What happened:: User kii552007_alt posted a thread in Computer Hardware to sell their equipment which they have access to because of their high-quality manufacturing connections that produce top-tier GPUs and Motherboards. Many users have placed orders with this user and none have received their gear. Multiple users have reported suspicious activity, such as requesting multiple payments, delays, fake tracking numbers and disputes that have resulted in promises of refunds. The user has stopped replying in their sales thread for about a week at this point, but there are many users that have been promised their goods will be shipped or have been shipped, yet nobody has received a valid tracking number or a package. This has gone on for too long and I would like to save users that are interested in purchasing equipment the headache and time that would come along with this scam.
Scammers Profile Link: https://bitcointalksearch.org/user/kii552007alt-1326951 - kii552007_alt
Reference Link: https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/wts-rx580-1080ti-brand-new-2928797Amount Scammed: Final amount unknown as of now, potentially $1000's.
Payment Method: Paypal
Proof of Payment: Proof of payment would be confirmed through the agreements made public by Buyer & Seller (There are more in the thread, and many in PMs that may be willing to come forward if needed):
Started a transaction with seller via PayPal for a couple of cards that are supposed to ship out Friday via EMS; I will document the entirety of the transaction here good or bad.
I confirm I'm trading with this user, I hope this could be a good start for either of us.
Thanks.
I've ordered a motherboard from this guy as a test, he did say 7-10 days for shipping paid and will document the process to see if anything changes or nothing comes through.
I confirm the order with this member.
I just found out we have a more competitive price on MOBO than GPUs.
So if there's a need of MOBO, you can contact me as well.
Thanks.
I advise you to not deal with this user until this dispute is resolved.
Hi guys
I did try and purchase some gear off OP. Phil you may recall in your thread when I was asking about different branded cards. The deal fell through.
Here's how it went: I had a thread looking to buy cards and OP responded. After some back and forth I decided to go through with a purchase of 6 cards using PayPal G&S.
After initial payment the payment was returned, it was a larger payment and the funds were in hold in Op's account.
He then invoiced me for 3 separate orders broken down into 3 cards each and one including shipping.
After payment we did communicate daily for 2 days as I tried to verify he placed the order or had the cards. He then contacted me presumably from his shop or the shop he purchases from, saying he had different cards on hand and that they would be a little cheaper, or I could pay a little more and step up to different cards.
This was a second flag for me the first being the returned funds, this one because in the PayPal terms multiple payments for 1 item voids the protection.
I had opted for the cheaper cards and a partial refund.
After this he began to ask where in Canada I was presumably he was thinking of delivering the cards to me, as he said he was coming for a business trip; first time it was mentioned. I told him I wanted the cards shipped.
I heard nothing for 3 days then started a dispute with PayPal. At this poi t OP contacted me and said he couldn't do business with someone like me, even though I said if he could prove shipment or ownership of the cards I would drop the dispute. At this poi t he was also apparently landing in Ottawa.
I received all my funds back through PayPal. So there was no loss in my part. And we parted ways.
Quick update - First batch of item has been shipped out
2nd batch will be handled tomorrow
Says they've been shipped, but nobody has seen their tracking numbers move.
I got an EMS number today, tracking just says label created so it’s not actually shipped, but I’m remaining hopeful for now.
He just responded to me by PM saying he was picking up a delivery in a different city and would update the shipping information as soon as he got back. He also linked me some images of the GPUs in hand, but no forum username/date in the pictures, so they could be from anywhere.
Ok so still no movement, little to no response from the seller by PM, and no replies in this thread from him. I was really hoping this was legit but the red flags are becoming too hard to ignore, so guess I will have to file a PayPal dispute today if I don’t see movement on the tracking number. Sigh.
Update:
18/02/2018 I purchased GPU, seller confirmed receiving funds from me on PayPal
23/02/2018 Yesterday, order supposed to be shipped Friday
24/02/2018 Today, I messaged the seller where is my shipping number, waiting for answer.
Feedback left on scammers account. Will remove if this turned to be legit, which I doubt very much.
Also claim opened on PayPal:
I’m still waiting as well. I have an EMS tracking but whether it didn’t ship or it’s just EMS not tracking properly I don’t know yet. All I can do is wait a bit and see what happens. I already have paypal claim in and will cancel it if I receive cards.
Interesting, on the day I decided to order the motherboard, he refunded me.. However it takes 7 days for the refund to come through once you WITHDRAW into your bank account.
He had told me that he has not withdrawn the money, if he didn't withdraw the money why did paypal now say it's going to take 7 + days for a refund?
Fishy. Glad he refunded me anyways.
