Vigilance re Ebay based Segway scams

[Gaye]

Having been the near victim of three frauds in my search for my Segway I have now taken to sending a message to bidders on dodgy looking Segway auctions.
I simply say "suggest you check out topic re buying Segways via Ebay on www.segwaychat.com"
I won't see all of them (as US sales only show up here in UK if you specifically look into the US section) so feel free to join in! It's also an opportunity to look for Segways that you know have been stolen from fellow members and also the opportunity for folk who are genuinely looking for a Segway to join SegwayChat and SEG America.
Don't see how anyone genuine and honest can lose!?
My guidelines for noticing possible dodgy auctions.....
the seller has little or no track record
the seller is registered in a different country from the goods
the picture is of the Segway IN its box (whose box?!)
the seller is selling in a currency other than that used by his country of registration
the seller hasn't used his account for a considerable period
the level of English used in the ad isn't good
the seller has a track record of mostly or solely buying only
I send a question to the seller and get no or an inadequate reply
the seller will not confirm their identity and or the serial number of the product (if applicable)
the seller says he wants funds 'wired' and then will send buyer an email with the shipping reference; I am aware of folk who have received genuine shipping references and the parcel arrives with a heavy value free item (eg telephone directory) within!
I offer Cash on Pick up (suggesting a friend could come by and view item and pay actual CASH) but that is not acceptable.
Hope this helps you or someone else equally honest!
Gaye

Segway - LITERALLY revolutionising my life!

[Sal]

Gaye,

Great points on what to look for. All in all, use common sense, and trust your gut, if you get a feeling that something isn't kosher, it probably isn't. And if it is too good to be true, stay away.

Try these forums first for all your Segway needs, and trust your common sense elsewhere.

-Sal

___________
I considered atheism, but there were too few holidays

Segway Chat Member since July 2003
Segway Owner since August 2003

[Gaye]

VERY IMPORTANT
Does anyone know the integrity of this Segway sale?
SEGWAY HT i170 BRAND NEW IN BOX Item number 7198747885
Seller apparently rmibrahim item " Item location: Canada, Kentucky
United States"?
It's a ONE DAY sale and the auction details read "Email us at peretegri@aol.com with any additional information which you feel would be necessary to assist you in the processing of your order. E-mail us directly from your e-mail address. We will not answer to your question unless you email us directly to our email address do to the larg number of questions that we receive. If you want a quick answer to your questions and if you want to know the buy it now price mail us directly at: peretegri@aol.com
There are curently 9 bids currently at £310
Gaye

Segway - LITERALLY revolutionising my life!

[solotrek]

When you are checking feedback, look at their buying history. If they have 100% feedback from 50 purchases and they are mostly cheap items, be cautious. Buying mostly cheap junk then selling a big ticket item is a red flag for me. Also, avoid payments requiring Western Union. There is no verification. A friend of mine was ripped off that way. That particular seller stole an estimated $300,000 in about one week.

[gbrandwood]

I'd never trust an auction if the add recommends email instead of the "ask a seller link". Always use the "ask the seller" link.


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To segue, or not to segue, that is the question.