Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I just read an article about the guys in Europe who are attempting to purchase bikes with false checks. I have been contacted by two gentleman regarding a bike I am selling on the internet. I was contacted about 4 weeks ago and have been communicating with them once or twice a week. They gave me the same story as the others. They send the check, I take my money and, pay the shipper and send the rest back. I am not surprised that this is taking place, for someone was sure to take advantage of the anonymity the internet provides. The names in the article written by John Chen are different than the two guys I spoke to but now the uncertainty of their intentions have left a bad taste in my mouth.

Tom Galan
Elizabeth, New Jersey



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

In regards to your post about the “Nigerian scam” e-mails, I’ve seen an increase recently from similar individuals broadcasting these messages by replying to classified ads on my site. I hope posting this info will raise awareness to the point where these scams no longer catch people unaware.

Below are a few of the recent replies claiming to be interested in buying parts listed in classified ads. Feel free to publish & edit any of these details.

Rod Helsens
Ringwood, New Jersey

From: lilian [[email protected]]
Date: Thu 1/22/2004 10:56 PM
Subject: Re: RS250 HONDAS on fatbaq.com
Good Day,
I saw your advert via net and am interested in the purchase of your bkie and also i will like to know the actual price of the car with the present condition of the car,i will be paying with the cashiers check and if the method of payment is okay by you mail me immediately so that i can contact my client to prepare the check for you. Don’t worry about the shipment of the car,I have made a solid arrangement for the pick up of the bike by my shipping company. I will be waiting for your reply ASAP.

Best Regard


From: smith magor [[email protected]]
Date: Mon 1/19/2004 7:50 AM
Subject: Re: 1993 RS125 MOTOR on fatbaq.com
Hello,
my name is smith magor, wishing you merry xmas and happy new year i’m from norway,i saw your advert on the net that are about to sell your 93 RS125 MOTOR.kindly get back tome with the price so we can make arrangement for the payment cos the mood of payment will be a check, then if you are okay with this you send me you following information so i can make arrangement for the payment; smith magor


From: Austine [[email protected]]
Date: Mon 1/5/2004 10:33 PM
Subject: 1997 RS125 ROLLING on fatbaq.com
Dear sir,
I am Austine based in Holland.i will like to know how much you are willing to sell this 1997 RS125 ROLLING CHASSIS I’m highly intrested in buying it.I would like to know your last offer on this 1997 RS125 ROLLING CHASSIS and what is present condition.And if the pics is available i will like to see it and verify some things okay and please reply me as soon as possible. Best Regards, Austine.



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Here’s a beauty:

It now appears that even those of us not selling bikes are targets for these dipshits. I received an e-mail this week from a Mr. Barrister Mondo A$$hole or whatever his name was. Stating that after years of trying unsuccessfully to reach the next of kin of some family that tragically died in an auto accident while on business in Nigeria (whose name just happens to be the same as mine). That because we have the same name I am entitled to $14.7 million that they have left behind. WOW, I’m loaded. I guess all I have to do is give this moron my social security # and my bank account and he’ll be so kind as to send the money right away. Sorry I don’t have the exact copy of the e-mail, as I deleted it after telling all my co-workers that I was now rich and they wouldn’t be seeing me anymore. Anyway, it was a good laugh.

Kent Shoemaker
Goodrich, Michigan