Finding a fraudster

[tzrmike]

Short version, got ripped off on a car motor. I'm too trusting for my own good.

I have texted him, and rang him at his work (which scared the crap out of him), he "promised" to return my money, but he has started ignoring the texts again.

Got the guy's name, partner's name (I think), mobile number, place of work, Mum and Dad's phone number & address (not much joy there, "my son would never do that"), trademe username (deal done outside of trademe AFTER auction, so they won't be any help).

He's left a bit of a trail behind him on Trademe (changed username).

So, short of a stakeout at his work, can I find his address and phone numbers another way? From the threads on here, the police may or may not help, but proving fraudulent intent seem to be the big issue.

[Mom]

Short version, got ripped off on a car motor. I'm too trusting for my own good.

I have texted him, and rang him at his work (which scared the crap out of him), he "promised" to return my money, but he has started ignoring the texts again.

Got the guy's name, partner's name (I think), mobile number, place of work, Mum and Dad's phone number & address (not much joy there, "my son would never do that"), trademe username (deal done outside of trademe AFTER auction, so they won't be any help).

He's left a bit of a trail behind him on Trademe (changed username).

So, short of a stakeout at his work, can I find his address and phone numbers another way? From the threads on here, the police may or may not help, but proving fraudulent intent seem to be the big issue.

Does he drive a car, or ride a bike? Go sit at his place of work and watch for when he arrives, record rego number. Wander down to LTSA place and give the rego to them, couple of dollars later you have his addy (if he owns the vehicle of course) :done:

[FJRider]

Is he on the Electoral roll. If he's over 18 he "should" be by law. This can be viewed at any post office.

[bogan]

same thing happened to me a while ago, prick was in nelson so couldnt be assed doing anything about it, id recomend going to his work and confronting him there, he probably wont wnat you making a scene in front of his boss/workmates

[p.dath]

Just file a complaint with the Police. That's there job - law enforcement.

[carver]

i might be able to find him if you have his name and age.
not saying i will though, if not i may be able to get more details

[scumdog]

Just file a complaint with the Police. That's there job - law enforcement.

You would need a good level of proof that there was a genuine intent to defraud (i.e. broke some law which needs enforcement) before they will take it on.

A good chance it's a civil dispute.

[Grahameeboy]

Short version, got ripped off on a car motor. I'm too trusting for my own good.

I have texted him, and rang him at his work (which scared the crap out of him), he "promised" to return my money, but he has started ignoring the texts again.

Got the guy's name, partner's name (I think), mobile number, place of work, Mum and Dad's phone number & address (not much joy there, "my son would never do that"), trademe username (deal done outside of trademe AFTER auction, so they won't be any help).

He's left a bit of a trail behind him on Trademe (changed username).

So, short of a stakeout at his work, can I find his address and phone numbers another way? From the threads on here, the police may or may not help, but proving fraudulent intent seem to be the big issue.

At the end of the day it's Trade Me and Buyer beware...if you bought a car on Trade Me without looking at it etc then it's a lesson for next time.

[paturoa]

... got ripped off on a car motor.....

More details required.

Disputes tribunal?

[tzrmike]

Mr X advertised and sold it as a rebuilt mitsi turbo motor, its a non-turbo(weaker pistons mainly, plus a couple of other things) and if its been near an engine reconditioner, it was only in the car that dropped off the smoko.

Mr X claims he brought it off a mate, who told him it was a rebuilt turbo motor, however, he is a mechanic who works for a mitsi company. Given that the first person I talked to when I started tracking Mr X down, was warned about dealing with Mr X by his workmates that know Mr X, and a Google search revealed someone of the same name taking the money and not sending the goods, I am obviously now dubious of his claim of ignorance.

[tzrmike]

Went to the cop shop today, as expected "its a civil matter". What do I do now? I don't want to let him get away with it, but if I have to go to a lawyer, its just not worth it.

I was thinking some sort of "viral" campaign, question bomb his auctions on Trademe "give Mike back his money you crook!", ringing his work "Can I speak to that thief, #### ######, please?", that sort of thing.

[-df-]

I had the same thing happen a few years ago when I purchased a body kit for a car of mine, did it outside of trademe, paid, never heard from the guy again.

Had his name and phone number, found out where he worked (he lived in wellington, me in auckland so couldn't go see him). Ended up just ringing his work each day until he finally sent the item to me (well stopped once he gave me proof of the courier)...the more days go past...the more times I rang.

After a while his boss will be pissed off, tell him to get you to stop ringing, and wola, sorted...either that or he will lose his job...which is his problem

[Winston001]

Mr X claims he brought it off a mate, who told him it was a rebuilt turbo motor, however, he is a mechanic who works for a mitsi company....

If its any sort of reputable Mitsubishi agency, they won't want the bad press which can attach to them. Not their fault but if he's dishonest with you, he's probably dishonest with customers, his workmates, and his boss.

Politely call - and keep calling, his boss. Talk about Fair Go yadda yadda, putting him and his employer on the net (DON'T), generally make a determined nuisance of yourself.

[Waxxa]

Does he drive a car, or ride a bike? Go sit at his place of work and watch for when he arrives, record rego number. Wander down to LTSA place and give the rego to them, couple of dollars later you have his addy (if he owns the vehicle of course) :done:

I thought that this avenue of tracking down someone had been stopped due to criminal elements. Does anyone know for sure?

[EJK]

Short version, got ripped off on a car motor. I'm too trusting for my own good.

I have texted him, and rang him at his work (which scared the crap out of him), he "promised" to return my money, but he has started ignoring the texts again.

Got the guy's name, partner's name (I think), mobile number, place of work, Mum and Dad's phone number & address (not much joy there, "my son would never do that"), trademe username (deal done outside of trademe AFTER auction, so they won't be any help).

He's left a bit of a trail behind him on Trademe (changed username).

So, short of a stakeout at his work, can I find his address and phone numbers another way? From the threads on here, the police may or may not help, but proving fraudulent intent seem to be the big issue.

You could try pipl.com if he is young and dumb enough to post his name and number on any of his personal sites (bebo, facebook, myspace, msn etc...)

If you are at his work, ask a collegue of his. If that's not possible, (if you are desperate enough) follow him after he finishes his work. Piece of piss.

If you know his last name and find out his address (above paragraph), use white pages to get his home number (If that's what you are after). Bingo.

Good luck.

[tzrmike]

No phone number listed for him or his partner.

It just getting down to his work during the week...I'm in Auckland, he's in Huntly. I know it's not far, it's just finding the time to get down there, and obviously it's pointless going down in the weekend.

I didn't even think to get his rego when he dropped it off. :pinch:

I'll try the pipl.com site, thanks.

[tzrmike]

I just got his rego number off a contact he bought from on trademe, if anyone can help. Cheers.

[jono035]

I thought that this avenue of tracking down someone had been stopped due to criminal elements. Does anyone know for sure?

A mate of mine had a big angry guy show up on his doorstep demanding money for the door of his car. Turns out he had been crashed into by someone who had stolen my friend's flatmate's car and hadn't stopped at the scene. Even after the police rang the big guy to tell him that the car had been reported stolen he was still harassing and threatening them until they ended up going to the cops about the guy, who then proceeding to have family members ring them to harass and threaten them.

Long story short, doesn't look like it, although it desperately needs changing.