PSA FB marketplace scammer and a potential WTB Blues Driver or similar

THR1LLHAU5 · January 2022

Hi folks,

Last week I had the extreme displeasure and subsequent embarrassment of being scammed by a "Mike Smethhurst." Like a fool I F&F PayPal-ed him £50 for a BD-2 to be posted and received nothing, that was almost 2 weeks ago and he's been radio silent since, I've sent him 5 messages and been ignored.

A quick Google search shows that he's been scamming on bass pedals and now guitar pedals for a while. Goes by Mike/Mark Smethhurst, also uses Cindy Smethhurst and probably more.

So yeah, fair warning, don't deal with this prick if you can help it, and also don't PayPal f&f randoms on Facebook... Thefretboard has made me too trusting...

So, with that said, I'm potentially in the market for a BD-2 to cheer me up after pissing half a ton up the wall to this thieving pondlife.

Dodge · January 2022

I feel for you mate. Be relieved it was 'only' £50.

I presume there's a mechanism for reporting it to PayPal? Also, if he has a Facebook profile then report it to them too.

THR1LLHAU5 · January 2022

Thanks Dodge. It's a lesson learned on my part. Because I stupidly used PayPal gift there's no way to report him on there. I have reported him on Facebook but I'm sure if anything comes of that he can spin up a new profile in the time it takes to create a new email address.

Teyeplayer · January 2022

I thought you could still report it to PayPal even if you can’t be sure to get your cash back?

THR1LLHAU5 · January 2022

If so that'd be great, the only option I could find was a community guidelines violation or something. Basically to report indecent images or offensive language in the user's profile or communications.

DirgeForNovember2 · January 2022

I believe the only thing you can do is report it as an unauthorised transaction ie. Someone hacked your account and sent the money to this guy. But I'm assuming there is a chat history with you and this person, which might make this difficult to prove.

THR1LLHAU5 · January 2022

Yeah via Facebook messenger. Maybe it's worth having a go anyway? I can't imagine I'll end up any worse off.

ragingben · January 2022

There's a thread about this scammer on bass chat https://www.basschat.co.uk/topic/444877-scammer-facebook-marketplace/ I feel for you man, these types wind me up pretty badly.

Teyeplayer · January 2022

If he’s a known scammer, PayPal have an interest in not allowing him to use their platform to commit fraud. Ring them up and explain. As I say, you may not get anything back, but you may get the pleasure of knowing his accounts have been frozen.

THR1LLHAU5 · January 2022

Thanks for the advice all, I'll give PayPal a ring.

Dan_Halen · January 2022

DirgeForNovember2 said:

I believe the only thing you can do is report it as an unauthorised transaction ie. Someone hacked your account and sent the money to this guy. But I'm assuming there is a chat history with you and this person, which might make this difficult to prove.

Yeah, attempting to commit fraud seems like a sensible solution.

DirgeForNovember2 · January 2022

Dan_Halen said:

DirgeForNovember2 said:

I believe the only thing you can do is report it as an unauthorised transaction ie. Someone hacked your account and sent the money to this guy. But I'm assuming there is a chat history with you and this person, which might make this difficult to prove.

Yeah, attempting to commit fraud seems like a sensible solution.

Thanks for your incredible input on this one

Dan_Halen · January 2022

DirgeForNovember2 said:

Dan_Halen said:

DirgeForNovember2 said:

I believe the only thing you can do is report it as an unauthorised transaction ie. Someone hacked your account and sent the money to this guy. But I'm assuming there is a chat history with you and this person, which might make this difficult to prove.

Yeah, attempting to commit fraud seems like a sensible solution.

Thanks for your incredible input on this one

You’re an idiot.

DirgeForNovember2 · January 2022

Dan_Halen said:

DirgeForNovember2 said:

Dan_Halen said:

DirgeForNovember2 said:

I believe the only thing you can do is report it as an unauthorised transaction ie. Someone hacked your account and sent the money to this guy. But I'm assuming there is a chat history with you and this person, which might make this difficult to prove.

Yeah, attempting to commit fraud seems like a sensible solution.

Thanks for your incredible input on this one

You’re an idiot.

Thanks officer

digitalscream · January 2022

Knock it off, guys.

...but @Dan_Halen is right - that's the kind of thing that will get your bank account closed, because even the most cursory, ineffective investigation will show that it came from your IP address, and the kind of action your bank will take on the back of that would cause major problems.

Supportact · January 2022

Sorry to hear about this. People like that guy spoil it for everyone else.

THR1LLHAU5 · January 2022

Thanks all, and appreciate all the advice. And if nothing else the moral support!

It's done now and I'm at peace with it. Lesson learned, onwards and upwards and all that.

blueskunk · January 2022

Evening Nath, aww man, sorry to hear about this scam. Most of us have probably been there, one way or another mate.

Don’t be too pissed off due to your trusting nature, you are one of the good guys and that’s something to be proud about, these days.

Take care my man.

THR1LLHAU5 · January 2022

Cheers Immy. Hope you're doing good.

borntohang · January 2022

He's being doing the rounds recently and done over a bunch of people. Had an EHX Mono Bass and a Canyon up for super cheap in Sheffield, but wouldn't collect. All small sums - less than 100 but adds up if you do ten at a time. I've been reporting his listings but not much else you can do as a bystander.

hollywoodrox · January 2022

I just saw a DD3 £35 on marketplace ,looked where it was Sheffield ,bloody smethurst

prowla · February 2022

Report it to the various authorities (Action Fraud, yours and the seller's local police, Trading Standards); whilst you may or may not get your money back, they can only take action if the crimes do get reported.

As far as payment goes just plain don't do PP Gift/Friends & Family; it's also inadvisable to do bank transfer, but banks can take action and even get the fraudster's account frozen over a demonstrable fraud.

prowla · February 2022

Incidentally, my suspicion-o-meter has kicked in when I've had a couple of HX Stomp sellers go quiet on me when I've said I'd like to collect.

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PSA FB marketplace scammer and a potential WTB Blues Driver or similar

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