Is using square trade for ebay purchases safe?

[truecold]

Hello all,
I am attempting to purchase a snow machine online and thus far all of the bargains have turned out to be scams....I'm beggining to think this one may be as well. The persone has not returned my last e-mail; probably because I asked too many questions. Let me know wha you think of this transaction. The first message is at the bottom and the most recent is at the top as I cut and pasted from my e-mail account:

I understand that you are very intersted to buy this great-snowmobile and for this i will keep only for you.
I want to make this deal with you through square trade, because in this way the deal will be safe for boths.
I need only the your complete name and address,and your ebay user id,and I will open a case with Square Trade about our deal,and they will contact you and explain better.I will wait for your email with the information.
Thanks!

PS: The snowmobile is ready for shipping in any moment, i need only the confirmation from square trade that you made the payment and after i will shipp you the snowmobile at your DOOR!

Best regards !


Jason Mcgarry <jasonmcgarry AT hotmail DOT com> wrote:
I am a very busy person and would like to complete this transaction as soon as possible.



>From: DEAL <mtcn11@yahoo.com>
>To: Jason Mcgarry <jasonmcgarry AT hotmail DOT com>
>Subject: Re: 2004 RX-1
>Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2004 07:55:38 -0800 (PST)
>
>Hi,
>The snowmobil is in execelente condition,Like new.Shipping will be done via KLM and it will take no more then 5 days.When I will ship it,I will declare it as a gift so that you will pay no customs when you will receive it and for this it will be delivered directly to your address.
>Also, I have to let you know that I want the payment priori shipping since I will ship it in the same day or next day the payment is complete .For the moment I can only accept a wire transfer as a payment method and the fastest is Western Union.Also,you have nothing to worry about because this deal will be done in a secure way if you prefer.
> The most important thing in all my activity here is that I am affiliated at Ebay Square Trade , I have a a purchase protection account for 10000$ and I assume you know what this means.How you are protected by Square Trade,in case we have a deal:
>1) If you will not receive the snowmobil as i described to you,although this is not the case,Square Trade will refund you with 100% from the whole amount which you paid me.Even in case you will not receive the snowmobil,they will refund you the money.
>2) You can send the money to my name and address but you will not give me the details from the payment.You will give the details to Square Trade.They will verify the payment and if is OK,if the money exist and are available under my name they will notify me to proceeder with the shipping.After you receive and see that the snowmobil is the one you want,you just notify Square Trade to forward me the payment details in order for me to pick up my money.
>Let me know if this is OK with you,so that we can move forward with this deal!
>Regards!
>Please just send me again your complete name and address,and your ebay user id,and I will open a case with Square Trade about our deal,and they will contact you and explain better.I will wait for your email with the information.
>Thanks!
>Sincerly, Maria
>
>
>Jason Mcgarry <jasonmcgarry AT hotmail DOT com> wrote:
>YES,
>
>I do want to purchase this machine from you asap. $3500 canadian(including all taxes and shipping)What is the next step? Do you have a contact number I may reach you at? Could you please address the questions I posed to you in the first message.
>
>Thank you.
>
>
>
>
> >From: DEAL <mtcn11@yahoo.com>
> >To: Jason Mcgarry <jasonmcgarry AT hotmail DOT com>
> >Subject: Re: 2004 RX-1
> >Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2004 06:18:21 -0800 (PST)
> >
> >Hello there,
> >Thank you for your interest in purchasing my 2004 YAMAHA RX-1 SNOWMOBILE.
> >First of all I must inform you that currently I'm in Modena,Italy and the
> >snowmobil is here with me.My brother,who died two keeks ago was the first
> >owner of the snowmobil.
> > The snowmobil is in great condition(Like New),no damage,no scratches or dents,
> >no hidden defects,keept in our own garage.
> >The snowmobil is Canada and US model with CAD and US specs,it passed the test
> >emissions and comes with all the documents you need to register the item.
> >It has a clear title and it can be registerd into your name.
> >I recently ordered a new plasma from a dealer down here and i
> >need the cash in the next few days to pay for it.
> >The price I hope to obtain is $3,500 CAD(this price includes the
> >shipping and insurance)and if you agree with this price we can start to
> >complete the transaction.
> >I will shipp the snowmobil using KLM 4-5 air days delivery,and i will cover all
> >taxes.So email me back if you are intersted and you have the cash.
> >And by the way...don't worry that the bike is in Europe,as I
> >use a third security company to protect the buyer.
> >I will arrange for all the dutyes that you will not pay any customs
> >when you will receive it and for this it will be delivered directly to your address,
> >I will wait for your email to let me know if you are interested in knowing more
> >details about the purchase.
> >Thanks!
> >Maria Luca
> >
> >Jason Mcgarry <jasonmcgarry AT hotmail DOT com> wrote:
> >OK what's the deal, why is the price so low?
> >
> >I am interested in bidding on this sled. How many miles/km's? Any accidents/damage? Any modifications or is it stock? Do you have clear title?
> >
> >I will buy this machine if it's not too good to be true. Do you have a bill of sale and the serial number?
> >
> >E-mail or call me asap and we can do business.
Jason
> >

Admin Edit: Modified Posters email to protect from harvesting. Removed some extraneous Characters

[truecold]

With regards to the last message I posted, the ebay seller ID is mike_sale. Ebay really seems to be an absolute utopia for scams and fraud...beware and investigate. Ebay has sent me a message since I bid on the item here it is:



We are writing to inform you that we recently ended all listings for seller
mike_sale on eBay. The seller's privileges to trade on eBay have been
temporarily suspended while we investigate this matter further. (The current
account status can be viewed next to the user ID of the seller on the eBay
site.).

Our records indicate that you were a participating bidder or buyer in this
seller's listing. You will need to use your own personal judgment in deciding
whether to complete this transaction.

As described in our User Agreement, eBay is only a venue, and we cannot
guarantee that sellers will complete transactions nor can we guarantee the
delivery or quality of bought items. As a basic principle, a buyer should know
with whom he or she is dealing before sending a payment to a seller.

Depending on the circumstances, you might decide to delay payment to a seller
until completely confident that the transaction will be completed safely. If you
decide to delay payment but already paid by personal cheque, you may wish to
contact your bank to discuss whether it would be possible to stop payment on the
cheque. If you paid with a credit card, you may wish to contact your credit
card company security department to discuss this payment ・many companies
provide protection in certain circumstances. If you paid by money order, you
may want to contact that money order company for information on how to stop
payment.

Please note that the ending of the listings for this seller is a precautionary
measure. The grounds for this suspension may be the result of a mistake or
misunderstanding.


Customer Support (Trust and Safety Department)

[alkashmery]

Hello all,
I am attempting to purchase a snow machine online and thus far all of the bargains have turned out to be scams....I'm beggining to think this one may be as well. The persone has not returned my last e-mail; probably because I asked too many questions. Let me know wha you think of this transaction. The first message is at the bottom and the most recent is at the top as I cut and pasted from my e-mail account:

I understand that you are very intersted to buy this great-snowmobile and for this i will keep only for you.
I want to make this deal with you through square trade, because in this way the deal will be safe for boths.
I need only the your complete name and address,and your ebay user id,and I will open a case with Square Trade about our deal,and they will contact you and explain better.I will wait for your email with the information.
Thanks!

PS: The snowmobile is ready for shipping in any moment, i need only the confirmation from square trade that you made the payment and after i will shipp you the snowmobile at your DOOR!

Best regards !


Jason Mcgarry <jasonmcgarry AT hotmail DOT com> wrote:
I am a very busy person and would like to complete this transaction as soon as possible.



>From: DEAL <mtcn11@yahoo.com>
>To: Jason Mcgarry <jasonmcgarry AT hotmail DOT com>
>Subject: Re: 2004 RX-1
>Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2004 07:55:38 -0800 (PST)
>
>Hi,
>The snowmobil is in execelente condition,Like new.Shipping will be done via KLM and it will take no more then 5 days.When I will ship it,I will declare it as a gift so that you will pay no customs when you will receive it and for this it will be delivered directly to your address.
>Also, I have to let you know that I want the payment priori shipping since I will ship it in the same day or next day the payment is complete .For the moment I can only accept a wire transfer as a payment method and the fastest is Western Union.Also,you have nothing to worry about because this deal will be done in a secure way if you prefer.
> The most important thing in all my activity here is that I am affiliated at Ebay Square Trade , I have a a purchase protection account for 10000$ and I assume you know what this means.How you are protected by Square Trade,in case we have a deal:
>1) If you will not receive the snowmobil as i described to you,although this is not the case,Square Trade will refund you with 100% from the whole amount which you paid me.Even in case you will not receive the snowmobil,they will refund you the money.
>2) You can send the money to my name and address but you will not give me the details from the payment.You will give the details to Square Trade.They will verify the payment and if is OK,if the money exist and are available under my name they will notify me to proceeder with the shipping.After you receive and see that the snowmobil is the one you want,you just notify Square Trade to forward me the payment details in order for me to pick up my money.
>Let me know if this is OK with you,so that we can move forward with this deal!
>Regards!
>Please just send me again your complete name and address,and your ebay user id,and I will open a case with Square Trade about our deal,and they will contact you and explain better.I will wait for your email with the information.
>Thanks!
>Sincerly, Maria
>
>
>Jason Mcgarry <jasonmcgarry AT hotmail DOT com> wrote:
>YES,
>
>I do want to purchase this machine from you asap. $3500 canadian(including all taxes and shipping)What is the next step? Do you have a contact number I may reach you at? Could you please address the questions I posed to you in the first message.
>
>Thank you.
>
>
>
>
> >From: DEAL <mtcn11@yahoo.com>
> >To: Jason Mcgarry <jasonmcgarry AT hotmail DOT com>
> >Subject: Re: 2004 RX-1
> >Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2004 06:18:21 -0800 (PST)
> >
> >Hello there,
> >Thank you for your interest in purchasing my 2004 YAMAHA RX-1 SNOWMOBILE.
> >First of all I must inform you that currently I'm in Modena,Italy and the
> >snowmobil is here with me.My brother,who died two keeks ago was the first
> >owner of the snowmobil.
> > The snowmobil is in great condition(Like New),no damage,no scratches or dents,
> >no hidden defects,keept in our own garage.
> >The snowmobil is Canada and US model with CAD and US specs,it passed the test
> >emissions and comes with all the documents you need to register the item.
> >It has a clear title and it can be registerd into your name.
> >I recently ordered a new plasma from a dealer down here and i
> >need the cash in the next few days to pay for it.
> >The price I hope to obtain is $3,500 CAD(this price includes the
> >shipping and insurance)and if you agree with this price we can start to
> >complete the transaction.
> >I will shipp the snowmobil using KLM 4-5 air days delivery,and i will cover all
> >taxes.So email me back if you are intersted and you have the cash.
> >And by the way...don't worry that the bike is in Europe,as I
> >use a third security company to protect the buyer.
> >I will arrange for all the dutyes that you will not pay any customs
> >when you will receive it and for this it will be delivered directly to your address,
> >I will wait for your email to let me know if you are interested in knowing more
> >details about the purchase.
> >Thanks!
> >Maria Luca
> >
> >Jason Mcgarry <jasonmcgarry AT hotmail DOT com> wrote:
> >OK what's the deal, why is the price so low?
> >
> >I am interested in bidding on this sled. How many miles/km's? Any accidents/damage? Any modifications or is it stock? Do you have clear title?
> >
> >I will buy this machine if it's not too good to be true. Do you have a bill of sale and the serial number?
> >
> >E-mail or call me asap and we can do business.
Jason
> >

[alkashmery]

I am attempting to buy a laptop. But i have a feeling that it is fraud. Let me know what you feel about it ? Here the the whole disscution that took place between me and the "seller". The most recent email is the one on the top.

OKay...I will let you know later after I contacted Square Trade Safe Pay. You should
wait my email.Thanks,Steve


My ebay id is My full name is
usman. my address is:
and you can email me
--- "hahazia_2000@yahoo.com"
wrote:

> Okay...Sorry for the delay. I will contact Square
> Trade later and they should contact you by email.I
> will let you know when I will contact them.I only
> need your eBay user Id and your full name and
> address to let them know all the details about our
> deal.
> Reply asap with this details.
>
> muhammad asif wrote:
> We can start the deal right know?
> --- "hahazia_2000@yahoo.com"
> wrote:
>
> > It is a good idea.I worked with them and all time
> it
> > worked very well.I'm in New Jersey.The laptop is
> > brand new,not refurbished. Reply asap and let me
> > know when can we start the deal.
> > Here is the description of the laptop :
> >
> > Sony VGN-A190 VAIO® Notebook Computer - This
> > notebook computer is a great Desktop replacement
> > that gives you unique entertainment features.
> These
> > features come from the included A/V Entertainment
> > Dock. When the notebook is docked, you get extra
> A/V
> > connections, access to Sony Personal Video
> Recorder
> > (PVR) functions, a TV tuner, high-end Digital
> Audio
> > amplifier and premium Sony speakers! Intel Pentium
> M
> > Processor 735 1.7 GHz Processor Speed L2 Cache -
> 2MB
> > 512MB of PC2700 DDR333 SDRAM RAM is expandable to
> > 2GB 2 RAM Slots (0 open - upgrading requires chip
> > removal) 400MHz FSB (Front Side Bus) 80GB Hard
> Drive
> > Built-in 802.11g Wi-Fi Wireless Networking Adapter
> > 17" Widescreen WUXGA LCD with XBRITE? Technology
> > Native Resolution - 1920x1200 ATI Mobility Radeon
> > 9700 graphics with 64MB of RAM DVD Writer - up to
> 4x
> > DVD-R / 2x DVD-RW / 2.4x DVD+R / 2x DVD+RW / 16x
> > CD-R / 8x CD-RW Integrated V.90 56K Fax Modem
> Memory
> > Stick Media Slot - supports Optional Memory Stick®
> > PRO and Memory Stick® DUO
> > media PCMCIA PC Card Slot Ports: 10/100/1000
> > Gigabit Ethernet, 1 FireWire, & 3 USB 2.0
> Includes:
> > Lithium-Ion battery, AC adapter, A/V Entertainment
> > Dock, 2 speakers, remote control, Windows XP Home,
> > Sony A/V Software, Works 7.0, InterVideo WinDVD,
> > Photoshop Elements, Photoshop Album Starter
> Edition,
> > Norton Internet Security (90-day subscription)
> >
> > muhammad asif wrote:
> > sounds like a good idea. I will probably do with
> > sqare
> > trade. Can you please send me the specs and the
> the
> > model of the laptop.And tell me whether the laptop
> > is
> > brand new, refurbished or reconditioned.And let me
> > know where is this laptop located(I am moving
> > somewhere within ten days) Reply ASAP.
> > --- "hahazia_2000@yahoo.com"
> > wrote:
> >
> > > Hello,
> > > I used bank transfer and Square Trade safe pay
> > until
> > > now.It is a 3rd party transaction. That means
> that
> > > we agree with the details of the
> deal(price,etc..)
> > > and after that I will contact Square Trade
> > > departament(a company who works with eBay) and
> who
> > > offer protection both of us(sellers and buyers).
> > > Here are the steps of the deal :
> > >
> > > 1.The seller(I) has to open a transaction with
> > > Square Trade regarding this deal and after he
> will
> > > explain to Square Trade the details of the
> > > transaction (price,shipping,...),then Square
> Trade
> > > will
> > > send to the buyer(you) an invoice to start the
> > deal.
> > > 2.After the buyer(you) will receive the invoice
> > > he(you) has to make the payment to the Square
> > Trade
> > > Financial Departament.They will let you know in
> > the
> > > invoice where you can make the payment to their
> > > payment departament(to one of their agents).
> > > 3.After the payment is done,Square Trade contact
> > the
> > > seller(me) and will let him(me) know that the
> > > payment has been received by them to their
> > Financial
> > > Departament.
> > > 4.After the seller(me) has the confirmation that
> > the
> > > payemnt is done to the Square Trade F.D.,he(me)
> > has
> > > to ship the item to buyer's(you) location.
> > > 5.After he receive the item and will check it
> the
> > > buyer(you) has to confirm to the Square Trade
> F.D.
> > > that he(you) is or isn't satisfied about the
> > > product.
> > > 6.When Sq.Trade will receive the confirmation
> from
> > > the buyer(you) that he is satisfied about the
> > > item,then,they will release the funds to the
> > > seller(me)
> > > or they will return buyer(your) money in case
> > > he(you) are not satisfied about it.
> > >
> > > To be more specific,this system work like this :
> > >
> > > 1.The Seller will open the transaction --> 2.The
> > > buyer has to make the payment to Sq.Tr. F.D. -->
> > > 3.The Seller will receive the confirmation that
> > the
> > > payment is done --> 4.The seller will ship
> > > the item to the buyer -->5.The buyer will
> contact
> > > Sq.Tr. to tell them if he is satisfied or not
> -->
> > > 6.Sq.Tr. will release the money to the seller(in
> > > case the buyer is satisfied) and to the buyer(in
>
> > > case that he is not satisfied).
> > >
> > > So,please wrote this email twice and let me
> know.I
> > > hope you agree with me,because I think that it
> is
> > > the best way to protect both(seller and buyer)
> on
> > > eBay.
> > > Just email me back and let me know if you
> > understood
> > > the process.
> > >
> > >
> > > muhammad asif wrote:
> > > Is it okay with you to do COD or escrow. I will
> > > highly
> > > appreciate it if you accept that. Please reply
> > ASAP
> > >
> > > --- "hahazia_2000@yahoo.com"
> > > wrote:
> > >
> > > > Okay,Then we can use bank transfer as payment
> > > > method. Please give me your full name and
> > address
> > > to
> > > > know where to ship the laptop after the
> payment
> > > will
> > > > be confirmed by my bank.
> > > > Reply asap
> > > >
> > > > muhammad asif wrote:I have a
> > > > bank account.
> > > >
> > > > --- "hahazia_2000@yahoo.com"
> > > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > Hello,
> > > > > Okay,I accept 1350 usd for it including
> > shipping
> > > > to
> > > > > your location. Let me know if you have a
> > > > > bank account.Reply asap
> > > > >
> > > > > muhammad asif wrote:The most
> > > > > i will pay for it is $1350. let me know what
> > > > > you think
> > > > > --- "hahazia_2000@yahoo.com"
> > > > > wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > > How much can you offer for one ? cause i
> > still
> > > > > have
> > > > > > 2(same model and configuration).
> > > > > > Thanks
> > > > > >
> > > > > > muhammad asif wrote:I am
> > > > > > interested in buying only one.

[peg]

Know this.... Most scams of this type want you to send them money via Western Union. Why? Because once they have the details of payment.... They can pick it up ANYWHERE. So even though you though you were sending it to Italy, It may have actually gone to India (or somewhere else).

6. Does Western Union offer an escrow service or any kind of buyer protection?

* Western Union does not offer an escrow service or any type of "purchase protection" policy. Western Union's business is to transfer funds from a sender to a receiver. We caution people who use our services against sending money to people they don't know. It is the sender's responsibility to know the party to which the funds are being sent. Using a fictitious name or changing the Receiver name after the money transfer has been sent is not a guaranteed means of securing funds. If a receiver presents proper identification with the same name as on the money transfer, payment will be made.
* Be wary of 3rd party "collection" or "holding" services unless they are a reputable, licensed escrow service. Western Union is not an escrow service, should not be used as an escrow service and is currently not affiliated with any escrow services.

Even though Western Union Claims to REQUIRE proper ID, in some contries (Nigeria comes to mind), there is little chance of ensuring this. Even if there was, it's still not a Safe means unless you KNOW the other party!

So... Even if you get messages claiming to be from eBay, Square Trade, Escrow.com or ANY othe Legit site.... If the claim is to use Western Union, then you should look the OTHER way.