SCAM Alert - Michael Collins

Unfortunately, I became the victim of a scam under the account Michael Collins username: mmc1905. I posted a WTB about a telescope and he responded with photos of a telescope matching the accessories that he claimed the telescope came with. Given his long standing account here (2004) and good feedback I was lead to trust him. He claimed he had moved to Rapid City, SD from Sioux Falls, which didn't sound too unreasonable. I offered to pick up and bring a cashiers check but he said the cashiers check would take a few days to clear if I came up from Iowa to pick it up. I agreed to wire money (I know this is a horrible decision and believe me I'm upset I agreed) on the terms I could pick up the telescope. I started the wire on last friday, and it was in his account by saturday morning. By that time I was halfway there. The messages started getting more weird after I agreed. He claimed "My phone doesn't work, I can't talk to you today" "Wait before the money clears my account before coming up here" On Saturday I decided to complete the drive to Rapid City and show up at "his" address he provided me and he didn't live there. I see a lot of red flags looking back but I guess my main point is not to trust feedback on here as truth. I'm guessing someone hacked the real Michael Collins and used his feedback to his advantage. Unfortunately, I don't think there is anything I can do to get the money back, it sucks that these scammers ruin everything for the actual trustworthy people doing business here or elsewhere. 

Time to start recouping my loss so I can actually buy the scope I was after...  If anyone has a need for a 10" Truss RC I have it listed here.

I'm hoping the account can be shut down before anyone else can be scammed... I've already emailed [email protected] but haven't heard back.

-Brennan

Absolutely correct.  I had the same thing happen with him and he was trying to sell me a 1600 AE. I should've raised the red flag, but he had really good reviews?! I found out he was a scam when he sent me pictures of a 1600 that were very clearly from another member on here.  Stay away

Also same thing i got fishy and said to hm i wanted to have a phone call and he dropped off the earth.  The pseudonym was Andreas Hengst. He was obviously kicked off because he's no longer active.  Picture of the 1600 that was the exact photo.  I called him out on it and he never responded

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And here's a snapshot of the conversation of his answer to me after i asked him why "andreas hengst" had the same photos

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And OP, I am very sorry for you because i am SHOCKED someone would say they prefer pickup (like he did with me) and then scam like that! Usually they never offer pickup.  I am very sorry!