A new way to Scam you.........Engine Scams

[69LM1]

OK, some of you have seen the recent posts in the tech area about the 427 I bought and was shipped a 402 instead.
Theres a new way to scam you on ebay. Here's how it works. They sell some legit objects, high dollar things, in my case engines. They sell them cheaply,and get great 100% pos feedback on related high dollar things. Then when they are ready, they put these things on ebay (in this case a rebuilt HiPerf 427) Once bidding gets up there and several people email them back asking specifics, they edit the auction with a "buy it now" offer. Remember, there feedback on high dollar itmes is great. Things like "said engine had 400 horses, I got 425! Great Seller" and such. They then call everyone who calls about the buy it now, which usually is not to low to believe, and in fact is a little high, but he is offering up a motor that is supposed to be totally rebuilt by a shop, which uses all name brand goodies in it. When you send the money, he ships you a cheap replacement item that is not worth near what you paid for it.
It is then VERY hard to get anything done, as you have recieved something for your money, and in fact in this was was an engine. You then have to explain to a investigator the difference between a 68 vette 427 and a 70 Monte Carlo 402. The seller claims you bought a Big Block Chevy and that is what he shipped you. It gets real hairy, unlike other scams where you get nothing for your money. They make thousands by selling you a 1500$ motor for up to 3 times that amount. Not a bad "profit" at your (my) expense.
In my case, the only good thing is this kid (He's a 24 year old college student) reportedly tried this last on a senator from Michigan, and was arrested prior to my complaint. Apparently his father is an attorney, and sued the police department in Bellingham, WA. Man, were they glad to hear from me. They really want to go after the kid now. Anyway, be extra careful, even if they have 100% pos feedback, and look like they sell expensive items, look at their auction history to make sure that they have low auction cancellations. This kid had a 60% calcellation ratio.