I have done a lot of transactions on eBay... out of ~ 500, I have had three bad sellers and a handful of buyers who refused to pay. I bought a used Viper bowing ball... something like $40 shipped, sent the money and absolutely nothing (about 3 years ago). If I would have checked the feedback (was 93%, but last three comments were negative), I would have avoided this one. Filed with paypal, and the internet fraud site, but never received anything (although I did get a call from a D.A. office in CO saying she had been arrested and was awaiting trial). Something else small I bought, and it never arrived..wasn't much though.. maybe $10. The other bad experience was a vacuum cleaner. Purchased it as being new, but a store demo and it arrived looking like the seller rescued it from the landfill. The seller refused to acknowledge it was not as described (even with me taking photos and sending it to him) and only offered to refund 50% of my purchase price IF I paid to have it shipped back (would have cost more than I paid)... I filed with paypal (of course, the seller had no money in his account) and eBay (who wanted me to pay $40 to use their "square Trade" service). Left negative feedback and bit the bullet on that one. I've had multiple buyers who put in last minute bids, then disappear with no contact or payment (last one being that DrDeath character than ripped off a bunch of people on here). They don't really cost anything, just are annoying. Usually relist or offer to the next highest bidder.
With buying, I either purchase from the same (good) sellers, or really scour over the feedback to make sure they are legit... I think any time there is a chance, but try to keep it to a minimum.
Good luck with this one. If you want to get their local police involved, fill out this report for internet fraud. sometimes to helps.
http://www.ic3.gov/complaint/S^2
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Just because you are a good athelete, does mean that you are a
good person, especially in the NFL.
