Sofodot - SCAMMER FROM UKRAINE - BEWARE

[INC]

Originally Posted by 77T

Thus, PayPal has nothing to send you.

I think, you misunderstand something, Pay with PP is not a wire transfer. Please refer to this:

"Protection you can count on

If you don't receive the item that you ordered, or it shows up significantly different from its description, you may qualify for Purchase Protection, and we'll reimburse you for the full purchase price plus any original shipping costs, subject to terms and limitations. If you are charged for a transaction that you didn't make, let us know within 60 days, and we've got you covered."

https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mp...y-and-security

This has nothing to do if the seller cashed the money or not, because not the seller, but PP guarantees for you to get your money back if it was a fraud.

[77T]

Originally Posted by INC

I think, you misunderstand something, Pay with PP is not a wire transfer. Please refer to this:

"Protection you can count on

If you don't receive the item that you ordered, or it shows up significantly different from its description, you may qualify for Purchase Protection, and we'll reimburse you for the full purchase price plus any original shipping costs, subject to terms and limitations. If you are charged for a transaction that you didn't make, let us know within 60 days, and we've got you covered."

https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mp...y-and-security

This has nothing to do if the seller cashed the money or not, because not the seller, but PP guarantees for you to get your money back if it was a fraud.

I am quite familiar with PayPal.
Also know the difference.

PP is a transaction processor and not a bank.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Laszlo]

I have a feeling the scammer has played all the movies, and knowingly knew you (or someone else) would do exactly what you did with an angle. It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out. I hope it works out for you.

[Bassplayer]

Good luck and use your credit card to your advantage… given this is international fraud, maybe a federal report as well as, local law enforcement…


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[mario1971]

61-664 Poznań is a postal code in the Old Town district of Poznań (Winogrady subdistrict). The title of the shipment is: 2 books.

I hope you get your funds back.

[77T]

In this transaction they served as a processor only - it was CC transaction.

Online of course but still a stacked transaction.

As the OP’s dispute plays out we will see what role PP undertakes under their contract with the buyer.

PS: No hurt feelings - just sticking to the fact pattern thus far.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[INC]

Originally Posted by 77T

In this transaction they served as a processor only - it was CC transaction.

Thank you for your understanding!

In the meantime, I think, I found the root on why we don't understand each other! IMHO you missed this important part from the OP's message:

"I made sure to use Paypal goods and services"

Therefore I told, In this case it is not a wire transfer like a CC payment, but a payment which is insured by Paypal! In this case in my view the funding source is indifferent, so to pay from a Paypal account, or pay with a credit card dircetly is not relevant as the payment falls under PP purchase guarantee policy.

@OP: It's not mandatory to file a police claim, it does not hurt or helps. But it's a good news! Please note, not you are the victim for now, but PP. However before to do this, first they will ask the seller to repay their money back, and only if it will not work, then THEY WILL start a police report, but not in the US, but in Poland as the fraud happened there.

[77T]

I’d let PayPal know you have a police report # in your dispute filing. If they want it, they will ask for it. I never had to file one for a PP fraud matter.

If you choose to go with a PP dispute ahead of CC dispute, then I’d tell them that you’re foregoing the CC until they have resolved this. Let PP know the seller has not rectified it despite your best efforts.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[schnipples24]

Originally Posted by 77T

I’d let PayPal know you have a police report # in your dispute filing. If they want it, they will ask for it. I never had to file one for a PP fraud matter.

If you choose to go with a PP dispute ahead of CC dispute, then I’d tell them that you’re foregoing the CC until they have resolved this. Let PP know the seller has not rectified it despite your best efforts.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Based on what you said previously I believe it's best to start with a PayPal claim, no? Because you said if I file CC first then I can't file PP claim. My logic is file PP claim, wait 10 days hoping they resolve it and give me the money back. If they don't, then I can go through CC claim. Does that sound right? Thanks.

[INC]

Originally Posted by schnipples24

Based on what you said previously I believe it's best to start with a PayPal claim, no?

For sure, this is the first step, as they should know about the issue to try to resolve it.

Because you said if I file CC first then I can't file PP claim.

Nope, that wasn't me In my opinion is always a good thing to inform your bank about a dead sure fraud, as maybe they will be able to ban that dishonest person completly out from the entire US banking system. However this step will not help you to get your money back. In this case I agree with 77T, they won't be able to recover your money. What they can do is maybe to ask for your agencies help, as this case is an international crime.

My logic is file PP claim, wait 10 days hoping they resolve it and give me the money back. If they don't, then I can go through CC claim. Does that sound right? Thanks.

Now relax, wait for the closing day of the dispute on PP.

In my experience, if during this period the seller will not show an evidence, that you received the watch, then the case will be closed by PP in itself, and they will issue a full refund to you in some days. If you will not receive the proper answer, or their automatic system will not work as it should do, then you can call them directly, or write an email for their anti-fraud "hotline".

[77T]

Originally Posted by schnipples24

Based on what you said previously I believe it's best to start with a PayPal claim, no? Because you said if I file CC first then I can't file PP claim. My logic is file PP claim, wait 10 days hoping they resolve it and give me the money back. If they don't, then I can go through CC claim. Does that sound right? Thanks.

Please read all of your contract with PayPal as the buyer and PayPal guarantees.

As for sequencing, that will depend upon your understanding of the terms and conditions. I cited only a small portion of the agreement dealing with credit cards.

My idea of a sequence is based on what I would do - in fact what I have done before. But you should do what you believe is right for you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[schnipples24]

Thinking about this situation I suppose it's good this guy is such a shitty scammer. They could've sent me some shit watch and declared it as a watch on the forms and I think I'd have a much harder time with my dispute. The fact he sent me some random books and declared that on the forms I don't see how PayPal would side with them.

[INC]

Originally Posted by schnipples24

Thinking about this situation I suppose it's good this guy is such a shitty scammer. They could've sent me some shit watch and declared it as a watch on the forms and I think I'd have a much harder time with my dispute. The fact he sent me some random books and declared that on the forms I don't see how PayPal would side with them.

Relax! I KNOW this case sounds like a nightmare for you, because I was even more frightened and nervous when it happened to me for the first time. But from then I really trust in Paypal, as they were REALLY on my side and solved the issue.

Just as a memo. I wish to recall, that how many topics are here, in which our fellow sellers compaints about such scambags who stole their money, because they told, that they didn't get their watches. And even our members had evidences, PP not payed their money, but refunded the price to the thief's. So honestly, I've never heard such an easy to prove fraud, so I can't imagine what can cause a non-refund issue for PP.

And yes, you are right in your above thought. If he would post you a fake Rolex, and the customs would declare that as original, then you would have been a real hard way to try to prove that it is not you, who wants to cheat. But this way? It's a piece of cake

[INC]

^^+1

[ColoradoTime]

Man...I hate these stories. Praying you get your funds back. So unnecessarily stressful and ruins what should have otherwise been awesome. Good luck!

[dhucke]

A while back I posted on here asking if anyone had done business with Sofodot. No on responded so I moved on. Now I guess we all know.

I am so sorry about this

[schnipples24]

Thanks everyone. The fact he was willing to accept PayPal G&S really had me lower my guard. He sent me a video of the watch tagged with my username. Should have went with my gut.
- as of now I'm waiting for paypal to decide on the matter. I've submitted all the corresponding evidence. Hopefully they see this as a clear cut case of fraud and have no issue with refunding me my money. I've used PayPal for probably a decade now with countless high dollar deals. This is what I've paid all the fees over the years for, hopefully there aren't any issues.

[PT_91]

Originally Posted by schnipples24

This is what I've paid all the fees over the years for...

Sorry, but you're wrong here. I'm sure PayPal doesn't accumulate fees in order to take care of people who aren't careful enough.

This being said, what's been done to you is disgusting and I hope that you will get your money back one way or another, preferably by having the one who scammed you pay for the harm they've done.

[schnipples24]

Originally Posted by PT_91

Sorry, but you're wrong here. I'm sure PayPal doesn't accumulate fees in order to take care of people who aren't careful enough.

This being said, what's been done to you is disgusting and I hope that you will get your money back one way or another, preferably by having the one who scammed you pay for the harm they've done.

Oh I absolutely understand that paying fees isn't like paying an insurance premium. Just stating that they should view me as a valued customer with many deals $5k+ over the last ten years and see that this is my first claim.

[PT_91]

Originally Posted by schnipples24

Oh I absolutely understand that paying fees isn't like paying an insurance premium. Just stating that they should view me as a valued customer with many deals $5k+ over the last ten years and see that this is my first claim.

Agree 100%. Fingers crossed for you to get your money back AND eventually also the watch you desire!

[joli160]

Oldest trick in the book. Way below market value to lure you in.

I always check the corruption index before dealing internationally which gives some very generalizing idea of morality.
One of indicators that I am reluctant to visit certain countries but certainly will never transfer money to in advance.

Hope PP will help you.

[GolfJunkie]

Any update here?

[EEpro]

Rolex BLRO is not a $14.5k watch. It sells used for $4,000 more than that. A scammer could just sell it to DavidSW or even eBay it instead of selling to you for under market price. That's the first clue.

Good luck to you. Sorry this happened. You buy the seller not the watch next time.

[wesdaniel]

Several years ago, I ordered some merchandise (>$500 and <$1000) and, what I received was not what I ordered (ordered electronics and received stuffed animals).

By the time I filed by PP G&S claim, the company that had sold the goods was long gone and had absconded with the money from thousands of customers.

PayPal refunded me in full. I'm pretty certain that PP either self-insures for this type of thing or has a third-party insurance policy.

I also operate a couple of businesses that take PayPal. When I receive funds that are abnormal, PP holds those funds for approximately 10 days before releasing them to me and, if I want them released sooner, I have to ask the customer to go into PP and acknowledge receipt to have it released.

Whether PP gets the money from the scammer or pays you directly will all depend on the length of time from payment to the claim being filed vs. length of time from payment to PP releasing the funds. But, I think that PP will ultimately make it right - especially with the stack of evidence that you have.

OP, please update us - it's been crickets for the past two weeks and I'd love to know status.

[schnipples24]

Alright update time:

As of this morning, PayPal ruled in my favor and issued me a full refund, no questions asked. I don't need to send anything back, I should see the credit back to my card within 30 days.

- for all the people talking about a BLRO for $14k, ill try to explain my logic.
The watch was listed for sale and sat for over a month at $16k. To me this indicated that there wasn't much interest at that price point for buying a watch from ukraine, and when I offered $14.5k, he accepted it because he purchased at retail and would still make a decent profit, and I'd have to wait a decent amount.
- he sent me a video of the watch with my username tagged, so he definitely had a BLRO in his posession.
- he was willing to accept PayPal.
That was my thought process. I will admit I was blinded by money, and moving forward I will always listen to my gut now. I've been buying/selling for 10 years and this is the second time I've had issues. Luckily I paid with PayPal, and was able to recoup my money.
- I am still perplexed by what this scammer was trying to achieve. They sent me books and listed it $50 value on the forms. If he had two braincells to rub together he would've sent me some fugazi watch and filled out a legitimate customs forms. PayPal was obviously going to refund my money. Lesson learned.

[INC]

Originally Posted by schnipples24

As of this morning, PayPal ruled in my favor and issued me a full refund, no questions asked.

[wesdaniel]

Originally Posted by schnipples24

Alright update time:

As of this morning, PayPal ruled in my favor and issued me a full refund, no questions asked. I don't need to send anything back, I should see the credit back to my card within 30 days.

- for all the people talking about a BLRO for $14k, ill try to explain my logic.
The watch was listed for sale and sat for over a month at $16k. To me this indicated that there wasn't much interest at that price point for buying a watch from ukraine, and when I offered $14.5k, he accepted it because he purchased at retail and would still make a decent profit, and I'd have to wait a decent amount.
- he sent me a video of the watch with my username tagged, so he definitely had a BLRO in his posession.
- he was willing to accept PayPal.
That was my thought process. I will admit I was blinded by money, and moving forward I will always listen to my gut now. I've been buying/selling for 10 years and this is the second time I've had issues. Luckily I paid with PayPal, and was able to recoup my money.
- I am still perplexed by what this scammer was trying to achieve. They sent me books and listed it $50 value on the forms. If he had two braincells to rub together he would've sent me some fugazi watch and filled out a legitimate customs forms. PayPal was obviously going to refund my money. Lesson learned.

Glad to hear that this is progressing in your favor.

Do be aware that, if PayPal was able to successfully freeze funds in the seller's account, the seller can file an appeal which could delay the return of funds.

My guess is that the seller has long absconded with the funds and that the funds you are getting will be coming from PayPal or their insurance and not from the seller.

[whatsthetime?]

Originally Posted by schnipples24

Alright update time:

As of this morning, PayPal ruled in my favor and issued me a full refund, no questions asked. I don't need to send anything back, I should see the credit back to my card within 30 days.

- for all the people talking about a BLRO for $14k, ill try to explain my logic.
The watch was listed for sale and sat for over a month at $16k. To me this indicated that there wasn't much interest at that price point for buying a watch from ukraine, and when I offered $14.5k, he accepted it because he purchased at retail and would still make a decent profit, and I'd have to wait a decent amount.
- he sent me a video of the watch with my username tagged, so he definitely had a BLRO in his posession.
- he was willing to accept PayPal.
That was my thought process. I will admit I was blinded by money, and moving forward I will always listen to my gut now. I've been buying/selling for 10 years and this is the second time I've had issues. Luckily I paid with PayPal, and was able to recoup my money.
- I am still perplexed by what this scammer was trying to achieve. They sent me books and listed it $50 value on the forms. If he had two braincells to rub together he would've sent me some fugazi watch and filled out a legitimate customs forms. PayPal was obviously going to refund my money. Lesson learned.

You are very lucky that PP sided with you and gave you a refund. I don't know where you read that PP usually sides with the buyer -- but rather it's the other way around. There are plenty of "trusted sellers" on TRF located right here in the states -- there is no excuse not use them. Anyway -- glad you came out on top in the end.

[chro.nic]

Originally Posted by schnipples24

Alright update time:

As of this morning, PayPal ruled in my favor and issued me a full refund, no questions asked. I don't need to send anything back, I should see the credit back to my card within 30 days.

- for all the people talking about a BLRO for $14k, ill try to explain my logic.
The watch was listed for sale and sat for over a month at $16k. To me this indicated that there wasn't much interest at that price point for buying a watch from ukraine, and when I offered $14.5k, he accepted it because he purchased at retail and would still make a decent profit, and I'd have to wait a decent amount.
- he sent me a video of the watch with my username tagged, so he definitely had a BLRO in his posession.
- he was willing to accept PayPal.
That was my thought process. I will admit I was blinded by money, and moving forward I will always listen to my gut now. I've been buying/selling for 10 years and this is the second time I've had issues. Luckily I paid with PayPal, and was able to recoup my money.
- I am still perplexed by what this scammer was trying to achieve. They sent me books and listed it $50 value on the forms. If he had two braincells to rub together he would've sent me some fugazi watch and filled out a legitimate customs forms. PayPal was obviously going to refund my money. Lesson learned.

Awesome!!!

.nic

[JeromeL]

Congrats on getting the refund.