jerry81 10 #1 July 10, 2003 Here's the situation; A few weeks ago, I found an ad on http://classifieds.skydivewww.com/ for just the canopy I'm looking for (Cobalt 135) with very few jumps and a price that seemed almost too good to be true. The guy selling it lives in Brooklyn, but said he had no problems with Western Union money transfer and an overseas buyer (I live in Europe). I asked him a few questions about the canopy and why he was selling it, and he told me that he broke his foot after two jumps on it- apparently, his wingloading was over 2.0. Also, the serial number he sent is indeed the number of a Cobalt 135 manufactured in April '01 as the ad stated- I checked with the manufacturer himself. Still not satisfied completely, I tried contacting Atair (the US division) to arrange an inspection of this canopy, but apparently all I've heard about them not answering their emails is true. The seller says he can't get them on the phone, either, although I didn't check this. Anyway, a few days ago he told me he was going on vacation soon and won't be back 'till mid-August and that he can ship the canopy next week if I can send the money that fast. I said no problem, and told him what to do (how to pack the canopy, get a price quote for shipping with FedEx, send me his personal information for the WU transfer etc.) and the last message I got from him was three days ago, telling me he will check on those things and get back to me the same day. Now, from what I've been able to find out about him, he's a NPS ranger currently stationed in New York at the Grant Memorial. Apparently, his duty sometimes gets in the way of doing other things and sending out emails. His name is Chris Kounkel, just in case someone knows him. My dilemma, of course, is if I should trust him. On one hand, I can't find any big holes in what he told me so far and I never got the impression that he's trying to screw me. Truth be told, from his emails he sounds like he's not exactly very bright. On the other hand, I'm not very good at judging people and I know for a fact that sometimes wishing something were true makes me see only the things that support this wish. I've thought about sending him the money and the number of the transfer, but not telling him the password for picking up the cash until I see that his package has shipped. Having not heard from him for three days, I am more and more leaning towards dismissing the whole thing, and I guess I'd like to hear some opinions on what you think I should do. Bear in mind, though, that I usually don't trust hunches, because doing what "feels" right can easily mean one thing today and another tomorrow. Oh, and if someone has a Cobalt 135 to sell, do contact me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyKev 0 #2 July 10, 2003 I vaguely remember some scam going involving Western Union and overseas sales on the internet, and the Russian Mob (which happens to have a huge foothold in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jerry81 10 #3 July 10, 2003 Well, it was me who found this guy and me who suggested Western Union, so... But then again, I wouldn't put it past the Russian Mob to pose as a 250lbs park ranger in an attempt to get his hard-earned 700$ from an unsuspecting (and hopefully overseas) skydiver. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #4 July 10, 2003 Find his DZ and call. I'll bet he jumps at the Ranch. Tom Buchanan posts on here and jumps there. Might be able to help you out...Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydiverbrian 0 #5 July 11, 2003 I bought all my gear sight unseen over the internet. I sent money first and got gear later. Never had a problem. Lately, I've heard some horror stories. Perhaps have him ship the item COD. That way you can inspect it when it arrives before you hand over the moolah. In a world full of people, only some want to fly... isn't that crazy! --Seal Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sfc 1 #6 July 11, 2003 use a middle man, I sold my canopy to someone recently. we arranged to send it to a gear store, they held onto it until I had the cash and then released it to the buyer. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jerry81 10 #7 July 11, 2003 I suggested that we use an escrow service, but he either didn't notice it or didn't want the extra hassle, since it was after this message that he told me he was going on leave soon and would like to close the deal before he left. Anyway, if I don't hear from him by this evening, I think I'll just put his address on the ignore list and stop worrying about it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JDBoston 0 #8 July 11, 2003 Use a middle man - a rigger in your area, preferably one who is relatively well known (big DZ, etc.). In my mind there is absolutely no reason to ever do it any other way unless you are a rigger yourself and can verify that the condition of the canopy matches the claimed jump #'s etc. When the rigger says it's OK, the seller gets paid. Simple. Joe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gravitymaster 0 #9 July 11, 2003 Can you PM me his email address? I checked the site and the canopy isn't listed. I'd like to buy it if you aren't going to. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
motherhucker 0 #10 July 11, 2003 Quotehe's a NPS ranger 'nuff said. You can't trust him as far as you can throw him. NPS rangers are criminals. NPS and parachutes do not mix. On the other hand, maybe he actually 'liberated' this canopy from someone making an "aerial delivery". Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bwilling 0 #11 July 11, 2003 QuotePerhaps have him ship the item COD. That way you can inspect it when it arrives before you hand over the moolah. Having done this several times now, I can tell you that unless the delivery guy is someone you know and can pull some strings with, they're not supposed to hand over package until they receive the check. Which means you won't have a chance to inspect it before handing the money over. It does protect the seller sending COD, but does the buyer little to no good at all. And if you do COD, whatever you do, don't use UPS... Fedex is the only way to send COD! "If all you ever do is all you ever did, then all you'll ever get is all you ever got." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jerry81 10 #12 July 11, 2003 QuoteQuotehe's a NPS ranger 'nuff said. You can't trust him as far as you can throw him. NPS rangers are criminals. NPS and parachutes do not mix. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monkeybot 0 #13 July 11, 2003 In my experience, I always dealt with good people. I had bought/sold all my gear through the net. My first canopy, the guy sent it to me before I even sent any money. I have bought 3 containers and 4 canopies without any problem. I have sold maybe the same amount to people that doesn't know me. Everything worked out ok. Maybe luck but I think there are still people with some integrity in their life. -------------------------------- I have no friends under 2K Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luv2Fall 0 #14 July 11, 2003 QuoteI bought all my gear sight unseen over the internet. I sent money first and got gear later. Never had a problem. Lately, I've heard some horror stories. Perhaps have him ship the item COD. That way you can inspect it when it arrives before you hand over the moolah. Same here............both received everything and the quality was good. Having said that, I haven't bought a rig this way, but I will be jumping a rig tomorrow that a friend at the DZ is offering me for sale. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
