers" (which was a fake website knock off of the REAL "First Flight" in India, charged him more and more money for non existant "one last fee before we can ship". "Security Fee", "Customs Inspection Fee" "even a "Police Fee". There were about 5 fees all together IIRC. Then when they said "You must pay GBP 1,420 POUNDS for VAT before we can ship" he put his foot down...sorta.
That poor guy posted here on QRZ and told his story and asked "Does this sound like a reasonable Customs Tax to ship only two radios from England to Moscow?" :(
Poor guy had no idea AT ALL he's been scammed....and was in denial for quite a while too, like many victims.
We asked him to start by filing a Police Reprt, MAYBE (VERY SMALL CHANCE) of running down the guy
who picked up the WU payments for the rigs. What did he do? He asked the guy who "sold him the
rigs to file a report,, which he said he di". NOT realizing that the rig seller was part of the FAKE SHIPPING COMPANY GANG!

And oh, by the way, the FAKE "First Flight Couriers" website is back up again.
After some other scam baiters and I had it and all their email addresses killed,
and a couple bank accounts & cell phone numbers..

FAKE First Flight URL: http://www.ffce.22web.net

REAL First Flight URL: http://www.firstflight.net/

God, fighting scammers like fighting a snake that goes three new heads for every one you chop off.
Ken AD6KA

[N0BOX]

Wow, that fake FirstFlight page is terrible. The pricing information is off the wall, and there are several "News" posts with a title of "Example 1/2/3" and the standard fill-in text of "Lorem ipsum doler sit...". The site is built on top of the open-source blogging software "WordPress", and on the Home page they forgot to remove the credit tag for the designer of the theme they used.

Unfortunately, they are successful with their scams only because they catch people who aren't paying close enough attention.

[AJ4GQ]

The ad was reported to Craigslist on Sunday, June 5, 2011 both as a scam and also that the item was not located in Orlando. We'll see what happens.

[KA7NIQ]

I called this number for first flight, and they answered!

United States of America :
Suite Number: 500, 42 West, 38th Street, Newyork - 10018,
United States of America.

Ph: 001 212 382 1741
Fax: 001 212 997 0021
Email: sales@firstflightusa.com

[AD6KA]

I called this number for first flight, and they answered!
United States of America :
Suite Number: 500, 42 West, 38th Street, Newyork - 10018,
United States of America.
Ph: 001 212 382 1741
Fax: 001 212 997 0021
Email: sales@firstflightusa.com

HI Chris: Thanks for the info. I've a feeling
that is the USA office of the REAL First Flight Courier based in India.

Can someone in the UK, or someone with Skype or Magic Jack please
try calling the number given at the KNOWN FAKE First Flight website?
Phone # Listed at fake site: +447024030958
Fake FF URL: www.ffce.22web.net
Fake FF email listed at their site: first.flightcourier@live.com
The's the UK calling code on that phone number
all right, with a cell phone forwarding code (702).

I'd call, but from So Cal it'd be pricey, and I've been told
the cell phone forwarding is an extra charge that YOU are nicked for.

I've sent them an email inquiry about a valuable air shipment,
we will see what they say. They are not hiding behind Gmail.
Strange they have the stones to use the same corprate email account they
did back in Sept when we shut a lot of their emails down.

This was their URL back then, to SEVERAL email accounts.
41.138.183.120 Nigeria (Lagos)*


73, Ken AD6KA

[AD6KA]

Back to the ALPHA 87A Scam Saga......
When this started I emailed both Parcel Force and Save The Children.
I was surprised to receive no replies from either organization. :(
Silly me, they ended up in my Spam Folder. :rolleyes:

I sent these folks (PF AND STC) not only the advert and Craiglist link,
but both emails from the scammer:
1) "I am currently in the UK, I work for "Save the Children" blah, blah, blah"

2) "My shipper is Parcel Force. You will make the payment through them with CC, Pay Pal, etc. You will have 10 days to inspect the product, if you dont like the item Parcel Force will pick it up at your home at my expense, blah, blah,blah"

Reply from Parcel Force, with MY replies in red.
Gods, these idiots remind me of OUR Post Office:

On Mon, Jun 6, 2011 at 1:45 AM, <parcelforce@parcelforce.co.uk> wrote:
Dear Bob Bralove:

Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.
I am unable to confirm if this is a scam/spam email
Pardon me then. Obviously I am conversing with an idiot.
but I would be very concerned about sending any money though this method.
Thank you SO VERY MUCH for those words of wisdom, King Solomon!
I have reported this issue to our security team for them to investigate.
Thank God! The world is now quite clearly a much safer place!
If you require any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact us again at this email address: parcelforce@parcelforce.co.uk.
It seems I've misplaced my cell phone, have you seen it?
Kind regards
Debby Reynolds
Parcelforce Worldwide
Customer Service Email team

OTOH, Save The Children's attitude was strikingly different:

show details Jun 6 (2 days ago)
fromMarks, Carolyn CMarks@savechildren.org

Dear Mr. Bralove,

Thank you for contacting Save the Children. We appreciate your calling this matter to our attention so that we can look into it. We did flag this Craig’s List ad earlier this year and see that it is no longer posted.

Sincerely yours,
Carolyn Marks
Carolyn Marks | Director, Compliance Program | Legal and Compliance Department

Save the Children USA 54 Wilton Road, Westport, CT 06880
cmarks@savechildren.org

[WA9YZM]

No Ham License to that name in Florida - Searched FCC Universal Licensing System

[KD4QFT]

Hi
Not long ago he also had a kenwood 922 for sale. same story, he must I think be a Ham and also really honest christian helping oters.
I am always suspicious of ads that say God bless you and the like.
73 Colin in Orlando just picked up a Alpha what a bargain

[KA7NIQ]

Hi
Not long ago he also had a kenwood 922 for sale. same story, he must I think be a Ham and also really honest christian helping oters.
I am always suspicious of ads that say God bless you and the like.
73 Colin in Orlando just picked up a Alpha what a bargain
Good for Colin, who is Colin ?