Maybe I'm getting smarter
 

Posted By: <b>Tom</b><p>Few weeks ago, this "collection" shows up on Ebay (can't remember if it was mentioned here). <br /><br /><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=44821&item=8818971 421" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=44821&item=8818971 421</a><br /><br />Several of the cards had been recently purchased by the seller and he had combined them with a few others. Auction didn't meet reserve. This week he's selling a VG-EX T206 Matty that he bought for $735 in April. I'm the high bidder at $305 until "kindnessjoe(0)" steps in. kindnessjoe joined eBay today and is also in Canada (home of the seller). Auction ends with no other bids at 461.78. Immediately after the auction ends, I sent a message to the seller: "I have a sneaky suspicion that kindnessjoe won't pay for this auction. If you want to sell it to me, send me your best price." Believe it or not, he replied immediately with this:<br /><br />"His contact info is Canada but his email to me contained a foreign IP address. Definately sounds like a scammer. I paid $850 for this card. Looks like no matter what I'm going to take a hit on this. Pending no response from the winner I could let this go for $800usd shipped w/ insurance."<br /><br />I almost sent a counteroffer, before I realized the kind of person I'm likely dealing with. Would you?<br /><br />But it kills me to think I "won" the auction at $305 and won't get the card. Were the rest of you just too savy to go after it in the first place? <br /><br />Just thought others would like to be alerted.<br />Tom

Maybe I'm getting smarter
 

Posted By: <b>fkw</b><p>I wouldnt have bid too much because of the 4 feedback and Canada info.<br /><br />But thats just me.<br /><br />he seems to be just trying to flip cards for a profit, but it wont happen with his feedback.

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Posted By: <b>anthony</b><p>he's obviously a liar, i would call him on that and look for another matty elsewhere...he'll probably continue to shill until he gets close to what he paid for the card, he wont want to take too much of a loss if any...

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Posted By: <b>Gilbert Maines</b><p>There are clear warning signs here. These include a low feedback seller, and an apparent attempt to "save" his auction by employing a shill. <br /><br />That being said, I do not see a scam. Apparently the seller has the cards, and is willing to sell them, and they appear legitimate. Of course he wants to make a profit, and of course you want a bargain.<br /><br />You did not win the auction, the shill did. He did not offer you a second chance on his auction, you contacted him. There is therefore no reason to honor your high bid (except it is wrong to use a shill - which he will claim he did not do).<br /><br />If you want to proceed, it is a question of price negotiation, I think. He has indicated a willingness to take a loss. State to him your best offer, or go on to the next opportunity. I recommend the latter.

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Posted By: <b>jackgoodman</b><p>Or, if you report possible shill bidding to Ebay, I'm pretty sure they can check IP addresses and if they look suspicious it may start a file on the guy that will protect the next legitimate bidder.......

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Posted By: <b>Rob</b><p>check the 1954 Ted Williams auction. The guy who thinks he would had "won" the auction for $305 is wrong, someone else could had bid if the price stayed at $305.

Maybe I'm getting smarter
 

Posted By: <b>andy becker</b><p>i would be hessitant to buy from a seller who used a shill. run away from this deal, there are plenty of others.