If it sounds like a scam . . . . . .

dezbaz

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Donor 4 years: 2011, 2013-2014, 2016
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I had an email recently.

A guy must of found me using my VAPS. He went to my site, in the link on VAPS I guess, and found an email address

He says he was after my Crazy Climber. He spins me some line like he loved the game as a kid etc.

I told him it was NOT for sale.

He continues emailing and kinda asks what would it take to part with the machine. (IE How much?)

I said it is disassembled and I would need 5 months to assemble it, but it's probably worth $1500

He says if he offered me 3K, would I be able to restore it quicker. (He claims he is posted overseas and needs it in a month)

I said yes it could be done quicker, but I still can't guarantee it will be ready, so he offers me 1K deposit

I ask him to deposit it in my bank, but he doesn't commit or agree.

1. I don't want him coming here in case he wants to clean me out
2. I think it's super suss that he doubled the amount
3. He contacted me using VAPS even though it's clear the machine is not for sale
4. He gives me the super hurry along spiel
5. Deposit issues


What do you guys think?
 
It sounds suspicious and I bet it is a scam, but it's also a juicy lead and one that's probably worth cautiously checking out.

If it was CL I would say for sure, but VAPs has always panned out for me, even though it's also felt sketchy at times. It sounds like you're doing the right thing asking for the deposit. It will be interesting to see if anyone else on the forums was contacted by the guy because if he was spamming everybody, it's a lot more suspect than if Crazy Climbers were the only ones he solicited.

I hope you asked him to send you a check for the deposit instead of providing him with your checking acct number and the bank's routing info. If you did, I'd contact your bank and put a freeze on any potential outgoing ACH transactions.

I'd also watch out for him sending you a check for the entire amount at once and then asking for $2k of it back when he changes his mind. This is a classic fake check scam where they take advantage of how long it takes the bank to actually clear a check before they know the money is good. If he does want to take possession of the game or a refund make sure you wait at least 5 - 10 business days and then verify the check has cleared with your bank first.
 
I had an email recently.

A guy must of found me using my VAPS. He went to my site, in the link on VAPS I guess, and found an email address

He says he was after my Crazy Climber. He spins me some line like he loved the game as a kid etc.

I told him it was NOT for sale.

He continues emailing and kinda asks what would it take to part with the machine. (IE How much?)

I said it is disassembled and I would need 5 months to assemble it, but it's probably worth $1500

He says if he offered me 3K, would I be able to restore it quicker. (He claims he is posted overseas and needs it in a month)

I said yes it could be done quicker, but I still can't guarantee it will be ready, so he offers me 1K deposit

I ask him to deposit it in my bank, but he doesn't commit or agree.

1. I don't want him coming here in case he wants to clean me out
2. I think it's super suss that he doubled the amount
3. He contacted me using VAPS even though it's clear the machine is not for sale
4. He gives me the super hurry along spiel
5. Deposit issues


What do you guys think?

Ask for personal info. Name, number, etc...
 
Hey Dez, is this guy in AU?

If he is (i'm guessing he is) then 3K isn't a SUPER high price really for him to offer?

3K for some peeps is not a lot of money!

But, yeah......if you don't get a deposit, don't bother with him?

john

.
 
Hey Dez, is this guy in AU?

If he is (i'm guessing he is) then 3K isn't a SUPER high price really for him to offer?

3K for some peeps is not a lot of money!

But, yeah......if you don't get a deposit, don't bother with him?

john

.


Yeah, same town as me he says

I don't want to spend any time or money on this machine right now if it all ends up a hoax

My biggest alarm bell was offering 3K after I already was stretching to get 1.5K for it
 
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The cocktail seems to have a low resale value. $500 is about the most I see them sell for a great harder to find game. The UR seems to be all over the place for pricing. I have sold 1 game to Austrilia over the years and the guy I dealt with was legit and arranged the shipping. I had to build a special pallet out of specific wood that was legal there.

Michael
 
If he's local, it gives it more credibility. Arcade prices can vary a lot depending upon region and it could be that you're the only one with a Crazy Climber game. Real estate prices have been strong in Australia so the guy could be flush with cash.

Tell him to pay you the $3k up front in cash and you'll have it ready in two weeks. Then you can buy the one in SF and ship it to him. Just hope no one in customs played the game when they were a kid or else you might see the shipment delayed for a month or two while they inspect the game.
 
If he's local, it gives it more credibility. Arcade prices can vary a lot depending upon region and it could be that you're the only one with a Crazy Climber game. Real estate prices have been strong in Australia so the guy could be flush with cash.

Tell him to pay you the $3k up front in cash and you'll have it ready in two weeks. Then you can buy the one in SF and ship it to him. Just hope no one in customs played the game when they were a kid or else you might see the shipment delayed for a month or two while they inspect the game.

Ha ha ha, Love it.
 
I wouls ask for a $2000 non refundable cash deposit.. Tell him once you have it, you will start working on the game.. If you had the machine for sale it would be a different story, but he looked you up and asked for something that wasnt even for sale.. If he does not like the terms, no deal.. You will know very soon if he is for real...
 
Sounds like a scam to me. Don't give them any personal info (that they don't already have) and give him your bank info. Could be all he wants is your bank info.

Problem these days are he could really want the game, and he could be a real person, but he could be using someone else's money. Stolen cards, etc. PayPal with a verified account shipping only to the verified address I would say....
 
so where is this clown from?


3k really? I get he wants it bad, but he couldn't find one ready to go ANYWHERE else? like he HAS to have yours??
 
Offered more than you were asking ..... check
"Stationed Overseas" ..... check
Wants fast shipping ..... check

Did he start with "This is Sargeant Wilson of the US States Armed Military" or some other nonsense like that? Did he offer a wire transfer?

My scam-sense is going haywire on this one, run away fast.

-Hans
 
If it sounds fishy or you just don't feel comfortable, then just say it's not for sale (or better yet don't say anything). Don't get greedy - that's what scammers prey on.

That being said, if he's anything other than the "hit you over the head with a sock full of quarters" kinda, he's doing it wrong. Or he's really crafty. Some of these guys are REALLY smart, but most aren't.

As someone else said, they typically will overpay you with bogus funds then try to get you to cut them a check for difference. The other thing (and I get offers for this all the time on craigslist) you see is an offer to ship the item for double your asking price. Of course the check they write you will bounce. That's usually a small item scam though.
 
Did he start with "This is Sargeant Wilson of the US States Armed Military" or some other nonsense like that? Did he offer a wire transfer?

Yes, his sig screams "Loaded high flying exec"

Designed to gain trust. He seemed to email a lot, with a little bit of info each time

Again, to gain trust
 
Anyway, you guys have kinda backed up my view, so thanks

I must say, it would be great to do this up, and be one of 2 people on VAPS, in AU, who have one

The other one is my friend in Sydney

I am happy to keep it, I am a collector after all :)
 
Anyway, you guys have kinda backed up my view, so thanks

I must say, it would be great to do this up, and be one of 2 people on VAPS, in AU, who have one

The other one is my friend in Sydney

I am happy to keep it, I am a collector after all :)

Tell him, you'd like to meet in person, and get all cash upfront. If he says anything other than "okay", post all his info here, so we can be aware.
 
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