I have been scammed by the forum user tyer534 / markscott6678@outlook.com

[Johnboy]

Hi All,

A few weeks ago I posted a Wanted To Buy ad for a HP-41C connector strip. I was contacted via PM by a user called tyer534. He suggested I contact someone called Mark Scott (markscott6678@outlook.com).

I contacted Mark (perhaps the same person as tyer534 ???) and he said he could supply the part I wanted. He asked me to transfer US$38 ($13 for the item and $25 for postage) to him via PayPal. Even though I thought the postage was a bit expensive despite posting from US to Australia, I know from recent experiences it can be posted for around $20 for a small item like that. He was very insistent that I transfer the money immediately. The PayPal email address he gave me to use is Amyjasmadi@gmail.com. According to PayPal, the user is Jasmin Walker. Being trusting, I transferred the $38.

Mark then came back to me saying he needs an extra $25 for postage, and should transfer it to he friends account who works at the post office. The PayPal email Mark gave me is lecaos823601@gmail.com. Again he was very insistent that I transfer the extra money immediately.

Based on the postage now being ridiculously expensive ($US50), I said I won't transfer the requested extra $25, and I asked for a refund. I have not heard from "Mark" since....

I can't believe I fell for this scam, as I have a background in Cyber Security !!

A quick google search on markscott6678@outlook.com, I found one website suggesting he was a scammer, but no search hits on Amyjasmadi@gmail.com or lecaos823601@gmail.com.

Take care everyone.

Cheers,
John Robinson