Am I beeing Scammed?

[kiko1911]

Hey everyone!
I just bought my first rolex to a guy named Ron from California.
We talked via whatsapp and he sent me the invoice to pay 12.000USD for a Hulk submariner.
This guy´s phone number is +19495350072. Does anyone knows this guy or his watches? I´m from Portugal so we cannot do the deal in person

Thank you

[Tools]

I wouldn't have any way to know if you are being scammed or not.

I would say that I wouldn't buy a Rolex from Ron over Whatsappp.... but maybe that's just me.

[Handey0465]

Post up his for sale thread. Does he have a legitimate thread? Seller history? Or did he contact you instead of you contacting him?

Have you paid him already? I hope not. Surely you do your homework before paying....

[Cryten]

I'd want to know more about someone than first name and phone number before sending him $12k.

I hope you didn't wire Ron any money.

[kiko1911]

Thanks for the replies!
I haven´t wired anything yet. Here is everything I have from him

Name :Ron Giplaye
Account Number : 02157116557
Account Routing Number : 072403473
Swift code : HUNTUS33
Bank address : 6200 Pennsylvania ave, Lansing a, Mi 48911

I´ve searched everywhere and I couldn´t find any store in the adress he provided on the invoice.

1170 baker st costa mesa ca 92626

[thedak]

Buy off a trusted seller.....

[Zoomerang]

There is many questions I would ask but after I spending two minutes on google maps, I probably wouldn't pull the trigger unless he provides a lot more information.

Questions:

1. If he's in Costa Mesa, why is his bank in Lansing, MI (branch inside a grocery store)
2. What's that "store" address in Costa Mesa for? Looks like grocery store and commercial storefronts.
3. Has he provided a drivers license or business card?
4. Request pictures of the watch with his DL or ID next to it.
5. Why would he sell you a hulk for 12k and carry the risk to send it internationally when he could probably get more than that if he sells it locally (ie. sounds too good to be true).

I'd just pass and buy from a trusted seller here.

[Merkaholic]

If it smells like c**p then it most probably is bull s**t.

If in doubt leave it out......


As you are in Europe, why don't you just buy of a trusted seller on chrono24. Use the escrow service for peace of mind.



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[edweather]

Please don't do it. Use a trusted seller.

[77T]

Originally Posted by kiko1911

Thanks for the replies!
I haven´t wired anything yet.

Good - don’t wire money to that guy.

Nothing that I know personally, just that a scam starts out looking like this.

You would pay more to a trusted TRF seller for the same model but you would be safer.



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[Merkaholic]

I think it's a unanimous verdict...........the beauty of asking on this forum.

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[mr.president1]

Ron and I go way back......

....back to your post about Ron

[214270Explorer]

Shut down your impending transaction and don't be scammed.

As mentioned - - - trusted TRF member preferred, or a big name long-established "good guy" such as DAVIDSW or TAKUYA, both in the U.S. -- but would likely accommodate you nicely.

[Rags2Rolex]

I agree 100% with Zoom here. Please do NOT send any money to someone without doing some due diligence. What is his ad? is it still up? be safe & smart about this process & do not rush it without doing your homework

Originally Posted by Zoomerang

There is many questions I would ask but after I spending two minutes on google maps, I probably wouldn't pull the trigger unless he provides a lot more information.

Questions:

1. If he's in Costa Mesa, why is his bank in Lansing, MI (branch inside a grocery store)
2. What's that "store" address in Costa Mesa for? Looks like grocery store and commercial storefronts.
3. Has he provided a drivers license or business card?
4. Request pictures of the watch with his DL or ID next to it.
5. Why would he sell you a hulk for 12k and carry the risk to send it internationally when he could probably get more than that if he sells it locally (ie. sounds too good to be true).

I'd just pass and buy from a trusted seller here.

[CorradoBrit]

Seller must be a hoops fan.

[RoscoPico]

how about a link to sales thread, or pictures of the watch ?
those are usually best

[madmax21]

If you're buying a Rolex deal only with an authorized dealer pay the money set the watches worth and you'll get peace of mind and equality watch at the end

[U5512]

Don't do it....or you will be out of $12k.....!!!!

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by kiko1911

Hey everyone!
I just bought my first rolex to a guy named Ron from California.
We talked via whatsapp and he sent me the invoice to pay 12.000USD for a Hulk submariner.
This guy´s phone number is +19495350072. Does anyone knows this guy or his watches? I´m from Portugal so we cannot do the deal in person

Thank you

Are you kidding all of us?? Stop it. Wiring $12k to a random dude half way around the world? And for a common watch available from tons of highly reputable and well known sellers. Seriously dude?


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[tuffness9999]

Sorry dude, the address you posted

1160 Baker St. Costa Mesa CA

Is a part of a strip mall and has multiple tenants NONE of which seem to be a jewelry/watch store. Did he at least give you a suite number?

Please do a little more research on someone before sending him that kind of money.

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[tuffness9999]

Originally Posted by tuffness9999

Sorry dude, the address you posted

1160 Baker St. Costa Mesa CA

Is a part of a strip mall and has multiple tenants NONE of which seem to be a jewelry/watch store. Did he at least give you a suite number?

Please do a little more research on someone before sending him that kind of money.

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Oops, meant 1170 Baker St.

Also, the bank he's using is across the country. That's a huge red flag as most business people want to use a bank that they don't need to drive thousands of miles away to make a deposit.

It's a scam bro.

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[EEpro]

For sure.

[Pim]

Just go with the deal dude, and while you are at it, please send me 12K as well and I will send you a watch as well !!

The fact that you are posting here is proof of your own mind telling you not to do it. The fact that you are still contemplating it despite of all warning signs is just your greed. So get a grip and don't, a trusted seller convinces you so that you do not have to

[swatty]

Check out the phone number in this thread, don’t send this guy any money

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=695379

[kiko1911]

Thank you very much guys! Just cancelled the deal

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by mr.president1

Ron and I go way back......

....back to your post about Ron

Hilarious! Ron from California— amazing dude.


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[Chewbacca]

Interesting.

I saw a similar situation. But the buyer ended up trying to flip the watch in transit and the poster was actually being the seller too. Perhaps posted the sellers number and low price to gain interest?

Either way, it was the same person.

I do wish people exhibited the same care as the op in Portugal.

Do be careful and welcome.

[danicasi2002]

Originally Posted by swatty

Check out the phone number in this thread, don’t send this guy any money

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=695379

Nice catch

[crowncollection]

Please do not continue with the deal


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[Craigdwh]

Sorry, but, if you have to post this information here and ask these questions you have absolutely no business buying a watch from the secondary market.

Good Lord.