Did you guys talk him down to $700?
That would be even more suspicious since $800 is already a good price.
The money order is still in my pocket, fortunately I couldn't find a stamp.
First, to gregarpp--- I found your comments esp. the last one insulting:
<<"Goes to show, most people who get ripped off on the interest deserve it.",
I also as bryan says here have purchased many many items by internet and also checked out this purchase as well as I could- and I was never ripped off.
What I have done is have my bank put a stop payment on the bank check. I also called the Tigard PO where he is to have the certified letter I sent stopped and returned to me. I also called Jeff and told him what I have done.
It's a shame - I always trusted the major Photography forums like photo.com, here, and dpreview
but now will be apprehensive about buying from private parties online.
Hi,
I also sent this character a money order Monday morning for the 300L IS lens. I emailed him at 6am about this lens, and he got back to with a phone number where to reach him. He told me he was on assignment for work, and gave me a phone number to call him. I did, and we discussed the lens, and the purchase price. He to give me the address in Oregon, which is posted above.
I did call that number later in the day, and it was to a Motel 6 in the Portland area.(Phone number 503-620-2066) They had a Jeff Washington staying there in room 224. After verifying the name, and all I felt alright about this transaction, and mailed the cashiers check....
I was expecting to hear back from him today or tommorrow, but now I dont think so.
If anyone knows what we can do, or how to get it done, please post or email back for more information.
Good job with posting a comment on his photo.net ads Bryan
I wonder if he even has any of this equipment in question.
He is telling people now that all the lenses are SOLD.
He does know about this thread, the link was forwarded to him
I decided there was enough evidence here to call the Tigard, OR police where he is staying in a Motel 6 and told them, without accusing anyone, that there may be a fraud being carried out there. At first the police said they couldn't do anything if there was no crime commited yet - but I asked them to look into the matter and gave the Motel 6 address etc.. They said they would call me back.
I ask everyone who sent this person a check for this 300 f/4 IS lens to call the Tigard, OR police and voice your concern without accusing him of anything - I don't think any crime has been commited yet-- tel: 503-629-0111. Also call the Tigard OR Post Office dept. to have them stop delivery of your check;
Quick update on my journey...
I did call the Tigard Police to make report about an hour ago. After that I got in touch with the local post office to intercept my express mail package. The people at the post office were so helpful, and kept me on the phone for about 10 minutes. The gentleman came back and told me my package was un deliverable, and was being returned to sender.
Apperantly our Mr Washington, checked out early.....
I hope all ends well with everyone else, I will feel much better when my mail gets back to me by the end of the week.
I cant Thank everyone here on this Form, for all the information and help I get everyday. Good Luck.....
I wonder if he was able to get any money from someone. I must assume that not everyone who reads photo.net also reads FM forums.
But I want to thank the orignator of this thread for inadvertantly saving alot of people thier hard earned cash.
I sent a money order of US$1450 for buying two lens, 300mmf/4.0LIS and 70-200mmf/2.8L on Tuesday to Jeff.
I need you guys help, because I live in Canada. So I don't know how to call or contact the post office in Oregon for stopping my money order.
I wonder if it is possible to conduct a sting with the OR PD. NO crime has been commited until he recieves the payment and then doesnt deliver. At that point it is a federal offense (mail fraud) on top of any other crimes that can be pinned on the act. It seems he has left OR or at least that hotel room. If someone can get a deliverable address and then work with the law enforcement of the city that he is operating in, you may be able to both put him away and keep your money.
Just a thought. I certainly dont have $700 to put up to catch a theif, but it was an idea.
Can anybody ,who live near the post office, do me a favor to go to the post office in Tigard station for filling out the form, please?
Because I call the post office in Tigard station this morning, the guy tells me that I need to fill out the form first. I tell the guy in post office that is impossible for me to fill it up because I live in Canada. So I leave Jeff Washington's and my name and addresses to that guy.
But I would like to make sure the mail can be returned to me, so I need your help.
Thanks for your help. I am really appreciated it.
Edited by Kentchoi on Apr 11, 2003 at 06:43 AM GMT
I have been in touch with the Tigard, OR police and post office. The police say he no longer is at the Motel 6 address--- tel. 503-620-2066 ext 224. So if you mailed it within the last couple of days, he is not there to accept it. Also the Tigard, OR Post office has agreed to stop mail to that address: Tel. 503-629-0111 -- ask for JP who is handling the stop orders.
Good luck - I hope we stopped this guy before he got any money
and... gregarpp - please no more insulting slings - it's the last thing we need re this matter. Due diligence was done on this guy as well as possible by several of us and no one bought anything once they read this forum I am sure. Besides, you have equipment for sale on the Canon Photography forum right now -- so is everyone who buys from you "stupid" too.
Lastly, I think this whole affair shows the + and - of the internet. It can be used to trap many, many, people in a scam and at the same time, it was also the internet and forums like this that saved many their money. I want to thank the person who inadvertently keyed us buyers into this forum and I do hope all the people who have called or emailed me are successful in either canceling their checks or stopping the delivery of there mail. Since he is no longer there we may all be okay even if the checks get delivered.
I am removing my phone number from public display on this forum but if anyone needs any info feel free to email me.
