ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
|
4 January 2024, 10:56 PM | #1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2017
Real Name: Alisher
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Watch: Rolex Sub 114060
Posts: 76
|
I have done this few times. Bought quite expensive watches (the latest was VC 4500) at this forum being in another country. You just need to do a proper due diligence, buy the seller, not watch as they say
|
4 January 2024, 04:15 AM | #2 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: CA
Posts: 2,549
|
You mentioned that you talked to your bank. Maybe you can request to talk to someone higher up and find out your options? I'm surprised that they are not able to do anything at all. I would also contact your local law enforcement and see what they can do about helping file a report. So sorry to hear this has happened to you. I hope you're able to work it all out.
|
4 January 2024, 04:20 AM | #3 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: Florida
Watch: SD43
Posts: 417
|
This entire post has very few details.
Please post ALL info if you expect anyone to be able to help you. |
4 January 2024, 04:39 AM | #4 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: USA
Watch: Daytona
Posts: 6,063
|
Maybe the mods can assist? At the very least offer insight why he has been banned.
This is so upsetting, I had nothing but good experiences both buying/selling with private members. I am a little nuts and sell pieces often, and when I do sell to a member I make sure to give them a better experience than any dealer can offer so I can build my reputation for the next sale and this puts a bad taste in the mouths of buyers that want to deal with private sellers. I think you should also look up his info to get his home phone #, cell #, email # if you do not have it already. Contact him, you really never know the story. If you do not get in touch, like others said reach out to the police station near him to see what they can do, if anything. Lastly if you have any friends/family anywhere nearby maybe they can check in on him in person, again you really never know what the story is. |
4 January 2024, 05:27 AM | #5 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Salt Lake City
Posts: 1,681
|
I am not big on blaming victims but you can't just go around wiring people on a forum without checking references, etc...
|
4 January 2024, 05:36 AM | #6 | |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Itinerant
Watch: 79010sg
Posts: 8,096
|
Quote:
+1. It takes two to scam: a scammer, and somebody who just is not really really careful with their money. For those who’ll read this sad string, The time for help is before the purchase, and doing due diligence, seeing who the person is, checking the who’s who section, etc. I just checked that section and don’t see reference to this seller. I’m sorry, I just don’t get it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
|
4 January 2024, 06:03 AM | #7 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Uk
Posts: 39
|
I'm not overly convinced this is a genuine thread. If it is I can only sympathise. nonetheless who parts with 14k to a private seller based in another country. There are probably loads of private and grey dealers in Spain who could have offered you the same watch at that price, hence I have my suspicions on the OP.
You have to be naive to part with that kind of money without even speaking to anyone for advice. |
4 January 2024, 07:50 AM | #8 | |
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2023
Location: Canadian eh!
Posts: 402
|
Quote:
|
|
4 January 2024, 05:35 AM | #9 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Real Name: Jake
Location: Finest City
Watch: 16233, 116619LB
Posts: 2,129
|
Stated facts recap (to the best of my ability)
1- Buyer (SPA) wired USD 14000 to seller (USA). 2- Buyer did(?) not do any due diligence/research on seller. 3- Seller is not a TRF "Trusted Seller." 4- Seller is currently banned from TRF due to unknown reseasons. 5- Buyer spoke with personal bank: Funds are gone/irrecoverable. 6- Buyer is unable to submit a police report in foreign country. 7- Buyer did not use a secure platform (like C24 with escrow services). 8- Buyer only has seller's email address; seller is unresponsive to attempted contact. If those are the facts, then I would be on the phone with my bank wailing & doing everything possible to try & stop the payment. I would call one of the US Government's several overseas offices (have one in Madrid: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/international-offices). Short of that, IDK what to tell ya...
__________________
What's the time? It's time to get ill. Wishlist: 128236; 5396G; 15550ST; 384.029 |
4 January 2024, 05:44 AM | #10 |
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2023
Location: Canadian eh!
Posts: 402
|
JeromeL was a user on this forum? Can an admin find this user?
OP, can you confirm that JeromeL is from this site?? |
4 January 2024, 06:04 AM | #11 | |
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 X2 Pledge Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Real Name: Dave
Location: PDX
Posts: 9,075
|
Quote:
An advanced search will find him, as long as he has posts on TRF. https://www.rolexforums.com/member.php?u=287316 |
|
4 January 2024, 06:47 AM | #12 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Spain
Watch: Rolex 1680
Posts: 98
|
|
4 January 2024, 05:44 AM | #13 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: United States
Posts: 376
|
Not enough info here to make sound advice/judgements. That said, once you wire money it’s gone - zero chance of retrieval. Also, since you voluntarily sent the money, there is little the police can/will do.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
4 January 2024, 05:45 AM | #14 |
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2023
Location: Canadian eh!
Posts: 402
|
|
4 January 2024, 11:52 AM | #15 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Real Name: Chuck
Location: Canada
Watch: Rolex 116610LV
Posts: 2,180
|
Quote:
It's funny how the buyer takes the brunt of the risk. Reminds me of when I bought some hifi equipment privately years ago and the seller shipped it before I had a chance to pay. When I asked him why, he said it seemed unfair for the buyer to take the risk all the time. I found that intriguing, but never had a repeat of that. Good luck to the OP all the same. |
|
4 January 2024, 05:53 AM | #16 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: London
Posts: 149
|
I’ve seen a few of these threads on here now where people are getting scammed by sellers on TRF. seems way too easy for scammers to scam people on TRF.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
5 January 2024, 08:10 AM | #17 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: Here and there
Posts: 400
|
I propose to just get rid of the buying/selling listing and just talk about watch collecting as a hobby/enthusiast.
|
4 January 2024, 05:56 AM | #18 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Nov 2020
Real Name: Mitchell
Location: EST, EAT
Watch: Trusty Explorer
Posts: 910
|
Act fast. Call the local PD to the address given. Explain the situation, and give them the address. If it's a small town, they might investigate it given the $ amount.
I recall reading a thread from years ago where this exact scenario played out. OP had an address, OP called local PD, local PD did a house call, interviewed the occupant, occupant fessed up to some online 'relationship' where she gave her bank details as a 'mule,' she (likely) took a small commission and sent the funds overseas to the scammer. OP ended up getting the money back as the lady didn't want trouble with the law, and claimed it was an "honest mistake." Since it was a wire, your only hope in this is to get the local PD on the line ASAP, and hope they're willing to take time out of their incredibly busy schedules to help. |
4 January 2024, 06:36 AM | #19 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2023
Location: Gotham
Posts: 61
|
Here is the listing on Watch Recon: https://www.watchrecon.com/detail.php?cid=6938453
|
4 January 2024, 07:55 AM | #20 | |
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2023
Location: Canadian eh!
Posts: 402
|
Quote:
Maybe this is real. Man, find this guy! |
|
4 January 2024, 06:43 AM | #21 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Brian (TBone)
Location: canada
Watch: es make me smile
Posts: 74,038
|
I’m very sorry to read this OP.
You’ve been a member here for a good number of years, and I’m sorry to hear this has happened to you. |
4 January 2024, 06:50 AM | #22 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Twilight Zone
Posts: 510
|
Contact your bank fraud department and see if they can help you. Tell them everything that happened and although I know they are not required to do anything, they might help.
|
4 January 2024, 06:55 AM | #23 |
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2023
Location: NYC
Posts: 481
|
OP,
As someone who has been scammed for a lot of money before, I want to offer my thoughts to you. I know you probably worked very hard to save up for this watch and to be taken advantage of and victimized in the way you were is just reprehensible. I am so sorry this happened to you. My advice is to try to come to terms with what happened and eventually reach a period of acceptance because you own emotional health is the most important thing. Again I am so sorry this happened. Also, I can’t recall if you are in the US or not, but if you’re in the US please discuss this with your accountant when you file your taxes. There is a special IRS provision where victims of scams can write off and/or deduct 95% of the loss on their taxes IF the scams were related to an investment. Being that watches are considered by many as an alternative luxury investment vehicle, you should be able to justify this and qualify for the deduction if you planned to purchase the watch for investment purposes. The IRS rule on this is 2009-9 and most accountants have NO IDEA about this, so please read 2009-9 yourself and you’ll likely have to explain it to your accountant to ensure he files the proper paperwork. The rule specifically referenced victims of “Ponzi” losses, but applies to virtually any form of loss resulting from scams/criminal activity resulting in the investment loss. If you are in Spain, I’m sure there is something similar for you to recover a portion of the funds through your taxes but talk with a pro. This is not accounting advice and you should speak with a tax professional. |
4 January 2024, 06:55 AM | #24 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Real Name: Roger Lococco
Location: Asia
Watch: 126719BLRO Pepsi
Posts: 2,860
|
I’m betting this has a happy ending and is a false alarm.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
116500 Daytona White Dial 126710BLNR GMT II 126719BLRO Blue Dial Pepsi GMT II |
4 January 2024, 10:28 PM | #25 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Real Name: Roger Lococco
Location: Asia
Watch: 126719BLRO Pepsi
Posts: 2,860
|
Quote:
With the additional information, I am even more convinced this is a false alarm. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
116500 Daytona White Dial 126710BLNR GMT II 126719BLRO Blue Dial Pepsi GMT II |
|
5 January 2024, 02:49 AM | #26 | |
TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron
Join Date: Dec 2007
Real Name: Ken
Location: SW Florida
Watch: One on my wrist.
Posts: 63,456
|
Quote:
That in itself is super risky. The reason most accounts get banned is they were phished. This was a high risk transaction to begin with even if account wasn’t banned as you are talking about a guy with little history/reputation. So for me, I wouldn’t send an unknown 14 dollars let alone 14k. This should never have happened and sadly a costly lesson to the OP. With all of the trusted sellers in the community I have zero idea why anyone would roll the dice with so much money. The only reason people do it is to try to save a few dollars which ends up costing them a lot more in the end. So it sucks but should have never happened if one exercised proper caution and care.
__________________
SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT |
|
4 January 2024, 06:59 AM | #27 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Spain
Watch: Rolex 1680
Posts: 98
|
I have his name, email and address can I share
It here? |
4 January 2024, 07:01 AM | #28 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Spain
Watch: Rolex 1680
Posts: 98
|
I would have been more covered with a sales contract?
Enviado desde mi iPhone utilizando Tapatalk |
4 January 2024, 07:04 AM | #29 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 806
|
I’m sorry this has happened to you. Did you get his phone number during your email/text exchanges? Have you attempted to phone the seller?
|
4 January 2024, 07:04 AM | #30 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 806
|
I mean the buyer….
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
|
|
*Banners
Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.