Robert. Bummer, Dude. I looked at the auction, and it sure appears that you were intentionally conned by this guy. I can see how his description would inspire confidence. At the time you placed your bid, he had only one feedback comment. I don't see how you could have avoided being screwed on this, but there are obviously better ways you could have handled it after the screwage occurred. You have my complete sympathy

When I asked all those questions I did not mean to imply that I thought you were negligent and the seller was innocent, and put you in a bad light. I just meant that these are fair questions that sometimes don't get asked before someone wants to form a posse and run a man down and hang him. In a way, the fact that he's been NARU'd by eBay proves my point that eBay is effective in weeding out the crooks and the con men.

Unless someone point out that while I strongly object to discussing a seller's business behind his back, the fact that he's NARU and no longer an eBay seller means that I have no problem saying that he's a scumbag and deserves what he got.

The rules for registration at eBay have changed. Now, if you're suspended, you cannot register a new identity unless you can provide a valid credit card in a different name than the one that was suspended. It's not a perfect system, but it does help to cut down on those "rotating door" con artists.

Rather then help start some sort of a forum warning other collectors of potential rip off artists, I would rather devote my energies to educating my fellow buyers about how to protect themselves from these lowlifes.

Robert, I'm glad you learned this valuable lesson on a $22.00 transaction, rather than a $220.00 deal. Count your blessings.

Michael