Squealing On eBay Scammers -- A Question

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Posted By: Dizzy Dean

I have a question regarding contact with other eBay members to which I have not been able to find a definitive answer. I would greatly appreciate some opinions regarding this. I apologize in advance if this topic has been exhausted in a previous thread. I'll attempt to be brief but...

A few weeks ago I bought a Johnson T206 (clearly listed as authentic) that turned out to be a reprint. Stupid -- I know -- I might be tempted to blame it on the Christmas spirit of goodwill but I'm blaming it on the scotch. Anyway, the scan looked right, the seller's feedback was fairly decent, and he offered full refunds. After I returned it he claimed I had sent him an empty envelope. Fortunately, I had taken the time to make detailed photographs of the bogus card next to a graded T206 before returning it (I guess it pays to be married to an attorney). These at least proved the card to be a fake even if he stuck by his story. He did not return any further e-mails or respond even after a letter from "my attorney" threatening suit and an eBay fraud alert filing. I then set about contacting a few of the buyers of his (supposedly) vintage guaranteed authentic cards that I found through his feedback list. I informed them merely of the facts of my case and asked them to take the time to examine their purchases more closely. As they then began contacting him, he magically began attempting to contact me (in a frantic state) to resolve the issue as this apparently scared the hell out of him.

While I got almost all of my money back, he threatened repeatedly to file a complaint on me for contacting his buyers. Is this at all illegal, improper, or discouraged in anyone's opinion? I have received a couple of such e-mails from other eBayers warning me away from certain auctions or sellers in the last few years and I have always appreciated their concern (if their facts check out).

With allowances made as to how I might have handled this matter differently (mistakes were made but I'm just glad it's over), what are the various opinions on this type of communication? Is it improper or is it to be encouraged? Thanks Much.