Sofodot - SCAMMER FROM UKRAINE - BEWARE

[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]

Originally Posted by sski

It's hard to know the thought process of these scammer types; basically, make $$$ by hook and crook- so be it. Having said that- they usually cast a wide net (let's say 20 a week for example.) Out of those 20- say even 1 works out, that's an easy $15K right there. Not everyone fights these things tooth and nail for various reasons.

He will probably submit photos or a video of him boxing up the watch and putting the shipping label (easy enough to switch the box with the books in the car.)

You stand a good chance I'd say. You were wise to film the unboxing- I never did that in any of my transactions. That in itself puts you on solid ground. The police report is an important formality- it will give you more credibility in communicating with Paypal and Credit card Co. Add the video evidence + the police report and the communication/correspondence & it should work in your favor. (ensure the scammer gets banned- that will be a proof too. Report him to the mods.)

How long it takes, thats hard to tell... just be patient & keep us posted.

You’re a definition of brothers keeper, I’ve learnt a lot from this incident. Like videotaping the unboxing of every delivery. Let’s stay safe out there, always remember to buy the seller first.

[JeromeL]

Congrats on getting the refund.

[SwissmadeTexan]

I’ve been wondering who was going to try to get that watch. Lol