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How would you respond? / Scam or not?

Started by Pike's Comics,

39 posts in this topic

Pike's Comics

Pike's Comics

Posted
Posted

So today I decided to clear out some comics I just dont want to take the time to move and listed them on craigslist (7 longboxes to be exact).

 

In response I received this email:

 

Hello,

 

I don't have any cash right now. However I can understand that you are trying to get rid of the comics. I help boys and girls in a program that helps bring cheer to them. Most have a medical condition that they are born with which make it hard to function with the outside word. Im not sure if you are up for this. but if you would like to donate them. It would be a great gift for them. I have giving many of my own collection many different kids and the experience I get seeing them smile makes life so much more valuable.

 

If you are interested, I would really appreciate it.

 

talk to you soon,

 

Brandon

 

Now I definitely believe in giving back but was puzzled by how he didnt reference any organization he worked with and the story just didnt seem to be really believable. So I googled him. And what do I find but that he actually has a youtube video showing off his CGC books!

 

His CGC collection

 

Now while watching the video I realized that the Marvel Spotlight #5 looked very familiar. And thats when I remembered that it had been the same one which was just listed a few days ago for sale (for $500) on craigslist which has now been deleted.

 

I emailed him and asked more about this charity

 

Hello Brandon. I am always interested in helping charity. Please tell me the name of your charity. Are you local and where do you operate from? How long have you been around? What is the link to the website?

 

To which he responded:

 

Hey there, We don't have a name for the charity nor a website just. we locate certain hospitals and clinic in the area with patients that are among the life risking threats. Then it is my job to try and hold small events for them, bring things to them and help in anyway i can as volunteers. I want to see it be built into something more in time but right now there is just a few of us. It is like a hobby for me and I feel that I am making my life more meaningful every night I go to sleep. Its a passion and great way to help.

 

Thank you for considering, If there is a time we can meet. Let me know so we can make the exchange. In return I will take your name and information and we will send you a thank you package in the mail.

 

Brandon

 

So what are your thoughts?

 

 

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Pike's Comics

Pike's Comics

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  • Author
Posted

Looked through my email history and confirmed he is the same guy with the Marvel Spotlight 5. He wanted $500 for a 6.5.

 

Not sure why this bugs me the most but my biggest issue is he is selling CGC comics at the same time he is telling me he has no money.

 

That just really bothers me.

 

Addition:

 

Looks like per his facebook he went on a casino cruise on Sunday and did good....

 

hmmm doesnt sound like someone with no cash...

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simply2fly

simply2fly

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Posted

As always, truth is probably somewhere in between.

 

My guess, he would take the books and pull out the ones that he thinks he could make a profit on. The ones that he deems worthless *might* make their hands into the less fortunate.

 

But I agree, just go directly to the source - IE a children's hospital and talk to someone about donating the books directly. You may even get a deduction out of it.

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Pike's Comics

Pike's Comics

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Sell the comics in bundles and donate the money to a charity yourself.

 

St Judes immediately comes to mind.

 

I actually donate quite a lot to charity myself personally. I just never donated comics to charity. Remembered hearing stories that a lot of the charities dont appreciate them and will just trash them.

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fmaz

fmaz

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Posted

Yeah honestly, in this day and age "we don't have a website yet" is not really a valid excuse anymore. What would it take, 10 minutes to set up something rudimentary and free? If you were doing something charitable you'd think you'd START with something like that.

 

As others have said, you've got many other options. I'd pass. But if the experience motivated you to donate some stuff then just take the whole experience as an overall good one.

 

Frank

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jaybuck43

jaybuck43

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If you want to make some donations, here are a few options:

http://www.operationcomixrelief.org (donates comics to injured soliders/front line soliders)

http://www.comicbookproject.org (affiliated with Columbia University and teaches kids to read, though they are really just looking monies so you could sell your books and donate some here :) )

 

Other suggestions would be for a local no kill animal shelter (because EVERYONE loves animals), and the BCRF (breast cancer research foundation) http://www.bcrfcure.org (because EVERYONE likes healthy breasts)

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rjrjr

rjrjr

Posted
Posted
Looked through my email history and confirmed he is the same guy with the Marvel Spotlight 5. He wanted $500 for a 6.5.

 

Not sure why this bugs me the most but my biggest issue is he is selling CGC comics at the same time he is telling me he has no money.

 

That just really bothers me.

 

Addition:

 

Looks like per his facebook he went on a casino cruise on Sunday and did good....

 

hmmm doesnt sound like someone with no cash...

 

Scam.

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stanley1883

stanley1883

Posted
Posted

Scam. Until he provides solid proof, and even then as he can just as easily claim to be associate with a charity.

 

 

If you believe him, let me tell you about my charity where we seek out burning buildings and save puppies, kittens, and babies. The babies really enjoy reading comics to help them forget, I'll be accepting donations as well.

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Buzzetta

Buzzetta

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Sell the comics in bundles and donate the money to a charity yourself.

 

St Judes immediately comes to mind.

 

I actually donate quite a lot to charity myself personally. I just never donated comics to charity. Remembered hearing stories that a lot of the charities dont appreciate them and will just trash them.

 

I publicly want to apologize if you thought I was even hinting at or questioning your donations to charity or anything like that. I thought that was an easier solution.

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Pike's Comics

Pike's Comics

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Sell the comics in bundles and donate the money to a charity yourself.

 

St Judes immediately comes to mind.

 

I actually donate quite a lot to charity myself personally. I just never donated comics to charity. Remembered hearing stories that a lot of the charities dont appreciate them and will just trash them.

 

I publicly want to apologize if you thought I was even hinting at or questioning your donations to charity or anything like that. I thought that was an easier solution.

 

I took no offense!

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Wilson3d

Wilson3d

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I agree with the idea that he may take some of them to donate around but that he probably goes through and books and takes what he wants first. If your original intention was to sell them, I would just stick with that.

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n2wdw

n2wdw

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If he won't identify the charity it's a scam. The story he gave you is just silly. If you wanT to give him a chance, ask him for a number to their office you can

 

Better yet, if you want to give to charity, then give the kid books to a church or preschool. Sell the rest and give some to your favorite charity.

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Tony S

Tony S

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Posted

100%, pure unadulterated scam. Just sell them as planned. If his email has prompted you to want to give them away, you could just as easily contact a few places yourself. The first ones that come to my mind:

 

Local battered women's shelter (women staying there usually have kids)

Local homeless shelter for families

local prison (be surprised the number of inmates that read comics)

Local hospitals or even better the nearest children's hospital

local nursing homes (there are always a few guys that enjoy comics and the nursing home care is usually taking nearly all their money)

Local Dept of Child Services. Inquire if they have any group homes or Foster parents that would like some comics

 

 

 

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