Be Careful of Sham ... FRAUD

Hello all,
BAD NEWS ... be aware and pass this info to friends.
I just LOST $1,000 trying to buy a Monarch 75 from a guy in Oregon.
The man’s name is: CLIF SPAIN.
It is now March 27. I sent a down payment in the amount of $1,000 on the Monarch 75 to a Clif Spain of Beaverton, Oregon 3/9/2019.
He then advised me on 3/12 he could not sell me the tractor but would return my deposit.
He has since disappeared and does not answer his telephone.
I contacted the police and showed them pics of the tractor and my money transfer. They tell me this is a scam. The theif takes a picture of a rare tractor, then contacts local tractor clubs or collectors saying he has a family tractor for sale.
THIS ACTION GIVES BUYERS CONFIDENCE .. as he is known !
I got taken because this guy had called Roger Amato at the HCEA club and Roger passed on the info believing the story about the 75.
I also talked to our local CAT club president who believed the story as well and as I am looking for a 75 ... I immediately sent the down payment. Sad!,
Anyway .... although my deal fell through, I still hope to find a 75.
If anyone knows of a 75 for sale please let me know. I can be reached at 785 456 5964.

I thought from talking to people who he (as part of his scam plan) had talked to and convinced he had a family tractor for sale was a good guy. So when he asked me to transfer my down payment to his Bank of America account in Beaverton, Oregon I checked with the local Bank of America and they confirmed he had a legit account in the Beaverton, OR branch.
I then transferred $1,000 to him on 3/9. On 3/12 he advised the sale was off and he would return my money but as of today he has disappeared !!! He had convinced Roger Amato at the Historical CE Association that he had a Monarch 75 and Roger said to my friend we need to save that Monarch. So, I took the bait because I’ve wanted a 75 for many years !

That is disappointing to hear.

Just info on another scam that we have had locally, is after the seller posts pictures, then says “ I know a person that is a transport company, use them all the time” the transport guy is another scammer and people get ripped off again.

Worth using a third party to verify the deal, maybe even people on this forum.

Edited by JohnCO - 22 Apr 2019 at 3:28pm

I would network and see if someone can put eyes on a machine before you send money.  I have done this for a guy before regarding a Mack truck in Washington.  He was in New England somewhere.  I went with batteries and actually got it running.  Took video and lots of pictures.  He paid me a finders fee.  I told him that it was there and legit but I wasn't a party to the transaction.  Maybe consider using an escro account the next time that way the money can't be released without both agreeing.  I am willing to do this for others and I am sure others are as well. 

It is sad that such people still exist. An acquaintance of my father fell for it. For him it was grief, he did not earn much and saved up for a rare tractor for a long time.

So, is there an update to this?

Thanks for your comments.
I am totally frustrated bc the last time I called the detective assigned to the case here in Pottawatomie county Kansas he said the case is open but the the Beaverton, Oregon BN Police Dept has a rap sheet on the crook ( last name is SPAIN) not followed up.
This is so disgusting?
Hope you are all We

Any more updates to this ?
Know what you mean on BOA - I had a client write me a check for $75 for mowing some of his property . A few days later i passed a BOA and figured i would cash the check , used drive up window sent check and my drivers license in - said I needed to come inside for the transaction so parked - went in to retrieve check and license - cashier had them and said there was a $15 charge for cashing check as I did not have a account there or with bank . 
 Asked for both items back , told them I would never do any business with that bank again ever.