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Thread: Scammer alert: cole717

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    Default Scammer alert: cole717

    A166FADF-D722-44DA-B03B-A3800C817A77.jpegHi all,

    Just thought I’d post a heads up following a recent interaction I had in response to a WTB I posted.

    I received a response from ‘cole717’ that they had the pen I was looking for. The price sounded too good to be true. They posted photos of the pen which were real photos of the pen in question, but were probably ripped from old sales posts.

    I have sold and bought many pens on forums like FPGeeks so am aware of how a trade should go, but thought it could potentially catch newer users out.

    Red flags in the interaction:

    - Price too good to be true
    - Brand new FPGeeks account
    - Insisting on PayPal friends and family
    - Unable to provide a photo of the pen with their username and date
    - Multiple follow up messages asking if I was still interested in the pen

    Googling the email address also showed the person is active in Trade forums for other hobbies and has tried similar there.

    I have attached a screenshot of the PM I received, in case anyone receives something with a similar style but different username/email address.

    Please beware and safe trading!
    Last edited by deloreantrails; October 6th, 2021 at 08:03 PM.

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    724Seney (October 7th, 2021), Detman101 (October 7th, 2021), dougb1426 (October 6th, 2021), guyy (October 7th, 2021), Jon Szanto (October 6th, 2021), Lloyd (October 7th, 2021), penwash (October 7th, 2021), rickap (October 6th, 2021), Sailor Kenshin (October 7th, 2021), silverlifter (October 6th, 2021), Stands on Feet (October 7th, 2021)

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    Default Re: Scammer alert: cole717

    Did you press the report button and report the scammer to the admin?
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

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    Default Re: Scammer alert: cole717

    Good post calling this out.

    I received an email from them as well about the Conid Minimalistica I’ve posted about in the WTB thread. I’ve been ripped off on this forum before by ‘Jonasmalik’ and saw the same red flags described about. So when Cole717 messaged me, I instantly shut it down and reported them to the site admins.

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    Detman101 (October 7th, 2021)

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    Default Re: Scammer alert: cole717

    Every member who posts a WTB item on FPG forum will potentially receive these emails from some brand new scammer who has only registered to send his messages to you. Never reply and always report them as scammers by pressing the report button on the message that you receive. That way they hopefully won't stay around on that ID to send any more messages.
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

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    Detman101 (October 7th, 2021)

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    Default Re: Scammer alert: cole717

    Quote Originally Posted by Chrissy View Post
    Did you press the report button and report the scammer to the admin?
    Yes

    It's a real shame they have infiltrated the pen community.

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    Default Re: Scammer alert: cole717

    I think they have probably infiltrated most communities. It is a real shame.
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

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    Default Re: Scammer alert: cole717


    I got a pm from him as well. Such a jerk


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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    FPG Donor ♕ Chrissy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Scammer alert: cole717

    As this seems to be a working email address that others might make contact with please can I suggest that you both remove it from your WTB threads before you close them as "sold"
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

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    Default Re: Scammer alert: cole717

    Quote Originally Posted by Siggle et View Post

    I got a pm from him as well. Such a jerk


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Bad grammar, too.

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    Senior Member Ron Z's Avatar
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    Default Re: Scammer alert: cole717

    "Can you send a picture of the pen to me with a card with today's date and time hand written on it? The clip of the pen should go through a hole in the card. Of course I should be able to see the whole pen and nib. The time on the card should be within a couple of minutes of the time stamp on your reply email." They could do it if they had the pen.

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    Default Re: Scammer alert: cole717

    Quote Originally Posted by Ron Z View Post
    "Can you send a picture of the pen to me with a card with today's date and time hand written on it? The clip of the pen should go through a hole in the card. Of course I should be able to see the whole pen and nib. The time on the card should be within a couple of minutes of the time stamp on your reply email." They could do it if they had the pen.
    Once they get even the slightest idea you are on to them, they disappear.

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