Never thought I’d get scammed

[JTT3]

Well unfortunately I may be a member of the got Scammed Club. I was looking for a Victor Model 1 headlight to complete a 6 piece set for lighting. One headlight I had was just not a candidate for restoring. Steven Vaught contacted me through the forum and said he had a good one he’d sell. I said send me pictures & price. Moments later I received an email with the things I requested, it was a fair price but not what I’d considered a great deal. I further convinced myself only real model T folks would know what a Victor #1 is because it’s a made up identification model that’s used. Now, besides stupidity on my part, 1. I was in bit of a hurry 2. Looked up his info on MTFCA, gave it a cursory look & saw board member since 2019. So contacted him on email again asked how he’d like to be paid. His email reply, check would be fine. Stupidity strikes again! We eere about to leave for a few days out of state to attend an event & I sent back “Do you accept PayPal F&F” & he did. A few weeks have passed. Sent him an email asking for tracking number & no reply. No headlight. I really hope I’m wrong but things aren’t looking good. If this person is real please forgive me if I’ve made a mistake & I will publicly say so. Best John

[South Park Zephyr]

Unfortunately, I think we can state the year we joined the board.

I feel your pain.

I propose that sellers consider allowing to be paid for goods and services by adding in the additional fee.
That would give buyers a layer of protection against the scammers.

Scott

[Mark Gregush]

I had two of those both reported and removed. Joined the same day they sent messages but both had been board members since 2011. I turned off my email contact and will only allow messages thru the site for first contact. I have added a little extra to cover fees, think the fee is something like 3.65% for Pay-Pal goods and service.

[Scott_Conger]

Steven Vaught
Joined: Tue Oct 14, 2025 1:30 am

poor mastery of the English Language

Posts: 0

I'm going to NOPE right out of here

he's still actively registered, by the way

We as a group, need to settle down, evaluate who is responding to our "wants", and deal with people we know...these scammers are with us now, and for the rest of eternity.

John...very sorry this happened to you

[Harley_97]

Here is another one to beware of! Don't ask me how I know.

[TRDxB2]

I had two of those both reported and removed. Joined the same day they sent messages but both had been board members since 2011. I turned off my email contact and will only allow messages thru the site for first contact. I have added a little extra to cover fees, think the fee is something like 3.65% for Pay-Pal goods and service.

You can use this link to determine what the extra fee is and if you navigate it calculates for buyer or seller view https://www.salecalc.com/paypal
The only downside in using PayPal protection is for the seller . There are thresholds in dollars & number of sales per year for which they may send a 1099-k for you to pay taxes on. The Federal level is once again $20,000/yr and more than 200 transactions. States have their own limits

[JTT3]

Generally speaking I’m usual more careful & if I would have done what I usually do I would have passed. Unfortunately I looked at just the Board member Since section & did not use my usual due diligence. My mistake but it certainly shows that I’d become too comfortable with my purchases. I’m being public with this to help others so they don’t get in the same situation. I appreciate the advice though & it now becomes a PUBLIC SERVICE BULLETIN. I’ve been an advocate of an open forum & still am but after this I will be even more cautious. The “eat the cost” on payments for items & service is just great advice. It would take me dozens of transactions eating the cost to come close to what l lost for my part of this transaction. Thanks John

[TXGOAT2]

I thought the join date was done by admin, not the user.

Looks like this person can't spell his name..... ?

[TRDxB2]

Another alternative for purchasing (or selling optional payment method) is a Postal Money Order. If you send a personal check your bank & bank account number is exposed with your name & address. If you notify the seller and say "I need your address to send payment via a USPS Postal Money Order for mail fraud protection"
The fee for a USPS money order is $2.55 Up to $500 and $3.60 for $500.01 to $1,000.
There is no reason for a legitimate seller to not accept this method.
A postal money order can be cashed at the post office, banks, credit unions, and many retail locations like Walmart, grocery stores, and check-cashing services
For USPS money orders, the post office is a direct option, though banks and other retailers also cash them, sometimes for a fee. They will need to present the money order and a valid form of identification

[JTT3]

Well shortly after my post I received a fishing attempt from the seller. I think he’s being hmmm honest don’t you?

[speedytinc]

What BALLS. A guy screws up your order & asks you to help pay for his screw up.
Yea, a real pro.
Try offering a bit of extra money to be sent AFTER your part arrives. Crickets??....

Is this a delaying ploy to get your initial payment cleared?
Plus pluck a little more from the "sucker".

[South Park Zephyr]

Send more money to cover my mistake….

Scammers have no shame.

It is a common tactic I have found that they somehow mixed up the check (sent too much and want the difference refunded) or as in John’s case, sent it to the wrong address and want funds to cover their mistake.

I had one threaten me with physical violence over selling a used bumper once. He paid with a fraudulent money order.
I explained I would return his money order when he picked up the part and paid in cash, also the sheriff would be here to talk to him about the fraud.
He doubled down and said he was going to prosecute me for cashing his check and not sending the goods.

It was great fun for a bit, til I tired of the game. I still have his check, waiting for him to come get it.

BTW, I used my shop address for the transaction .

It is a real shame that nothing is really done to stop it. I contacted the postmaster, local authorities, and the FBI, since it crossed state lines, they all said that there was nothing they could, or would do, unless he actually showed up.

We, as a community, need to stay vigilant and report them every time something seems off.

Too many good people here that I trust and spend money with. I would hate for that to fade away.

Scott Francis

[JTT3]

Ha got a few more emails from him now I’ll consider posting if there is an interest. Best John

[Scott_Conger]

Emails from "Outlook" are nearly 100% scams and most emanate from Russia and wherever you sent your check to is a drop-box forwarding outfit in the US.

Tell Steven that Zelinski is going to kick his ass when he gets there

[Mark Gregush]

Thanks Frank. The limit in Oregon is $600 for 1099K (has been for many years), think several other states too are in the same ballpark.

[TXGOAT2]

Scam emails showing the scammer's style could be useful.

[JTT3]

Here you go.

[TXGOAT2]

Whew... light a match!