I submitted an "unresolved complaint" against a member about a week or so ago (Item # 768671). I see it's posted on his ad although the ad is marked "sold to you" and can't be seen by anyone else unless he posts another item for sale. Although he only had one other item sold, the deal was marked "good" and when I checked his profile, he'd been a member of RCU for a number of years including a reference that he was a contributing editor. Anyway, cut and dry... he acknowledged recipt of payment (a money order as requested) and no engine almost 30 days later. One communication a few weeks ago stating he apologized and would be sending a tracking number immediately but again, no engine weeks later. No communications either. I email but nothing back. Can I ask RCU for his phone number or is it against your privacy policy. Also, at what point does he get suspended? I'm pretty certain, I'm out the $$$ but I'd hate to think it's that easy to stay in the RCU clasifieds after pulling off something like this.

I am sorry you are having a problem with another RCU member.

Do you still have a copy of the invoice the seller sent to you when he accepted your offer? If so, you should find his phone number listed there. If you do not have a copy of the invoice, please let me know. After verifying that you do have an Accepted offer, I can provide you with the sellers contact information.

Yes, I have a copy and I did find his phone number. I called him this past Saturday (3 Sept.). I identified myself and asked if their was a problem with the transaction. He replied "you didn't get the engine?" I said no, that I hadn't and that he had promised on two emails to send a package tracking number (he didn't) and that he had not responded to the last 5 emails I sent him. He then said that he would have to talk to his room-mate and ask him why he hasn't sent the engine. I asked him to either send me the engine or return my money. He assured me he would "get back to me". No phone calls Sunday, Monday or Today. I tried to call him twice today but it appears he will not answer or will not take my calls.
I understand that RCU only provides a service and is not responsible for transactions. I have had many excellent experiences buying, selling and talking to other persons interested in the hobby but feel like **** *********(*********) is not trustworthy as a seller. Yes, he only had one "good" feedback but after checking his profile (president of RC Club, Contributing Editor, several years of RCU membership, etc.) he appeared to be an honest person. Even his add was well constructed, worded, etc. with many details of the sale. I can see others falling for the same scheme.
I'm considering printing all corrospondence with ****, a copy of the Postal Money Order, etc. , packaging it up and sending it to the Bono AR Sheriffs Dept. but I doubt that will help either.
RCU can follow the transaction, I can supply all email communications and my Postal Money Order number or you can attempt to contact him yourself. I'd at least like to see him suspended from any future sales for my $160.00 and for the protection of honest RCU members.

Thank you for your reply
Adrian

If you have the invoice, then the information you have is all we have as sellers cannot modify the contact information sent on the invoice.

At this point, your next step is to file a complaint against the seller using the form linked at the bottom of the Ratings & Security page in the marketplace. If the seller still refuses to resolve the problem, then we will decide the correct action to take against the seller.

Please note that we do not permit calling out specific members whom you may have a dispute with in these forums. For that reason, I have edited your post to remove the sellers name and username.

I didn't realize (should have) that this corrospondance can be read by other members and can understand why using a members name is not permitted.
I did file a formal complaint against the seller over a week ago. No reply from the seller. Filed a second complaint and rated the member "poor".

Again, I find RCU to be an excellent venue for selling off / trading equipment and buying equipment. Have used it to see others experience with particular equipment and their recommendations. I've even used it to revue new products and recently purchased a super plane through my local dealer (he goes through Horizon Hobby for some purchases). I can however, see where it can be abused and your clear on the hazzards of buying from unrated / scam sellers. I'm just a little frustrated that I "got took".

JWN,

Just for info... I've tried two more emails and 2 additional phone calls. No reply / answers to either. How do you keep someone like this from re-registgering (on RCU) under a different name?

There is nothing we can do to permanently prevent someone from registering. However, if you spot a new member who appears to be the same person, please use the Report Ad to Moderator link present in every ad and we will take a look at the suspected account.

Well, it's been over two months since I sent the M.O. to ********* ($160.00 on Aug. 8th). That was for Item no. ******* and no engine (Saito 91S) ever came. No answers to any emails and, as I mentioned before, he did pick up my phone calls "once" to tell me he'll have to check with his roomate to see what the problem is. Now he's obviously screening his phone calls as my calls go unanswered. Still not sure what what your criteria is for placing a member on the "Scammers List" but I'd say this one qualifies. I won't even consider buying an item on RCU unless the seller has a stellar (and large) set of ratings. My estimate is .. he is a scammer. With this info (and I can provide a U.S. Postal Money Order serial number made out to him and all email traffic between us) can you (RCU) attempt contact with him and make the decission to keep or block him from placing any future ads?

I am sorry you continue to have a problem with another RCU member.

The sellers account has been suspended. We try to reserve the scammers list to those who have commited numerous offences or have been found to create multiple accounts in an attemtp to circumvent previous suspensions.

Please remember we do not permit calling out specific members in the forums for marketplace offences. That is what we have a ratings system in place for. For this reason, your post has been edited to remove the other members username and ad #.