Dallas CL Pinballs SCAMS??

smokinfish

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So in the last couple of days I have seen a few CL posting that seem to be too good to be true... I am wondering is this just some sort of email gathering scheme?

1. 4.5.10 Monster Bash pinball machine for sale (bedford) $2500 I own a landscaping business and one of my clients offered me this in trade for some work I did. I've had a it a few weeks now, we had a couple get togethers and played it some, but I just don't see a need to keep this thing around. Seems to be real nice and has all the manuals and stuff with it. Buyer would have to come pick it up as we had a time moving this thing when we got it. I'll put some pictures up here when I get home tonight.
-Rick

2. 4.6.10 3 Pinball machines - $1000 (Bedford) I know nothing about these but they work and they look to be in like knew condition with very littl;e ware. Ill sell for 1000 ea or package deal for all three I know there worth more. - Cindy

This one had a picture of 3 machines in a row the first one was theatre of magic, second black knight.

3. Pinball Machine - Monster Bash (McKinney) $500 Pinball machine has been sitting in our garage for over ten years and we need it outta here. First come, first serve.
No calls or emails, just come get it!

3700 S Stonebridge Dr. - McKinney

The other two are for a $19,500 vintage pinball machine Satin Doll Williams and the best yet a $2500 pinball.

What the hell!
 
Worst case they get your email. If you're really worried, sign up for an alt 'spam' account.

There's little they can do to scam you once you're there. Just inspect the machine before paying, and pay cash.
 
I was thinking they were. Today there were like 10 new listings and all would be good deals.
All were listed as different cities and were listed in different catagorys like general for sale, games, commercial equipment. I think someone is trying to piss off the big re sellers who respond to the pinball want adds instantly. Start posting a bunch of bogus adds and waste all of their time.
Eric
 
more fake CL adds

From Austin CL:
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/tag/1680109390.html
Lee Harvey Oswald EM pinball machine manufactured by Gottlieb & Co. in 1973 on the tenth anniversary of the Kennedy assassination. This is a four-player machine, and the playfield features an exact replica of Dealey Plaza in Dallas. The machine plays fast and fun. The School Book Depository plastic has a chipped corner (as is the case on 90% of these machines), otherwise the playfield is a 10 out of 10 - no backglass flaking or fading either. No shipping - buyer must pick up, and you will probably need two or three strong men to load it up. My husband is recovering from hemmorhoid surgery and can do no lifting at this time. $1250

From Houston CL:
http://houston.craigslist.org/clt/1680084355.html
Excellent, like new condition, strong flippers, fast action! Machine is set on free play, and everything works 100% except the flute animation in the backbox (which doesn't work on 90% of these machines). $1999


From San Antonio CL:
http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/clt/1680147459.html
Boxcar Willie cocktail pinball machine manufactured by Allied Leisure in the 80s during the successful run of the late-night Boxcar Willie infomercials. This machine was working a few years ago when we put it into storage, but hasn't been played since. My late husband was a collector of Boxcar Willie music and memorabilia, and we will also be selling a sizeable collection of LPs, 8X10s (some autographed), a selection of official Boxcar Willie train whistles, an unopened pint bottle of "Boxcar Willie's Hobo Whiskey", and a framed set of ticket stubs from Boxcar Willie shows in Branson, Missouri. $450
Location: Selma, TX

Eric
Cointech
 
Hmm, that's a LOT of postings in a short span.

And none of them have phone numbers? Ok, tinfoil hat time.

Note that the writing style is the same on all posts (Capitalization, grammar, spelling, etc) Even I'm getting a bit suspicious here.

If there were instances of phone numbers posted that would alleviate most concerns (since it would require an organized network to continue to supply new phone numbers), but that rapid string is so very suspect.

If you want to try to wade through the mess, I'd sign up for a spare spam email account, email them all. Ask for pictures of the machine, or a phone number.
 
I did get a reply from the Fishtales in immaculate condition for $1200. So I am assuming that guy is legit. Looks like a great buy, just not my style after some research.
 
You guys said "Worst case, they get your email"... no, worst case (and IS the case sometimes) they rob your ass whenever you show up to get the game.
 
You guys said "Worst case, they get your email"... no, worst case (and IS the case sometimes) they rob your ass whenever you show up to get the game.

Check out the game first. Come back with money if it's legit and in good condition. If they rob you when you come back, you know where they live. Call cops. Done deal.
 
Check out the game first. Come back with money if it's legit and in good condition. If they rob you when you come back, you know where they live. Call cops. Done deal.

That's not what I'm talking about, in my scenario, there would be no game to check out. When you got there, they'd rob you, and if you didn't have any money, they'd kill you. LOL
 
Theres been a bunch of shennannigans going on on the Dallas CL. Flagging, people getting mad, etc. I think they are all just jokes put on by people whot hink its funny, possibly trying to get back at other people or some crap. It is annoying.
 
They could be trying to bring down prices on some dealers up in the dallas area. There are a couple of those titles that ebay seller "FUN" is always trying to sell on ebay. Maybe someone is trying to find a way to get him down on his prices.
 
Yea I stopped by Fun the other day for the first time, seemed like a nice enough guy. I wanted to see the MM he was selling for $9900. I have never seen one before.

Turns out he sold it. I really can't blame the guy if he is finding buyers with that kind of cash. Not to mention he has a decent size store he has to pay rent on and about 20+ machines.

I personally think his prices are too high, but hey if he can sell them more power to him.
 
Yea I stopped by Fun the other day for the first time, seemed like a nice enough guy. I wanted to see the MM he was selling for $9900. I have never seen one before.

Turns out he sold it. I really can't blame the guy if he is finding buyers with that kind of cash. Not to mention he has a decent size store he has to pay rent on and about 20+ machines.

I personally think his prices are too high, but hey if he can sell them more power to him.

I always wondered if he ever sold anything cause some of his stuff seems to be on the high side plus he just keeps putting up the same 6 or 7 machines every week on ebay.
 
new to the forum

hi guys ,

im new to the forum. looking for my first pin. currently do not own any machines.
on the topic of this thread, i have noticed those postings too and i thought the monster bash was a scam for sure!!! im in san antonio and there usually arent that many pins being posted , on the flip side there is an auction on may 1st,15th and 29th ,ive never been and i hope i can go, hopefully buy a pin and meet you guys.
 
There is an auction on the 1, 15 and 29 in austin. That sounds weird and a possible bogus add?
Eric
Cointech
 
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