Scammed by user AxleRod for Ebay gift cards

ltjaris on 20/05/2024 - 09:09

The user was active since 2020. Offered to sell me an Ebay gift card for 15% discount. I checked his previous comments and posts and most seem to be selling gift cards and the like.

He asked me to payid the money which I did in two transactions 999 and 64 for a total of 1063.

I sent him screenshots of the transfer , one was immediate and the other took roughly 4 hours. He sends me a cropped bank statement and says he's only received the $64. I point it out and call him too and he stops responding.

Clearly been scammed since He has since switched off his phone and deactivated his account here. This is both a lesson for myself and a heads up to everyone in the community. I will be lodging a formal complaint with Victoria police with whatever I do have as well as with the bank.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Site Discussion

Comments

  • Fredfloresjr on 20/05/2024 - 09:13
    +9

    Not bad investment, free $1064 for 4 years old account. $250 per year profit.

    Seriously, why would you do that.

    • barge-in hunter on 20/05/2024 - 09:27
      +7

      Makes you wonder if the account was compromised, and OP paid the scammer who gained access to it. shrugs

    • ltjaris on 20/05/2024 - 09:14
      +4

      Yeah I read that and first thing I thought is it's probably the same guy.

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 20/05/2024 - 09:15
    +5

    If it’s too good to be true it probably is

  • SnowDragon on 20/05/2024 - 09:16
    +5

    Could be some compromised accounts floating around like https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/846380

    Unlucky OP. Hope Karma gets the bastard.

    • Moderatorhamza23 on 20/05/2024 - 10:36

      There is no indication that either account was compromised. We have email based 2FA on OzBargain turned on by default, at a minimum, for some time now. It is annoying but necessary for this reason, as discussed here.

      • Craze on 20/05/2024 - 15:17
        +1

        Thanks for the explanation, I was quite surprised with the implementation of 2FA but this explains it. A little cumbersome ngl but appreciate the added layer of security/protection.

  • geekcohen on 20/05/2024 - 09:18
    +2

    It would be nice if maybe @scotty could help provide info to the cops like IP data…… I wouldn't give it to the users, but maybe get the case numbers and provide evidence?

    • ltjaris on 20/05/2024 - 09:18
      +1

      I was actually wondering the same thing.

    • geekcohen on 20/05/2024 - 09:19

      Also then block those IPs from accessing Ozbargain (and related sites) anymore to avoid others getting scammed via new accounts.

      • jv on 20/05/2024 - 09:24
        +7

        Have you not seen all the free VPN deals?

      • bamzero on 20/05/2024 - 11:06
        +2

        Given the amount of CG-NAT in use these days, there would many people accessing via the same IP so blocking would wipe out a lot of legitimate users, or the next guy that receives the same dynamic IP from their service provider. That is if they didn't use a VPN in the first place.

        • geekcohen on 20/05/2024 - 12:05
          +1

          Yeah, that is a good point.

    • Moderatorscotty on 20/05/2024 - 09:23

      Which is why we have always asked those who got "scammed" to report to the police straight away with whatever info they have on hand. We'll work with the police if they come with a case.

      • geekcohen on 20/05/2024 - 09:25
        +6

        Okay, great.

    • wei13 on 20/05/2024 - 09:29
      +11

      I disagree . The 'classified page' has half a page of warnings plastered over it. Either people need to be willing to take the risk themselves, or Ozbargain should just remove classified altogether. It's a can of worms and a slippy slope for site owners and moderators once they start getting too involved, not to mention legal responsibility they will open themselves up to.

      Feel for OP's loss and not condoning scams, but don't use classified if you can't navigate the risk.

      • Muzeeb on 20/05/2024 - 09:32
        +3

        just remove classified altogether

        Agree. Or put a $20 limit so I can continue to buy really cheap belong data.

        • jv on 20/05/2024 - 09:54
          +3

          or use Four-factor authentication.

      • star-ggg on 20/05/2024 - 10:09
        +5

        The discount seems so low to me for the risk. 15% discount means you need 6 in a row to be good but if 1 of them isn't you're out of pocket instantly.

      • dahax77 on 20/05/2024 - 10:10
        +1

        Yeah it's an interesting one since the Classified page has many items being sold that break numerous company T&Cs.

        A can of worms indeed - If it was my website I wouldn't be touching it!

      • SnoozeAndLose on 20/05/2024 - 10:12

        I think the classified page should forbidden to sell any sort of git card and I believe selling gift card is against the rule.

        if anyone see one, just keep reporting them, repeat offender will be put into the penalty box

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 20/05/2024 - 10:52
        +4

        Imo just close that section imo

        Although that would really drop the amount of drama we see on forums.. ok nah keep it open

        • Nugs on 20/05/2024 - 16:12
          +1

          "Imo just close that section imo"
          are you saying it's your opinion?
          .

          • Jimothy Wongingtons on 20/05/2024 - 16:27
            +1

            @Nugs: It’s what i get for commenting while also talking to client through quote allowances

    • 1st-Amendment on 20/05/2024 - 10:03
      -6

      Provide info to the cops like IP data

      I doubt they would lift a finger for something so small. The police now treat low value non-violent property crime as a job for Insurance companies. They'll take your complaint so you can lodge a claim with your bank/insurance but that is all they'll do.

      • Moderatorscotty on 20/05/2024 - 10:13

        We have received contacts from both NSW and VIC police regarding previous scam cases, especially when there were multiple victims against one offender. Some got caught, and were forced to pay back the fund. So please do contact the police, as we (OzBargain) can only respond with info when the police comes with a case number.

        • 1st-Amendment on 20/05/2024 - 10:17
          -5

          So please do contact the police

          Yeah I never said not to contact them, that is still part of the process, just don't expect a CSI level of investigation for small value offences.
          And be insured and/or use transaction services with some sort of buyer protection whenever possible.

  • lilkid28 on 20/05/2024 - 09:24

    15%? I'm asking 10% and struggle to get it.

    • netjock on 20/05/2024 - 09:37

      But zero outlay by the seller!

      The seller could have done it for 50% discount and still profit.

      • ihbh on 20/05/2024 - 10:38
        +1

        He means if it's too good to be true, then you're a goose for taking the risk.

  • Muzeeb on 20/05/2024 - 09:25
    +5

    @mapax

    ADA

    • mapax on 20/05/2024 - 09:30
      +5

      GCHS

      • bamzero on 20/05/2024 - 10:53

        You need to not split it. ADAGCHS is now a pretty useful search keyword :D

        • mapax on 20/05/2024 - 11:04
          +1

          At this point in time it should probably be stickied to the top of the classifieds page…

  • payless69 on 20/05/2024 - 09:31
    -7

    Fakebay keeps on giving:
    Just got $10 off an item that was $10 overpriced.
    Then Ali is great until you log in.
    Back to Scumtree or FMB ?

    payless69 on 20/05/2024 - 09:31 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
    • axlfan on 20/05/2024 - 17:57

      How is this eBay's fault?

      • randomusername2017 on 20/05/2024 - 18:00
        +1

        They sent the wrong medication 🤔

        • axlfan on 20/05/2024 - 18:03

          lmao. "But I thought it was for erectile dysfunction and they sent me meds for "immediate conception" and now am 7 months pregnant. boo hoo!

          • DashCam AKA Rolts on 20/05/2024 - 23:21

            @axlfan: Could have been for diarrhoea instead. Keeps everything thing hard, but not it a way you want.

  • jugsy on 20/05/2024 - 09:39
    +9

    Literally gambling

  • Oofy Doofy on 20/05/2024 - 10:02
    +1

    Always talk on the phone to see what they sound like. Ask for photo I.D as well as to see them on a video call. If they can't do basic b shht like this, f-em', let em' die.

    I also don't see why they can't take PayPal payments either.

    Remember a bank transfer is YOUR money. A CC payment via paypal or otherwise is the BANK'S money, and you can bet your butt they'll be clawing that shht back from a scammer real quick.

    • jv on 20/05/2024 - 10:11
      -2

      Always talk on the phone to see what they sound like.

      kinky………

      • Oofy Doofy on 20/05/2024 - 10:12
        +4

        Some people have great text game, but are useless IRL.

    • bamzero on 20/05/2024 - 10:42

      Paypal payments attract fees. Paypal friends and family transfers don't, but would be no different than a bank transfer if you tried to get your money back.

      • Oofy Doofy on 20/05/2024 - 13:51
        +1

        Which is why you pay the fee…

        • bamzero on 20/05/2024 - 13:55

          PayPal has a bad rep of allowing the buyer to take back their money even when the deal was legitimate so I'd say sellers would be hesitant to accept it.

          • Oofy Doofy on 20/05/2024 - 13:56

            @bamzero: Then move on to the next person who's willing to take paypal?

  • bamzero on 20/05/2024 - 10:40

    @ltjaris Was it the same details as the previous scammer

    (I notice that AxleRod account is deactivated, while "i like deals" is still active. I'm assuming the user deactivated their own account)

  • Pikaloo on 20/05/2024 - 11:21

    Few people ruining it for the rest of it :(. I've had several successful transactions on here. I'd hate for people to lose confidence.

    • CyberMurning on 20/05/2024 - 11:29
      +2

      Keep doing that and one day you will get bitten. Its not if, but when.

      • Pikaloo on 20/05/2024 - 11:30

        I was bitten in person and lost $10k :).

        • CyberMurning on 20/05/2024 - 11:31

          I was getting 15x successful fbmark deals previously so off guard and boom scammed. Like i said, its one day… one day… you will …

          • Pikaloo on 20/05/2024 - 11:33

            @CyberMurning: Yep, but over every classified platform I prefer OzBargain for selling digital goods.

            • CyberMurning on 20/05/2024 - 11:34

              @Pikaloo: Same same
              . Been there.. the superhero feeling for getting 10% off giftcards… felt like winning 10m lotto
              … bragging to friends… smiling when using it to pay… and one day…. all the saving of years are gone.. plus the regret.. depressions,.. time wasting….

  • CyberMurning on 20/05/2024 - 11:28

    Got scMmed 2 weeks ago on fb market as well lucky just $100. Guys, cash and pickup only please or dont.

    • Pikaloo on 20/05/2024 - 11:29

      With gift cards? That'll still be an issue unfortunately. You can walk away with checking the balance,etc. But they'll still be able to use it.

      • CyberMurning on 20/05/2024 - 11:30

        Nope, an item.

        • Pikaloo on 20/05/2024 - 11:30

          They sell physical gift cards.

    • richadam on 20/05/2024 - 12:00
      +1

      It's ok, you can say Scammed here on OzBargain

      • randomusername2017 on 20/05/2024 - 12:11
        +1

        Only in conjunction with gift and card.

      • Muzeeb on 20/05/2024 - 12:13
        +1

        They hit the shift (on mobile) instead of a

  • tsunamisurfer on 20/05/2024 - 11:50

    Is a 15% worth this risk?

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 20/05/2024 - 12:47

      i once rolled the dice on a 10% when i was newer here…turned out fine.
      these days nah.

  • WoodYouLikeSomeCash on 20/05/2024 - 12:27
    +9

    This looks like it.

    Come on OP, look at the description it is an instant red flag. Why would you get a $5,000 gift card despite “sellers refusing to process a refund”.

    The description also mentions “sellers” i.e multiple. Ask yourself, how likely is it to have $5,000 worth of goods have to be refunded across multiple independent sellers?

    I think for people using classifieds there needs to be a level of common sense applied, you need to ask yourself, do these circumstances sound suspicious? Is this too good to be true?

    POST DESCRIPTION:

    Hey everyone,

    Selling 2x $2500 Ebay Vouchers that I received early last year due to sellers refusing to process a refund for receiving the wrong items. They both have an expiry date of 3 years from when it was received. In this case, I received them in Feb 2023 so expiry is Feb 2026. Voucher codes will be given once payment is received. Preferably via PayID or Bank Transfer.

    Thanks.

    • Sye on 20/05/2024 - 12:47
      +1

      there needs to be a level of common sense applied

      I would like to buy some common sense, but I'm waiting for a 10% off deal.

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 20/05/2024 - 12:49
      +3

      i think i said it in another 'i got scammed' thread but i swear classifieds needs to have a 1 day tafe course with a pass/fail 10 question test at this rate to access

      'seller has this obviously red flag post, do you roll the dice'
      yes
      * gets sprayed with spray bottle * No.

      • randomusername2017 on 20/05/2024 - 15:21
        +1

        classifieds needs to have

        Maybe a basic captcha would have denied access to some of bargain hunters.

    • Muzeeb on 20/05/2024 - 12:49
      +4

      Is this still available?

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 20/05/2024 - 12:49
        +3

        if the ad is still up yes
        no low ballers
        i know what i got

        • Muzeeb on 20/05/2024 - 12:50
          +7

          I'm guessing you are legit because most scammers write "add" instead of "ad"

        • bamzero on 20/05/2024 - 13:58
          +2

          What's your last price?

          • blitz on 20/05/2024 - 15:24

            @bamzero: ok 4 my cousin to colect?

            • Jimothy Wongingtons on 20/05/2024 - 15:45

              @blitz:

              cousin

              Well ok but please don’t make me feel bad if I decline his invite to bowling

      • bamzero on 20/05/2024 - 15:36
        +1

        Most commonly…

  • Tomcruise on 20/05/2024 - 12:57

    Username says it all.

    But i liked Bobby.

  • theh3ro on 20/05/2024 - 15:23
    +6

    He scammed me as well for QFF points. Transferred the money, never sent the points across. Pity as I have made a few transactions here on OzB and now wont be as comfortable!

    • Pikaloo on 20/05/2024 - 15:58

      Recently? or a while back? Is there a way to check if someone has been reported before?

      • theh3ro on 20/05/2024 - 16:00
        +1

        yes, it is Axlerod (user has been banned on OZB now). He has turned off his phone and no response since transfer was done to his bank. This was on Saturday.

        • Pikaloo on 20/05/2024 - 16:04

          Hopefully you can get your money back.

          • theh3ro on 20/05/2024 - 16:06
            +1

            @Pikaloo: I don't believe so - looks like this person has been doing this with a fair few users.

            Here are the details: https://imgur.com/a/RCOX4bg

            • Pikaloo on 20/05/2024 - 16:09

              @theh3ro: You should start a group message if you haven't with all victims to get this individual.

            • Muzeeb on 20/05/2024 - 16:26

              @theh3ro: Ouch.

            • ltjaris on 20/05/2024 - 19:20

              @theh3ro: Thats definitely his name and number.

            • lilkid28 on 22/05/2024 - 00:19

              @theh3ro: He scammed you $1900? Fkin (profanity) deserves to not die, but get his d*ck get bitten and infected and rotten for the rest of his life.

        • ltjaris on 20/05/2024 - 19:23
          +1

          I would recommend reporting him to the police, will definitely get an outcome of more people come forward against him.

        • abhiz on 22/05/2024 - 14:49
          -1

          Scammed me too.

  • Craze on 20/05/2024 - 15:32
    +2

    Sorry to hear your loss OP. I've done a few successful trades (both buying and selling) here on OzB but always mindful that opportunistic scammers are out there.

    Slightly off topic but for higher value items just stick with CC that has price protection if available so you're likely able to claim price differences over a period of time vs trying to get discount via GC's.

  • YeemaiI on 20/05/2024 - 16:32
    +1

    Sorry to hear that OP. 15% discount should have been a red flag, sounds too good to be true, especially when the going rate is ~5%.

  • axlfan on 20/05/2024 - 18:00
    +2

    I got scammed for a much lower amount for a graphics card during the mining craze. Never got my money back but my detailed complaint along with a few others helped put him in the jail with a hefty fine and that gave me a lot of satisfaction.

    My bank and his did nothing to reverse the transaction. They are not legally supposed to. In fact when transferring, you always get a warning.

    I reported it first here via scamwatch and then the police got back to me a little while later to gather facts.
    https://www.cyber.gov.au/report-and-recover/recover-from/sca…

    Screw that scumbag. I hope you get your money back but hopefully you have learned a good lesson here.

  • randomusername2017 on 20/05/2024 - 18:05

    If you do get your GC, should buy this

    • ltjaris on 20/05/2024 - 19:22

      😂

  • Hardlyworkin on 20/05/2024 - 19:31

    Next time you want discounted gift cards, spend the money at a brothel instead. Same result though hopefully more enjoyable.

    • Muzeeb on 20/05/2024 - 22:16
      +3

      I do a similar thing. Every time Mrs Muzeeb gets angry at me I buy a new guitar. She's still angry at me but at least I've got a new guitar.

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