Suspicious Ken Smith (Ebay content)

[Papersen]

I`ve found this beautiful Ken Smith this afternoon @ Ebay.

Ken Smith

It`s obvious that $1300 for such a bass is an amazing price and should be a temptation.

However, the bidding procedure is (at least) suspicious and if looking carefully, you`ll realize the text isn`t written, it`s an image (don`t know why).

Anyway, I decided to contact the seller asking for additional info (serial#, electronics, etc.). Here`s a transcription of his answers:

1st
"If you are ready to buy it now, all you have to do is to send me your full name and address so I can start the transaction with eBay."

2nd
Hello
I am in divorce with my ex wife and this is the reason because i sell so cheap and the guitar is in perfect condition working. If you are ready to buy it now, all you have to do is to send me your full name and address so I can start the transaction with eBay

The funny thing is that it had 0 bids, the seller was from China and had 800+ feedback. Now, after 1 bid, the seller is from the US, with a completely different feedback. :scowl:

 

[azwhofan]

This is totally a scam. I have talked with eBay reps on similar ads and they assure me that anytime someone tells you cto ontact them before you post a bid is a scammer. Feel free to report this ad to eBay.

 

[Gubna]

sounds fishy, it is fishy

 

[tat2jim]

Head for Zee Hills!

 

[WarriorJoe7]

They can change the text after the auction by using a picture also. Just change the picture. I pulled a similiar stunt here as a joke in this thread.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=395644

 

[Rickett Customs]

Same price he wants, you could get a Fodera EmperorSame person, same image text, except he changed a little up, for that matter, Link Removed

I smell a rat!

 

[MAJOR METAL]

I would hold onto the delicious Argentine cookies Bill

 

[Marcury]

Man that just smells bad!

 

[bongomania]

I reported it.

 

[Handyman]

Its a scam. The guy has a long feedback history, so someone probably either hacked his Ebay account, or hacked his account at the third party image hosting service hosting the pictures with the demand to contact him via email.

 

[Handyman]

The item has been deleted. Wow, that was quick.

 

[uaudio]

He pulled all his listings. Way to go, Internet!

 

[Rickett Customs]

I bidded 400 for the hellavit.

 

[jkramer5]

Avoid it like the plague.

That was quick, I was going to report it too, total scam. Anything that asks you to complete the transaction away from Ebay has scam writtin all over it.

 

[Handyman]

Just for fun, I sent an email to the address listed in the auction text. I'll let you guys know what happens. Baiting scammers is fun for the whole family!

From my email:
Hi there,
Is your Ken Smith bass that was listed on EBay still available? Its beautiful, and would love to own it. I'd hate to see someone else buy it!

Thanks for your time!

 

[Papersen]

I would hold onto the delicious Argentine cookies Bill

Haha, don`t worry Kevin I wasn`t planning to buy it, just wanted to warn others. And you`re right, those chocolate cookies smell muuch better

 

[azwhofan]

Its a scam. The guy has a long feedback history, so someone probably either hacked his Ebay account, or hacked his account at the third party image hosting service hosting the pictures with the demand to contact him via email.

it's a common hijacking technique. I first ran into it a few months ago whilst searching for a Millennia TD-1. The price was so low, I couldn't get my heart to stop pounding. after a couple of REALLY REALLY fast answers from the scammer I decidedly smelled a rat and reported it to eBay.
Watch out! these guys can be really pushy, like wanting your phone number and other personal info.