[Test-Equipment] A sad experience (fraud alert!)

[Jose V. Gavila]

Hello!

Well, I knew it would happen sooner or later. I started buying and selling
items using Internet back in 1997. I have done about 500 international
transactions (from a tube to a 7000 Tektronix mainframe) and, until now,
everything had gone well.

But back in May I was trying to fill some gaps in my HP-140 spectrum
analyzer system so, when I saw an 8555A along an 8552B for just $250.00 +
shipping (from USA), I went for it. Yes, I know. Too low price. Too good to
be true. But, well, sometimes you are lucky and get nice items at low
price... So I contacted the seller and, after several e-mails (which
included pictures of the units, with serial numbers and such), I managed to
pay him $284.00 ($34.00 for surface shipment to Spain) by means of a friend
in USA who charged my VISA with that amount plus his Bank's fees. Items
were shipped, suppossedly, about May 18th.

Some days ago, after receiving a great 8556A bought from a list member
(thanks, Mark!), sent lots later than the other units, I realized something
was not going fine as packets from USA usually arrive in 6-8 weeks. So I
checked the old Newsgroups postings and then found the truth: seller had
been doing frauds since, at least, 2000. He had also an eBay name (DOC64)
which had a 76 positive rating BUT 12 negatives... mostly for paid but
unsent items :-(. And some positives were obviously forged.

I have filed a claim at http://www.fraud.org but hope nothing about
recovering my money.

BTW, serial numbers for the units were these:

HP8552B 2438A22664
HP8555A 2414A13463 Opt 002

And seller was Steve Simmons <simmonss@comcast.net> (I think he is from
Nashville). I have a bank account and a phone number from him.

So, well, I am again looking for a reasonably priced HP8555A. Any offer?

Best regards,

JOSE
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 73 EB5AGV / EC5AAU - JOSE V. GAVILA
    La Canyada - Valencia (SPAIN)

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