Fraud in Iwindsurf Classifieds

dsiskind2 · Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 25

Just a PSA... I was contacted by a someone who purported to be interested in my Patrik 93 Freestyle from an buy/sell posting on iwindsurf. They sent me a check for significantly more than we agreed on. Claimed it was a mistake and asked me to send them the difference. While they check initially looked like it cleared the check bounced and the money was removed from my account. FortunatelyI never sent the scammer any money. Be careful....

jp5 · Joined: 19 May 1998 Posts: 3394 Location: OnUr6

This is one of the oldest tricks since internet advertising began.

Usually the perp has no knowledge of windsurfing and refers to whatever it is you are selling as "the item". They will say the price is fine with them and they will pay by check and have you ship it because they are out of town on business. Once they have your bank account info they will clean you out.

CASH or sometimes PayPal if I have established a relationship (spoke on the phone) with the buyer are the only ways to go.

dmount · Joined: 19 Mar 2001 Posts: 29

A similar scam happened to me and others last year, although it played out a little differently for me. The scammer went so far as to set up a fake paypal account and invoice me. After a little research, I found that the scammer was doing a little time in the Big House.

Here's the thread from last year: iWindsurf classified scam alert (http://www.iwindsurf.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=30741&highlight=&sid=6e1df41607e814a436254a28cc6a9b00)

streetsailing · Joined: 10 Apr 2000 Posts: 245 Location: San Francisco

This has been going on for over a decade. I wonder why iWindsurf can't filter these emails out. I can't imagine it ever worked on anyone. Any bank will recognize it as a fake check.
The dead giveaway is when they ask what your "final price" is. I always thought that was an odd way of asking for a deal.
In any case, be careful and don't fall for this old trick.
Sail On

loopless · Joined: 30 Jun 1997 Posts: 426

and it would be nice if they "upgraded" the windsurfing "for sale" to the iKiteSurf classifieds style ( have a look). I can think of no reason why we are stuck with the criminally bad 1990's UI.

johnarmitage · Joined: 10 Jun 2001 Posts: 108

My trigger is whenever they use the word "kindly". Each time that appears it has been a scam

jp5 · Joined: 19 May 1998 Posts: 3394 Location: OnUr6

they'll also text that shit to your cell phone. not just email anymore.

tomg · Joined: 10 Apr 2000 Posts: 294

[quote="loopless"]and it would be nice if they "upgraded" the windsurfing "for sale" to the iKiteSurf classifieds style ( have a look). I can think of no reason why we are stuck with the criminally bad 1990's UI.

here, here. "Transition Boards"? Really?!

Have not heard that term in decades.

kaven · Joined: 27 Feb 2010 Posts: 3

I personally get a kick out of these emails. Generally I ask them to send the check to the following address and call my phone (note the phone number is for CHP San Mateo):

Name: Ben Dover
Street: 66 S. Hit Creek
City: Weed
Zip Code: 96094
State: CA
Mobile Number: 650-369-6261
Agreed Price: $100,000

Best,
Ben