Beware of Trade Me Paypal scammers from Ghana

[inazuma1200]

Had someone try scam me for my KLX650 which i listed on trademe, all started with a text from a 4 digit number asking me to email them because they were interested in it also his emails appeared to be coming in from a different timezone searched up what it was and it was fucking Ghana lmao.


On Sun, Nov 2, 2014 at 11:38 PM, egsdgdg dggrdg <-----@mail.com> wrote:
Just responding to your message from this morning, the motorcycle is still available. Give me a call on 02731110** if you need to speak to me urgently.

Troy.


Sent: Monday, November 03, 2014 at 3:34 PM
From: "Comfort Dias" <comfortdias@gmail.com>
To: "egsdgdg dggrdg" <-----@mail.com>
Subject: Re: KLX650R Trademe listing
Thanks for responding, this is Comfort Dias. I believe my son sent you a text message to email me for the sale. i’m interested in buying this from you now off trademe for my son who is overseas(dubai). i want you to get back to me with its current condition,more pictures and your final price as i am looking for a decent bargain. I am at sea at the moment,i am an Marine biologist ( i work on tasman sea off the coast of australia ) and due to the nature of my work, phone calls is restricted. my son checked your advert and sent you a text to contact me (his mother ) via my email address .
Arrangements will be made to have this picked up from you after we have paid and all necessary registration/paperwork will be handled as well before pick up.

Regards



On Mon, Nov 3, 2014 at 3:09 AM, egsdgdg dggrdg <-----@mail.com> wrote:
The bike is in excellent condition nothing wrong with it at all, will take $4000, how are you planning on picking up the bike? i would like the registration and paperwork to be filled out at that time along with the payment.



Sent: Monday, November 03, 2014 at 4:15 PM
From: "Comfort Dias" <comfortdias@gmail.com>
To: "egsdgdg dggrdg" <-----@mail.com>
Subject: Re: KLX650R Trademe listing
Ok,i just wanted to make sure nothing has been left out
Thanks for the information, it was really of immense help
i am happy to purchase for my son at your asking price and do you have a PayPal account,as i will be paying with PayPal for our own protection,PayPal act as a neutral third party. it is safe,secure and reliable, and also due to the fact that i am currently offshore and i won't definitely be able to make it to the bank to wires money across to you.It is what safe and convenient for me. plz do check it out.
Regards




On Mon, Nov 3, 2014 at 3:32 AM, egsdgdg dggrdg <-----@mail.com> wrote:
Sounds good i am happy for you to use paypal but you will have to wait the 21 day payment clearing before i will let you take the motorcycle.



Sent: Monday, November 03, 2014 at 4:40 PM

From: "Comfort Dias" <comfortdias@gmail.com>
To: "egsdgdg dggrdg" <-----@mail.com>
Subject: Re: KLX650R Trademe listing
it is being picked up by a private dubai shipping company after you have received and confirmed the total payment in your account,the shipping agent will come for the pick up at your given time, date and location and he will handle all the necessary paper work for it as i am having it shipped abroad and they have liaisons with local nz companies in every cities,so getting to you shouldn't be a problem



On Mon, Nov 3, 2014 at 3:49 AM, egsdgdg dggrdg <-----@mail.com> wrote:
How about you just do a direct bank deposit to speed the process up so i dont have to wait 21 days for the payment to clear because i will not hand over the motorcycle until it has.



paypal payment is instant, not 21 days


i then proceeded to call him a scammer....he stopped replying after that.
cant believe people are trying this shit lmao they send the money through to paypal take the goods then reverse the transaction within 21 days BEWARE OF IT never use paypal for something like this theres no reason not to do a direct bank deposit

[mulletman]

Good post :niceone:

[Ender EnZed]

they send the money through to paypal take the goods then reverse the transaction

I doubt they actually have any interest in a KLX. The next step in the scam is probably more along the lines of them paying (reversible) you an extra $1000+ for shipping which you then pay (irreversible) to their fake company.

Or maybe the nice woman from Ghana just wanted a big motard for her son.

[sil3nt]

http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20070106155834/uncyclopedia/images/archive/1/15/20070526081818!CaptainobviousChooseOption.jpg

[GrayWolf]

I doubt they actually have any interest in a KLX. The next step in the scam is probably more along the lines of them paying (reversible) you an extra $1000+ for shipping which you then pay (irreversible) to their fake company.

Or maybe the nice woman from Ghana just wanted a big motard for her son.

Yeh be really careful with Paypal, they altered there trading conditions a while ago, a European dealer (MTOG) got stung with an overseas sale.. Paypal held the money for X amount of time, goods were delivered but the buyer claimed they were not received, and got a refund. The only? way round that is using tracked postage, which can be horrendously expensive sometimes compared to the item cost.

[sugilite]

Yeh be really careful with Paypal, they altered there trading conditions a while ago,
Even more than you know, as a trader I got an email from paypal last week stating they have now extended the time a customer can do a charge back to 6 months to increase "buyer" confidence". I have also read about tracked packages being delivered and signed for and paypal have still taken the customers word it had not been delivered and done a charge back on the poor merchant!

[SVboy]

Lol-I got the exact email and txt for my trademe listed bike! Yes I can just see the image that someone would accrue, cruising down the boulevards of Dubai on my GSX1200!! Must be genuine!!

[BlackSheepLogic]

You need to understand that US consumer laws regarding mail orders & consumer protection are quite different to what you are used to. Paypal, eBay, Amazon etc are required to comply to those rules and they create their terms & conditions around those US laws.

They have to be able to prove you the consumer actually received the goods as described, tracking only shows it was delivered to an address not that you received it (also keep in mind that just because tracking said delivered is not legally proof that it was delivered to that address or that the customer received it). A signed package just means someone signed for it. In the US the only sure way around a customer complaining they did not actually receive the package was to use restricted signature.

Now a lot of people remember the old EBAY where the buyer paid for insurance if they wanted it. However the insurance really was seller protection not buyer protection and this was tested though legal action which resulted in EBAY changes to comply with US law regarding consumer protection.

Now I know this is off topic from the original OP post, but this response is related to the quote below. US companies have to comply with US law and these policies are a reflection of that.

One final point on this, mis-deliviries do occur, but there is no way for a company to know if it's a fraudulent claim or not if they did not protect themselves. Restricted deliveries cost money which makes them either less competitive or reduces margins if they cover the cost. Consumers dislike them as well. The big companies take the risk up to a threshold value or when dealing with a customer where there has been prior delivery issues.


Even more than you know, as a trader I got an email from paypal last week stating they have now extended the time a customer can do a charge back to 6 months to increase "buyer" confidence". I have also read about tracked packages being delivered and signed for and paypal have still taken the customers word it had not been delivered and done a charge back on the poor merchant!

[Akzle]

http://www.419eater.com/

you gave up way too easily.

[Jase H]

So, the original text was from a 4-digit number. Are you with Spark or 2-degrees? 027... suggests Spark, but you may have ported your number If you are with either of these, that 4-digit number would relate to a text messaging-type service that folk can sign up to.

If this is the case, can you PM me the exact message you received along with the date/ time you received it.

I work in this industry. So, if someone's abusing our service I can track down the account and get rid of it. Just need a bit more detail if you can. Cheers.

[inazuma1200]

Lol-I got the exact email and txt for my trademe listed bike! Yes I can just see the image that someone would accrue, cruising down the boulevards of Dubai on my GSX1200!! Must be genuine!!

Hahahahahaha, KLX650s and GSX1200s must be worth massive dollars in dubai to go through the hassle of shipping one from the other side of the world...

[inazuma1200]

http://www.419eater.com/

you gave up way too easily.

I sent him a link to that website after he stopped replying XD, apparently west africans are quite well known for these types of scams theres even a doco on youtube about them.

[atroberts]

Just got an email from this asshole about a car I've got listed on TradeMe. Same pattern: text, then the same email about their son in dubai.

Thanks for posting everyone! Saves me a lot of wasted time.

For JaseH: I haven't got enough site involvement to send a PM, so here is the text. The number I received it from came up as '538' at 8:24 am this morning. I use Vodafone.

"i want to know if your vehicle on trademe is still available. Kindly email me on comfortdias@gmail.com as this is urgent."

[HenryDorsetCase]

lets all email him about our shit for sale. Or just shit generally

[Paulo]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MTFauI8INY

wire me the monies!!!!!!

[inazuma1200]

Just got an email from this asshole about a car I've got listed on TradeMe. Same pattern: text, then the same email about their son in dubai.

Thanks for posting everyone! Saves me a lot of wasted time.

For JaseH: I haven't got enough site involvement to send a PM, so here is the text. The number I received it from came up as '538' at 8:24 am this morning. I use Vodafone.

"i want to know if your vehicle on trademe is still available. Kindly email me on comfortdias@gmail.com as this is urgent."

LOL cant believe they use the same format for every text and the same gmail account...i think we should spam the email with midget porn etc.

[inazuma1200]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MTFauI8INY

wire me the monies!!!!!!

hahaha it was actually a little less convincing than that.

[Jase H]

Here's what to do. Some of it may be a bit bloody obvious, but at least it's all here. (Mods - if you think this is best placed somewhere else for everyone to see, go ahead.)

1. Do NOT reply to any of these texts. If they are coming from a number that looks like what is known as a short code (e.g. 1234), you could get billed for sending a premium text. Also, if it's the "You've won a million dollars"-type texts, they're simply sending to sequential numbers (020000000, 020000001, 020000002, etc). So, replying to these messages gives you away as being a real cell phone number.

2. Also, if the text looks like it came from a short code, check your phone bill/ credit balance to make sure you haven't been ripped off to receive the text.

3. Forward all texts to 7726 (if you look at the associated letters on a keypad, it spells SPAM). This is a free service run by the Department of Internal Affairs to report unsolicited/ suspicious messages. They can look into this.

4. Finally, contact your carrier (Vodafone, Spark, 2-degrees, Skinny) and report it. If this came from a messaging system run in NZ, they can follow it up. The legitimate messaging companies work with the carriers on this and have a strict policy on unsolicited messaging. We can get the accounts deactivated. If the short code is actually a spoof from an international source, it may be possible to follow up overseas and/ or put a block on that source.

Hope this helps.

[awa355]

He cant have liked your Kwaka very much. Our marine biologist is now wanting to buy my neighbours Hyo 250.

[Akzle]

He cant have liked your Kwaka very much. Our marine biologist is now wanting to buy my neighbours Hyo 250.

no-one wants to buy your neighbour's hyo250.

[awa355]

no-one wants to buy your neighbour's hyo250.

My uncle from Ghana does. :finger:

[Gremlin]

Here's what to do. Some of it may be a bit bloody obvious, but at least it's all here. (Mods - if you think this is best placed somewhere else for everyone to see, go ahead.)
Thanks for the tips Jase. Timely thread indeed, as I have a ute for sale on TM. Got a txt this afternoon (not this same fella) but same vein...

Since I'm with Spark, they actually re-iterate the advice of reporting to DIA: http://help.spark.co.nz/app/answers/detail/a_id/1236/~/dealing-with-unwanted-calls-and-text-messages

[Bean]

I received this email from Trade Me, the day after I was contacted by Comfort Dias!

We have concerns about a member who recently viewed your Trade Me Motors listing(s). They were not legitimate and may make contact and attempt to defraud you by asking you to make a payment offshore or directing you to a fraudulent website. Do not do this.

Never pay via Western Union or make a payment overseas.

If you click a link in an email or text message, make sure you check the website address you're being sent to. For Trade Me, the URL in the address bar will always start with http://www.trademe.co.nz/

We can’t point you at a specific membership/person to look out for as the fraudsters are based offshore and are not likely to contact you through a compromised Trade Me membership. They generally make contact via anonymous text messages and differing email addresses.

[allycatz]

Got similar email yesterday.Buying for son and buyer is marine biologist working on rig off the coast of Australia.Have not replied back

[imdying]

lets all email him about our shit for sale. Or just shit generallyI sent him some still shots from everyones favourite chocolate pudding guide, 2 girls 1 cup...

[mashman]

http://themustangsource.com/forums/attachments/f726/164371d1411490453-lets-see-your-latest-pics-how-much-women.jpg

[inazuma1200]

I sent him some still shots from everyones favourite chocolate pudding guide, 2 girls 1 cup...

ROFL good shit

[nickmorrell]

After chasing your probably awesome bikes, he/she has decided she/he would rather have a Gn250... Good choice obviously but since the email has the same format, its been easy to find links online, not to mention trademes email of warning. I wish it was possible to get some detective work in this. If I were a detective or police officer or who ever does study into this, i would...

Continue emailing and do as this comfort asks, wait for the pick up guy come and collect the bike and discuss with that person who the bike is going to.
The person collection most likely wouldnt know but would know where the bike is going.
Then contact authorities of where the bike is going and discuss a fake transfer to the person with a bike from the country its meant to be going. Then, being a set up and all...
the authorities arrest who ever is scamming, would be to nice keep the money though of course.

just a dream

[mossy1200]

LOL cant believe they use the same format for every text and the same gmail account...i think we should spam the email with midget porn etc.

Im not sending my midget porn. Last thing I need is for the site to be closed.

[JimO]

After chasing your probably awesome bikes, he/she has decided she/he would rather have a Gn250... Good choice obviously but since the email has the same format, its been easy to find links online, not to mention trademes email of warning. I wish it was possible to get some detective work in this. If I were a detective or police officer or who ever does study into this, i would...

Continue emailing and do as this comfort asks, wait for the pick up guy come and collect the bike and discuss with that person who the bike is going to.
The person collection most likely wouldnt know but would know where the bike is going.
Then contact authorities of where the bike is going and discuss a fake transfer to the person with a bike from the country its meant to be going. Then, being a set up and all...
the authorities arrest who ever is scamming, would be to nice keep the money though of course.

just a dream
there never is a pick up guy, they dont want the bike they want your money

[Laava]

After chasing your probably awesome bikes, he/she has decided she/he would rather have a Gn250... Good choice obviously but since the email has the same format, its been easy to find links online, not to mention trademes email of warning. I wish it was possible to get some detective work in this. If I were a detective or police officer or who ever does study into this, i would...

Continue emailing and do as this comfort asks, wait for the pick up guy come and collect the bike and discuss with that person who the bike is going to.
The person collection most likely wouldnt know but would know where the bike is going.
Then contact authorities of where the bike is going and discuss a fake transfer to the person with a bike from the country its meant to be going. Then, being a set up and all...
the authorities arrest who ever is scamming, would be to nice keep the money though of course.

just a dream

You appear to have missed the point somewhat. The bike is never collected. Ever.

[mossy1200]

there never is a pick up guy, they dont want the bike they want your money

If they took my money and didn't collect my wife idd be so gutted.

[samewan]

I just got this message about 15 mins ago looked it up and behold this was the first thing on google

[Bazlord]

Listed my FZR1000 on trademe yesterday, and lo and behold at 8:13am today I too received the "comfortdias@gmail.com" text, from 538. Pretty annoying. Mostly because it's the most interest I've had so far :-(

Anyway, reported to 7726 so all that's left to do is sit and wait for the GCSB to trace it, and officially deny that it's coming from Gerry Brownlee's office...

[nudemetalz]

Well if you need to transport your bike from China to Mexico, I have a "really good" contact I received at my work email. "From: overseas01@operlatin.com [mailto:overseas01@operlatin.com (overseas01@operlatin.com)]
Sent: Monday, 3 November 2014 5:00 p.m.
Cc: 1352582972
Subject: best rate to need cargo.USD1600/3200/3200-20GP/40GP/40HQ to mexico from china

Dear friend,

Good day to you!

I'm smith from china forwarder company, I have major in Middle and South American service.

Now,I have a good rate to mexico from china,if you are interesting and have some need,please look at it.

Follow is my best ocean rate to you reference:
O/F:

<tbody>
POL:XIAMEN/NINGBO/SHENZHEN
POD:Manzanillo/Lazaro cardenas (mexico)
Ocean rate:USD1600/3200/3200-20GP/40GP/40HQ
Valid :14th November
Transit time:18-21 days
Free day at the POD:21 days


</tbody>
Thanks for your time to ready this e-mail,If you are interesting in this rate and want To learn more about this,please contact me at any time.



Overseas Sales Director
Smith
OperLatin Forwarding Co .,Ltd
Address: Room 901, Jihu Meili City 2 tower, Honghu No. 1 Street, Wenjing North Road Luohu District Shenzhen, China.
Phone: 0086-755-33314172
Fax: 0086-755-33310222
EMAIL:overseas01@operlatin.com
HTTP:www.operlatin.com
SKYPE:January19910124
Mobile phone:(+86)18825170801 "

[pkplex]

Heh, this same 'Comfort Dias' is trying this shit with me just now.

I got a text from 538, asking 'i want to know if your motorbike on trademe is still available. Kindly email me on: comfortdias@gmail.com as this is urgent.

Sounded a bit suspect right there, especially with the weird 3 digit number. So I emailed our good friend 'Comfort', to which I got a reply a few minutes later:

Thanks for responding, this is Comfort Dias. I believe my son sent you a text message to email me for the sale. i’m interested in buying this from you now off trademe for my son who is overseas(dubai). i want you to get back to me with its current condition,more pictures and your final price as i am looking for a decent bargain. I am at sea at the moment,i am an Marine biologist ( i work on tasman sea off the coast of australia ) and due to the nature of my work, phone calls is restricted. my son checked your advert and sent you a text to contact me (his mother ) via my email address .
Arrangements will be made to have this picked up from you after we have paid and all necessary registration/paperwork will be handled as well before pick up.


Riiiiight. Your son is in dubai, you are in the middle of the ocean, and I am owner of flying pig airways.

[Yoda]

I just got the exact same txt and email. Rang alarm bells so googled 'Comfort Dias'. Hey presto ended up here.:mad:

[Granny]

I just got the exact same txt and email. Rang alarm bells so googled 'Comfort Dias'. Hey presto ended up here.:mad:


Just got the exact same txt also. I've deleted it

[Waihou Thumper]

I feel left out. I have two bikes listed, one sold the other day and the other is still on auction. No contact from these guys at all? :)

[Akzle]

I feel left out. I have two bikes listed, one sold the other day and the other is still on auction. No contact from these guys at all? :)

you can wire the money to my paypal account, i'll come pick up the bike next week

[PrincessBandit]

I feel left out. I have two bikes listed, one sold the other day and the other is still on auction. No contact from these guys at all? :)

I feel left out too! Oh, but wait, it's my car I'm selling not my bike. (On the odd occasion I've had the opportunity to bait one of these people I do it from my work email :o )

[MPC]

I have this email as well. How can I scam them Back????

[mossy1200]

Don't be so mean to Cumfritter Dias. He has been searching for a good bike for a long time and people are not taking him seriously.

[Akzle]

I have this email as well. How can I scam them Back????

419 baiter

[Duncan74]

Bit of a dredge, but I got the same email (almost word perfect) as above three times in my continued failure to sell my scooter.

First time they dragged it out a bit and it wasn't obvious it was a scam. Today they were a bit more direct (twice) and opened with the above email.

So on one hand then this is a warning in case others hadn't seen this scam. But I was very impressed that I got an email from trademe who had somehow spotted that I was likely to get these scam emails and gave a warning. I was genuinely impressed.

[Akzle]

Bit of a dredge, but I got the same email (almost word perfect) as above three times in my continued failure to sell my scooter.

First time they dragged it out a bit and it wasn't obvious it was a scam. Today they were a bit more direct (twice) and opened with the above email.

So on one hand then this is a warning in case others hadn't seen this scam. But I was very impressed that I got an email from trademe who had somehow spotted that I was likely to get these scam emails and gave a warning. I was genuinely impressed.

So did you waste as much of their time as possible?

[Banditbandit]

I once replied to a scammer that "I would love to participate in your scam. How much money can I expect to earn?"

I never heard back from them ..