Gumtree Fraud - 'Stephen Forbes'

[Oldskl60]

Hi Guys

Did anyone else buy these too? I Spoke with him, Stephen Forbes, the story stacked up.... Paid for them and organised removalist. Now crickets and not answering phone.

I feel rather stupid!! Just be careful guys...

Cheers Tom

[mrar]

Ha,
seemed too good to be true.

[e72phil]

PayPal is your friend here.

[FAP911]

I reported him as he woudn't send picture of licence nor take an sms - Surely the police would have enough with bank account and phone number to work back to - Gave bull**** story he was on country trip and said wheels were 6/72 stamped

[FAP911]

Hi Guys

Did anyone else buy these too? I Spoke with him, Stephen Forbes, the story stacked up.... Paid for them and organised removalist. Now crickets and not answering phone.

I feel rather stupid!! Just be careful guys...

Cheers Tom

Tom, maybe you'll have recourse through PayPal ( if used )

[ITS-911]

I had a few text messages with Stephen about the wheels, he seemed to know enough to be real and yes......matching set 6/72 and seven people already want them but first to pay will own! I live really close to the suburb on the ad so said I could pay cash on collection but not interested in paying immediately. This was the end of the messages so I assumed someone else transferred up front and got them. Tom sorry to hear about this. Geoff in Sydney

[Terminator]

Sorry to hear that Tom

I guess him joining in Dec 19 might have caused some minor worry if you had noticed and they were way too cheap

Don't worry though another board member was hot on your heels I think

[griffiths_r]

sorry to hear that Tom
get onto your bank asap (assuming you paid by EFT)... they might possibly be able to recover the funds... it's a long shot as it has been a while - but you never know without asking!!

[PCM911T]

I take it that this was an alleged fraudulent action through Gumtree rather than this forum. However, perhaps as the internet has proven that you should not deal with someone unknown, we as a forum need to vet new members validity. Not sure how, but perhaps membership and access should only be available to actual owners of verifiable Porsches with a joining fee that covers a vehicle check with the relevant authority.
Paul M

[silbere]

Good idea Paul,

When I applied to PCA re a "Birth Certificate " for my 911 I had to send a copy of my drivers licence and proof of ownership ,that was a few years back.

Recently I had to do the same thing to Jaguar Heritage in the UK for my E, ID and Rego papers with car in my name.

I am not sure of current Type 901 protocol as I have been a member for a few years now, but at least the above and probably a registration type inspection carried out, as you suggest, or a sighting/meet by a recognised financial club member within 7 days of application for membership to show "currency" of ownership, along with that or a current member acting as a referee / seconder.

In other words make it harder, we are a worth while club to join so it should not be a problem .

Not that 901 Club are in anyway responsible for what has happened but maybe a new (items for sale/buy ) posting rule run past the Moderator for the first five times, bit like an ebay requirement by some sellers ?

regards
Bruce

[Izz]

[Izz]

Also know as Eric who posted 16 inch polished Fuchs on gumtree until recently, but gained notoriety from his real name..........

[silbere]

Nice work !

You should become a PI

[ITS-911]

Stephen Forbes in now on Just Parts:

https://www.justparts.com.au/parts-for-sale/porsche-911-rs-911-s-fuchs-wheels/JPW5079730

https://www.justparts.com.au/parts-for-sale/porsche-911-light-weight-aluminium-doors-bonnet/JPW5079731

Have reported advertisements as scams

[Izz]

If you scroll down you can report the advert as a scam