User Complaints
Submitted by Sylvain Prud homme
Sent a paypal payment of $ 350 US to Jamie ( Jim ) Miller - 20 July 2005 for adds on
Harmony central ( 2) EMU rom Never receive anything - Jim never answer all my Email and
phone - Still waiting after 11 weeks ........
Seller: Jamie Miller from 1919 Market St. Ste. D Oakland, CA 94607 Phone: 510-451-1951
EMAIL: themidway@gmail.com humanfederation@gmail.com jimmymoney@gmail.com
Submitted by Harmony Central
Atlas Guitar is a constant spammer of this board.
Submitted by David Cobb, Jr.
I have been ripped of by a harmony central user, can you help with info.
I placed an ad that had been responded to by traderone@gmail.com. We did a
paypal exchange that was later recinded for the reason of fradulent funds. Can
you pass along any info on "Michael", the traderone@gmail.com user. I am not
the only one on the loosing end as far as what paypal has informed me. I have
also contaced fraud.org, gmail and UPS, as his address turns out to be a UPS
store in Ramona Ca.
Thank You,
David Cobb Jr.
Submitted by Various People
Total SCAM, Fake references and ask you to wire money to Brazil
!!FOR SALE!!FOR SALE!! LOW PRICES
atlanticguitars@yahoo.com
Mesa Boogie 3 Channel Dual Rectifier Solo Head
Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier 150W
Mesa Boogie Nomad 55 Head
Mesa Boogie Single Rectifier Mk2
Mesa Boogie Mark IV Medium Head
Mesa Boogie Rectifier Solohead 50 Amp
Mesa Boogie Lone Star Head and 2x12 Cab
Ampeg SVT-2 PRO Rackmount Bass Head
Ampeg SVT Classic
Ampeg SVT350 Pro Bass Head
1992 Marshall 6101 30th Anniversary Amp
Marshall AVT150 Amp
Marshall JTM45 Head
Marshall Mode Four MF350 Head + Footswitch
Marshall JCM2000 TSL 100 Amp Head
Bogner XTC (Ecstasy) 101B
MATAMP V28/1224 HEAD
Soldano Super Lead 60 Series II head
Hiwatt Valve Custom Lead 100 Guitar Amp Head
1964 Blackface Fender Bandmaster Amp
1972 Fender Princeton Reverb amp
1959 Fender Bassman 50watt 4x10 All Valve Amp
1962 Fender Brownface Bandmaster Amp
Marshall JCM-800 Lead Series MK-II 50W
Orange OR80 Amp Head
VHT Pittbull super 30 all valve combo
VHT Pittbull 45
+ 12 AMPS.
atlanticguitars@yahoo.com
Submitted by Gene Mabilli
I recently did a transaction with Ben Holbrook an advertiser on your Harmony
Central web site. His email call sign is 'slick51@hotmail.com'. He sold me an
EV 12L 12" guitar speaker. Before I bought the speaker, I sent him a very
detailed email of what I was looking for which is quoted just below;
----- Original Message -----
From: gmabilli
To: Ben Holbrook
Sent: Monday, November 22, 2004 1:44 PM
Subject: Re: EV Speakers - Harmony Central
Ok Ben, I'll give it a try. But, I have a few rules if you don't mind;
• The speaker has to be in 100% working order. I define that as;
? No buzzing at power (I only have 100 watts anyway, 1/2 the rated
power at all 10's)
? Cone needs to be in mint condition
? No dents or gouges in the frame
? No excessive, unusual speaker cone excursion
• Before we consumate the deal, please post a pic of the cone
side of the speaker too (p.s. that pic you posted was
outstandingly clear! please do the same for the other side too,
ok?). I'll look at the pic, and if all is well, I'll post the
money to your Paypal account.
Just for your info, I do have a confirmed Paypal account, and I have
15 successful eBay transactions to my credit with 100% positive
feedback. So, if I say I'm going to buy a thing, I buy it. I am
counting on the fact that your speaker is in functioning order, and if
it is, you will get no complaints from me (I'll just mount it up,
thrash it's pants off and go away happy). However, if it is not as
advertised, please expect me to have an issue with that, ok? Send me
over the details on your PayPal account in the next email. I'll look
at the full frontal speaker (nudity), and upon upon approval I'll send
the payment to you. Let me know what the final cost with shipping will
be in the next email too.
Thanks,
GeneM
As you can see from the above, I am advising Ben that I am not willing
to accept any speaker that is not in 100% perfect working
condition. The speaker that Ben shipped me is extremely worn
sounding. It gets very buzzy and muddy when you turn up the bass, even
though it looks near perfect. I have a very new condition identical
EV12L to compare it to, and I found out that the frequency response of
the speaker he sold me is relally bad. It gets real muddy when run at
power. In short, it is useless to me because it does not work
correctly. I Contacted Ben and requested a refund. He refused to
refund me. He even suggested that I sell it to some other poor soul!
Even though I requested a full refund (which he refused), I offered to
trade the bad speaker he sent me for another OEM version of the same
speaker that he was advertising (which was cheaper - the one he sold
me was a genuine 'EV' so he charged me a premium for it)
I agreed to take a chance on this speaker because Ben sent me an email
assuring me that he would not jeopardize his good reputation over a
speaker. Here is an excerpt of his email;
OK, Gene. I have a few rules too. First off, 15 deals on eBay is a
newbie. I have over 300 (slick51...please read them), only one
negative where I bought a road case and the guy didn't send the
covers. When I asked about it he went negative (read it, it's
hilarious) then unregistered his account (for real fun, read HIS
feedback). I've bought and sold guitars and amps worth over $3000
each (including selling and shipping a Mesa Boogie to Turkey) Ruin my
rep over a speaker? Isn't going to happen. And there are guys with a
3000 rating on eBay too. Make them inherently more honest? Nope. So
please don't assume (or worse, imply) you are dealing with a shyster.
And, please don't talk down to me (as I'm doing you now). Besides
being a musician, luthier, amp tech, degreed engineer, degreed
meteorologist, etc., I'm 50 years old, a Lt Col in the US Air Force,
assigned to the Pentagon. I can talk down as well, and at the end, I
don't get to sell a speaker, and you don't get to buy one at a bargain
either. So let's throw all that one-upmanship crap away and start
over, OK? We're just guys lookin' for toys.
As you can see, for a seller, he does not sound very salesman like
(a.k.a not friendly). Basically chewed me out for sending him a list
of requirements. Then told me of his stellar reputatuion that means so
much. In the end he shipped me a beat speaker, and then won't do the
right thing and refund me, even when I offer to work with him on it.
Submitted by Michael Gibbs
Do not purchase any item from Doug Dishman on this or
any other website. He posts and goes by the email
addresses of imreel@Yahoo.com and Exec10@aol.com. I
purchased what he advertised as a Tradition MTA500H
flame maple bodied ES335 style guitar from this guy
for $375.00 on 7/23/04. The MTA500H is constructed
with flame maple top, back, and sides. The flame maple
body is the only reason I bought the guitar.
Mr. Dishman also had an MTA400H for sale for $300.00,
which is the lower priced version of this axe for
sale, and it is constructed with plain laminated
maple.
When the guitar arrived, I was dismayed to see that it
was not a flame maple bodied MTA500H, but the cheaper
MTA400H guitar that he had advertised for $300.00.
Giving him the benefit of the doubt, that he might
have accidentally sent the wrong guitar, I emailed him
immediately and told him he sent me the wrong guitar,
and I wanted to exchange it for the correct one. His
response was that it was definitely an MTA500H, and
never even acknowledged the lack of flame maple in the
body. The guitar he sent me did not even have the
creme colored pickguard, pickup rings, and switchtip
that the MTA500H has, let alone the flame maple body.
There is not one ounce of flame anywhere in this
guitar folks. He responded that he changed the
pickguard to a black one, but of course, he never
acknowledged the other plastic parts still being
black. Clearly at this point I knew he was lying, and
realized that he never had a MTA500H for sale. I then
emailed him and told him I wanted to return the
guitar, I didn't want it. He then told me he couldn't
refund my money, he had already spent it, and that if
I didn't like the guitar, I could always sell it. This
guitar is worth $200.00 tops. I could never sell it
for what he took me for. I even contacted the
manufacturer and gave them the serial number, and they
confirmed that it was a MTA400H, NOT a MTA500H as he
claimed. I forwarded that email to him to prove it was
the wrong guitar. He never acknowledged any other
communication after that. I left a respectful
voicemail on his answering machine offering to work
this out like gentleman, and several other emails, but
he just blew me off. I even offered to take a $75.00
refund for the difference in the advertised prices of
the two guitars, no response.
The real joke is that he went on and on about how
honest he was before the sale, and he felt he had done
nothing wrong by sending me a different guitar than
what he had advertised. He said I was the only person
who had ever complained about him on Harmony Central.
I checked the User Complaints section in advance of
the purchase, and there were no complaints against
him. Well, there is now. My advice, steer clear of
this guy, you are very apt to be ripped off. Clearly,
he is not honest, and I intend to prosecute this guy
to the fullest extent of the law.
Submitted by Brian Wesling
Be aware of and do not conduct business with the following person:
-Kenn Mogul
-Cell (484)363-0557
-259 Royersford Road
-Limerick, PA 19468
-Synth999@verizon.net
On 05/06/2004 Kenn advertised his Fender Hotrod Deville 410 for sale or trade.
I responded by offering to trade a Marshall JTM60 2x12 combo I had recently
purchased used. We agreed to an equal trade and that the shipping costs would
be the same. I sent him my amp on 05/25/2004. It arrived on 06/03 and he
immediately said that he was "100% turned off by this amp". The reasons he
gave were that: 1) Pots were a little noisy, 2) nuts locking the pots to the
front were not all there, and 3) there were screws in the side of the cab
holding the head in place. He said I could pay to have my amp shipped back or
pay to have it "fixed". I assured him that other than the pots, these things
were stock. This was the first sign that something was off.
For 2 weeks I called and e-mailed him to get my amp back. On 06/13 I emailed
that I was going to file a police report. The very next I finally heard from
him.
He said he was out of state and his cell phone didn't work well. He said the
amp was at his amp tech's and that he is very backed up. He assured me he
wasn't ripping me off.
On 06/16 I emailed for his amp tech's name and number and address. I wanted
to find or at least confirm the location of my amp. I No response. On 06/29
I gave him until 07/20 to have either my JTM60 or his Deville 410 at my house.
I have not heard from him since 06/14/2004. I have called and left messages 5
times and I have e-mailed over 10 times asking for my amp back.
Submitted by Rob
I sent $700can to a guy who says his name is yuri kerbo from norway. Which im
guessing is a fake id hes using to collect wired cash.....hes got 2 postings on
your classifieds one for an mc 909 which he claims to have sent me....and now
is not returning my emails a virus c is also in that ad. There is a new one he
posted the other day for some new synth.... his email he is using is
kentorange@hotmail.com search for it in the synth section. He even went through
the trouble of sending me a bunk tracking number phone number and adress....I
am from canada so, I set up a bunk hotmail from sacremento california under a
different name and asked to buy both of the synths he had advertized in the
same ad (one of which he already supposedly sold me) and he gave me a price for
both of them!!!
I wish I could get him to go to the moneygram (that is the payment system he
uses) vthinking that he was gonna get that money and have the cops snag him....
but thats entrapment DAMMIT!...Oh well for some reason hes not answering the
emails i sent him asking where my 909 is but he is still postingon your site
and trying to sell my alter email ego the 909 he already sold ME!!! I wish
there was a way to get this bastard! Oh well ....theres your HEADS UP!
Submitted by Marc Newman
A guy named Charles Lewis (baldgitarguy@hotmail.com) has ripped a couple of us
off recently from this H-C ad.
I paid our buddy Charles $25 for a guitar neck about 5 weeks ago. He
cashed the check, never sent the neck. He has never answered any emails
from me. I called him and left messages a couple of times but he never
returned the calls. Last week I called him and he retruend the call (I
think he saw my phone number on his caller id and mistakenly returned
the call!)
Said he had mailed me the neck but did not use any sort of delivery
confirmation and that the neck must have gotten lost in shipping (I live
about 4 hours from him) - said he would send me a refund - needless to
say I have not received any refund.
I tried to call him yesterday and got his answering machine again.
If it was for a larger sum of money I would be a lot more pissed off .
I was waiting for him to list something lese for sale on H-C so I could
make sure and post a message warning people not to buy from him.
I am not sure what else any of us can do.
Another H-C member got ripped off for a similar amount.
I just thought you would want to know in case old Mr. Lewis decides to put
more things up for sale. I know that he had a Squier Tele Custom on at about
the same time.
Submitted by John Hargnett
I answered an ad placed by a CJ (Charles) Lewis, 605 Walsh Drive, New
Carlisle, OH 45344; for a set of Texas Special pickups for a
Telecaster on May 4, 2004.
He responded in a timely and polite manner while we were discussing the
details of the deal. On May 6, a final price was agreed on. I sent him a
money order for $65.00 that afternoon. He acknowledged me sending it by
saying he would let me know when it arrived. Since it was being sent
from Pennsylvania to Ohio, I figured it should only take a few days for
the money order to arrive.
Mr. Lewis never let me know that he did receive the money order. Upon
calling Mr. Lewis, his answering machine picked up and after leaving
many messages, he never returned my phone calls. I did email him to
check on the status of the money order as well.
On May 13, Mr. Lewis did respond to an email request for a refund of my
money order. He apologized and assured me they were shipped via the USPS
and that I should see them in a few days.
On May 18, I emailed Mr. Lewis to verify what type of shipping he used
to send the pickups. He replied on May 19 saying he used regular mail
and it shouldtake no more than five days for me to receive them.
On May 21, I again emailed Mr. Lewis and told him had not received the
pickups and asked him to refund the $65.00 I sent in the form of a money
order. I also told him that if the pickups should arrive, that I would
send them back to him when I received his money order.
It is been approximately 12 days since Mr. Lewis says he mailed the
pickups and I have yet to receive them .
On May 10, I responded to an ad from another individual looking for
anyone with dealings with Mr. Lewis. This person said he had a similar
experience with Mr. Lewis and had yet to receive his item as well.
I have been in contact with this gentleman and he has yet to receive the
item from Mr. Lewis.
I have saved the email correspondence to support this complaint.
Submitted by Vic DeFlorio
I am officially filing a complaint against
Charles (CJ) Lewis
605 Walsh Drive
New Carlisle, Ohio 45344
(937) 543-9991
First, I will sumarize the complaint before following with specifics.
I answered the following ad from April 25, 2004:
Home made 1 x 12 cabinet
Asking Price: US$50
Condition: Fair
Age: N/A
Description:
Black tolex, silver, Fender-style grill cover. Looks and sounds great.
Eminence Speaker. Closed back. Very thumpy and loud. Compliments a combo amp
well.
Seller: CJ Lewis, 937-543-9991
E-mail: baldgitarguy (Profile)
Location: New Carlisle, OH
Post Date: 4/25/2004
In short, after contacting Mr. Lewis (baldgitarguy@hotmail.com) by email AND
phone, I confirmed the sale and sent him a USPS money order on April 29th via
US Mail. It has now been three weeks since Mr. Lewis RECEIVED my money order
and I still do not have the merchandise. He repeatedly ignores my attempts to
contact him both by email and phone. Now for the specifics:
4/29/04: Money Order sent via US Mail
5/4/04: I email to confirm receipt of money order. No response.
5/6/04: I email to confirm staus of transaction. No response.
5/7/04: I email to confirm staus of transaction. No response.
5/9/04: I receive an email from Mr. Lewis apologizing for the poor
communication. He confirms that he received the money order and that the item
will go out the next day.
5/12/04: I email to confirm staus of transaction and to inquire if the item has
been sent. No response.
5/14/04: I receive an email from Mr. Lewis stating that the item has been sent.
5/19/04: I email to confirm staus of transaction. No response
5/21/04: I email to confirm staus of transaction. No response
In between the emails sent, I have also tried to contact Mr. Lewis by phone
with no success. I have left repeated messages on his answering machine and
have not received a call back. Bottom line is that three weeks after Mr. Lewis
received my money order, I do not have the item in my possession. He also
continue to ignore my attempts to contact him.
To top it off, I am currently in communication with another Harmony Central
user who is going through the same thing with Mr. Lewis. He is having the same
exact problem with him and is in the progress of filing a complaint. To make
things worse, the Harmony Central complaint page has two previous complaints
lodged against Mr. Lewis. One of those complaints involves an idividual who
never received the item he paided for.
Vic DeFlorio
Submitted by Will V.
Richard Kearns, aka, Brad Wildon and
"boodydoody@webtv.net" sold me what he represented to
be a neck from a Fender Strat '57 Reissue. When I
received the neck, it was not a Fender product. It
was a cheap aftermarket neck with a Fender logo decal
applied. When I emailed Richard Kearns to ask to
exchange the neck for my money back, I received no
response. My last email to him was returned as
undeliverable. I am afraid he will change
identities/email addresses and continue to swindle
people on Harmony Central. Below is his contact info
and the full text of his ad.
-----
richard kearns
50 eas hill rd. unit 4-g
canton ct.06019
boodydoody@webtv.net
Submitted by Keith Hart
Enclosed is the original ad from a seller in Word format. He sold me the so-
called 1979 Fender Strat neck for $200 plus $10 shipping. It was a new similar
model made for recent Fender Strat style guitars. When asked to take it back
and refund the money he has chosen to ignore me. He sells lots of Strat parts,
and probably more unsuspecting buyers will get ripped off. I also intend to
file a mail fraud complaint with the postmaster. He gave me this street
address:
r kearns
50 east hill rd .
unit 4g
canton ct,06019
His ad appeared like this:
1957..1962..1963.1979 strat parts
Asking Price: US$100
Condition: Mint
Age: N/A
Description:
pickguards nobs,pickup covers.pickups for 1979.neck,<200<$ for 1979.1979 bridge
tremolo.75.00
amer.standard body,not sure of year but perfect condition 100$.have proof in
the pics for the authenticity of all!make offer on vol,tone nobs and pickup
covers.they are extermely yellowed and would put a nice touch or finish on a
restoration project.
sold the 57 reissue body!the 57 parts here ARE NOT REISSUE!if you are looking
for any fender strat parts in particular i can most likely help you.ESPECIALLY
IF YOU NEED TRUE VINTAGE ACCESSORIES
BOODYDOODY@WEBTV.NET
Submitted by Sam Platt
On April 8, I sold my Protools HD Core System, C.o.d. Thru Fedex on
Harmony-Central for $4500, to Renae Wilson,1803 S. Highland Ave. Los Angeles
CA, 90019, she sent a Cashier's Check from Washington Mutual that was deemed
by my bank to be counterfeit. I paid for insurance on the shipment, but
Fedex is denying any responsibility.
Submitted by Gary Fisher
I sent Matt Saenz a MO for 70.00 for a HD Z 90 pup over three
weeks ago. All I have gotten are excuses and promises. It's a very simple
complaint. And one that seems to be happening more and more. I paid for
merchandise, and received nothing. The guy's email address is
mglover29@comcast.net . He put some more gear up for sale today in the
guitar amp section. You would think he could take five minutes of his time
to wrap up a guitar pickup, within 3 weeks. I've heard nothing from him
since Saturday, I've got all the email correspondence if you need any of
that. As you can see by my profile, I'm a longtime member of HC, buying and
selling with no problems until now. I guess 70.00 isn't a great deal of
money, but it's more the principal of the thing. Maybe this guy only steals
small amounts hoping no one will turn him in, and if someone does turn him
in, it's not like he's going to jail for it. I'm gonna check with my post
office tomorrow, as this is clearly mail fraud and I paid with a postal MO.
Guys like this really need to be stopped, it ruins a great site for a lot of
people. I hope you can contact the guy, he isn't responding to my emails
anymore. Thanks, for me and everyone else he may have stolen from. Gary
Fisher.
Matt Saenz mglover29@comcast.net
Submitted by Seth Talley
About a year ago (wait for it... there are current issues) I agreed to buy
some industrial music CD's from a kid named Brian Mcloughlin. Things were
looking pretty hinky, but I had his phone number, his address, his parents'
address and phone number, and to nobody's surprise, he was making the deal
really sweet. And he needed the money for rent or some such.
So, figuring there was a 50/50 chance of me ever seeing anything, I Western
Unioned $100 down to Colorado. Nothing. Call him, he says "yeah, I sent it,
I don't know what's wrong!" Nothing some more. Call him again, no response.
Call his parents, no response. Disappeared down the rabbit hole. Again, it
felt like a coin toss, so shame on me for being so trusting.
Last week somebody at hotmail667@yahoo.com was posting more industrial CD's.
$30 or best offer. So I write him an email saying, "$30 sounds great. Where are
you shipping from?" Nothing. Then he posts again this week, saying "best
offer." I write him saying "Hey, I already agreed to pay your $30 on this stuff
- what's the deal?" And my GOOD FRIEND BRIAN MCLOUGHLIN writes back:
From: brian mcloughlin <hotmail_667@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri Apr 9, 2004 9:07:25 AM US/Pacific
To: Seth Talley
Subject: Re: CD's
Sorry, I had so many offers last time that I decided to repost my ad with
several CD's added that weren't on the list before. I've changed the price
to best offer.
-Brian
Seth Talley wrote:
Second email, dood. Didn't ya want $30 last time? Still interested?
Seth
Same guy. He musta forgotten that he's already ripped me off.
HC NEEDS TO GET THE WORD OUT ON THIS GUY because chances are he's taking every best offer he's getting... with no intention of ever shipping.
Submitted by Eric Jennings
This message is to describe a fraudulent transaction that occured because of an
ad posted on the harmony-central web site.
Do not purchase any items from a Nick Jackimenko (also known as Nicolai
Jackimenko). I purchased a Waldorf MicroQ rack from this individual. He
stated that he lives in Moscow, Russia, and cannot use any of the online escrow
services, and can only support wire transfer.
I ended up wiring him $225.00 to cover the cost of the item and the shipping
costs. Once the money was wired to him, he did not respond back despite
numerous attempts to contact him. The only response was that he shipped it
off already, and that was 12 days from the time of this writing. He refuses to
respond to my requests of a tracking number or even the name of the shipping
company he sent it from.
He gave me this information, in case it's helpful:
Nikolai Jakimenko
40 Profsijuznaja Street apt. 37
125956 Moscow
Russian Federation
nikolai_jakimenko@techie.com
Of course, he's using a web-based email so he can't be tracked by IP address of
his ISP.
Anyhow, I took a risk knowing full-well that it would be near-impossible to get
my money back if I bought something from somebody in Moscow, and it turned out
to be fraud. My suspicions were confirmed. He continues to post on these
classified ads, everything from an Alesis Ion for $400 to a SuperNova II for
$500. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don't buy from this
guy.
Submitted by C&H Scott (craigs92 at attbi.com)
I left the complaint below regarding Chris Williams, I have more info
about the rip-off I experienced:
Real name: Ken Sealey, 857 Sandpiper Page, AZ
Ripped off at least 3 others that have contacted me.
Chris Williams is associated with him and is (or was) in a band with
him. Supposedly Williams had no knowledge of the scam, but the check
was written to Williams and endorsed with that name (I smell FORGERY
coming next)
I am pursuing criminal charges against him for Fraud, Forgery and
whatever other numerous federal and state laws he has violated. Page
AZ police and the state prosecutor have finally agreed that the case
is to be turned over to the states attorney for filing of criminal
charges.
I have recovered 500. of the 1750. he owes me via his wife, Donna
Finch-Sealey.
Both of these people are true con artists, and they dance around with
the police in the grey zone of civil vs criminal charges hoping that
by stringing things along, Ill drop the chase but guess what? I
WONT. I WILL pursue the criminal matter to the fullest extent
possible, and will travel to Page if I need to without hesitation.
Any of you that have experienced a rip-off with either of these two
people I encourage you to COME FORWARD and leave your user complaint.
Plus you may be able to join in the lawsuit and recover some of your
money.
Submitted by Rajan Agaskar (raju at bigseth.com)
I recently entered into a gear trade with one Charlie Dumont, who used the
following contact information:
Charlie Dumont
24330 Eastwood
Oak Park, MI 48237
Cell: 313 407 9572
he used the following email address: lughshadowmoon@yahoo.com, "Lugh
Shadow Moon".
After receiving a $50 "deposit" via paypal (the balance of cash owed after
the agreed trade), I shipped him an Emu Darwin (approx value: $350). The
Darwin was received on Oct 9th; Charlie wrote to confirm that he had
received the Darwin on that date. At this point, Mr. Dumont was supposed
to ship me a KMX 15/16 midi patch panel, an ElectroHarmonix Q-tron, and a
2 Space Grundorf rack case. He assured me he would ship these the
following monday (October 14). 5 days of trying to get in contact with him
everyday through both email and telephone have utterly failed (in fact,
i've yet to been able to connect to anything but voicemail that he said
was a cell phone). I realize it's been only a week at this point, however
due to the lack of communication I feel I must assume that he does not
intend to ship anything to me. It is quite possible that he has taken a
vacation, or is otherwise unavailable, but I've yet to hear even the
remotest excuse from him -- he's simply out of contact. I would not advise
entering into any transactions with this person at this time. Charlie: if
you are reading this, please contact me either at this email address or at
my telephone number. If I receive the promised goods I will retract this
complaint. If anyone has any advice regarding pressing resolving
situations like this (mediation, pressing charges, etc) I would appreciate
hearing from you. Thanks.
Submitted by C&H Scott (craigs92 at attbi.com)
Do not do any business with "Chris W" or "Chris Williams" of Page AZ; I was ripped off 1750.00 for a Bogner amp deal that was a scam and am trying to recover my money with little success. I found that his real name is Kenneth Sealey or Sealy from the Page AZ police department.
His details:
His name: Chris Williams
His address: 857 Sandpiper Page, AZ
His Email: jarredsynx@hotmail.com
His phones: 928 660 2157 cell ; 928 645 0232 home (note: there is a different phone in the ad: 928 660 0830)
Sequence of events:
Aug 16 Email initial contact via Email about Bogner Guitar Amplifier and availability
Aug 22 Email deal agreed at 1750. via phone, he refuses Paypal payment, wants cashiers check only (Paypal I can reverse charges, should have red-flagged, but Paypal also charges service charge to him so I thought it was ok)
Aug 23 Email official bank check for 1750.00 drafted at my bank, Lasalle Bank N.A. in Chicago Il, goes out US mail.
Aug 26, 27 2x Email ask if he rec'd check
Aug 27 he replies yes and will ship next day, and will fwd. tracking no.
Aug 27-Sep6 he disappears (10 days!), on Sep 6 after 4 days (no amp, no tracking no.) I begin using the cell phone no. daily and start to get forceful demanding a return call since there is no response either Email or cell.
Sep 6 reply via Email, claims he has been "on the road", thus no ans. I begin cell calls instead of Email since they are more forceful
Sep 7(apprx) - phone call he claims that he never had the amp, it was in the posession of a friend that was to ship it for him. I ask about the friend, he claims he has known him for 1.5 yrs, and was in a band with him and he was trustworthy. He said he would call him and find out the prob. and get to me later that day
Sep 8 (apprx) - no call back yet, I call basically threatening him in voicemail that I need a call back. He calls later that day, tells me his buddy skipped town and went to phoenix with a lot of his music equipment, he will drive to Phoenix to get the amp.
Sep 9 (apprx) calls from Phoenix, cant find his friend but talks to his friend's brother (!) and cant locate the amp. It is late evening, and he seems rather incoherent, and is clearly "making stuff up" as he goes ... now am conviced this is a scam due to his casual attitude (In my estimation he was under the influence of alcohol or substance), I tell him and he agrees! I tell him that I want him to send the money back the next day via Paypal or wire. He says ok, but paypal no good cuz he doesnt want it on his credit card. I tell him to wire it from the bank, he says he no longer has the money, that his wife spent it. I tell him it was irresponsible to spend the money, irresponsible to sell the amp not in his posession, it makes no sense that a friend would pack and ship his items for free (he claims he has sold more than 10 pcs of hi end gear and his friend is the warehouse and shipper...) End of the conversation is that he will go to the bank the next day to get a loan and "make it right".
Sep 10 - I call at LEAST 5 times throughout the day and no contact.
Sep 11 - I call again a few times, he calls back and tells me all is done and a wire will happen that day, by 12:00p AZ time (2:00p Chi time). I ask for a contact at his bank, he refuses because he does not want them to know about the issue. I tell him that if the funds do not appear I will call police and ask to intervene and no longer assume that he is legit and he intends to steal the money. He says fine. Money never shows.
Sep 12 - I call at LEAST 5 times, he finally calls back and says that they only wire until 2:00p, and they must have missed a deadline. I ask what is the name of his bank, he tells me "Community". I tell him Ill let him slide one more day, but he MUST STAY IN CONTACT WITH ME. I check all day, no money shows.
Sep 13 - I have a voicemail (surprisingly) left for me at apprx midnite, from him asks me to forward my fax number so he can fax evidence of a wire transfer. I call his phone a bunch of times again, no ans and no return calls all day. I call 411 info and find the bank phone, and get a person named Barbara. I tell her the partial story (covering him per his concern) and I need to know if there is a wire transfer set up to go out from their bank to mine, my account, etc. She asks his name, I tell her Chris Williams, she says she knows him and he was in, but not for a wire transfer. She checks the records and no wire transfer was arranged. I now know that he is faking a document to fax to me to keep me quiet some more. I call his phone (home and cell both) and no return calls, no answers. I send a final Email outlining my course of action because I am now convinced that he is a fraud. For the heck of it I check to see if a wire came in, > none.
Sep 14 - I called Page AZ police, and checked again for an incoming wire maybe posted late Friday nite, none.
Sep 20 - Call from Page police, they found that he is not Chris Williams, he is really Kenneth Sealey or Sealy, has no amp for me and no money.
The original advertisement, the item in red:
bogner,matchless,fender,prs,godin
Asking Price: US$N/A
Condition: Mint
Age: N/A
Description:
GEAR BLOWOUT,,BOGNER 101B ..WHEAT GRILL..CLASS A/AB..1/2 POWER..OLD/NEW SWITCH 2000.00...MATCHLESS HC-30 HEAD MINT S-CURTIN WHITE..WITH MATCHING CAB..2X12 2450.00..VINTAGE 30'S ..FENDER STRAT PLUS..SEA FOAM GREEN..LACE SENSOR'S MAPLE NECK, ROLLER NUT.ECT 700.00 ...PRS CUSTOM 24..RED..SOLID FLAME..MOONS..WIDE/FAT NECK..1500.0O GODIN LGX..AMBER FLAME TO DIE FOR..ROLAND READY..FUN GUITAR...900.00 THANKS..
Seller: chris williams, 928 660 0830
E-mail: jarredsynx at hotmail.com (Profile)
Post Date: 8/14/2002
Submitted by Priscilla Vail (priscillavail at attbi.com)
I am a guitar instructor who has a student, Jacob, who is very close
to his grandparents. He's going off to college this year and didn't
have a guitar of his own. His mom brought a couple of guitars for me
to review, but none were really suitable for this boy's talent. She
explained to me that his grandmother is on limited funds and that the
grandfather has a terminal illness. They wanted me to help them find a
guitar that the grandad could give him before he left as something he
could remember him by... and so, I was compelled to find a good guitar
for him.
I placed an ad looking for a Tacoma guitar on harmony central and got
lots of replies, but the one that appealed to me was a man (Chuck
Lewis) who said this particular guitar was only taken to church and
was in mint condition. I went through a number of emails and finally
after a lot of correspondence, and finally decided this was the guitar
for Jacob. I specifically asked if there were any 1. flaws, 2. holes,
3. scratches, 4. dings on this instrument and was told again, that it
was in absolute mint condition.
Since the money would come out of my paypal account and then
reimbursed, I made sure I had the address name and phone number of
Mr. Lewis. We spoke by phone and I told him I was doing this as a
favor. He again verified the immaculate condition of this guitar. I
have seen other ads of his on harmony central.
I paid by paypal, and when the guitar came, it had the end pin on the
guitar and then right next to it, was a quarter sized hole with the
pickup loosely installed in it. It's a solid wood instrument , so it
was obvious the hole would eventually permanently damage this all wood
instrument.
Even the so called factory installed fishman prefix pickup was just a
cheap after market pickup. I noticed it was practically falling out
of the guitar! I immediately called Mr Lewis who said that he had
insured the guitar and that this was done in shipping and that the
post office should cover it! Then he finally admitted it was there and
agreed if I got it repaired (I told him the shop said they'd charge me
$50.00, but since the guitar was for me, I shouldn't pay for it.) He
agreed to send me $50.00 the next day via paypal at which time I had
no choice but to drive two hours up to Portland Oregon and two hours
back to go to a reputable repair shop.
The shop that did the repair was the Twelfth Fret in Portland,
OR. They gave me their bare bones deal of $50.00. I never received the
money and talked to his wife who also acted like the most
understanding lucid person in the world and said he would call me that
evening and that I would receive a refund by paypal that night and
that he would call me. Well, of course, he never did, and now I'm out
$50.00 for doing a good deed. Now when I call they don't answer the
phone or hang up on me when they pick up the phone. This is something
my family absolutely can't afford. I wondered if you could intervene
in any way.
His email addresses are:
Chuck and Stacy Lewis
605 Walsh Dr NW
Calisle, OH 45344
937-846-0542
stratomagick@yahoo.com
itastelikechicken@msm.com
Submitted by Scott Weatherwax (wonder72 at bellsouth.net)
I responded to the following ad:
mpc2000xl studio
Asking Price: US$1100
Condition: Mint
Age: N/A
Description:
Almost new Mpc Hasto go. I bought it 2 months ago at G.C. Power supply,
manuals, Receipt and warranty card is included too.
Seller: Mario S.,
E-mail: spindoc@rock.com <mailto:spindoc@rock.com> (Profile)
Post Date: 4/12/2002
"Spin" as he called himself answered all the questions I needed to know and
I decided to buy the MPC. I sent a check for $1,100 to:
Jose Cabrera Jr.
12049 e. Pine St #3
Norwalk CA 90650.
Jose or Spin or Mario S. (as it is listed in the ad) called me when he got
the check to let me know he cashed it and was sending the MPC out that day.
I emailed him later that day and asked if he could send the tracking numbers
for the shipment. I never heard back from him...I tried emailing him
several more times over the next week and he never responded. I talked to
both of our local police departments and was informed I had to send him a
certified return receipt letter demanding refund or merchandise in ten days
before I could prosecute. Well the letter went out over a week ago and
there is still no delivery confirmation yet and no refund and definitely no
MPC. If I had the money for a trip to Cali I would fly out there and track
his ass down. If any one know anything else about this shady bastard,
please let me know.
Submitted by Anthony Kociolek (kociolek at fast.net)
Beware of dealing with Andrew DeCicco
I negociated a deal with this guy for a Peavey TNT 115, we came to price
we both agreed on. I promtly sent him the money on May 4th 2002. We both
agreed to keep each other informed went we sent & recievedthe money & the
item.
After a few days, I had not heard if he recieved the money, so I e-mailed
him to see if he had. He said he had been out of town and yes he had
recieved the payment for the purchase and would ship the amp A.S.A.P.
After contacting him thru e-mail several time he has been very slow at
responding and has had nothing but excuses for not shipping the amp. Such
as I was out of town, the shipping terminal is 45 minutes away, the
shipping is much more than I realized now I won't have the money to pay
for shipping until I get payed.
As of June 4th 2002 I have not recieved the amp, I have not received my
money back, and have not heard from him on almost two weeks.
He has other listing on HC, I would advise you have no dealing with this
person.
Also the the ICQ# in his ads are linked not linked to him, but to a Louis
Garza.
His e-mail is andrewdecicco@yahoo.com.
Submitted by Eric Harder (ericbh at attbi.com)
Here's another thief you need to read about before your next deal:
Rem Medina (filamboyant@yahoo.com)
I sent a money order to this guy for an Emagic AMT-8 for $240.00
following his reply:
>yo E
>send $240 for the AMT 8 to
>Rem Medina
>190 COLUSA CT
>SAN BRUNO, CA 94066
The money was sent via USPS priority mail Tuesday, April 2 2002, and he
acknowledges receiving it (on April 10, long after it should have been
there):
>eric i got it yesterday i will try to send it out tomorrow if i could
get to UPS before they >close, otherwise i will send it out on
friday..late
>Rem
Nothing was ever sent, and that's the last I've heard from this
@$$#O!&. But it's not the last he's heard from me.
Rem, if you haven't already been flattened by a bus or something, cough
it up. You have committed a crime. The 5-O have been notified in both
our jurisdictions, as well as the FBI, Federal Internet Criminal
Division, and the US Postal Inspector
Submitted by MJ (mjnf2k at yahoo.com)
Harmony, Unfortunately I'm writing to report being ripped off by a scandalous,
lawless, self righteous JERK who decided they were going to take my Korg
Triton Pro and not pay me for it. The sad story goes like this.. On December
25, 2001, I listed my MINT condition Korg Triton Pro on Harmony Central
classifieds. On December 27th, I received an email from a "Reverend Williams"
(aka Tony Williams) expressing interest. After several email exchanges, we
agreed to a purchase price of $2,000 plus $100 for overnight shipping for a
total of $2,100. On January 1st I shipped the keyboard (entombed in bubble
wrap and styrofoam popcorn) to his address in Los Angeles, CA via FedEx
Overnight per the good reverend's request. For one reason or another he
called FedEx and told them he would pick it up at there hub in Hawthorne, CA.
Looking back, this should have been a red flag to me, but hindsight is always
20/20. In any case, he finally picked the keyboard up on Friday, January 4,
2002 and paid with a cashier's check from his bank, Wells Fargo. That night I
sent him an email to check in to make sure everything was OK. He didn't
respond. His check for $2,100 came via FedEx and I dutifully deposited it in
my bank. Two days later I sent another email to see if everything was OK.
Again, he didn't respond. Finally, exactly six (6) days later, he sent me the
following email: "As you know the keyboard does not work. We have stopped
payment on the check until this matter is resolved. Your expedient reply is
appreciated, Mark." "AS YOU KNOW..." ????????????? I emailed him back
immediately and instructed him to call me asap. That evening I received a call
from a man claiming to be "Tony." He spoke with a hybrid Jamaican accent. "You
sold me this keyboard and it doesn't work. And you KNEW it didn't work. You
ripped me off. You are a fraud." Naturally, I was absolutely appauled that
this perfect stranger had unilaterally judged me to be dishonest, never even
giving me a chance to make the situation right if the keyboard had been
damaged by FedEx. Granted, I was perturbed and let him know it, but essentially
I requested he either:
A) File a claim with FedEx or
B) Send thekeyboard back to me (and keep his money) and I would file a
claim for it
His response? "I'm not sending it back to you. And I'm keeping my money, too,
because you are a fraud." Of course I protested and asked him how I could
possibly be a fraud if I was willing to take the keyboard back and let him
keep his money, but apparently he was either too stoned or too stupid to
comprehend what I was saying. I asked him how he could possibly call himself
a "reverend," let alone make gospel music with stolen equipment, and again he
said I was a "fraud" and that I deserved everything I got. He then hung up on
me. Since that time I have tried to email the references he initally provided
me to no avail. I have also emailed him over and over and over and he will
not respond. Today, the check was stopped by Wells Fargo and the money was
withdrawn from my account. :( So this %$#!!&* has my keyboard AND the
$2,100. TOTALLY ripped me off. I am so angry I can't even think straight. I am
in the process of filing a police report and will also be meeting with my
attorney to discuss legal options I have (which I am told are quite a few).
Wells Fargo has also agreed to investigate this matter and I am providing them
with a copy of the cashier's check he cancelled. I WILL NOT REST until justice
served.. even if I have to drive down to LA and meet him face to face. I have
never been so mad in my life. On a side note, if anyone lives in his area,
I will pay a $1,000 reward if you can recover my keyboard from this shiester.
DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS ****** THIEF ******* !!!!!!!!!!!!
Tony Williams (also may go by the name Brian)
8747 Ramsgate Ave
Los Angeles,CA 90045
angelsgatemusic@onebox.com
Submitted by Scott Badger (w_scott_badger at yahoo.com)
John Hoskin (dragonstudiosinc@yahoo.com) accepted my
payment of $290 through paypal for a Mackie 1402 VLZ
PRO mixer on Dec 1st.
I have had one email since that time after numerous
attempts on my part to find out what was going on. In
that email Mr. Hoskin provided me with what was and
still is an invalid UPS Tracking # and said the item
has been shipped. There has been no further word from
Mr. Hoskins, the item is still not here, and the ad is
still running.
Mr Hoskin had an unverified paypal account and I have
filed a complaint with them aready. I realize this is
the type of con artist you guys specifically warn
against and I blame myself for not taking more
precautions. Nevertheless, others need to be informed.
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
Scott Badger
Submitted by Craig Wilson (guitarcw at yahoo.co.uk)
Complaint against Jeff Rogers from Middleburg withdrawn by Craig Wilson
on 4/20/02. It was a simple case of communication breakdown.
Submitted by Warren Olsen (warren_olsen at hmco.com)
I am writing to post a complaint about Charles "Chuck" Lewis from New
Carlisle, OH, who has not sent me an item I purchased from him through the
Harmony Central board. He has continued to post ads even after my repeated
attempts to contact him and resolve my purchase went unanswered.
I have the basic facts condensed here and then I show the supporting emails.
On 9/21/01, Charles Lewis posted an ad on HC under the bass amps section.
I responded to him by telephone and we agreed on a price of $315 for the
item, including shipping. I sent him a postal money order that day (I have
the receipt) and also sent him an email saying that I had sent the money
order. He responded on 9/27 (after I had emailed him twice) that he had
received the money order and was shipping the amp. On 10/12 I still had
not received the amp and not heard anything from him, either from my
repeated email attempts or phone call messages. I continued to have no
success in having any contact with him or being able to track his email
accounts, which seemed to have been closed. I had found another email
address under his previous profile but that was also invalid. Then, on
10/21 and 10/24 he posted a new ad for a different item with a new email
address, to which I responded and asked him for a status on the amp. He
responded that he would "look into it immediately". I emailed back for
details and I have not heard another word from him. To date I have not
received the amp or my money back. I strongly request that you not receive
any more ads from him and allow me to post my complaint on the complaints
section so that he will not steal any more money from other prospective
buyers.
I'd just like to say that I enjoy the site and think it's a great place to
shop and keep up on gear. It's unfortunate that people like him ruin the
experience and make me reticent about using it again.
Thanks,
Warren Olsen
Submitted by Danjel van Tijn (danjelvantijn at home.com)
Hi, I made a deal with Jim Welch to purchase a Yamaha 01V digital mixer
for $1050 US on 2001-07-27.I sent him a money order that he claims
never arrived but my bank has traced the money order and he has cashed
it. He will no longer return my e-mails and I have not been able to
obtain a contact phone number.These are the details I have:
Jim Welch
109 Eighth Avenue
North Tonawanda, NY 14120 USASilent Sound
2080 River rd, #50
Niagara Falls, NY 14304 His e-mail address is bigd@buffalo.com I have
lodged a formal compalint with the police and will be taking the
appropriate leagl action. thanks for the help,
Danjel van Tijn
Submitted by Michael Engel (mengel33 at execpc.com)
Hello, My name is Michael Engel and I believe, at this point, I have
been ripped off. On July 11th, I emailed a person at
webmaster@oldies1041.com that I wanted to purchase his 2 SM57's for the
price of $90 shipped.He said they were still for sale and mentioned he
takes PayPal. I sent him a PayPal for the sum of $90 and he accepted it
on July 12th and said he would ship them today (12th). He even gave me a
USPS number, but stated I couldn't track the package. Almost 2 weeks had
then gone by and I then emailed him several times, with no response. I
then called the number he gave me in his earlier emails and it was a
woman in Tennesee who seemed unaware of the person, then promptly hung
up. I then emailed him several more times to no avail. I have contacted
PayPal with the story and now am contacting you. He had a few more
things to sell at the time and you probably have a record of them. His
gave his name as Lucas Siegela and his email is listed above. Can you
help me find out what is going on? I will be on vacation for several
days starting tomorrow, but will try to access email within that time to
find if you will be able to help. Thank you for your time. The web site
is awesome! Sincerely, Michael B. Engel
Submitted by Christopher Abell (cabell at pipeline.com)
I answered an ad from a guy named Vinny D'Innocenzo in the early days of
March. We discussed a trade, he requested I send my item to him first
(which I did) and as of 55 days later, the trade still hasn't gone
down. He used to answer emails - until he thought I was questioning his
'character'. I made it very clear that I either wanted the trade to go
down, or my item back. Towards the end, he calls me an asshole for
threatening to report him to Harmony Central. His last email claims
that he is keeping the piece. I notice he does a lot of trading on this
site. I'm not saying he's totally bad, but he DEFINITELY ripped me off
- and I don't like that. I've sent him a copy of the FedEx 2-Day form I
used to ship the item to him. I WILL pursue the situation with FedEx -
out of principle.
Long story short (long story follows..) I answered one of his posts on
Harmony Central - we were to trade a Seymour Duncan preamp (his) for an
80's ESP body (mine). Around 3/6 we get the ball rolling. I send
pictures, he can't 'see' it good enough, he asks me to ship it, I pay
2-day FedEx to ship it (on 3/23) he stonewalls me for about a month -
then disappears.
Protect yourselves from this type of deadbeat. Luckily, the items were
less than $100 - but this type of behavior ruins it for all.
Somewhere, he slips up and signs his message 'Jim' - so that can be his
name too.
Thanks
Christopher Bell
vdinno@webtv.net
Vinny D'Innocenzo
10129 Savage rd.
Holland NY. 14080
(716) 537-2891
3/6
Hi Chris, Yeah if you don't mind taking some pic's, I would like to have
a look.
I am finding out that there where some really cool, and well made
guitars at the old 48th st. digs. I am really into the Charvel San Dimas
thing as are many others, but these ESP's are quite similar, and the
demand isn't nearly as high as for the Charvels, so they can be had foe
reasonable prices.
Let me know,
Vinny
3/10
Hi Chris. Just checking back with you to see if you are still
interested in the Duncan preamp.
I would like to see some pic's of that body you have. If it looks good
maybe we could swap.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thanks
Vinny
3/13
Yes Chris. I got the photo ok. The posts are drilled for a Floyd Rose,
they are spaced for one.
The only thing that concerns me is the streak.
Is it just photo flash or is it in the finish?
Vinny
*** This should have sent alarms going off***
3/14
Yes I live in Buffalo.
Why don't you send me that body, let me look it over, and if I like it I
will send the preamp, if not I will pay to return it to you.
IYou can check out my trustworthiness at yahoo auctions under dino5369,
and contact Owen Hoaxie owhblue@hotmail.com.
He just sent me $680 for a Soldano HR50 a couple of weeks ago. He will
tell you I am safe.
I can email you some photo's of the preamp, just let me know.
Jim
3/14
Vinny D'Innocenzo
10129 Savage rd.
Holland NY. 14080
No kidding, you know Billy! Did you gig with him?
Great guy, we are very proud of him up in Bflo.
3/14
Sorry I forgot the phone #
(716) 537-2891
Thanks
3/14
Yes! You are the only person who has contacted me about it.
These units were highly underrated in my opinion. I hate to let it go,
....Catch ya later!
Vinny
3/14
Yes, I still have it here for you, I'll contact you as soon as It
arrives.
Thanks
Vinny
***Item ships 3/23 - Have a scan of the shipping form to back up ***
3/29
Hi Chris
No.... I got it yesterday. I have been mulling it over that is why I
didn't get back right away. Sorry, I should have let you know it
arrived.
It's good, and yet, well... it has been drilled for a vintage trem, as
well as the Floyd, and the Tele style electronics rout through me off,
but I still think its cool.
Its got to be made of Ash to have that kind of grain, also good.
I figure if you want to kick in $50 + the body.
I will do it.
Or I'll give you $50 outright + pay your shipping if you want to just
sell it.
Or I will mail it back to you.
If you want to do the deal, I would send you the preamp, and then, if
you want to keep it, you could send the monetary difference.
I'm sorry but that is all I think it is worth.
But! I've got this preamp sitting around doing nothing, and you have
this body sitting around doing nothing, so we ought to do something.
I just don't think straight up would be equitable for me.
But I would like to work something out.
I hope you don't think I am trying to extort you because I have the
body, it's not like that.
It is hard to evaluate from pictures.
I will email a pic or two of the preamp so you have something to go by.
Let me know.
Thanks
Vinny
***Good thing I didn't send the accessories too***
3/29
Hi Chris, That would be great, If you could include those.
So, if send $61, that will cover it?
The preamp is still here, You are the only one who has inquired about
it, should you change your mind....
The thing is so mint, I know I can't get alot for it because of lack of
demand, but I hate to give it away.
I'm looking for a furman AR-117 or AR- 1215 Voltage regulator. Do you
have one of those your not using? Maybe I could send the preamp and
cash.
What else do you have laying around?
Do you have a paypal?
Thanks
Vinny
4/3
I think I am going to send you the premp!
4/10
I just got the original shipping container from my granmothers, where it
has been sitting under the bed, from years back.
I'll get it out tomorrow.
Thanks
Vinny
***Hemming and Hawing over a month later***
4/21
Sorry Chris, I have been hemming and hawing over sending it or the
money. I will do something one way or the other.
IYou deserve the same courtesy, I have an excellent Harmony central,
reputation, I'm not going to rip you.
Whatever I do I will pay to get it to you quickly.
Sorry for the inconvenience, I really am.
I'll email you tomorrow, probably later in the evenig as I have to
attend a birthday party , but I will get back to you.
Best regards.
Vinny
5/9
Seeing as you want to be an asshole about it, I think I'll just keep it!
6/18
Obviousely they are not getting involved and I don't careif they do.
Ill go back to aol. No big deal
PS.
Your piece of shit body is on it's way home!
Why don't you get a life!
Submitted by Mark Little (tmlsound at prodigy.net)
Follow up:Subject: Settlement with Stirlan Hulsey 17650 SW Marty
LnBeaverton, OR 97006 e-mail address:
originalrosecityband@hotmail.com or rosecityband@hotmail.com You can
read my complaint on the Harmony Central Complaint Page. As of right
now, it is the 2nd one down on the page. To get my money from him I had
to file a Small Claims against him. The Sheriff's department served the
complaint on him and he immediately called me and asked how much it
would take to settle the claim. The original claim was for $525.00 and
after adding court cost, Sheriff's serving and misc. cost of phone
bills, I told him it would take $625.00 to settle the case. He said he
would send me the amount. He had 14 days from the date of serving the
papers to send the money. On the 14th day he called me and said he had
overnighted it and gave me the tracking # and the money order numbers.
Two days later the money did come, much to my surprise. For all of you
out there who have lost money due to dishonest people, there are avenues
to take to collect. If you would like more information as to the course
of action I took to collect my money, email me at:
tmlsound@prodigy.net and I will be happy to discuss the course of
action with you.....good luck to all of you out there......Mark Little
Do not do business with Stirlan Hulsey. His address is:
17650 SW Marty Ln
Beaverton OR 97006
His e-mail address is:
E-mail Address(es):
originalrosecityband@hotmail.com
rosecityband@hotmail.com
Stirlan Hulsey advertised on Harmony Central in April, 2001, that he had 5 EV
767 vocal mikes for sale. We made a deal with a price of $525 which
included shipping. He also stated he would throw in a 12 space SKB mike case. I
sent him a postal money order for $525 on April 23, 2001. He emailed me that he
recieved the money and had made arrangements with a shipping company to ship
the mikes to me ......His responses to me are all in RED....
>From: "Mark Little"
>To: "Stilan Hulsey"
>Subject: Re:
>Date: Sun, 29 Apr 2001 07:26:34 -0500
>YES SIR I GOT YOUR MONEY ORDER AND THE MICS WILL GO OUT ON MONDAY....
They never came....I emailed him and called his home phone and he apologized
for the shipping company stating they never came to his house to pick up the
mikes..
HEY MARK I WAS IN THE STUDIO AND I ARRANGED A PICK UP FROM
MY HOUSE FOR MONDAY AND THERE WAS A MIX UP THEY PUT IT FOR THURSDAY SO THE
MICS WILL BE LEAVING THURSDAY SORRY FOR THE DELAY WHEN I GO INTO THE STUDIO I
LIVE THERE UNTIL MY DRUM TRACTS ARE PERFECT SO WHEN I GOT HOME AND THE MICS
WERE STILL HERE I CALLED AND THEY SAID IT WAS TO BE PICKED UP ON THURSDAY
BETWEEN 12PM &2PM SO I WILL EMAIL YOU WHEN THEY LEAVE THANKS..
time passed and still no mikes......I emailed and called again.....
hey mark i have not been home i am at the studio and i am on
there computer the mics should of went out on thursday i will not be home for
about 1 1/2 weeks i am working with tommy two tone on his new project i will
try to call home as soon as i can to make sure because we have no phones here
at all they try to have no distractions i am luky that i got to use the
computer the studio is about 60 miles in the middle of no were just let
me know if you don't recieave them soonthanks
I asked for my money back.... His reply...
im sorry i did not get back to you but my truck was reacked and i was hurt the
pick-up for the mics never happend so i will be sending you your money back
w/interest once again i appoligize and i am not a thef my word is good but the
accident put me backand i thought they went out but they didn't sorry
His next email response....
m sorry i did not get back to you but my truck was reacked and i was hurt the
pick-up for the mics never happend so i will be sending you your money back
w/interest once again i appoligize and i am not a thef my word is good but the
accident put me backand i thought they went out but they didn't sorry
I called him again on his cell phone...His response....
and the reason i did not call you back is because my cell phone is still in the
truck
I then sent him an email stating that if he did not return my money back that I
would take action against him and file a complaint on Harmony Central.....his
response was ...
----- Original Message -----
From: Stirlan Hulsey
To: tmlsound@prodigy.net
Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2001 12:24 PM
Subject: Re: Re:
you don't have to threaten me im not a thief so don't ever tell somebody
that you are going to slander someone on the internet that's even big
trouble if i see anything on the internet that is slandering my name that's
a whole new ball game it's not my fault the mic's didn't go out because
other stuff ive sent out when't it's a problem when you start slander and
i got names of several people iv'e sent stuff to and i did email you the
other day and i have everything that ive sent you to nothing to hide so
email me with a better attitude and i will send your money back im sending
it anyway and ive sent other products out by mail with pick up from home
and it went to the oeople from harmony central
I e-mailed him back with an apology for my attitude and explained the reason I
was so angry was that I was depending on receiving the mikes from him because I
had a recording job to do that would bring me $500.00. I not only lost the
$525.00 I sent him, but also another $500.00 in lost income......His next email
reply to me....
mark i need your address so i can get your money back to you here is my new
email just send me an email with your address thanks
My next email to him and His reply to me....
From: "Mark Little"
>To: "Stirlan Hulsey"
>Subject: Re: Re:
>Date: Mon, 4 Jun 2001 16:30:26 -0500
>
>For your information....I DID NOT receive your check today.....call me ....??????? 870-247-8888 Mark
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Stirlan Hulsey
> To: tmlsound@prodigy.net
> Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2001 5:13 PM
> Subject: Re: Re:
> >yes i am sending you a personail check it went out today let me know
when you recieve it thanksmark if the check is not in tommarows mail i
will go and get a money order and overnight it wednesday
Today is Saturday, 6/9/01 and still no money from him......BEWARE MR. HULSEY,
YOU HAVEN'T HEARD THE LAST FROM ME.......
Submitted by John Bair (jbair@fumph.com) UPDATED
I would like to update my earlier email. I was pleasantly surprised to
receive an Emu Orbit V2 in mint condition by Fedex on Monday Mar 5. It
appears to have been shipped by someone named Daniel Huggins on Thu Mar 2.
It is unfortunate that the seller failed to communicate with me and that
I was forced to take such drastic measures as registering complaints
with harmony-central, paypal and the internet fraud center. In the future
I would advise buyers to use an escrow service.
-I believe that I have been conned by Randy Land who posted on your gear
-classified. I transferred money to him via Paypal and despite several
-promises have not received shipping confirmation or the item. It is
-especially disappointing since he seems to have been posting on your site
-for several years. I have also registered a complaint with paypal. John
-Bair Here is the record of emails:
>From: "Randy Land" <landrandy@hotmail.com>
>To:
>Subject: Re: Orbit V2
Date: Monday, February 26, 2001 6:11 PM Sorry, I've been without internet
>all weekend, and didn't have access to your address, so it will go out
>Fedex next day service tomorrow. I'll get you a ttracking number then.
>I'm very sorry about the delay, but hopefully sending it next day will
>make up for it. I lost $400 on an online transaction before, so I
>definitely know how it feels, so don't worry about it. Thanks, and I'll
>be in touch tomorrow night. Thanks,
>Randy
Submitted by Brendon McDonnell (brensolo@aol.com)
Scammer Alert..The SoundGuy, The FXGuy, etc.
Beware this person will rip you off. He goes by the titles of The Soundguy,
The FX Guy, etc. He also uses one of several email addresses such
as..thesoundguy101@hotmail.com, antiman_machine@hotmail.com,
antiman_machine2@hotmail.com, audioproguy@hotmail.com in addition to others
I'm sure.
His ads are characteristic and easy to identify if you've seen them. Please
email me directly and I will provide you with several samples of his
varying email formats.
DO NOT DEAL WITH THIS GUY. He lacks diginity, trust and will sadly rip you
off. It's a shame that good folks are screwed by losers like this.
Submitted by Guy Stevens (satch5@mindspring.com)
I am submitting a complaint against Ryan Fillian for dishonest business
practices. I'll spare you the blow by blow on each 20 plus e-mails & the 4
phone calls over the 6 plus weeks, and focus on the main points.
We agreed on a trade, my Carvin Legacy 100 watt head & 2x12 Legacy cabinet
(listed for $900) for his Line 6 asyx2 amp & footswitch (listed at $700) &
$120 money order.
Upon agreemnet of the trade, Ryan informed me that he sent the amp 2 day
express & wished that I would do the same. Upon receiving the e-mail, I went
to Mail Boxes & Etc. sent the Legacy amp & cab 2 day express, as well as had
them professionally pack it & insured it for the full amount ($900). I went
home & e-mailed him the tracking # that night & asked him to e-mail me back
the Line 6 tracking #.
Long story short - Ryan received the Legacy in 2 days & emailed me & said it
worked fine & except for a small switch on the back all was well. He sent me
a non functioning Tracking # & said it was on it's way.
2 days late ( 4 days total), I received the footswitch, no check & no amp. I
e-mailed him to let him know. He responded by saying my Legacy I sent didn't
work & he said it would take $180 to fix it. He still did not send me a
tracking # for the amp. I told him that based on the facts from the
repairman, I would work something out on the repair, BUT FIRST, I need a
tracking # for the amp & I need to know why I haven't received it, when he
said that he sent it 2-day express.
Weeks passed, several e-mails & phone calls went unreturned. When he would
return an e-mail he would promise to settle the deal "tommorrow", but never
would.
After threats of filing a complaint to Harmony Central, I received empty
promises that he would settle the deal & NOT ONCE RECEIVING A TRACKING # to
confirm that the amp was shipped.
Finally, I actually received the amplifier exactly 31 days after he sent it.
When I received it from the Post Office, the box was in ruins, because it
was oversized & it was not filled w/ foam peanuts, just 1 layer of bubble
wrap. Somehow, the amp was functional & only had a couple of scratches on
it. But the big blow was THERE WAS NO CHECK IN THE PACKAGE! I received the
package 11-22-00, One full month after the guarranteed " 2 DAY EXPRESS".
I have e-mailed Ryan to settle & send a check, but have not received one
e-mail or phone call since receiving the amp. I do not appreciate being lied
to, & duped into sending my amp to him " 2-day express" when, he knowing
full well that he didn't send it "2-day express". I do not appreciate then
being put off by B.S. promises for a month about settling the deal & then
upon receiving the ruined package, have it come up short one $120 CHECK &
THEN NEVER HEAR FROM HIM AGAIN!
I strongly suggest that no one do business with him ( he presently is
selling a Paul Reed Smith on Harmony Central).
Ryan, all I want is the check that you promised me. IT HAS BEEN 7 WEEKS! Do
the right thing & keep your word & finish this deal!
Submitted by Triet Nguyen (trietn@yahoo.com)
Recently, I posted my akai s6000 for sale on Harmony Central. This
person called me up and said that they were interested in buying my
sampler. So, I sent the sampler to this person via Fedex overnight (as
requested by the buyer). In return, the buyer tried to pass a fake
check to the Fedex delivery person.
Luckily, the Fedex delivery person didn't accept the check as it was
clearly bogus, and I got my sampler back. I told the buyer that I would
only accept a money order or cashier's check, so I'm unsure what type
of check that she was trying to scam the Fedex guy with.
Here's the info for this person. This might not even be her real name
and address, but be warned if she calls you up and tells you to ship
something to this address and name. Especially, if she sounds really
pushy and needs to have shipped overnight for some "special project"
that she's working on. She has no email address that I'm aware of, but
I do have 2 phone numbers for her.
Sandy Bell
A-1 Music
1077 W. 38th St.
Unit C 201
Los Angeles, CA 90037
(323)526-2914
(323)758-8391
Submitted by Jim Rutherford (jford@mail.port.island.net)
I sent Moe Gospo a bank draft for the purchase of a Drawmer DS201 as
advertised on Harmony Central after communicating with him a number of
times via email at:
bmusicw@hotmail.com.
His mailing address is:
Moe'Gospo Records
23615 Tellgate Dr.
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
He cashed the bank draft on July 10/00 and I have never received the goods.
He has never responded to any of my emails since getting my money. After
posting for help info on him others have also expressed concerns about
their transactions with him. I was able to get his phone number from one of
the responders and have since left many voice mails, none were ever
returned. I did finally reach a woman at his number and she promised to
have him call me. Still no response. The last time I tried his number it
was no longer in service.
He continues to advertise on Harmony using the same bmusicw@hotmail.com, as
current as last week.
If anyone has his current phone number could they please forward it to me.
Submitted by Brian Folkes (brian@ramco-lcs.com)
I responded to an ad by Michael Johnson of tntmuzic@hotmail.com for a
AKG C414 microphone he advertised at $400.00. He directed me to send a
check, made out to his sister, Quintasha C. Johnson at 11530 Simms Ave.,
#A, Inglewood, CA 90303. This was done the first week of July, 2000.
He responded to my emails very consistently and acknowledged that he had
received the check and would be sending the mic out on Monday, July 10.
After that he never responded to any further emails. I recently FedEx'd
a letter to the address above a week ago and it was returned, marked
"recipient not in/business closed." Unfortunately, the email I had with
the telephone number was lost when my drive crashed two weeks ago so I
was unable to try to call and confirm what had happened.
I was ripped off and learned a lesson: I was suspicious about the
hotmail address, as well as using his sister's name on the check as the
payee. I should have listened to myself. I am sure he will just change
his ID and do this again. There were several other ads ran on Harmony
Central around the same time. Everyone needs to do their due dilgence
when buying blind like this. Beware!
Submitted by Bob Bell (bob@runware.com)
Rikki Starr, email address: KidVudoo1@aol.com, listed on Harmony-Central
an ad with the heading:
Mesa Boogie MK II B Koa Wood/Wicker Grill
I paid the asking price of $750, plus an additional $75 for an oversized
flight case. Upon receiving the amplifier, I immediately discovered
that is was NOT a koa wood cabinet. In fact, the amp was originally a
basic Tolex covered cabinet. The Tolex was stripped off and the original
plywood stained. The holes where the metal amp corners used to be and
where the staples hold the cabinet together, although plugged with wood
filler, are still very visible. Also, the original cloth grille was
removed and a wicker material was thumbtacked on. FYI, the 2 pix that
the seller sent me prior to the sale were badly distorted and I was only
able to ascertain that it was a wood cabinet with a wicker grille.
Since the seller's profile indicated other items being sold through
Harmony-Central, I saw no reason to doubt his word.
Over the next three days, I sent off three e-mails to the seller
describing what I had discovered and asking for a refund. I even
offered to pay the shipping costs to return the amp & case to him.
Finally, on the fourth day, I received a response that said I was being
offensive and that he would no longer respond to my e-mails. (If
anybody wants to read my "offensive" emails to him, I will be happy to
send them.)
True to his word, he will no longer reply to my emails. His address is
listed as:
Rikki Starr
4423 N. Ashland
Apt.# 1E Chicago, IL 60640
He has listed other items on Harmony-Central so I would beware of
anything that he sells. At the very least, I would suggest going
through an escrow service so that the item can be visually inspected (in
person) before releasing the funds.
Submitted by Chris Holloing (chris_holling@hotmail.com)
Certificate Fingerprint: 22:E6:A0:E8:9B:65:EA:05:BA:C9:AD:6B:29:5D:AF:92
The guy's email is lespaul11@usa.net His name (if its real) is Rick
Mccullough. I posted a want ad for a Harkte 4x10 and he replyed saying
he had a used one for 300 dollars. I agreed to pay the extra $15 for
packing and he said he would pay the shipping if i sent the money though
Western Union. After he got my money, I stopped receiving emails from
him (figures) and I only got one email saying the package was sent and
on his way. Well it has been exactly two weeks since he has said that,
and UPS says that it only takes 3 days to send a package from where he
was to my location. He won't reply to any of my emails now. This is
what he said his address was 4822 Yonge St. W-Apt.1 Toronto, Canada
Chris
I have EVERY one of his emails still on file, if you need to see them
Submitted by Eric Harder (ericbh@home.com)
Certificate Fingerprint: 3D:5D:61:AF:59:7D:A7:D7:37:69:1A:C2:30:62:2B:2A
WATCH YOUR WALLET!
DO NOT do business with JULIAN TRAN!
4707 Harbor Cove Ct.
Union City, CA 94587
510-760-8373
jt916@hotmail.com
jt916@email.msn.com
We agreed to trade his TC Electronics Finalizer + cash for my Emu E4XT.
He sent his, which I picked up and paid for. I sent mine and he never
picked it up. Bottom line: I'm out 54.73 in shipping, and paid too
much for a Finalizer.
Rather than just cursing about the guy, here are the messages from TRAN:
He agrees to do the deal:
THe unit I have is 5 months old. I will do the trade for your 4xt with
$500
cash additional to it.
He sends his, and I pay for it:
Eric,
I got caught up at work this weekend due to deadline and was late to
the post office. I just got the package out today and should be on your
desk by tommorow before
noon via overnight express. Thanks for the understanding. Here is the
tracking number 804273494871 via Fedex COD with amount of $2100.00
thanks
Julian
I send him mine via FedEx 8091-4652-4954
When it arrives, he offers some BS as to why he has not picked up and
paid for the Emu:
Hi Eric,
I just saw the notice yesterday, I will try to pick it up today at
the
office as soon as I get out of the studio. I am so up to my neck with
work
and racking in almost 14 hours a day. I hope you are having fun with
the
Finalizer.
Julian
Here's his excuse for never picking it up:
I am sorry Eric for being delay on this. My vehicle was broken in last
week
right inside the studio garage. Along gone is my laptop and the money
orders which was in your name. Insurance will eventually pay for it but
I
need until this weekend to get my pay check and get another set of money
order.
thanks
...and finally, an empty promise to repay the shipping:
Sorry about that ERic, Iam sending you the reimburshment of $75.00 to at
least cover for the trouble I caused.
All I asked for was to be reimbursed for the shipping, and of course, I
get nothing. Show this guy how much we appreciate rip-offs like him.
Email him. Alot.
Submitted by Malcolm Goodman (shapeshifter@schematic.net)
Certificate Fingerprint: 3F:FE:9A:A4:08:C6:2B:31:03:64:BF:8B:C6:4B:AF:4A
Beware of: Kimberly Brackett (aka Tricia Bradley)
1901 11th St. Apt. 19
Sanat Monica, CA 90404
I had a T.C. Electronic Finalizer Plus for sale for $1875. Someone
called me on the phone from Santa Monica, CA who claimed she was
Tricia Bradley & wanted to buy the unit. This person was Kimberly
Brackett. She requested Fed Ex next day air & a secure payment was
checked on the Fed Ex air bill. I told her to have a money order ready
for the total plus shipping COD amount. The package was delivered & I
recieved what was a frauduent official bank check from Washington
Mutual Bank, FA (a real bank in Los Angeles I beleive) from Fed Ex.
This is a federal crime. She fabricated a counterfeit official state
bank check for $1949.47 with the name Tricia Bradley on it. My bank
told me it was fraudulent almost 2 weeks after it was deposited. Even
with proof of her name, address, and phone (which I found out through
heavy research) & a Fed Ex delivery confirmation slip and airbill, as
well as the original copy of the counterfeit check, it's going to be a
hell of a frustrating mission taking this person to court and trying
to sue/convict them. To make things more complicated, I live across
the country on the east coast. Thank you Kimberly for being such a
true, real, kind, and trustworthy person - like the world needs more
people like you.....
sincerely,
Malcolm Goodman
The following postings are made by users who have their identities verified by Class 1 VeriSign IDs. The views expressed below are solely of their senders. Harmony Central is not responsible for the truthfulness or accuracy of the postings.
Submitted by Engram (engram@sanmarcos.net)
Certificate Fingerprint: 33:32:EC:32:1C:0B:82:E7:E9:56:8B:F5:B3:DD:E3:72
Beware of the following rip-off artist:
Andrew Gowan
868 Plante Dr.
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada (613) 733-7545
He uses these two e-mail accounts agow@sympatico.ca and
co_nichita@hotmail.com. I made a deal with this to trade him some
custom printed clothing with a retail value of 459.00 for a Marshall
JMP Mk 2 100 watt amp that he was asking three hundred dollars for. At
the time he was posing as someone named "Cristina Canas" and said
"she" worked for a company named "The Universal Wrestling Alliance." I
designed and printed the shirts and sent them out on July 29, 1999,
they were received by Andrew on August 7, 1999. At that time I was
informed that there was a 150.00 duty on the shirts and asked to send
another forty dollars to help cover shipping the amp. I was leery so I
asked them to send me the amp on ups with a cod of 45.00, with an
extra five thrown to pay for the cod tag. Well, to make a long story
short, I have never received the amp. I have tracked Mr. Gowan down
and he has promised me no less than twenty times that the amp has
either been sent, or that he is going to send it that day, still no
amp. I have even called his parent's house and spoken with his mother,
who is a nice lady, but obviously has no control of her son's shady
dealings. Mr. Gowan/Canas should not be allowed to trade over Harmony
Central. I intend to file a lawsuit against him, his parents and his
father's business which operates out of the location that the shirts
were shipped to. THIS PERSON IS TO BE AVOIDED AT ALL COSTS.
Submitted by Dave Spang (nflux1@aol.com) [Retracted]
Serial Number: 2b18a27ed7d774c3282e05f3b8e3ff35
Latest Update
Not too long ago I had a mishap with this person...Tim Robinson
"NiTimes@Cheta.net"...i had sent him a good chunk of change, and hadnt heard
from him in over a month.
I contacted you a couple times in order to post a complaint, but thought I
had been unsuccessful. Turns out I was wrong, and a complaint was filed or
however that works.
Thing is, Mr. Robinson called me not too long afterward...said he couldnt
contact me through email and had just gotten a letter I sent to him.
In short, he cleared the matter up VERY quickly and actually sent me back my
money at my request. He was quite polite and understanding, even though I'd
sent some nasty emails to him. I feel that I was justified in my stance, as
it was well over a month that I didnt hear from him, but now that the matter
is cleared up there is no reason that Mr. Robinson should have to deal with
this.
Submitted by James Loren (iota@sirius.com)
Certificate Fingerprint: CC:5F:7F:B0:16:94:78:E1:31:48:AB:58:31:80:8B:0D
Last week, 9/29/99, David Alexander Vitkus backed out of selling me
his Yamaha FS1R module.
After setting up an iEscrow account for the transaction, he called and
told me that a Norwegian buyer from weeks before (that he'd promised
the FS1R to) called saying he had no way to respond to David's email
attempts. When I initially talked to David on the phone, he mentioned
the guy from Norway and that he was writing him off and selling ,for
sure, the FS1R to me.
What David's ad should have read was:
'Yamaha FS1R for sale, unless the guy from Norway calls back.'
Anything less is false advertising David, in all actuality, is a nice
guy. I simply want to make folks aware that he's not reliable and can
go back on his word.
Submitted by Grand Performance (grandperformance@thegrid.net)
I purchased an Allen and Heath GL 4000 from Bill Clayton of Harmon
Kardon. When the unit arrived I noticed it was packed poorly and
after opening the packaging I noticed it was a GL 4 not a GL 4000. I
called him immediately and he admitted to the issue and refunded some
of my money. We decided to keep the board even though it was not what
we wanted because it would be expensive to ship back and we still had
some use for the board. After further examination of the board we
noticed that the chassis damaged. After reporting this back to Bill
Clayton he said he would look into it at his end and he would contact
Consolidated Freight to work out a claim. It turns out Bill insured
it as Pig Iron (which is solder) and Consolidated Freight honored
their agreement sending me a check for $18.00 to cover the damages to
Pig Iron (the board has about $2000 in damage). I have since tried to
contact Bill Clayton at Harmon Kardon and he no longer works there and
doesn't respond to my phone calls.
Thanks
Dan Ernst Grand Performance Music and Sound
Submitted by Terry Deto (tdeto@gowebway.com)
Certificate Fingerprint: 9D:A0:B2:D9:96:C2:37:3C:5E:30:52:89:04:E6:02:81
a Bruce Richard who posts to harmony sold me a guitar that was offered
as mint with tags the guitar that arrived was not mint and no tags. I
called him to find out what happened and he said no the guitar was
sent in mint condition and that UPS must have damaged it. well after
UPS investigated and traced the shipping route they found that they
were not at fault ( I had to agree based on their evidence ) so
another call to mr Richard, he says send pictures, so I send pictures
now he will not return my calls or e-mails. I would recommend staying
away from this dealer. Bruce Richard gigstreet music.
Submitted by Cliff Scholle (stratman@west.net)
Certificate Fingerprint: 3D:CF:4A:F7:B7:6B:C1:78:51:D4:8B:71:04:7D:16:48
Bill Spencer, who advertises himself as Spirit Productions, offered to
buy a Celestion Vintage 30 speaker that I advertised on Harmony
Central. He said that he was in a big rush getting a cabinet ready for
a band going on tour, needed one more V30, and "con"vinced me to send
the speaker before receiving payment. I rushed the speaker to him and
have never received payment. He will no longer reply to my emails or
phone calls. His address is listed as:
Bill Spencer
Spirit Productions
9440 Alhambra Ave.
Stockton, CA 95212
I didn't bother to look at the User Complaints section of Harmony
Central before sending the speaker. I now see that there is already a
complaint regarding Mr. Spencer. Furthermore, I just bought an amp from
a person who advertised on Harmony Central, and when we discussed other
net purchases, he told me about being ripped off by Bill Spencer. Same
exact sob story about needing speakers pronto because of a band going
out on tour. This is either an incredible coincidence, or Mr. Spencer
has cheated a lot of people.
Right now (8/29/99), Mr. Spencer is advertising on Harmony Central,
trying to sell a few speakers and offering to "buy" Vintage 30's. I
believe, he is using the moniker, Spirit Productions, to hide the fact that
there is a user complaint already filed against him on Harmony
Central. I would be careful about dealing with anyone from Stockton, as
I feel that Mr. Spencer has no scruples and may represent himself under
a different name.
Submitted by Paul Smiley (paul.smiley@erols.com)
Certificate Fingerprint: 96:28:DD:23:0D:3F:D9:A2:40:B7:E5:3C:AE:15:5C:0E
BEWARE OF TRADER: DONALD BRYANT from HOLLYWOOD, CA
Purchased a used acoustic guitar from him in July 1999 (advertised
on Harmony Central). Everything went great until he got my money
(typical of con artists). It arrived with a number of "surprises",
major defects which he never disclosed, even when I asked. He claims
"it's normal wear for a used guitar". He says "used", I say "abused".
FACTS:
He lied about condition and age
He broke his word about shipping
He deliberately withheld important information
Refused to refund my money
His Info:
Donald W. Bryant
1223 N. Las Palmas Ave 212
Hollywood, CA 90038
323-467-3552
QUOTES FROM DONALD'S EMAIL:
"if you would of asked me if there was any altercations to the guitar,
I would have told you."
"My other suggestion is you sell it just as I did."
You will find all the pertinent, un-edited information on this web page.
http://www.angelfire.com/nf/chicks/donald.html
Paul
Submitted by John Damba (jdamba@olg.com)
Certificate Fingerprint: FB:91:7F:6F:F4:1D:0E:74:2C:4F:0F:9E:25:A5:7E:ED
Warning!!!
Dan Slavik
512 North 5th #2
Beatrice NE 68310
Phone: 402 228 4706 (answer machine)
Dan Slavik took my money, but never sent the promised merchandise. I sent him $40. for the keyboard stands he offered.....now it's been 27 days since I sent
the money, and I never received the stands, and Dan Slavik will not answer email or phone messages. I have proof that he received the money. Be Careful if you
pre-pay! As for the individuals that ripp people off ....they will eventually be caught and prosecuted for mail fraud....and even until then, they have to live in a constant state of fear and guilt. I feel sorry for them.
Harmony Central is one of my favorite for sure. I've made several successful transactions with honest people. Unfortunately, like most good things, dishonest and
unreliable people like Dan Slavik can make a mess of things and frustrate us all.
Submitted by Robert Holzer (e:holzer@nytimes.com)
Phone: (212) 597-8264
I've been using HC for years and just experienced my first rip-off. A
Mr. Charles Broadus bought two expansion JV-Series Roland cards from
me for $400.00. We did the transaction in person (unfortunately as he
knows where I live) on 5-24-99. He gave me a Western Union money order
that was returned to my bank yesterday. It turns out that the money
order was a part of a shipment of money orders stolen from UPS in
September of 1997. The money order looked legitimate and was dated on
5-24-99 which leads me to believe that this person is directly
involved in an overall fraud operation.
I have contacted New York police and will continue to track the
situation. In the meantime, I want to warn people immediately of this
situation.
Submitted by T.J.C. Heertjes
Certificate Fingerprint: B5:4F:AA:BF:B5:4F:FC:D3:59:6D:0B:5E:93:12:F6:61
Complaint against Mike Stevenson from Ontario, Canada withdrawn by T.J.C. Heertjes on 6/26/03.
Submitted by Jason Seidens (seidensj@post.uwstout.edu)
Certificate Fingerprint: 1A:42:8A:91:74:A8:74:13:C5:0B:73:50:87:8F:A7:77
This is a complaint about a seller using the Harmony Central website
classified ads.
Seller Name: Joey Elrod
Address: 1120 S23rd St.
Ft. Smith AK 72901
Email: ClownNo9@aol.com (now inactive)
Joey Elrod posted an ad for a variety of things. I ordered an Epiphone
Les Paul Standard - Black w/ hard shell case, a flanger pedal, a delay
pedal, and a Nady Wireless One - all for $350.
I ordered the gear in mid February of 1999. He said he sent it, but
after two weeks, I called to ask where the gear was. He gave some
excuse about a screw-up, and he assumed I didn't want the stuff anymore
(I haven't sent the payment as of yet).
Well, I reaffirmed that I wanted the gear, and sent the check.
February 23rd, it was cashed. It is currently May 24, 1999, and I
have yet to see anything. I have been in contact with Joey, and all I
get are excuses. I sent him a rock solid letter concerning closure to
this deal. The letter contains clear objectives, with all option
deadlines ending June 1, 1999.
I haven't seen any gear for over 5 months, and I don't expect to before
June 1st.
Please contact me if you have had either good or bad experiences with
Joey Elrod. I am interested in hearing any feedback.
UPDATE 7/19/99 - I GOT A REFUND!!!!!
In the time between my last posting and the date above, I have received
my $350 back. In this case, I decided to use legal channels. First of
all, I kept phone and emailing records from the first time I contacted
Joey. I used these records to my advantage.
Next, I planned the course of action that I wanted to proceed with. I
downloaded the rules and forms for application of a claim in the
Arkansas small claims system, and read them until I understood what I
would have to do in case it came to an actual lawsuit. I also thought
of the different jurisdictions that I can nail Joey with: unreported
cash income (IRS); mail fraud (Postmaster); fraud & breech of
contract* (Ft. Smith District Attorney).
* = an email stating terms, intent, and objectives of purchase is
considered a legally binding contract.
I then initiated my plan by first calling the home of the seller (Joey
Elrod). Use the net or AT&T information to verify phone numbers.
I got in touch with a band member of his, and told him that if I did
not hear from Joey in three days, I would file papers with the Arkansas
small claims court, and file formal complaints with the Postmaster
General and the Ft. Smith District Attorney's office for mail fraud. I
gave him a clear objective - 3 days (or 72 hours) to respond before the
next step would start.
15 minutes after hanging up, I received a call from the record label
spokesperson (or manager). He wanted to settle up right away. Well,
after three calls, he disappeared as well. So, I moved the focus of
my plan towards the family of Joey Elrod. I contacted his father, and
told him the story of things so far. I also said that I would pursue
legal action if I did not see any refund. He eventually paid me the
refund (within 3 days of calling) by Western Union money transfer.
I was lucky. But it was my diligence and good record keeping that saved
me. From the first sight of the ad, start to keep records. Print the
ad. Keep a log of phone calls. Demand tracking numbers for promised
shipments.
But even these measures won't guarantee successful transactions. Your
best bet is to use either a middle-man, or iEscrow. It may add a
little $$$ to the bottom line, but it beats being ripped off. Do you
have friends or relatives that live near the seller? Give them $20 to
checkout the merchandise for you.
I hope this information helps you prepare for buying anything over the
internet that is sold via classified ads. 95% of the sellers are
great. Other sites provide references (eBay), others don't (Harmony
Central). Buyer beware!
If you want to know more of how I got my money back, email me at
seidensj@post.uwstout.edu.
Thanks,
Jason Seidens
PS - Most state's small claim's statute of limitations is 3-5 years, so
pursue those deadbeats!!!!
Submitted by Jim Gwinner (jgwinner@padprint.com)
Certificate Fingerprint: BA:6E:B7:36:C4:C6:13:3A:8F:1D:69:CC:7C:DE:96:9A
Updated 12/8/99
After much search and work I have discovered that the person who ripped off
my TC Electronics 2290 has also operated under the names Bobby fern, Bobby
Ferrara, Charlie Tui, Charlie Tukk, and Chris Myers. All of the above names
have been used. The address is 255 Rt 206 in Hammonton, NJ. 08037. He also
uses the email address mailto:guitarthang@hotmail.com
guitarkiller@hotmail.com tukk72@hotmail.com
And now to make matters worse he is back selling on Harmony Central Again
using the email address mailto:braylimusic@aol.com and the name braylimusic.
This guy even has a website listing some of the gear that might have been
stolen using this website. www.joelynnturner.com/ferrara/
Anyone having any dealings with this individual please contact me @
jgwinner@padprint.com Thanks.
Original Post
I posted an add at your website to sell or trade a TC Electronics 2290 for a
g-force or Eventide harmonizer. I was soon contacted by a person Claiming to
be Charlie Tui @ 255 Rt. 206 Hammonton NJ 08037 Phone # 609-567-4203.
We made a deal to swap a g-force for my 2290. After numerous messages and
Contacting “Charlie Tui” by phone we decided to send our units out
at the same time exchange drivers license numbers and tracking numbers for the
packages. After sending my package out I sent him an email with all of the
numbers. I also received an email with a bogus tracking number and a fake
drivers license number. Suspecting something was going wrong I contacted ups
to stop the ship however it was too late. He signed for the package and I
have not received his. He now will not answer his phone and will not
respond to my emails.
Submitted by Jacques G. Floyd (Bflat@worldnet.att.net)
Certificate Fingerprint: 8E:B8:8B:33:98:B1:D9:B2:2D:A6:5E:37:3E:A9:85:6B
I recently purchased an Ampeg SVT Pre-ampfrom Mr... Andrews. The post stated
that the pre-amp was in mint condition. It was not. It did not work at all.
Someone pointed out to me that the cabinet screwheads were stripped and that
onewas even missing. I called him and was told to return the above mentioned
item. It was never picked up. U.P.S. returned the item to me.
Mr... Andrews is selling equipment that is not as described. Buyers beware of
anyone selling equipment fromthe e-mail address Goathead66@hotmail.com. The
home city of the seller is Portland, Oregon.
Submitted by Bob Cowles (bcowles@p3.net)
Certificate Fingerprint: 89:A5:0F:17:C3:DE:2F:17:32:5B:A3:C1:FF:E3:47:23
I sold a DBX Subharmonis 120XP to a guy named Tkae and he promised to
send me a chek the day I shipped him the unit. He received the unit
and never sent me the payment. He emailed me and said "Man my girl was
suppose to send it to you and she didn't. You trusted me and I didn't
send it. I will Fedex it to you tomorrow". Well tomorrow cam and went
and it never came. Then he called the house and said he would Fedex
it again and we would have the check the next day - it never showed up.
I called him and he said it was mailed the day before so I waited a
week and no check. He won't return calls now and has my unit. His info is:
email: asf1120@mindspring.com
Name: Tkae Mendez
Adress: 418 Central Park West # 4
New York NY 10025
Phone: 917-680-5007
Submitted by Bob Cowles (bcowles@p3.net)
Certificate Fingerprint: 89:A5:0F:17:C3:DE:2F:17:32:5B:A3:C1:FF:E3:47:23
I sold a Marantz CDR615 CD recorder to this girl Gloria Armond for $950.
She said her Dad needed it by AM the next morning to ship it Fedex next
day COD and she would have a Money Order ready. I shipped it and I paid
for the Fedex $60 charges. They tried to deliver it and it was a
business that is no longer there. I tried to call her but all I got was
a recording and she won't return the call so I am stuck with the Fedex
charges.
She is:
Gloria Armond
255 South Alexandria Ave. Unit 35
Los Angeles, CA 90044
323-980-3493
Submitted by Scott Nelson (srnelson@uiuc.edu)
Certificate Fingerprint: E6:B5:AC:D3:C1:37:D6:4A:C2:65:11:B5:02:F0:01:51
I dealt with a man named Bill Spencer(spirit50@pacbell.net aka Spirit
Production). We were to conduct a trade: my '85 Gibson SG for his 90's Gibson
Les Paul Studio. He wanted to keep his case, so I agreed to send my guitar
out first to him bu UPS ground at 9440 Alhambra Drive, Stockton, CA, 95212.
I did this because he wanted to check out my guitar to see if he wanted
it. He was then supposed to put his Les Paul backin my case and ship it
out.
He received and signed for my guitar on October 16, 1998.
He claims he shipped his guitar out the following week by Fedex.
The airbill number he gave me never worked. He claims Fedex gave him a
bunch or shipping documents with the same airbill, so some of them got
lost, one being my guitar.
He claims that Fedex was either going to find my guitar within a week or
pay $815 for the claim, which he was going to pass on directly to me.
I have yet to receive payment, or my guitar back. He claims that
according to the airbill number for the claim payment, he was to receive
it two weeks ago from today.
I have not been able to contact him since two weeks ago, either by the
phone number or email he gave me.
Submitted by Brian Connell (bconman@richnet.net) on 1/7/99
Certificate Fingerprint: 8C:61:2F:4D:8D:E7:03:82:75:BB:DF:5B:5D:6E:45:44
Gary Herrington
4301 Far Hills Rd.
Sioux City, IA 51104
Has ripped myself and at least one if not more other people
off, in offering a Peavey Wolfgang hardtail, and then
keeping the money and abandoning his email address that was
Riceronnie@aol.com
If anyone has any information on this person , or have also
been taken by Gary then please contact myself at
bconman@richnet.net or pulkit@yahoo.com
We want this guy bad. Thanks
Submitted by Gregory Born (greg@intersrv.com) on 12/4/98
Certificate Fingerprint: 6A:FC:77:F1:B0:95:6D:91:D4:2F:EE:14:38:C4:A5:A6
Beware of anyone purchasing by the name of
Todd R. James (purpleprince1999@yahoo.com)
or his partener A. Gillis.
Their Address (real or not?) is:
5300 Flagtone Dr.
Antioch, TN 37013
Their Phone Number (not real) is:
(615) 336-1825
Just the Facts:
Todd R. James wished to purchase an Orbit V2 from me. He agreed to
pay for the Orbit plus half the shipping for: FedEx, COD, insured.
Once shipped, he was never to be heard from again. The phone number
given isn't his, and nobody was ever at the address he provided. He
never replied to any email messages I sent trying to contact him. (7
total) His email address (purpleprince1999@yahoo.com) is obviously
untraceable.
Results:
I am left to pay all the non-refundable shipping costs of $45.00 as
well as an UN-sold piece of gear that I will have to pay half of the
shipping again if someone wants it.
Sincerely,
Gregory Born