I think many of you will find this interesting and some may even know of this person(s). I got an email from a friend that I met on Overstock. I used to give him a lot of advice on auctions such as should he bid, how reputable does the seller appear etc. Long story short this guy did get burned a few times. I have not sold anything at auction in quite a while but got an email from him the other day. Here's the main body of it. "I remember telling you sellingmylifelongcoincollection reminded me of rrantiquesandcollectibles. I received a letter from a postal inspector today asking for some info and copies of checks etc. the letter states Re: Robert Swanson, aka Donald Albers, Richard Faile, David Pace, sellingmylifelongcoincollection, US Rare Coins, United States Rare Coin Co, Bureau of Coins, and possibly other names/businesses to be determined. Jamie Rene Smith, aka Rene Smith, Jamie Swanson, rrantiquesandcollectibles, rene's Antiques and possibly other names/businesses to be determined. There may still be hope of receiving my coins someday, the post office is holding them (letter implied) for evidence and proof of ownership is established. They stiffed me for close to $400.00" I actually do remember emailing the seller sellingmylifelongcollection at one point as it seemed real suspicious to me. Well, guess I was right. I would not doubt if this piece of human trash has infected ebay as well. If you recognize anything here or have burned by same I can provide you with more information. Hope they nail his butt to the wall! clembo
clembo: Are you sure that the letter was legit? I'd call the folks listed, but use the phone book to verify the phone # first.
Yes, I'm sure. The guy that emailed me this is a straightforward guy. Unfortunately, he has been overzealous in his desire to collect coins. Somewhat of a newbie. There are a few honest sellers on Overstock - not many. Another acquaitance sold him some Lincolns but is basically an NGC Morgan seller so he referred this person to me. I sold him a few coins and found myself giving advice. This has happened A LOT on Overstock. Many of the buyers are retired it seems and getting into collecting and MANY of those are being taken to the cleaners. ABON does great business there. I have taken a few "under my wing" as it were and they do email me with questions. Glad to be of service believe me because I still believe in respect your elders and ripping them off isn't very respectful. I'm sure he did a lot digging into this. He has the time.
Not sure but if I receive an email from anyone I don't know, I delete it. If I receive a phone call from someone I don't know, I ask for name, return phone number and address and then hang up and verify on the internet. If I get mail from anyone I don't know I do the same basically. I always verify who is who 100% or more. If anyone, for any reason, asked me for documents that showed my bank info, credit info or anything personal, I would suggest they have an attorney contact my attorney. Not that I don't trust anyone.
