Meade RCX 400 10" on ebay

[Twokids]

Hi guys,

I hope it is ok to post this here :confused:

I thought somebody might be interested on this scope just listed on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Meade-RCX-400-10-Adv-Ritchey-Chretien-Telescope_W0QQitemZ7585607055QQcate goryZ3636QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I emailed the guy selling it and he is looking for $2000USD which includes shipping. He is located in the UK.
I wish I had the money :sad: .

[davidpretorius]

wierd that he is france and the scope is in NSW????

surely someone in nsw knows this scope????

$1000 starting bid - geeeez

[stinky]

Emailed him - lets see what happens.

Had a similar thing with a scope in NSW - joker was in the UK. Asked me to send money directly and to communicate only via email Yeah right!

BTW he staes 14 days return - but in French it stats no return is possible. Dodgy I reckon

[davidpretorius]

i will email him too, get him all excited that i want to see the scope etc. we all should email him.

there is a website for scam busters somewhere??

[davidpretorius]

sent him one!!

"i now live in NSW and want to look at it!!"

[stinky]

I think I've heard of a site like that - supply the email address and it generates lots of (dead) 'leads'. Googled for it but couldn't find it. I will be intersted to see the results. Hell for $1000 I'll drive to NSW and pay cash on pickup!

PS. Thought you said spambusters and nearly fell of my chair ....ROFL

[rumples riot]

I would be highly suspicious of People selling a scope like that with those sort of requirements. Good way to loose a lot of money.

[Portmac]

Member since 25-Oct-05 in France

<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="4"><tbody><tr><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap" valign="top"> Item location: </td><td>NSW
Australia</td></tr></tbody></table>
And the email address "@yahoo.co.uk (ryan_spence09@yahoo.co.uk)" is a UK one.

All seems a bit fishy to me.

[davidpretorius]

reply emaiL:

________________________________
Hello,
I`m happy that you are interested in my scope .The item is located in UK and that is where i am right now.
The price i am looking for is $2500 USD with shipping and handling included.If this is a good price please let me know and i can make the transaction with you through ebay and SquareTrade,so the deal will be very legit and safe and will not be outside ebay. You will also have a 10 days return policy.Please let me know if you are interested in
buying .
Best Regards,

david pretorius <DAVIDPRETORIUS@PRECONS.COM>wrote:<STYLE> st1\:*{behavior:url(#default#ieooui ) } </STYLE><STYLE> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline;} span.EmailStyle17 {mso-style-type:personal-compose; font-family:Arial; color:windowtext;} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </STYLE><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2><FONT face=Arial>I am in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com /><st1:country-region w:st=<st1:place w:st="on">Australia</st1:place></st1:country-region>, NSW even.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com /><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT><BLOCKQUOTE><P></P><P style=<o:p></o:p>
Very interested, how do I get a look at it??<o:p></o:p>


</BLOCKQUOTE>





<HR SIZE=1>Yahoo! Photos (http://us.rd.yahoo.com/mail/uk/taglines/default/photos/*http://uk.photos.yahoo.com/) – NEW

[stinky]

Hey - that's the same message as I got to a previous item. Didn't get a reply this time - perhaps he recognised my email address?

[davidpretorius]

sent him another one
______________________________



Thanks mate,<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com /><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT><BLOCKQUOTE>

<st1:country-region w:st=<st1:place w:st=" /><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">England</st1:place></st1:country-region> or has ebay made a mistake?<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

What sort of shipping insurance would you use to get it ½ around to world to me <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Australia</st1:place></st1:country-region>?<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

This usually sells for $16,000 so if it got broken it would be hard to replace??<o:p></o:p>

[rumples riot]

I think it is a scam.

[davidpretorius]

hmmmmmm interesting....
_____________________________

Hello,
I just moved from Australia to United Kingdom, and now i have forgoten to change the item location .
The scope will be fully insured by SquareTrade .
I will make the transaction using SquareTrade services.Square Trade is a third party service that works with ebay to make the transactions safer. They are guaranteed and recommended by ebay because they verify the sellers that are members with them and you will also have a 10 day return policy.
I will explain how SquareTrade works:
They already have the item in their custody. They will contact you with the payment instructions.You will make the payment and send them the details so they can verify it. After that the package will be insured and shipped to you. After you receive the item you will have to notify them that you accept it and that everything is OK so they can send me the payment. We will be able to leave feedback for eachother after the transaction is done.
So please give me your full name,full shipping address + mobile/phone number so i can have them contact you regarding the transaction.
Regards


___________________________________

[stinky]

Here's the email I got back for a previous item :- (I then got more offering an even lower price - his bay handle is JohnDoMoney - think he has a sense of humour)

Hello sir,

The reason i have asked to be contacted before bidding is that i want to sell it faster and i want to find a buyer immediately.You don`t have to bid and win the auction so you can buy it....if you are really interested i can end the auction and make the transaction with you. The item is located in UK and that is where i am right now...i will pay the shipping taxes so i hope that will not be a problem .The price i am looking for is $1900 with shipping and handling included.If this is a good price please let me know and i can make the transaction with you through ebay and SquareTrade,so the deal will be very legit and safe and will not be outside ebay. You will also have a 10 days return policy.If you have other questions please email me ASAP.
Regards,
John

[stinky]

Great - bet the squaretrade link etc he gives you is a spoof.

[Darkplague]

Google sqauretrade and ebay and youll find out it is a common scam.

The same has happened in the cars and motorbikes sections.


He tried to sell me an almost new GSXR 1000, for only $4000.

Remember the old adage" If it sounds too good to be true, then it is!"

Mark

[davidpretorius]

so i reply:
___________________________________ _


Ah, I think I see, so what is this ebay paypal thing, is that the same as SquareTrade.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com[img] /><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT><BLOCKQUOTE>



<o:p></o:p></P>

<o:p> </o:p></P>

I have just signed up for paypal, is it easier to use this?<o:p></o:p></P>

<o:p> </o:p></P>

If not, do SquareTrade have a website?<o:p></o:p></P>

<o:p> </o:p></P>

<o:p> </o:p></P>

What do you think of the scope: is it yours?, Did you like looking through it? I have a little scope, it is very good, but a bigger one would be better!<o:p></o:p></P>

__________________________________</P>

[stinky]

Listing Gone!

This listing (#7585607055) has been removed or is no longer available. Please make sure you entered the right item number.

[davidpretorius]

damn,

i was going to ask him if he liked eta carina?

now i wont have the chance???

What would be the best question to have asked ie "Do you like the planetary nebula called tarantula?" or "I love the galaxy system called orion, do you?"

[davidpretorius]

he is back
_______________________________
Yes , the scope is mine .Of course i`m very in to scopes , but now i`m selling this one since i fownd a better one to buy .
SquareTrade is a third party who will hold the telescope for me .You will send the payment to them , the telescope will be shipped to you .
After he telescope arrives, you will have 3 business day`s to check the condition of the telescope .If you are not satisfied with it , you can return it and have your money back .If you are , than you will tell squaretrade that they can send the payment to me .
Now if you want to find out more about squaretrade please send me your details that i have asked before and they will contact you about everything .
Best Regards,
Ryan
___________________________________ __________________

[stinky]

Ask him if it's big enough to see Orions two cats?

[davidpretorius]

done:
________________________________


Don’t worry about sending squaretrades website, i have found it on google. It asks me for your ebay id<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com[img] /><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT><BLOCKQUOTE>



<o:p></o:p></P>

<o:p> </o:p></P>

I can find the listing on ebay anymore, what was your ebay id again?<o:p></o:p></P>

<o:p> </o:p></P>

Also, is this scope big enough to resolve the two cats nebula in orion?<o:p></o:p></P>

___________________________________ ____________________</P>

[davidpretorius]

he is an idiot
___________________________________ _____
Of course it`s big enough to resolve that .Dont worry .
Sir i have canceled the auction .I tought you want to buy my scope .
I need to know now if you want to start the official tranzaction .
Regards,
Ryan
___________________________________ __________

[stinky]

Just had an email from ebay with this guys user name in it warning against doing any deals outside ebay - strangely enough :)

[stinky]

[QUOTE=davidpretorius]Also, is this scope big enough to resolve the two cats nebula in orion [QUOTE]
Classic!

[davidpretorius]

i have declined his kind offer to sell this to me, politely of course

[Portmac]

The only "Hands on Optics" shop I can find is based in the U.S.
I am not suprised the listing is gone....
France
AUS
UK
U.S
He is all over the planet :)

[Portmac]

Hmmm... Look familliar

http://cgi.ebay.com/Meade-RCX-400-10-3-year-warranty-Nagler-EP_W0QQitemZ7585527478QQcategoryZ74 929QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Dennis]

Well, blow me down with a feather. With what appears to be unscrupulous crooks and fraudsters like this out there, I suddenly feel all safe and warm when selling and purchasing astro goods from my local IIS family. Good to have friends and a family you can trust eh!

Cheers

Dennis

[gaa_ian]

In my experience, most things that seem too good to be true on EBay, usually are !
Especially big ticket items :scared:

[RAJAH235]

Thanks Davo. Very interesting points. Wonder how many $$ he made? :D L.
ps. Dennis, wanna buy the "Opera House"? I've got the deeds to it. Honest. :P
pps. If this is deemed to be 'spam' then please feel free to remove/edit it..

[asimov]

My sentiments exactly Dennis. I've purchased a few items off IIS forum members now & I'm happy to say I've had no trouble at all.

I wouldn't be game to purchase a box of matches off ebay let alone a telescope.

[Dennis]

Nah Rajah - already purchased London Bridge and I'm skint right now... ;)

Cheers

Dennis

[Portmac]

I think Ebay has lost the plot, I stopped buying stuff from there 6 months ago. Now it is just rife with scammers and idiots.

An example:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5858808434&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1

[stinky]

Yeah - well Ican't buy from you or sell to you either, in the right thread - haven't been here 30 days. And without a doubt buying or selling outside the correct thread would be spam! :)

Back to ebay :)

[janoskiss]

Portmac, That's pretty funny! I've just asked him if he's got any that will work with Linux. :lol:

[stinky]

I'm buying some! But I'll check first if he's got any that take spam.....

[janoskiss]

What on earth are you talking about, stinky? :confuse2: Are you just trying to keep stirring the pooh for the mods?? If so, then please ease up. They are volunteers dedicating their time to keep the site functioning. Their work is even more difficult now that iceman, the site's owner, is away.

[asimov]

Yeah, it's over dude. Time to get back to normal.

[stinky]

You are right - that was a poo stir - hehe - had to laugh though Jano, Linux! Course they got one size fits all. Did you get a reply?

[Portmac]

Both those ebay auctions were a scam, I have both of them emailing me :)
And well its really only person but using two different yahoo email accounts.
They are already asking that I wire them the cash using Western Union, they dont want the sale to go though ebay at all.
I told one guy I would wait until near the end of the aucion to bid, 2 minutes later he canseled the auction and emailed me a rubbish excuse.
So now its time to bait the scammer :)
This should provide some enjoyment and a new page for my site.

[Portmac]

The bait is over, if anyone is interested in what happened you can read the entire thing Here (http://www.portmac.com/modules.php?name=Scam_Finished&file=ebay_bargain)

Oh and I see in my absence I have missed out on the LPI (and DSI) that h0ughy had for sale :(

[janoskiss]

Funny and sad, Portmac. More sad than funny really. :scared2:

[Wombat_In_Space]

I take my hat of to you to follow through with this it has been worth the effort you have put in, I think you sould supply athe stuf to Ebay so they can use it as an example of how you can be scammed.

Well Done. :thumbsup:

[RAJAH235]

Definitely agree Darren. Well done, Portmac, & congrats with the whole thing. eBay should have it on their front page. Edit the language on the last page tho! :2thumbs: :D L.

[matt]

Incredible effort Portmac.

Remind me to never get on your wrong side:lol:

[Portmac]

Ebay would never put up anything about scammers as it would scare away too many people.
I was hoping it would have gone on longer, I had a few more ideas I wanted to use but didnt get a chance.
That is so true, its a shame that eBay and the internet in general has been infected with scammers.
It is pretty hard to get on my wrong side :)

[ving]

the 2 cats!!! :lol2:
thats the funniest thing i've seen today!

thanks guy for getting this fraud! :)

[davidpretorius]

hey ving, i am waiting for him to crop up again and ask him another silly question??

[ving]

the 2 cats in orion!!! i still cant get over that!! :D

who writes your material dave? ;)

[davidpretorius]

i think stinky helped with it!

[acropolite]

Thanks Portmac, a damn good read and your choice of characters... :lol2:

[mick pinner]

it's amazing in how many places Hugh Jorgan pops up.

[wavelandscott]

A truly amazing read!

[Astroman]

wow what an epic story, thisis the sortofstuff that stephen speilburg wished he had :P