Man gets robbed at gun point trying to buy vintage cards on ebay

[Archive]

Posted By: Dylan

Just goes to show how careful you have to be especially if you decide to tranfer cash for cards in person...


http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17673088&BRD=1710&PAG=735&dept_id=99784&rfi=6

[Archive]

Posted By: Jim

I purchased 2 cards from a guy last week after answering an ad in the paper. We met in a crowded cafe during the day. I had about $100 on me.

My .40 caliber Glock was strapped to my side. You cant be too careful these days.

[Archive]

Posted By: dennis

but this guy(buyer) should have known better.this was totally avoidable with just a fraction of common sense.

[Archive]

Posted By: Dan Koteles

if you had 1500.00 bucks on you ,would you of had a "street sweeper"?

[Archive]

Posted By: howard

I feel bad for the guy but this had "warning signs" all over it.

[Archive]

Posted By: Eric

At the present time, this is my favorite gun to shoot!

8=======> -----

Eric

In all seriousness, this ebay transaction had many warnings signs that something was amisss from the start.

[Archive]

Posted By: Jason Carota

Wow. Exit 37 off of 495 in Lowell. This happened less than 10 minutes from me (Tewksbury, MA.)

[Archive]

Posted By: warshawlaw

or the airport.

[Archive]

Posted By: pat

i had heard about this also. red flags for sure. have to be real careful nowadays, thats for sure. i usually take a cop with me to do larger cash deals or meet at one of my warehouses and always have my glock with me as well. the glock is my favorite also. super reliable. it has never jammed. this guy had no common sense esp with bringing his pregnant girlfriend.

[Archive]

Posted By: Jim

streetsweeper....haha

If they weren't illegal, I'd love one!

My Glock does just fine though

[Archive]

Posted By: Darren

How does carrying a gun insure a safe transaction?

[Archive]

Posted By: Judge Dred (Fred)

Just how many excuses do you have to hear before you just walk away? The deal went south once, why keep bothering? It's a sad lesson to learn but it was totally avoidable. Now watch it happent to me... open mouth, insert foot...

[Archive]

Posted By: Jim

Carrying a gun ensures your ability to defend yourself on equal footing. It has nothing to do with the transaction.

[Archive]

Posted By: nbrazil

"Just how many excuses do you have to hear before you just walk away? The deal went south once, why keep bothering? It's a sad lesson to learn but it was totally avoidable. Now watch it happent to me... open mouth, insert foot..."

Greed? Turning a blind eye on the obvious to try to make a buck? The guy said he needed the money to "right the ship" in his ebay business. He saw this too good to be true deal....didnt believe it was too good to be true despite the many warnings he describes...and proceeded even after the deal went south several times. Maybe he had too much trust in humanity? Maybe his greed blended with the sellers greed to create a potion of blindness?

Dont get me wrong....i feel sorry for the guy. But, with so many warnings you would think common sense would kick in at some point.

[Archive]

Posted By: howard

In this case carrying a gun would have enabled the victim to put a cap in the ass of the assailant instead of getting pistol whipped.

[Archive]

Posted By: Jim

Howard - that response was the best I"ve read in a long time! Well said!

[Archive]

Posted By: Dylan

I carry a sub compact 40cal as well (SW99) Everyones right about the many warning signs. The real point is if a person refuses to meet somewhere in public then just drive away.

[Archive]

Posted By: Adam J. Baxter

My Mother's family is descended from one of Lowell's oldest families (Barnes) and up until recently there had always been a member of the family (Barnes or Guthrie) living in Lowell, so I feel the need to chime in on this one.

Some places of Lowell have really changed for the better the past few years and some haven't. If this happened in one of the seedier sections of Lowell, then the victim's lucky he escaped without having a kidney taken. That being said, it's always a bad idea meeting someone in person to exchange money/goods if you aren't a little streetwise. When I buy a new tv I don't go to Lawrence or Roxbury with a fistful of cash and buy one from a guy on the street corner, I go to my local Best Buy. This is a good example of a situation were common sense should have been applied. The victim in this case is VERY lucky.

[Archive]

Posted By: Adam J. Baxter

and this guy's a moron. He is VERY lucky. There were so many red flags from the get go, that I'm surprised he went through with it. Live and learn I guess...

[Archive]

Posted By: howard

Thanks, Jim. Your response was well put also. Concise and to the point.

Howard

[Archive]

Posted By: t-205

Sorry to say this guy is pretty stupid.....

[Archive]

Posted By: barrysloate

I don't think guns and baseball cards mix too well. Anybody really want to get into a shootout over a '58 Mantle?

[Archive]

Posted By: Dylan

Well from what ive seen guns and money seem to mix pretty well in this world, so why not cardboard too?
Its about defending yourself, nothing to do with the cards or the money in my pocket. If I someone pulling a gun on me i will have not hesitate to do the same

[Archive]

Posted By: barrysloate

When two people pull guns at the same time, one of them usually goes down. Better hope it's the other guy.

[Archive]

Posted By: howard

Sadly, it very often happens that someone goes down even when there is only one gun. At least if there are two guns there is a chance that it won't be the innocent party that gets shot.

[Archive]

Posted By: Ricky Y

Wow...I've transacted with Randy on ebay several times..glad to hear he made it out at least with his life.

Ricky

[Archive]

Posted By: JK

wow, this has turned into one of the more pointless threads Ive read on N54. Lets all brag about how big our guns are now.

[Archive]

Posted By: Dave Gimes

.....much southern testosterone running around on this thread.......

I suppose now instead of my PSA 8 is better than yours....

we'll see a discussion on the merits of a belt holster vs an ankle holster when going to Card shows.......


Sheez- Its the Reading show next month and I've just remembered that PA issues Permits for carrying concealed.........I wonder how many pieces will be on the floor?

[Archive]

Posted By: barrysloate

Do you know the only difference between an Uzi and a Uzit is the letter "t"? ...It makes you think.

[Archive]

Posted By: mike mullins

The guy was dumb. Dumb and greedy and LUCKY. If it smells like a skunk...

If you decide that you have to meet, make it somewhere public and SAFE, like a bank, or in front of a police station. And if a guy keeps jerking you around like that, for God's sake see it for what it is. There are plenty of safe ways to conduct business, and if the other party won't agree then no deal. That guy was a misfire away from being dead.

I've met for cash-for-concert ticket deals three times, and each time was nervewracking for me. And that was never for more than $80! I can't even imagine how I'd feel if $13,000 cash was on the line...I simply wouldn't do it. No chance. Never.

That being said, I have some questions for those of you packing heat:

1. You're not kidding, are you?
2. Are you carrying a licensed concealed weapon, or just winging it?
3. Are you carrying a gun to card shows?
4. If you're that worried about getting shot or robbed, is it really worth it?

I mean that last one in the sincerest sense -- no sarcasm. I collect casually, and it's one of the many many hobbies I have. If getting shot is going to be one of the risks of card collecting, then I'll spend more time playing golf.

mm

[Archive]

Posted By: Dave Gimes

...an infamous story a few years ago in the North East - won;t say the state........one coin dealer did a deal with another dealer and screwed him over and would not set the deal right......the buyer decided to go and collect at the other guys store - finished up chasing him out on to the street and shooting him - if the leg if I remember correctly -then he went home. He of course was picked up later by the police -we all said we would chip in to help him.....not get a lawyer, but to improve his marksmanship for the next time

[Archive]

Posted By: Joann

I have a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-auto that I mainly keep for around the house - and have been glad to have it a few times. I don't know if I would ever be able to pull the trigger and shoot someone, but I do want the option. I keep meaning to get a carry permit for it mostly for transporting it in a vehicle. I carry enough crap around as it is without having to add a gun.

I thought this guy did everything right until he agreed to meet at an apt at the back of a complex. Called the seller on the phone, didn't fall for the wire xfer trick, etc. Sounds like he had a lot on the ball up until the end. I wonder why he didn't suggest, when they met at the front of the complex, that they hop down to the local Denny's at least.

Joann

[Archive]

Posted By: howard

Mike, I think at least one of the gun owners made it clear that carrying a weapon has nothing to do with baseball cards. It's simply a matter of wanting to defend oneself at all times whether it's picking up cards or just walking down the street.

I don't think your fourth question was sarcastic in any way but the first one has a sarcastic tone to it. Why would they be kidding? Countless people carry handguns for protection. Until guns are taken out of the hands of criminals it is perfectly rational for law abiding citizens to want to be as well armed as the non-law abiding.

Howard

P.S. - I do not carry a gun.

[Archive]

Posted By: Patrick McMenemy

It sounds like it's time for the grading companies to roll out their new bullet proof slabs.

Patrick

[Archive]

Posted By: Chris

What a complete idiot. Serves him right for being so stupid. What would have made the story better, is if he got shot in the arse. J/K...but,I do not have any sympathy for people exhibiting such lack of common sense.

[Archive]

Posted By: Judge Dred (Fred)

Good one Barry... uzi+t = uzit that kind of relates to the thread.... here's another one... kind of...

DRUM - R = DUM ok, you get the idea....

[Archive]

Posted By: Jim

To respond to a few of the questions and comments......

"I don't think guns and baseball cards mix too well. Anybody really want to get into a shootout over a '58 Mantle?"

- Depends on the grade.




"wow, this has turned into one of the more pointless threads Ive read on N54. Lets all brag about how big our guns are now."

- if you dont like the thread, no one is holding a gun to your head to make you read it!




"much southern testosterone running around on this thread"

- I assume that because my id is "Southerncards", this one is directed at me. I was born and raised in the Bronx, moved to northern NJ where I lived for 20 plus years and only moved to Va. for my job in 1997. I've been here a whopping 8 years. Not long enough to be filled with southern testosterone.


"I suppose now instead of my PSA 8 is better than yours"

- No, but my SGC 88 is better than your PSA 8 (shameless SGC promotion)



"That being said, I have some questions for those of you packing heat:

1. You're not kidding, are you?
2. Are you carrying a licensed concealed weapon, or just winging it?
3. Are you carrying a gun to card shows?
4. If you're that worried about getting shot or robbed, is it really worth it?"

1. Nope not kidding. I carry my gun just about everywhere.
2. I am carrying my weapon under my authority as a sworn law enforcement officer. I always have my weapon, badge and id with me.
3. Yep, card shows, grocery store, the day care when I pick up my kids. Crime doesnt care where you are when it strikes.
4. My life is really worth it. People have died after being robbed of $5. Its your life and family you are protecting, not the cards.

[Archive]

Posted By: Cobby33

.

[Archive]

Posted By: Frank Wakefield

The victim used real poor judgement in going with cash, going with girlfriend, going to such a location, going at all... I actually suspect that there is more to this than is in the article.

[Archive]

Posted By: Dylan

JK, the thread has nothing to do about bragging about ones firearms. I posted the thread to show that there are people on ebay listing auctions with intention to commit pre meditated armed robbery. Thats pretty serious in my opinion. I think 99% of people would have been done with the ordeal after the funds were returned from paypal and the cards were never shipped. But the buyer was greedy and couldnt bare losing out on the potential profit.

I trained to work in law enforcement for a time. I would never in any circumstance be reckless with my firearm. Its carried for the sole purpose of protecting oneself and others from harm. If I had a 9mm pistol barrel pressed against my temple with 12,000 cash on me... people have killed for much less. Especially since the victem knows what the robber looks like, where he lives, paypal info, etc. The robber could have executed him due to him knowing those things. The buyer should have never met with him in the first place.

But to hint that were a bunch of cowboys because we carry a handgun for self defense is wrong and downright ignorant. I have the right to protect myself and my family. It has nothing to do with the money or baseball cards but with the safety of myself and loved ones.

[Archive]

Posted By: David Smith

Dylan,

That is the problem with guns; any idiot can use one.

Today, it is all about guns. Whatever happened to the good ole days of fist fights??

I do not (and probably never will) own a gun because I have an extremely bad temper. If I owned a gun, it would be too easy for me to lose control and kill someone. Then, I would have no excuse when it came time for trial and I had to explain myself in front of a jury. At least with a fist fight, the jury could find leniency with me if I happened to hurt or kill somebody.

That is the problem I see with guns and people who carry them; it is tooo easy to lose control and use it. Especially with a lot of people feeling "dissed" over any little thing and athletes saying on tv and in the paper how they feel "disrespected".

People have to go through background checks now but I think they should also have to go through intelligence tests AND psychological tests before they can own a gun. I also think they should go through mandatory training on the proper handling and use of a gun.

David

[Archive]

Posted By: Jason Carota

Adam

As I said in my earlier post, I live in Tewksbury, MA. I grew up in Lowell, however. From the location the story gave (apt. complex, 495 exit 37, etc,) I am 99% sure I know the exact location they are talking about. It is definitely not one of the seedier sections of the city. Definitely not a good place to meet and exchange a hefty amount of cash and cards, though.

[Archive]

Posted By: JK

Dylan,

First, you ought to go back and reread what I posted. I said nothing about the merits of the original thread. My comment was about what this thread turned into - a bunch of people bragging about their glocks.

Second, after you've read my post, go back and read it again and tell me where I called anyone a cowboy.

[Archive]

Posted By: jay behrens

I drove limos for 10 years and was trained as a body guard. I refused to carry a gun. If someone has pulled a gun on you, it's already too late for you pull yours. If I start walking around with a nuclear bomb, are you going to want to starting doing it to even the playing field?

I've had a gun pulled on me twice in my life. The one that worried me the most was the stupid yuppie idiot that was shaking like a leaf. I was more worried about him accidently pulling the trigger than actually pulling it.

You'll have a hard convincing me that a gun is not the refuge for the weak and the weak of mind.

Jay

I love pinatas. You get to beat the crap of something and get rewarded with candy.

[Archive]

Posted By: RC McKenzie

I have a vintage Ted Williams over/under 20 guage at my house, but I would never take it with me unless I were going duck hunting.

This thread reminds of an odd piece on sportscenter about 2 months ago on celebrity atheletes and their handguns. Astro slugger, Luke Scott was featured in what was really a surreal expose'. It could have easily been directed by Errol Morris or Werner Herzog.

[Archive]

Posted By: Dylan

Owning a firearm is a great responsibility. Not really a subject for this forum so I'll keep it short. The primary purpose of my handgun is home defense. Only in rare situation would i find it neccesary to conceal carry my handgun. To those that like to frown upon those that legally do have firearms the unfortunate truth is criminals do too and would continue too even with an all encompassing weapons ban. I have had two of my girlfriends violently raped. When you have people close to you touched by such violence it can add perspective. Yes i agree that training and background checks are a neccesity. Many states require both before gaining ownership of a handgun. God willing it never will be neccesary to use against another human being.
On a less serious note if you find it necessary to carry a piece on you when trading your baseball cards then you probably should find some new trading buddies!

[Archive]

Posted By: pat

nobody is bragging about glocks. now my m16 is something different altogether, but too hard to conceal. so the glock it is. lol. anyway, there have been 5 home invasions in a 4 mile square area from where i live. this is not a bad neighborhood or anything. one of the invasions was in moorestown (nj) which was ranked the #1 town (best place to live) in the entire country. its less than 5 minutes from here. so the scum seem to know no boundaries. it is a great responsibility to own a firearm and not to be takely lightly. its just another hobby for me. i have 13 firearms and go to the range often. to me just another sport. but they are there if a situation presents itself. none of us go out looking for trouble, just prepared. after all, it is our right to own.

[Archive]

Posted By: Bill

When I go out to conduct work, I always have on me an M9 and an M16A2. When the situation arises, I may carry on me an M249, an M203, and when mounted the good ol' .50 cal. Of course, this is while only dealing with insurgents, not carboard thieves.

Sorry, just wanted to add a little humor to the thread.

Change your socks, drink water, and drive on.

[Archive]

Posted By: Cobby33

.

[Archive]

Posted By: joe brennan

Guns? No big deal here. Everyone has one. Makes the criminals think twice about home invasions knowing there will be a gun pointed at him when he comes through the window. Get pulled over here with a gun under your seat and let the cop know you have it. He goes back to asking you why you were speeding. Common knowledge here that everyone is packing.

In Rememberance of James W. Brennan Sr. 1924-1982. Dad, thanks for everything you did for me.