Zena Filice is a fraud expert. Luckily, almost sucked in, stopped his scam.
Always report any suspected spammer to a mod. We'll check it out and lock the account.
Mod reports are located on the right hand side of the page under "Administration Reports".
... any specifics re. Zena Filice's M.O. that would help us recognize the activity as fraudulent? Merci.
I find no listing for that name. Perhaps she used a different username. If you have that, then I can look up the username and see what information there is.
I just thought Jerry might be able to provide some useful info so others wouldn't get almost sucked in. i.e. What early tip-off should we keep an eye out for?
There are no "new" scams. They are all the same old thing.
Anyone who has access to the internet should go to, and read, the FBI and Federal Trade Commission websites on internet fraud.
This is now just part of using the internet. With "AI" and bots becoming more prevalent, this will just get worse. But it is not new.
The mechanics are all the same and are very transparent. Basically, if they want you to pay any kind of money and you are the seller it is a scam. This includes "to a shipper" or any accidental overpayment refund request.
If you are buying something, ask for a photo that is specific, a specific angle of the item while it is sitting on a piece of paper or index card with your name written on it and the date or something.
It is that easy.
Also, learn how to identify "AI" art and images. If unsure, use a website that will check them.
Do everything you can to vett a new member. Ask if you can call and ask more questions. Check the English and see if it's written correctly or is way off. Don't use friends and family PayPal with a complete stranger. If a seller, don't take a certified check, don't do business with anyone who wants to send more money and you send some back.
It's awful that we can't trust anyone now, but we just can't.
Whether a seller or buyer: Caveat Emptor: buyer (or seller) beware.
Yes, All the warning signs were there. I did in the middle of all this, find out this account of Zena Filice is locked here, due to fraudulent activity. Because I do know enough, I did come out OK. Thanks.
quote:
Originally posted by TexasbanjoAlways report any suspected spammer to a mod. We'll check it out and lock the account.
Mod reports are located on the right hand side of the page under "Administration Reports".
He is locked out. Thanks.
quote:
Originally posted by Owen... any specifics re. Zena Filice's M.O. that would help us recognize the activity as fraudulent? Merci.
I had all the warning signs. He offered to pay my asking price, immediately after posting. The emails were poorly written. It took a couple of weeks before the two USPS money orders came (twice the amount). I had already sold the banjo on Reverb. The USPS money orders of course were bogus.
quote:
Originally posted by Joel HooksThere are no "new" scams. They are all the same old thing.
Anyone who has access to the internet should go to, and read, the FBI and Federal Trade Commission websites on internet fraud.
This is now just part of using the internet. With "AI" and bots becoming more prevalent, this will just get worse. But it is not new.
The mechanics are all the same and are very transparent. Basically, if they want you to pay any kind of money and you are the seller it is a scam. This includes "to a shipper" or any accidental overpayment refund request.
If you are buying something, ask for a photo that is specific, a specific angle of the item while it is sitting on a piece of paper or index card with your name written on it and the date or something.
It is that easy.
Also, learn how to identify "AI" art and images. If unsure, use a website that will check them.
Hi Joel, I buy and sell a lot, for twenty years. The reason scams do work, a few of them are very good counterfeit artists. Very, very crafty. If they weren't, no one would ever get sucked in. I had the warning signs, bailed when I smelled the rat. Your advice is good.
quote:
Originally posted by TexasbanjoDo everything you can to vett a new member. Ask if you can call and ask more questions. Check the English and see if it's written correctly or is way off. Don't use friends and family PayPal with a complete stranger. If a seller, don't take a certified check, don't do business with anyone who wants to send more money and you send some back.
It's awful that we can't trust anyone now, but we just can't.
Whether a seller or buyer: Caveat Emptor: buyer (or seller) beware.
You are correct on all accounts. I sell on Marketplace (yuck) and the warning signs are very similar. This is the first time in my life (well once I did got taken for $99 years ago) I went to deep before I reeled it back in.
quote:
Originally posted by f-holesquote:
Originally posted by Owen... any specifics re. Zena Filice's M.O. that would help us recognize the activity as fraudulent? Merci.
I had all the warning signs. He offered to pay my asking price, immediately after posting. The emails were poorly written. It took a couple of weeks before the two USPS money orders came (twice the amount). I had already sold the banjo on Reverb. The USPS money orders of course were bogus.
I am curious to what you received for the USPS money orders.
Paul
.. 
Edited by - Owen on 05/20/2025 08:54:31
quote:
Originally posted by Paulfquote:
Originally posted by f-holesquote:
Originally posted by Owen... any specifics re. Zena Filice's M.O. that would help us recognize the activity as fraudulent? Merci.
I had all the warning signs. He offered to pay my asking price, immediately after posting. The emails were poorly written. It took a couple of weeks before the two USPS money orders came (twice the amount). I had already sold the banjo on Reverb. The USPS money orders of course were bogus.
I am curious to what you received for the USPS money orders.
Paul
Hi Paul. USPS money orders have a limit of $1,000 per. He immediately agreed to the asking price (somewhere around $900) a good clue right there, a bit optimistic. With some poorly written emails, he said there was a delay with USPS and his accounting/payroll department (?) sent two $900 orders. This was after he said he was sending a cashiers check. By sending two, after cashing, yes the banjo would be paid for and sent; on my honor I would send back the over payment, in his pea brain. Today he sent an email, with a sob story about his father passing. Typical playing on the emotional side of the scam victim. And yes, the USPS money orders are forgeries. The money orders came from a different person, strange payroll department. Never a shipping address. The new owner of my B and D (thru Reverb) is thrilled to death. Happy ending.
quote:
Originally posted by f-holesquote:
Originally posted by Paulfquote:
Originally posted by f-holesquote:
Originally posted by Owen... any specifics re. Zena Filice's M.O. that would help us recognize the activity as fraudulent? Merci.
I had all the warning signs. He offered to pay my asking price, immediately after posting. The emails were poorly written. It took a couple of weeks before the two USPS money orders came (twice the amount). I had already sold the banjo on Reverb. The USPS money orders of course were bogus.
I am curious to what you received for the USPS money orders.
Paul
Hi Paul. USPS money orders have a limit of $1,000 per. He immediately agreed to the asking price (somewhere around $900) a good clue right there, a bit optimistic. With some poorly written emails, he said there was a delay with USPS and his accounting/payroll department (?) sent two $900 orders. This was after he said he was sending a cashiers check. By sending two, after cashing, yes the banjo would be paid for and sent; on my honor I would send back the over payment, in his pea brain. Today he sent an email, with a sob story about his father passing. Typical playing on the emotional side of the scam victim. And yes, the USPS money orders are forgeries. The money orders came from a different person, strange payroll department. Never a shipping address. The new owner of my B and D (thru Reverb) is thrilled to death. Happy ending.
Glad all work out fine in the end. There should be a special type of hell for scammers.
Paul
