I think I just got robbed..

[ffastback]

Wow this gets even more interesting. Now a friend of mine who lives about 60 miles from Greensboro is not answering to my question about going physically there to pick it up. On the other hand I actually found this guy on Facebook. Thinking that he wouldn't reply on Facebook either, I contacted two of the people who had his last name. I got a hold of his sister in law and his own brother and these are the responses:

Sister-in-law:

"i do not know how to contact him. sorry."

Brother:

"Vince,

He has a Facebook page as well. I don't really talk to him all that much and don't want to be involved in this. If you feel he has scammed you or has acted in an illegal manner, I suggest you take it up with the police.

Good luck in resolving this."

What an amazing family scam!!  All for $70 and an old Amiga 500.

Who's up for a reward? Who wants to be a bounty hunter?

I would not view this as a family scam.  How many dudes would readily suggest you call the police on their own brother?  It sounds more likely to me that these folks know he is a bit shady and don't want to be involved.  Would you want to call your brother about this if he was the type that probably steals from your wife's jewelry box when he is over for Thanksgiving dinner every year?

[ffastback]

Open the phone book, find a pen and write down a pizza take-away near him and a taxi company.  Ring the pizza take-away place up, choose some really expensive food from the menu and give his name and address for delivery.
Wait half an hour, ring the taxi firm and book him a taxi somewhere.

Rinse and repeat.

And then the poor pizza parlor and cabbie are out money.  How does that help?

[ffastback]

@Amigamia

Did you contact the police in his town yet?  If it is a small town they might actually bother to take a ride over to his house to inquire.  Even if they don't do anything it might help the next guy he rips off.

[ffastback]

HUH? What are you talking about? I didn't call the police on his own brother.

I did not say you called the police on his brother.  I said you should not think its a "Family Scam" as evidenced by the fact the brother's first advice to you was to contact the police.

[ffastback]

Do you really believe that the police is going to knock on his door? Come on! Get real!

If he lives in a small town, and especially if he is already known to police its possible.  Is it likely?  No.  But whats the harm in it?  Maybe if you are really lucky he has a record and is already known to police.  A friend of mine once got harassed by someone via phone that he sold a car to on ebay long distance.  He called the local police, they sent a cruiser over to the guy's house.  Not a single call happened after that.