E-bay scam on Fisk bowies

[Gabe Newell]

This is my first exposure to this kind of e-bay scam. I thought it would be interesting for collectors and makers, and figured Mr. Fisk might get some wry amusement out of the fact that along with all of his other accolades he has apparently become "Knifemaker of Greatest Appeal to E-Bay Thieves."

Background:

A forum member knew of my interest in Fisk knives and had given me a heads up about an e-bay auction for one of his bowies. The auction number was 3651863208. You can see the auction at:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=3651863208

As far as I know, the auction is completely legitimate. The only thing that struck me as unusual about the auction was that the listing is in Sporting Goods rather than Collectibles.

The Scam:

In the past when bidding on items on ebay, I?ve had people contact me to offer similar items or to offer reduced prices on items that didn?t meet their reserve price. I think this practice is common enough that people are now building scams around this. Here is the email record as I?m swarmed by three different people trying to sell me bogus Fisk bowies.

It?s interesting to me that they are using some sort of automated tool, as presumably it means that anyone bidding on ebay is going to start getting bid-spammed like this.

I?ve notified the other bidders and the seller.

-----Original Message-----
From: fireflys1@msn.com [mailto:fireflys1@msn.com]
Sent: Saturday, January 10, 2004 12:18 PM
To: Gabe Newell
Subject: Question for seller -- Item #3651863208

Hello there.

Sorry to drop in like this but I have noticed you are interested in the item matching the auction #3651863208. I was wondering if you would be interested in a similar Fisk Bowie Knife that I am selling for $1650.00.
The products is brand new, still factory sealed and as you notice it's considerably cheaper than what was auctioned and I want to give you the opportunity to get it at a bargain. I am only selling this because of some personal problems. If this offer seems appealing to you please e-mail me back and I will provide you with the rest of the information needed to complete the transaction.
I am a registered and serious seller on eBay and my feedback proves it. (my user name on eBay is FIREFLYS and I'm rated 55+ positive) If you want I could ask eBay to contact you and certify I am indeed serious and trustworthy. This transaction will also be covered under eBay's Fraud Protection Program! I will pay shipping & handling + any other fees involved.
Once again, excuse me if I have bothered you with this message and also please accept all my best.

Respectfully yours,
Giorgio MANCINO
--------------------


Question from: fireflys1
Title of item: Fisk Bowie Knife
Seller: gabe_newell
Starts: Jan-06-04 04:46:11 PST
Ends: Jan-13-04 04:46:11 PST
Price: Currently $1,801.00
To view the item, go to: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=3651863208



Visit eBay, The World's Online Marketplace TM at http://www.ebay.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Gabe Newell
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2004 10:28 PM
To: 'fireflys1@msn.com'
Cc: Gabe Newell
Subject: RE: Question for seller -- Item #3651863208

Do you have a picture?

Gabe

-----Original Message-----
From: Giorgio MANCINO [mailto:fireflys1@msn.com]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2004 4:09 AM
To: Gabe Newell
Subject: RE: Question for seller -- Item #3651863208


Gabe,

Thank you for getting back to me this fast. The Fisk Bowie Knife is
absolutely new, never used and still covered by the original manufacturer's
warranty. I don't have any pics because the item is still inside its sealed
original package. It's identical with ebay listing no. 3651863208.

I am located in Chicago, IL and because of some serious family problems I
have to sell this immediately. I will be shipping from here via UPS
overnight should we reach an agreement.
Please let me know if interested and thank you for answering my email.

All the best and looking forward to hearing from you.


-----Original Message-----
From: tinelli_david@yahoo.com [mailto:tinelli_david@yahoo.com]
Sent: Saturday, January 10, 2004 10:44 AM
To: Gabe Newell
Subject: Question for seller -- Item #3651863208

Good Day,
Please excuse that i`m contacting you , but i have seen that you are interesed in purchasing a product (Fisk Bowie Knife)current bid on eBay and i`ve decided to make you a real offer.
Have one and i don`t know how to sell it more faster because i need some cash money soon for a new investment that i want to make.
Just in case u are interesed i will wait your mail.
Don't worry about shipping taxes or insurance of the product because
this is my problem.
I am expecting your email.
My Best Regards!!!
--------------------


Question from: 2sour4u
Title of item: Fisk Bowie Knife
Seller: gabe_newell
Starts: Jan-06-04 04:46:11 PST
Ends: Jan-13-04 04:46:11 PST
Price: Currently $1,801.00
To view the item, go to: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=3651863208

-----Original Message-----
From: Gabe Newell
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2004 10:38 PM
To: 'tinelli_david@yahoo.com'
Cc: Gabe Newell
Subject: RE: Question for seller -- Item #3651863208

Do you have a picture?

Gabe

-----Original Message-----
From: Tinelli Tinelli David [mailto:tinelli_david@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2004 2:25 AM
To: Gabe Newell
Subject: RE: Question for seller -- Item #3651863208

Hi,
Lock in attach to see the pictures.
Thanks



-----Original Message-----
From: myutzax@yahoo.com [mailto:myutzax@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2004 3:03 AM
To: Gabe Newell
Subject: Question for seller -- Item #3651863208

I am an ebay member and I saw you'r interested in buying a ...........Fisk Bowie Knife ..................... I would like to make you a special offert:I will sell you the same unit without the auction for a lower price than the other ebay sellers.I can afford this because i buy the products in big quantityes and the producers offer me big discounts.
I have a special method for payment and delivery that will satisfy both sides and this deal will be a success .
Here is my offer about the payment and delivery:I will use UPS for shipping and Western Union/wire transfer.
About the shipment:I'll deliver the product through U.P.S. AIR SERVICESS,and i'll give
you the tracking number so you can check that i have made the reservation
for delivering the colet and i will also prove that with a scaned paper
from the delivery confirmation given by the U.P.S. STAFF and the U.P.S.
label.I offer you shippment inssurance - INTERNATIONALY/INSIDE COUNTRY shipped
The shipping is absolutely FREE.Yes, that's right. SHIPPING IS FREE! Not only that the shipping is FREE but you will also receive 100% protection from loss or damage with our "On the House" FULL INSURANCE coverage. Your shipment will be professionally secured with heavy-duty packaging designed to protect the contents of your shipment cross country. Buy from me and your transaction will be 100% HEADACHE FREE! And if any problems do arrise, I'll take care of all the paperwork and ship you replacement parts within a few days. No other SELLER can offer you that kind of SECURITY and PEACE OF MIND. Did your entire package get lost? I'll replace your entire machine for you for FREE! We strive for QUALITY NOT QUANTITY. Here you will receive the individualized care you deserve.
If you are interested please advice me how many units you want to buy please contact me on my mail adress: myutzax@yahoo.com
I am looking forward to hear from you.
Thank you for your time and have a nice day!!!
Kindly Regards,
--------------------


Question from: myutzax
Title of item: Fisk Bowie Knife
Seller: gabe_newell
Starts: Jan-06-04 04:46:11 PST
Ends: Jan-13-04 04:46:11 PST
Price: Currently $1,880.00
To view the item, go to: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=3651863208



Visit eBay, The World's Online Marketplace TM at http://www.ebay.com

[J.Arthur Loose]

HA HA!

"Factory sealed"

Awesome.

[fitzo]

Jerry's really cranking 'em out, eh?

[Bob Warner]

Why not just buy a bunch of replacement parts and make your own "FISK" bowie. Bet Jerry does not know he is now a one man factory that even make relacement parts for his machines.

MAYBE we can get Jerry to ask the seller some questions about it.

[Jerry Oksman]

Gabe, I hope you went to E-bay and reported those scam artists

[Gabe Newell]

I've reported this to Ebay, I've posted here, in Blade Forums, and at USN, and I've contacted the other buyers (some of whom are members of this forum as it turns out) and the seller.

[fisk]

Gabe
Now this is dang interesting. First I had heard of such. I talked with a dealer an hour ago and he also recieved a few spams on the same line when he bid on one of my pieces.

It is no dang wonder I am tired all time, due to factory wrapping these buggers up and such a high volume of production. I got to go sit down yall. whew!

Gabe thanks for letting me know. I will get a newsletter out pretty quick and let those guys know about it as well.
fisk

[tom mayo]

Pointy end always goes away from you.



Unless you're digging out a splinter!!!!!!!!!!!

[RogerP]

This is actually quite funny. Except for the fact that an ill-informed Newbie could get taken to the cleaners for substantial coin. Fisk factory. Puhleeeze.

That sure was an awesome damascus bowie in the original auction, though.

Cheers,

Roger

[Gabe Newell]

It's interesting that these turned out to be account hijackings.

-----Original Message-----
From: eBay Customer Support [mailto:rswebhelp@ebay.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2004 3:31 AM
To: Gabe Newell
Subject: RE: SP91011 your recent report to eBay's Trust and Safety Department (KMM100948999V50125L0KM)

Hello,

Thank you for your report.

As you are probably aware, email solicitations for outside of eBay
transactions are prohibited and are a violation of our user agreement.
However, our initial review leads us to believe that the email you
received may actually be the result of an unauthorized account takeover.
We are now in the process of verifying the actual sender and will
restore the account to its true owner if necessary.

Please be aware that eBay discourages all transactions, which are
initiated by parties other than the seller and the winning buyer in a
completed eBay listing. Sales that take place outside of eBay carry a
potential fraud risk and are not eligible for eBay services, including
feedback, contact information requests, and the eBay Fraud Protection
Program. You can review the services provided through the eBay Fraud
Protection Program at:

http://pages.ebay.com/help/confidenc...ems-fraud.html

In addition, we do not recommend the use of instant cash wire transfer
services such as Western Union and MoneyGram, and we ask that users
decline sending payment in cases where these are the only methods of
payment offered by the seller. Generally, if payment is sent using an
instant cash wire transfer service and the item is not delivered as
promised, no recourse is available for recovering funds. In most cases,
an escrow service should be used when purchasing high dollar value
items. More information on the benefits and risks of individual payment
methods can be found at:

http://pages.ebay.com/help/buy/payment.html

eBay urges caution when purchasing high-priced items, especially if the
price seems too good to be true.

We appreciate your help and your commitment to keep eBay safe.

Regards,

Adler
eBay SafeHarbor
Investigations Team
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eBay
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[fisk]

Thank you Gabe. You have performed a good service for many including myself. Thank you.

[Ivan Campos]

I'll get a few of these, Jerry, factory wrapped, please!

[Danbo]

My guess is, these clowns don't even have the Camillus version, and would not send anything.

[flashinthepan]

Hey Jerry - this is Thom up in freezing N.Y. State.. Hope all is well with you..
Are you hiring any new workers for your factory ???
I would like to work in your factory sealing unit, as my wife, Mrs. Thom has taught me how to use saran wrap so that food don't fall out of the tupperware bowl..
I even know how to use scotch tape with out getting too much of it stuck to me ..
She says I'm really good at it, and someday I'll make a good factory sealer for Jerry Fisk knives..
Or maybe a good driveway sealer ???

While I'm busy making you millions of dollars, maybe we will get one of those e-mails where by we can help some poor guy in some other country get all his money out of his country by simply sending him our bank account numbers..
I'm laughing sooo hard about this, that I have to thank Gabe, for keeping me warm... the more I laugh, the warmer I get, and right now I'm roaring !!!

Boy, some day I hope to meet some of you in person..
Be well
Thom

push on the chain ???

[jjtjr]

Gabe, I also bid on that Fisk knife on ebay. I did not get any of those bogus offers like you did, but in the past I received a request from what looked like an ebay page asking for financial information. This ticked me off and I notified ebay who responded that they never ask for that information. It was a scam, just like the one you mention. So bidder beware. On the other hand anyone who knows Jerry, knows that even though he is a big time maker, he wouldn't spring for the shrinkwrap machine for factory packaging. Jim Treacy