"International Order"

[Seth (Seth)]

 I received an odd e-mail several days ago.  The sender was responding to a for sale ad I placed on-line approximately a year ago (not sure where, but it was for an Ibanez guitar that has long since sold).  Apparently this person assumed I am a dealer, because they asked to pay with a credit card and have the guitar shipped to Indonesia.  I seem to recall a letter published in Vintage Guitar Magazine in which a dealer described a scam involving stolen credit cards and Indonesia.  Also, a reputable and fairly high profile dealer here in the States has posted a note on their web site stating they will not ship to Indonesia.

This could very well be a legitimate inquiry.  The English in the e-mail message was broken, so it's possible this person misunderstood the web site where they saw my listing.  Has anyone else received an e-mail like this or heard about the International credit card scams?

[mike g.]

 Seth,

I was approached a few weeks ago where someone from Indonesia offered to buy my whole collection.
I also have received emails from a so called guitar dealer in Malaysia looking to buy 10-15 guitars.

I don't know if it is legit or not and I am willing to take a chance becoming another victim.

It's too bad that the bad apples had tarnished everyone including the innocent buyers from those areas with the scams.

Hope to see you at the show on Sunday if you make it.

Mike

[JohnS]

 Mike:

From your 2nd paragraph, it sounds like you are willing to take the chance. Is that what you really meant?

I've heard the same horror stories regarding Indonesian purchases and credit cards. I wouldn't trust these situations. Strictly cash up-front or no deal.

[mike g.]

 WHOA !,

Thanks for pointing out my typo,

That was supposed to read  UN willing to take a chance !!

Mike G.

[Chin Hon Ch'ng (Meranti)]

 Fraudulent purchases of goods are quite common in the South East Asia region. As far as I know, such payments are made via credit card. Unfortunately, the card is not genuine but a duplicate of the original. This duplicate is made from information contained (through scanning)in the magnetic strip of the original card when the real owner makes a payment or the card is unknowingly taken away temporarily to be scanned. The scanned details (which contains all the info of the card)is then used to duplicate the card and used for purchases. Unfortunately, the bill goes to the real owner normally weeks after the scam happens in the monthly statements. Therefore, theoretically fake credit cards can only be used for a short period before the owner finds out that there has been unauthorised spending.  

I have also read about the scams mentioned in Vintage Guitar Magazine about Indonesia. My suggestion is that if you want to sell to someone you are not familiar, ask for payment by wire transfer or money order. That should be a safe method of payment.

If anyone wants a copy a warning of credit card fraud issued by a big bank detailing how it is done, let me know and I will send you a copy.  

Unfortunately, Mike, you are right. It has tarnished everyone including innocent buyers with these bad apples.


Regards,

Chin Hon