While much has been posted about instances of fraudulent internet
sales, several postings bemoan the lack of action by eBay when
fraudulent auctions have taken place.  I have had positive experiences
with eBay and their fraud unit.

I have been involved in several of these transactions as a buyer.
In one case, I placed a successful (and very low) bid on what was
advertised as a Polyphon 'Emerald' model disc musical box.  It turned
out that the photo was one lifted of a fellow collector's web site,
the seller was _not_ in the USA but in Indonesia (on temporary business
assignment! Ha!) and he wanted payment by Western Union Money Order
only.  I reported the seller to the eBay fraud unit; they cancelled
the transaction and cancelled the seller's account.

In another transaction, the seller was from London(?) and the item
was owned by another well-known collector/restorer in New Jersey.
I reported that to eBay's fraud unit and the seller's account and their
auction were both cancelled.

As you can see I have had good results with eBay and their fraud unit
seems to be doing a good job.

The advice from other posted messages is sound: (1) if it appears too
good to be true, it may well be; (2) know your seller -- do your due
diligence: call and speak to them, ensure that they really have the
item being sold, listen to it over the phone (music boxes, pianos,
etc.), check the local phone book (on-line white or yellow pages should
have their listing); (3) report suspected instances of fraud.

Musically yours,
Bill Wineburgh
http://members.aol.com/wwineburgh/