The 2015 Esoterica Sales Fraud Incident

[iamn8]

In case anyone was wondering, I received an uncontested refund from PayPal finally resolving this horrible experience. I hope all other involved parties had the same resolution?

 

[dmcmtk]

Glad you posted this Nate, It appears that I didn't open my claim with paypal correctly. I just resolved that!

 

[jackswilling]

Yes problem resolved. Hope there is a good excuse for this and the man is well. But for PayPal, a whole lot of $$$ would have been up in smoke.

 

[dmcmtk]

The seller has been asked to respond by Jan 26, 2016. Once we receive the information, we'll continue our review of this case.

The timing is on me, but given what's happened, I don't think paypal is going to get any response, so I expect I will receive a refund.

 

[sablebrush52]

Well, I'm happy to hear that you're all being made whole. This incident is just sad and not a little strange.

 

[dmcmtk]

...a little strange.

Yup, had a successful transaction with the seller only a week or so earlier...

 

[deathmetal]

Speaking from 25 years of online trading experience, this only happens when the seller experiences a tragedy or a massive change of mind. People try to "get out of" habits and activities they see as bad, and try to do so by committing to their utter obliteration, and then have crushing regret and drop out rather than explain.
My advice is to get your money back, then ask mods to delete all topics on this matter so that the member in question can return without massive embarrassment. Screwups happen; yes it sucks but no one died. $0.02, which is worth a lot less since 2008.

 

[iamn8]

DM, I agree with you, but this was different. Based on specifics, there no way not to conclude this was out and out fraud. He intentionally oversold his product and at varying prices based on what he could get us to pay. This was fraud. Posts should stand as a warning to both buyers and sellers alike, not wiped under the rug.

 

[disinformatique]

I think its time to stop worshiping Esoterica Blends. Yes they are good, yes they are made in less quantity. What I feel being on the forums for over 1.5 years is that we all act like kids whenever there's a Esoterica sale/scam/whatever. This is the reason I don't purchase Estoerica blends unless they are being offered for their original retail price. I refuse to be a part of this Stonehaven/Penzance madness.
Just my two cents.
Chris :puffpipe:

 

[sablebrush52]

DM, I agree with you, but this was different. Based on specifics, there no way not to conclude this was out and out fraud. He intentionally oversold his product and at varying prices based on what he could get us to pay. This was fraud. Posts should stand as a warning to both buyers and sellers alike, not wiped under the rug.

I'm interested in knowing how you were able to get these facts. I'm not challenging you, just just curious about how you were able to acquire evidence of deliberate fraud. That can be useful info.

 

[sablebrush52]

What I feel being on the forums for over 1.5 years is that we all act like kids whenever there's a Esoterica sale/scam/whatever.

Yep, and it's not likely to change.

 

[iamn8]

I chatted with others who purchased from him. His listed total number of bags for sale was exceeded by the actual number sold. also the prices we paid were different. This could just be deal making variances, but the total of number of bags can not.

 

[iamn8]

Assuming nobody has a problem sharing.... We can work this out here. I believe he listed a total of 10 bags each of each blend. I bought five bags of Stonehaven for a total of $225.
So far as "esoterica worship" this has nothing to do with your feelings on these blends. This is about getting ripped off.

 

[jpmcwjr]

In any event, if this fellow tries to perpetrate (another?) fraud here, wouldn't he disguise himself thoroughly? I.e., new handle, new approach.

 

[dmcmtk]

So far as "esoterica worship" this has nothing to do with your feelings on these blends.

Yes, this is a non-issue. Let's not derail this thread, as it pertains to people getting resolution to what happened. Me, two Stonehaven $125.

 

[deathmetal]

I think sable's point is that high demand for these items means we should be careful when they show up.
I'd like to know how many bags were sold. It seems to me very odd that someone would be a reputable participant in a forum for a year, and then suddenly launch a ripoff campaign, but not do so in a way that would guarantee success.
This points to some kind of crisis, whether internal or external, and I think it makes sense to tread carefully before getting out the pitchforks because screwups/crises are more common than ill-intent from longtime posters.
As far as Esoterica blends go, they're delicious. I am however a crude, Nicotine-hungry, feral and primitive beast who prefers the simpler pleasures of Royal Yacht and Old Joe Krantz (that one gets a little heart next to it, in pink glitter if possible).

 

[sablebrush52]

I think sable's point is that high demand for these items means we should be careful when they show up.
I'd like to know how many bags were sold. It seems to me very odd that someone would be a reputable participant in a forum for a year, and then suddenly launch a ripoff campaign, but not do so in a way that would guarantee success.

Exactly, which is why I find this all a little strange. It's like the perp didn't care in any way, on any level. It's like a major case of "screw it...".
Anyway, glad that the buyers are getting refunds. PayPal and his bank will settle the rest of it.

 

[georged]

Speaking of Esoterica tobaccos, I happen to have 18000 pounds of Penzance, and 12000 pounds of Stonehaven for sale. It's all 15 years old and in original packaging.
$50 per pound w/free shipping. No quantity limit.
Sorry, but only wire transfers and certified checks accepted.
Please mail payment to:
Soon-Tubi Welthii

23 Ikorodu Road

Lagos, Ketu, Nigeria 23401

 

[andrew]

@GeorgeD Pm sent.

 

[JimInks]

I have a better deal. I'm selling Germain's processing plant and tobaccos for fifteen cents. Hurry before I change my mind or sober up, whatever happens first.