Con Artists, Have You Been Stung?

As much as it hurts to say, I've been taken by some crook who says he's in Las Vegas buying for a private buyer when in fact he's in Florida. During the communications you can hear the long ring with a pause as the phone switches from one line to another. I'm assuming so they can't be traced quite so easily. This guy John told me he was putting together a collection for his employer (private buyer) that they will take overseas to the big buyers that are paying 5 to 10 times Scott values. They value your collection based on an AD you purchased to have it posted on Caesars List. Once a value is given, they want you to post transactions fees and they'll post the ITT (International Transfer Tax)as I was told. John's last name, he said Forsythe (not sure of spelling) made multiple calls and even had a third party contact me (bonded courier) explaining how funds would be transferred etc...etc. After nearly a week of refusing cause did I not trust him I finally asked for a name he's purchased from so I could call. He game me a name, I did my call...then rest is history. Once I wired money, his phone was dead or the automatic answering service would answer.

Dang crooks, I did turn this information over to the FBI...still waiting but stung. Don't fall for that load of bull...

Been there, done that

I'm sorry you got burned.

Lots of red flags there to be sure. 5x-10x Scott on a collection? Wiring payments to unknown parties?

What I tell my family: If it sounds too good to be true...it is. Hang up immediately.

I'm curious. How did you first get in contact with this crook? Was it a cold call?

And what the heck is Caesar's List?

Not to make light of your situation, but I'm thinkin' pizza toppings or kingdom's to conquer.

there were red flags especially ten times scott value my collection would bring in a nice amount.

We do get a lot of email scams here in particular.

Some of the more recent ones have been really looking spot on! They have all my info on them.

Someone has sold my info is what it looks to me. The scams fit the way I live my life like purchasings etc.

I have got to the point that I delete quicker than a lightning strike.

Even credible stuff like do you want these goods, questionnaires, after a purchase feedback or a promotions or paypal extra info whatever.

If I can live without it I delete it. Sad Hey!

Rule #1 which is as old as the hills:

If you are selling something, and a prospective buyer wants you to pay ANYTHING before the fact, run away. It is a scam. 100%.

Think about it: if it were legit, they could just subtract the fees from their payment. Why do they need YOU to front anything?

I paid a fee three years ago, they 'claim' you need to be a member to see it yet those calls I get are from people stating they've seen my inventory on Caesars List. As for values...all my stamps are blocks and plate blocks and all unused US Postage Stamps over 100 years with several over 150 years old. No creases and will grade 85 or better. My Trans-Mississippi and Columbian Expositions are ones that seem to be the main target.

I'd call anyone giving me a call a 'cold-call' and asking if my inventory is still for sale, but the stories I've heard is unreal. Now they seem to be working in a 'team environment'.

again, what is Caesar's List? sounds like a good place to hang out!

Render unto Caesar...

I dont know about Ceasars List, but John Forsythe is an actor probably most known for his role on Dynasty.