TorqueTilla (Dave Serlen, Stratford, NJ) ripped me off - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

rwsturbo · 08-12-2008, 03:00 PM

I agreed to purchase a complete L69 dual snorkle setup from Dave. I sent him a PO Money Order which he PM'd me he had on 4/12 and was going to cash it and send out my parts on the following Monday. I hear nothing back from him, so I send him another PM 2 weeks later and he replies on 4/28 that he had a big fine to pay and would be sending them out ASAP. Again, I hear nothing for 2 weeks so PM him again, so now it's been over a month since he took my money. This time he replies all pissy saying he would send them out and that I'd get my parts. 2 more weeks pass and I get a note on 5/31 saying he got paid (??? I paid him on 4/12) and he'll be sending them out next week, and that's the last I've heard from him. I've PM'd him on 6/6, 6/30, 7/7, 7/16, 7/31, and 8/11 and nothing. Yes, it's a few PM's, but it's been 4 months! Hell, he's even posted a 'For Sale' add for an L69 setup in the meantime. Evidently it worked so well the first time, that he's trying it again. I posted in that add with the hopes of hearing something back, but nothing. I've bought parts from a couple of others on here with no problem, but this is now the second time this has happened and both times for an L69 setup. I even bought my car (1987 Camaro SC vert) through TGO without seeing it in person, only thru the web, and had it shipped 700 miles also using an online service. I know there are good sellers out there, this guy just isn't one of them. Anyone know where to go (web, government office) to see about getting someone else involved to help me get my parts or money?

Dave, if you see this and are willing to make the deal 'right' (parts or money back), I will gladly recant this. But until then, you leave me no choice.

88TransAmFreak · 08-12-2008, 03:08 PM

If he accepted payment through the mail via a postal money order it becomes a federal offense to accept payment and not follow through the transaction.

I don't remember the exact location, but there are some online forms to start a mail fraud claim. You'll need to google it. You'll need proof that he cashed the MO.

Good Luck
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Found the form for you, it's pretty straightforward

http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/fo...Complaint.aspx

88TransAmFreak · 09-05-2008, 07:16 AM

Well the little weasel is still getting on the board, just not making any posts. I'm sorry there are people out there like that and he hasn't been banned yet.

Here are the threads he posted in, just in case someone does a cross reference and his name comes up under a new user name.

http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/en...l-snorkle.html

http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/en...cam-after.html

webeeZ28 · 09-05-2008, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 85TransAmFreak

Well the little weasel is still getting on the board, just not making any posts. I'm sorry there are people out there like that and he hasn't been banned yet.

Here are the threads he posted in, just in case someone does a cross reference and his name comes up under a new user name.

http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/en...l-snorkle.html

http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/en...cam-after.html

85TransAmFreak, I appreciate your diligence in keeping SCAMMERS in check! Did this douche bag get banned? If not, and a person like him can flaunt/admit that he scammed someone on this site, then I just don't get it.

webeeZ28 · 09-05-2008, 01:08 PM

BTW rwsturbo, did you ever file a mail fraud claim?

88TransAmFreak · 09-05-2008, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by webeeZ28

: Did this douche bag get banned?

Not sure if he got banned, it shows he logs in on his profile, just not making any posts. Funny thing is he pretty much bashed the site and said he's going over to a different site because third gen suck ....yet he keeps "coming" back.

I just want everyone to avoid dealing with him, funny thing is he gave out his personal address, and there are pictures of him as well.....so there is no reason why a smart shopper couldn't do a quick google search and pull this guy up.

gcgarner · 09-05-2008, 03:50 PM

To add another lie to his repertoire:

He said he is a student at Penn State, yet his address is 4 Wright Avenue, Stratford, NJ ... too far to commute. And on August 24 he said "come by my house" and gave his address. Classes started at Penn State on August 25. Anyone that's been to college knows that if you're not commuting, you've already moved in by the day before classes start.

Not that this is important.

Why is he still on this site? This kid is a total jacka$$.

"I'm so freakin' big and tough" ... yes, he has a lot to learn about life. It's not cool to idolize the Gotti boys.

Tilla, I hope you learn to watch what you say one day before you cross the wrong person and wind up dead.

91z 2 8 · 09-05-2008, 04:23 PM

i was pretty close to meeting up with him to think about trading cars seemed like a nice guy, and car...

88TransAmFreak · 09-06-2008, 08:18 AM

Something else to remember since it's obvious he's still getting on the board (he was on at 5:44 pm yesterday).. members need to be real careful when getting PM's regarding "wanting to buy" ads in the classifieds....could be him trying to sell another imaginary part.

webeeZ28 · 09-06-2008, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 85TransAmFreak

Something else to remember since it's obvious he's still getting on the board (he was on at 5:44 pm yesterday).. members need to be real careful when getting PM's regarding "wanting to buy" ads in the classifieds....could be him trying to sell another imaginary part.

I've been fortunate to buy from great sellers. I personally would have gone for criminal charges against him on principal alone. Thanks again for the heads up.

Mikz86TA · 09-07-2008, 03:38 PM

Ive been watching this guy too on those threads.

IMO, I think it would be totally legit to just go to any of his future sale postings and reply 'SCAMMER' along with this attached thread link among the others as well.

We should join up on the other forum he is going to now and introduce him to those guys as well linking these post here on those boards.

88TransAmFreak · 09-07-2008, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikz86TA

IMO, I think it would be totally legit to just go to any of his future sale postings and reply 'SCAMMER' along with this attached thread link among the others as well.

We should join up on the other forum he is going to now and introduce him to those guys as well linking these post here on those boards.

I think it is a good thing for all the members on the site to band together when there is a obvious scammer in the midst...as far as the other site, I really don't think he has a 4th generation - most likely another lie.

You can google Dave Serlen and it throws these threads up as the first website in the string......so that will help someone that is thinking of buying from him.

rwsturbo · 09-08-2008, 05:52 PM

Nothing to update, 4 more weeks have now passed and nothing, not one word from him directly (only the postings he's made in his adds, and none directed at me). I just sent him another PM and am giving him until next Monday to have the parts in my hands or I'm starting the Postal and Internet fraud claims. This Friday will be 5 months since he's had the Postal Money Order in his possession. I've been more than patient, but at some point enough is enough. I want to thank everyone, including the site administrator and webmaster(JT), for stepping in and trying to help get this resolved. I will re-post once some type of resolution is met... Rod

88TransAmFreak · 09-08-2008, 06:35 PM

Good deal, the fact he posted his address, and pictures of him surfaced will help you immensely on your claim.

He admitted to holding the merchandise intentionally, and that will help too.

Good luck