Another warning. I was just dupped on eBay buying a piece of Meridian gear for several thousand. Turns out that a users account was hijacked, their email redirected and an auction placed. I won and sent funds by check. Two days after I sent the funds eBay removed the listing and only said it was cancelled? No other explanation was given but some calls to tech support and they finally admitted that the account had been stolen and the auction was bogus. A trip to the bank revealed that my check was already cashed.

But, since I sent a check I have the person's name and address. You would think someone would want to know about this crime. The police said it is up to eBay to pursue if they want to report the crime but forget any help from eBay. They just said I can file a complaint with the police and gave some other sites I can register. But essential it was an SOL message and as far as eBay is concerned they don't intend to do anything about it.

Now I certainly take the responsibility for doing the transaction and the consequences but it amazes me that, so far, I cannot get anyone to pursue the individual even though I have a name and address. At this point it is more about stopping the person from doing this again rather than getting my money back.

I guess I need to decide how much work I will put into seeing that the individual who did this is charged but I fear it will be so much effort and nothing will happen. No wonder this problem is so rampent because the individual can be so bold and know that nothing will happen.

I have done over 350 transactions over many years on eBay and many on audiogon with no problem but this has been an eye opener. Yes, in retrospect I could have been more careful but life gets us busy and we sometimes don't pay as much attention as we might have at other times. This was certainly the case here but I have to say that nothing smelled wrong with the deal so that is why I caution everyone.

Don't assume that the eBay person you are dealing with is who they say they are no matter if their feedback is the best on the planet. Ask for a phone number, call them and ask questions designed to flush out fraud. It is not new advice, but worth repeating. I should have followed it.

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