Frauded: A Documentary.

[Guest]

(Note: if this is in the wrong category...it can be moved)

Hello everyone,
As some of you may have read in my post ("Don't be like me") in the Hardware/Accessories section, I sent money to someone outside an eBay transaction (but with eBay's written verification of validity) for the all wonderful Panasonic DVX100 camera. As it turns out this person had stolen an eBay member's identity and subsequently ran off (in Spain, I might add) with the installment of what was to be my full payment for this camera: $862. That may seem like pennies, but to most beginning filmmakers, you can do a lot with that kind of cash.
So I have decided to turn this into a bit of a creative project and make a documentary of my relentless efforts to "get my money back...and/or catch the individual that did this". Using any and all resources (including anyone on this site who may know how to "track" individuals online somehow) to achieve this goal. Impossible? I ask you this: Have you every tried, and I mean really tried? From Los Angeles to Washington DC to friends and relatives across the sea, using a phone recorder as well as other documenting devices, I have begun documenting (via a camera that is good, but nothing close to the one I SHOULD have right now) everything we do to track down the man who did this.
Oh sure, I'll move on with my life and do other things as well, but I will get my money back. It may take 5 weeks, it may take 5 years...but one things certain...it'll make for one hell of a story.
Thanks for you time.
Jamie

jhobert79@hotmail.com

[Zoomforce]

well.. your creativity in turning this bad experience into somthing positive is just what it takes to be a filmaker, I hope you luck, and keep us updated on the project! :-/

[ddh]

Not only would this make an interesting story, I can see that you would find out a great deal about fraud on the net. It's most likely this character has done similar things in the past and that's the way to begin to track him/her.
Apart from getting information on Interpol anti-fraud techniques, you may be able to read up on what the FBI has to offer in this area. *
Two things you know already. This person knows how to use a computer and this person keeps up on trends. He/she may not use video equipment but a post on your part to all the Spanish resort town police detailing what has occurred may yield some information. If you were going to disappear in Spain, you'd likely hit the beach areas. Good for more scams. Good luck!

ps. Barcelona is an art center. It might be good to send a notice to the video groups in that area asking about someone trying to sell the DVX.

[Guest]

From Spain to Romainia to Greece and back to Spain again...I've learned a lot in the last few days and it keeps getting more and more interesting. Lost cause?...I think not. I'll post again if "real" news happens...if anyone still cares ;)
Destined to one day have a DVX100,
Jamie

[Zoomforce]

I still care :)

[Oz]

I agree, if you really do document this case thoroughly it would make for an interesting documentary. There's an indepth article on an eBay scammer found at this site (http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/73/kirsner.html), which I hope may provide some insights into your own investigation. Of particular interest is a sidebar article there called 'How eBay Fights Fraud' that can be accessed by clicking this (http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/73/kirsner-sidebar.html). Maybe you could find contact information for the person who runs eBay's fraud protection program?