Hi All,
Just thought I should share my experiences with you. I apologise for the long story, but want to let you all know what happened so you don't fall for what I have done.
My wife posted a "wanted" ad for a GTT Raider interior on OldClassicCar.co.uk
Someone going by the name of "Robert" contacted me, saying he had a mint Raider interior. I needed to pay up front as he was going away for a few days, etc. He would put it on a pallet and send it to my restorer. He explained that PayPal was no good as he'd had bad experiences with it before, so could I use a bank transfer to his girlfriend's account?
OK, I thought, seems plausible. Of course, now I know it wasn't! So, I transferred £270 into his girlfriend's account.
The interior didn't arrive within the week he originally stated. He even had the audacity to text me to tell me that the funds hadn't arrived in his girlfriend's account for a couple of days, when it should have been instant! He also (a little later) offered me a stainless GTT exhaust for £250, saying he would put it on the pallet with the interior. I declined (at this point a very little concerned), but was sorely tempted! He seemed very nice over the phone, knowledgeable and helpful.
Anyway, I chased him after a week or so and received a text back saying he would contact his shipping co. to find out what had happened, but I received nothing after this.
Every time I tried to call him, I got a "voicemail box full" message. I did get through to a woman once, but she seemed very cross and wouldn't really speak to me, telling me to call back in a couple of days.
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That's the last I heard. I since did a search on the net and found other people have fallen for the same guy pulling the same scam:
http://www.ukdrn.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1970
The names I dealt with were slightly different, suggesting a number of bank accounts/aliases being used. The girlfriend's name was C Edmeads, so look out for that name!
Apparently Robert/Robin/whatever was arrested in early 2010 but later released on bail. I have let the Police know that I have fallen for his scam. Here's hoping I get some results.
This is the first time I've fallen for anything like this, after nigh on 13 years of dealing in Renault 5 parts. Why/how can it happen? I will let you all know of what happens, but until then, please steer clear of any deal that sounds similar.
Thanks,
Andrew