First, thanks for all the condolences and expressions
of support. Due to popular demand and since maybe
someone will avoid my mistakes, I'll fill you in on
the details. The car was advertised on Ebay and I
asked the seller if he'd be willing to sell the car
before the end of the auction, which he agreed to do.
He had a 97% positive feedback on eBay and the
negatives were over minor things. I told him I needed
a title, which he said he would get. He also agreed
to arrange transportation from California, where he
was, to Massachusetts, where I am. I paid him by
PayPal in November after he provided a California
vehicle registration, listing myself as the owner. I
thought there would be some protection using PayPal.
He strung me along, saying the car was being picked up
by the transporter and on its way out to me and that
the title had been forwarded. This was all untrue.
This guy has been responding to my emails all along
and even had someone call me in early February, saying
the car was being transported and on its way. I've
never received the title, or the car. He gave his
name as Charles Von Troutman, 264 S. LaCienega Blvd, ,
Ste 389, Beverly Hills, CA and his ebay ID is
"Roadkill 42". He's still doing business on ebay and
has purchased a couple of Volvo 960 station wagons,
including one in November, right about the time he got
my money.
I can't gripe to eBay, since the car was sold before
the auction ended. PayPal won't take a complaint once
30 days have passed since the funds were transferred.
And as I said, Discover won't reimburse you for a
PayPal non-delivery.
In hindsight, there were a lot of warning bells. I
tried to get him to use an escrow service, but he
declined. He seemed like a nice-enough guy in his
emails and I ignored the warning signs because I was
really hot for the car and the price was right.
My goal now is to get this guy prosecuted and I've
been in touch with the California authorities.
Like I said, I don't have any advice for anyone. I
knew the risks and took a chance. That's our weakness
as car buffs. Common sense takes a back-seat when
you're in pursuit of that "dream car".
Rick
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