Fraudulent Mac Retailers

[ericgorr]

I live about 20 minutes away, I'll be back up to Bellingham in a week or two and I'll swing by there with a few friends, they say to come on by and meet their professional staff.

Did you ever stop by? I'd be curious about who or what was actually there...

 

[Fuchal]

Did you ever stop by? I'd be curious about who or what was actually there...

Yeah. It'd be interesting.

 

[paxtonandrew]

Did you ever stop by? I'd be curious about who or what was actually there...

I would like to help in any way to bring these a*$e*oles to justice. If anyone has been un-lucky to do any business with them, contact your credit card company and either get then to stop a transfer, or refuse to authorise the transfer.

These people who prey on innocent computer purchasers are the SCUM OF THE EARTH and nobody should have any thing to do with them. Lets get the bugger, and make his life not worth living.

When you do stop by, make sure that you get pictures of the signs, and any other info dis-proving this bugger. We will make him sorry.

 

[svenr]

...If anyone has been un-lucky to do any business with them, contact your credit card company and either get then to stop a transfer, or refuse to authorise the transfer...

MacFanaticShop CANNOT accept credit cards. They are not authorized merchants. Discover and Mastercard, for example, never heard about this "business"; it's not on their list of merchants. Hence, there will never be a transfer that a credit card company could help you with.

Read all about it here:
http://bustspammers.com/macfanaticshop-fraud/

 

[svenr]

What I found strange though: I had the site up for about a week before I publicized it and informed Apple and the IFCC of it. I thought I'd give them some time to look over the information and decide if they wanna do sth with it. Or perhaps if they would prefer not to have published everyhting known.

But for about a week no one even accessed the website. I checked the server log every day - nothing. I mean, it's one thing to read it and decide they don't wanna go after the guy at this point. But not even have a look what it's all about? It makes them look as if they just don't care, doesn't it?

At least now, over 2000 ppl have been warned already.

 

[mistral]

f*k the macfanatic shop

I have been a victum of this shop run by dennis bla,bla
I transfered the money and he kept on e-mailing me that he didn't got a confimation of his bank so he said. I called up the bank and find out that more people were complaining about this shop. I think the bank should have been more aware and blocked his account. I also told them that this dennis is a fraud then they directed me to the local police, they directed me to the fbi website (http://www.ifcc.gov) where I filled in a form with the whole story
I orded a powermac G5 with a powerbook labtop. So I feel pretty ****ed.
Any suggestions of nailing this guy?

 

[iJon]

well can't the bank just look up his address and go from there?

iJon

 

[SillyKary]

I have been a victum of this shop run by dennis ...
I orded a powermac G5 with a powerbook labtop. So I feel pretty ****ed.

Wow, a G5 AND a PowerBook? That's tough, man! How much did you pay for that? Maybe you can bug the bank more to freeze their account? I'm sorry for you, mistral!

 

[Cross]

Wow this is a long road to the end of these 13 pages. And I must say everyone has worked hard to get info on this guy but I wanted to point out one thing. When I did the first address (the one posted at the thread's start) without the www. into Opera it took me to the mac fanatic shop website. Thought that was interesting. I would like to hear more from the lawer Kiko and those who were stoping by. I am amused enough to say that I would love to take a trip there just to look around and see what happens. I am military maybe I could get stationed near there and see if I could find them. ^-^

 

[svenr]

MacFanaticShop run again!

We are currently experiencing an overwhelming response to our summer "free shipping" offer. For this reason we will be closed from July 15th and will be open for business on July 30th.​

Why do I think we will not see them again on July 30th?

Please everyone watch out for the next MacXYZShop!!

 

[Mechcozmo]

Sorry to all

I live (well, net shop) by a simple rule.

"If it sounds too good to be true, it is."

Hasn't let me down so far. If you cannot get a VALID (use Mapquest, maybe, havn't tried it) address, phone number, etc, then forget them. Use only places that have the "Apple Authorized" logo.

Something I found out recently, too. You can order BTO computer via Apple Stores. They can talk you through what stuff to get, etc. Good people, thems apple ones.

To all of you that bought from them...next time, try flushing your money down the toilet. It makes a comforting flushing noise. Sorry if it offends anyone, but I've tried it. Nickles work best.

 

[timsq]

This beast has many heads!

He can't stay away. Macfanaticshop - Macmastershop - Macwhizshop = where did it start and where will it end? Parasites like this are tricky and sly. A trap is the best bet. Put a hook on the money and reel him in by his mouth. Bastard! I hope you rot, Dennis. If only the law had teeth. If this guy dealt drugs or was a rapist, maybe he would rate some attention. Just a low life thief. I know you read this Dennis. Come and get some!

 

[Cross]

HI guys, I was cruising the forums of another mac VB and I saw this and thought hmm... they say it sounds fishy maybe it something connected with this one so I searched like mad to remember where this thread was lol. Anyway here is the link:
http://www.placeorders.com/onlinemacs/customer/home.php

 

[mcmillan]

Did somenone enter his e-mail address in MacFanaticShop.com for recieving 'Hot Deals'?

 

[paxtonandrew]

HI guys, I was cruising the forums of another mac VB and I saw this and thought hmm... they say it sounds fishy maybe it something connected with this one so I searched like mad to remember where this thread was lol. Anyway here is the link:
http://www.placeorders.com/onlinemacs/customer/home.php

Lets regurgitate this again, but that above mentioned site displays this near the middle:

Welcome to Your Company Name


This is a demo store powered by the X-Cart and based on PHP4 template technology and integrated with a SQL database. It is a fully functional store, as a buyer you can browse products, put products into your cart and check out. As an administrator you can add categories, products and change the look and feel of your store. If you have any questions please contact us.


This service is for demo purposes only. No real products. No real prices. No real charges. Please do not submit real credit card information.

 

[SikeWalker]

Hi guys,

I'm new here, but it's to late! Our dear friend Dennis already ripped me of But he did seem pretty good to reply on my mails! Has anyone any new info about the fraud?

SikeWalker

 

[svenr]

...
Has anyone any new info about the fraud?

I'm trying to keep all news on my site (see my signature). Would you mind giving us a bit more info? Like what did you buy, when, how much money did you transfer?

And definitely file a complaint with the FBI and call Bank of America!!
(I assume that's where you sent the money) More details on my site...

 

[SikeWalker]

I purchased a 14 inch iBook 999,00$

Emails:

On Wed, 30 Jun 2004 17:40:58 +0000, Michel Jacobsen <micheljacobsen@hotmail.com> wrote:

Hi

I just wanted to know if You have any exsperience with shipping to Denmark? Does there come tax on my purchace when it comes to denmark? And are there any software installed on the computers when I recieve them?

Michel Jacobsen

From: Dennis Charalambides <dennis@macfanaticshop.com>
Reply-To: dennis@macfanaticshop.com
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 2004 16:24:32 -0700

Hi Michel,

Thank you for your e-mail.
Cost to ship to the Denmark is $90.00 USD.
It takes anywhere from 5-10 business days to arrive at your door.

We have shipped to the Denmark many times before and have not had any complaints
about duties or taxes, however it is recommended you check with Danish customs for
precise information. We do not charge taxes on your order unless it is shipped
with the State of Washington. All items are new (sealed in original box) NOT
refurbished and comes with a one year international warranty. Includes
all software, CD's and manuals.

Feel free to contact me with any further questions.

Thank you.

Dennis

On Thu, 01 Jul 2004 14:02:18 +0000, Michel Jacobsen <micheljacobsen@hotmail.com> wrote:

Hi Dennis...
And thanks for the fast reply, really apriciate it.

If I buy over 1000$, wouldn't You pay for the shipping, or is it me that mis understood it? And I presume tat it's english language software that comes with the mac? But is it already installed on the computer, since I want danish software.

Michel Jacobsen

From: Dennis Charalambides <dennis@macfanaticshop.com>
Reply-To: dennis@macfanaticshop.com
Date: Thu, 01 Jul 2004 10:08:35 -0700

Hi Michel,

Free shipping is only for orders shipped within the United States.
Yes, all software is in english and pre-installed.

Dennis

On Fri, 02 Jul 2004 18:41:04 +0000, Michel Jacobsen <micheljacobsen@hotmail.com> wrote:

Hi,

Now I dont know much about Apple computer (actually nothing!). But can I install the danish version that I buy, over the already installed
... Sorry for the many emails, but I hope that You understand my situation, it's alot of money, and I really need to put alot of thought into this before I buy it.

Michel...

From: Dennis Charalambides <dennis@macfanaticshop.com>
Reply-To: dennis@macfanaticshop.com
Date: Sat, 03 Jul 2004 09:40:37 -0700

Hi Michel,

Yes, you can install the Danish version. You will have to buy
this elsewhere however, since we do not sell this version.

Dennis

On Mon, 05 Jul 2004 12:59:38 +0000, Michel Jacobsen <micheljacobsen@hotmail.com> wrote:
Hi,

Just placed my order on a iBook, but I think I did it wrong? Shouldn't I write my creditcard number somewhere? Or will I have to pay when I get the mac... Please make sure that I havn't ordered the mac 2 times, since I clicked back to see where to write my creditcard number...
Cheers...

From: Dennis Charalambides <dennis@macfanaticshop.com>
Reply-To: dennis@macfanaticshop.com
Date: Mon, 05 Jul 2004 08:05:10 -0700

Hi Michel,

Thank you for your order.
Please note that we are only accepting payment via bank wire transfer
for International orders. Credit Card payment is only for orders shipped
within the United States. Please find below information required by
your bank to complete the transfer.

Feel free to contatc me with any further questions.

Dennis

Bank Wire Transfer

Wire transfers can be submitted with the help of your banking institution.
Provide your bank with the information below to properly transfer your
payment.

Note: Please be advised that for international wires, your bank may require
and charge you for the use of an intermediary bank.
Bank of America Customers: Funds must be sent to this account as a wire
transfer and not as an account to account transfer.

Bank Name: Bank of America
277 "G" Street
Blaine, WA 98230
U.S.A.

ABA Routing #: 125000024
Credit Account Name: Dennis Charalambides
Credit Account #: 72593858
Swift account : BOFAUS3NWDC
Bank code : FW125000024
Additional Instructions:
(include the order transaction number on the wire transfer)

On Mon, 05 Jul 2004 16:29:37 +0000, Michel Jacobsen <micheljacobsen@hotmail.com> wrote:

So my order is placed, and it will be send soon?

So, im just gonna to my bank tomorow and pay 999 USD to the acount number below? Or cant I just pay myself? I have my acount on the internet, so I can transfere money to other acounts... Cant I just do that?

I wish I could pay with creditcard, it's much more easy

From: Dennis Charalambides <dennis@macfanaticshop.com>
Reply-To: dennis@macfanaticshop.com
Date: Mon, 05 Jul 2004 09:40:54 -0700

Hi Michel,

To complete a wire-transfer simply go to your financial institution
and request a "bank wire transfer". This is very common here in the USA, however
I'm not to sure about your city. All our customers in Europe and abroad pay
using this method so I don't forsee a problem in country. You will have to
consult with your bank if it can be done through the internet.

Dennis

On Mon, 05 Jul 2004 16:44:18 +0000, Michel Jacobsen <micheljacobsen@hotmail.com> wrote:

So I'll just go to my bank tomorow, and give them Your acount info, and then transfere 999 USD + Shipping 90 USD
ABA Routing #: 125000024
Credit Account Name: Dennis Charalambides
Credit Account #: 72593858
Swift account : BOFAUS3NWDC
Bank code : FW125000024
Additional Instructions:
(include the order transaction number on the wire transfer)

As I said, it's much easier with a creditcard.

From: Dennis Charalambides <dennis@macfanaticshop.com>
Reply-To: dennis@macfanaticshop.com
Date: Mon, 05 Jul 2004 09:50:21 -0700

Michel,

Yes, total payment due is $1,089.00.
Unfortunately as I mentioned beforehand we do not accept
payment with credit card for International orders.
I would be more than happy to accept payment with credit card if
your credit card billing address and shipping address are in the USA.

Dennis

On Tue, 06 Jul 2004 11:12:04 +0000, Michel Jacobsen <micheljacobsen@hotmail.com> wrote:

Hi mate...

I've just been down to my bank and made the transfer. You should get the money in 3 days. Looking forward to get the iBook.

Michel Jacobsen

From: Dennis Charalambides <dennis@macfanaticshop.com>
Reply-To: dennis@macfanaticshop.com
Date: Tue, 06 Jul 2004 08:22:26 -0700

Thank you...I'll keep an eye out for it.

Dennis

On Tue, 06 Jul 2004 15:29:18 +0000, Michel Jacobsen <micheljacobsen@hotmail.com> wrote:

Yeah please do that!

I'm actually a little worried about semding so much money, I mean, I cant really know if I can trust You? But I'll just have to take that chance...

Michel,

From: Dennis Charalambides <dennis@macfanaticshop.com>
Reply-To: dennis@macfanaticshop.com
Date: Tue, 06 Jul 2004 10:11:30 -0700

Michel,

Don't worry, I'll make sure your item is delivered as promised.

Dennis

On Sat, 17 Jul 2004 13:50:51 +0000, Michel Jacobsen <micheljacobsen@hotmail.com> wrote:
Hi...

Did You recieve the money? I transfered them almost 2 weeks ago... With the message, Mac iBook...

Just wanna know

Michel.

From: Dennis Charalambides <dennis@macfanaticshop.com>
Reply-To: dennis@macfanaticshop.com
Date: Mon, 19 Jul 2004 08:51:09 -0700

Dear Michel,

I have looked into your order and see that you did indeed transfer
the funds. Unfortunately your computer is on backorder.
Your item was on hold but was shipped by mistake to another customer.
We are expecting another shipment from our supplier within 2-3 weeks
and will ship it next day express once we receive it.
To make up for any inconvenience this may have caused you I will
be giving you a $100.00 credit that you can use towards any purchase
in the future.

I apologize for our mistake and hope we can continue to do business
with you after this transaction is complete.

Thank you for your patience.

Dennis

On Tue, 20 Jul 2004 19:53:41 +0000, Michel Jacobsen <micheljacobsen@hotmail.com> wrote:
Hi dennis

I was really looking for a cordless mouse, but it dosn't seem to be on Your site... Is it something You can order home? And if You can, perhaps send it with the iBook? There's really not anything from the site that i need at the moment. Or perhaps You could return the 100 to my account?

Let me know Your thoughts...

Michel,

From: Dennis Charalambides <dennis@macfanaticshop.com>
Reply-To: dennis@macfanaticshop.com
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 08:30:28 -0700

Yes, we can add a cordless mouse to your order.
Not on our website but we can source it out, no problem.

Thank you for letting me know.

Dennis

On Mon, 26 Jul 2004 12:32:30 +0000, Michel Jacobsen <micheljacobsen@hotmail.com> wrote:
Hi Denis...

If it's not to much trouble, can You email me when You send the iBook?

Michel.

From: Dennis Charalambides <dennis@macfanaticshop.com>
Reply-To: dennis@macfanaticshop.com
Date: Mon, 02 Aug 2004 09:05:21 -0700

OK, thanks.

On Fri, 06 Aug 2004 14:54:12 +0000, Michel Jacobsen <micheljacobsen@hotmail.com> wrote:
Hi,

You know, I'm gettin really tired of this! Are You even going to send the Mac or what? Because, from where I stand, I cant see it coming. So, Just tell me if I should exspect it ever to come?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

The messages in bold is from Dennis.

If there's anything else You need help with, just send me a email.

 

[timsq]

It looks like he's back!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.macfanaticshop.com/index.htm is up and running!?! How does this guy get off? Is there any way to hunt this bastard down and lock him up? The "cart" still takes you to e-gold and shows you where to throw away your money. Froogle still gets poor victims to the scene of the crime.

 

[svenr]

Thanks SikeWalker! I will update my site, it's just that I'm a bit busy these days. You should DEFINITELY call Bank of America, even if it's an int'l call for you. Use a calling card, shouldn't be too expensive.Or alternatively, write a letter. You find some more info under the "Can you help?" section of my site. I think that's the best shot to get to that crook.

timesq, it's always been like that for quite a while. What you see when you go to their home page depends what index file your browser loads. Most browsers look for "index.html" first when nothing is specified. So, when you type in "www.macfanaticshop.com" what you really load is "www.macfanaticshop.com/index.html" and that's the "Temporarily closed" page.

Now, some browsers may look for "index.htm" first, (maybe IE, since MS uses three-letter extensions?) - and that happens to be the old "real" homepage. He never removed the entire site, only changed the entry (index.html) page. That's why all links on my site, that go directly to specific pages on his, have always been working.

 

[jxyama]

didn't notice but he has a toll free number...

should we gang up and flood that number..?

svenr - so it sounds like the store is done for now, is that right?

 

[lawmanca]

macfanatic

I might caution the MacRumors posters: I believe that this kind of denigration of character is actionable under slander and libel laws. While he may sure look like a cheat, are you willing to bet a legal penalty? Maybe the original poster timsq/svenr is a fraud himself or the same person. Maybe the fraud-ster is able to beat the charges in court. Maybe etc.

Bottomline: I wouldn't allege fraud on a specific individual or company, unless I could personally guarantee that he was in fact fraudlent, and I'm guessing that none of the posters, no matter how much it looks that way can.

 

[jxyama]

I might caution the MacRumors posters: I believe that this kind of denigration of character is actionable under slander and libel laws. While he may sure look like a cheat, are you willing to bet a legal penalty? Maybe the original poster timsq/svenr is a fraud himself or the same person. Maybe the fraud-ster is able to beat the charges in court. Maybe etc.

Bottomline: I wouldn't allege fraud on a specific individual or company, unless I could personally guarantee that he was in fact fraudlent, and I'm guessing that none of the posters, no matter how much it looks that way can.

wow, your second post ever!

slander and libel, i believe, don't apply here - we are discussing the nature of this operation and trying to inform others of the experiences - we don't need any justifications to do so, as this is a privately owned/operated forum. if you visit here, you need not pay attention to it as much i wouldn't pay attention to a pro-nazi website. we aren't accusing the company of anything. you read what's discussed and draw your own conclusions.

if we knew this business was legit but still knowingly distributed false information about it, then you may have a case of slander/libel. but probably not. this is nothing more than private discussions.

go back, think about the people you are cheating (or trying to justify the cheat). shame on you.

read the thread: this guy used someone else's photograph without permission, stole an online store design, told many people that their product is on the backorder and was mistakely shipped to a wrong guy - but only after the payment is made. obviously, you are related to the fraud himself. if not, give us reasons to believe you. because after 10+ pages of discussions, you are the 0.00001% minority in this topic.

 

[CubaTBird]

w0w

this thread is like a year old

 

[LeeTom]

I might caution the MacRumors posters: I believe that this kind of denigration of character is actionable under slander and libel laws. While he may sure look like a cheat, are you willing to bet a legal penalty? Maybe the original poster timsq/svenr is a fraud himself or the same person. Maybe the fraud-ster is able to beat the charges in court. Maybe etc.

Bottomline: I wouldn't allege fraud on a specific individual or company, unless I could personally guarantee that he was in fact fraudlent, and I'm guessing that none of the posters, no matter how much it looks that way can.

I think these companies should be put out of business. I think the people that run them are crooks of the cheapest kind. In fact, if I saw one of them in person, I would beat the living crap out of him right on the spot, NO ****ING JOKE.

TRY ME.