Scam Type
Online Purchase Scam
Business Name Used
Unavailable
Date Reported
January 04, 2024
Postal Code
91801
Total Dollars Lost
$ 1155
Scam Description
Found seller (Smith Scott) through Facebook Marketplace. I was looking to purchase a vending machine for my son’s 18th birthday. Inquired about two vending machine and expressed interest in purchasing the second one. Seller mentioned that they accept either zelle or cashapp and not through credit card. I asked if seller had a website and seller states that he operates on a small scale and does not have a website as of yet. Ad on his facebook profile list first machine but does not state free shipping so understandably the shipping fee would apply while the ad for second machine states it is $1,000 with free shipping. I expressed that I was leaning towards the second machine (w/ free shipping) and made a deal with seller that I would pay first half (zelle) and then second half (zelle) after the machine gets delivered to which the seller had originally agreed but then seller back tracked and stated the payment needs to be paid in full in order to process request. Seller apologized for the misinformation and states that I would receive a tracking number to ensure legitimacy of sale transaction. I was also provided an invoice as well which does not stated seller’s name but rather someone else’s. Payments were made through zelle which list another individual’s name. I took some time to contemplate on proceeding due to these mishaps and had asked questions in the meantime regarding policy on refund etc before making second payment. My information such as address, phone number etc was also given for delivery purposes. After making the second payment, I realized that the ad for the second machine had stated free shipping and brought it up to seller’s attention after payment was paid in full (including shipping) totaling $1,155. Seller states that the free shipping was no longer applicable despite it not listed on advertisement or mentioned beforehand. I let it be considering it is a heavy machinery. I was under the impression that the transaction was completed and the machine would be on it’s way which would arrive by Friday morning on January 5th 2024 as requested. Seller contacts me Monday evening and asked me to check to see if the item was in transit and I informed him that it still shows processing through their courier’s website. He then tells me that I need to pay an additional $302 for a “refundable insurances” to ensure that the item will be delivered successfully and claims would be refunded to me after delivery. I expressed frustration of why it was not mentioned upfront before we proceeded with the transaction and requested a full refund since this additional fee was not disclosed. Seller states that the refund only support wrong production description or damages upon delivery etc to which I was even more frustrated since I had asked twice regarding refund policy regarding satisfaction of product and service before proceeding with second payment. I stated that I have not received anything from seller despite fulfilling my end by paying in full (plus shipping) and request that he find another courier to fulfill his end of the deal. I also asked why his company can’t cover the fee since he stated that it is refundable and would receive the funds back when other merchant such as Amazon does not use this type of practice with their consumers by charging them. He stated that he cannot use another courier and stated that I need to clear my insurance fee in order to have the product delivered to me. I expressed more of my frustration that none of this information was provided upfront and stated it was completely false advertisement. Seller states that this fee is the only cost that I incurred and would be refunded once it gets delivered rather than trying to correct the issue or finding a common ground in keeping me as a consumer. Had I known ahead of time in regards to additional fees I would of been able to make a more informed decision rather than being placed in a predicament considering seller was not able to keep his word in payment arrangements, shipping fee and now a “refundable insurance” fee.
