Any other scammed by Garth Wilson ( edwardsterlingco ) ?

[steamship]

Hi guys,

this is a nice story how to burn 600 $... :confused:


As some of you know I´m just restoring my Wagoneer and as I live in Germany

where are nearly no spare parts available, I have to buy in the US.

After many very helpful and good experience with nice people, I met now a

very clever guy that sells on ebay interesting FSJ parts.

And this guy named Garth Wilson ( edwardsterlingco ) has a special businessconcept.

We did trade two times, everything was fine.

I started to trust him – what was my first fault.

3 month ago he listed stainless steel rain gutter moldings on ebay which I really could

need, but the price was high. They were not sold.


http://www.diplomat-b.de/Jeep/garthwilson.jpg



I asked him for a better pricing what he accepted and we had a deal.

That was my second fault.

Than he came back an offered me additionally a rare trim for the tailgate window,

what I accepted – That was the third fault.






He came back again and asked, if there is a FSJ fellow in Germany who wants

a rain gutter trim also – to share the shipping costs – what I negated.

So I did not made fault number four what does not count after three faults…

Then I had to wait for the delivery for a long time and it never received.

I asked him for any receipts or tracking information which never came.

Meanwhile I got no answer to any email.

At that time he offered his rain gutter trims a second set was offered at ebay from a

different seller by chance.

He bought this set and never paid it - probably to “clean” the market.


http://www.diplomat-b.de/Jeep/garthwilson2.jpg
http://www.diplomat-b.de/Jeep/garthwilson3.jpg

My internet research showed that I am not the first guy he scammed:

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2537369/1981-dodge-colt

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sldnmom/212182251/

http://hooligancruisers.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=jungle&action=print&thread=3416

http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=148659


So the only thing I can do is to warn other FSJ fellows.

Don´t do business with him !

Take care!


Gunnar

[Brizio]

Sorry for your bad experience, I think you should open a claim with ebay/Paypal.

[barlowchiro]

Well...I was bidding on the second auction that he had those SS drip railings for. Kinda glad I stopped at $240!!! He is selling some foglights right now that I was going to buy, but after reading this, I am not sure that I want too!!!

[steamship]

I can´t claim that at ebay/paypal after 45 days and sometimes it takes very long to send to Europe. But this seems to be part of his concept.

Gunnar

[babywag]

This is the reason I ALWAYS pay with a credit card especially with eBay.

Don't have to deal with PayPal claim shenanigans, just call CC company directly and dispute the charge.
They always take care of it, PayPal claims have been pretty useless for me.

[Blake]

I've dealt with him a couple of times in person and both were positive dealings. I even ran into him once at a local junkyard where he was grabbing parts from FSJ's. Ethan was there too.

I know he is on this board, but dunno his screen name.

He did seem to be slightly on the shady side - didn't want to give details about himself, seemed secretive, didn't want to talk much (except about FSJ's), etc. I think that kinda comes with the territory of junkyard dealings.

Would I do business with him again? Yes, in person.

sorry to hear about your problems.

If he is any kind of man, he will make it right with you, or at least provide explanation.

[mud89]

sorry for you Gunnar

I had also an issue with him : the parts was not sent
I opened a paypal claim before the 45 days and finally i got a refund from him
The communication was good (we were discussing about another parts) until i discovered that the parts was not sent
It seems that some have a positive experience with him, but obviously You have to be cautious with this guy especially if you are oversea

My advice for oversea buyers like you or me is to open a claim when there is an issue or just a risk before the 45 days
I forgot once also for another purchase with another guy

[thome]

$280?!?!? I paid $30 for my set and it's still in the garage. I might need to box it up and put it on eBay.

[grand_wag_85]

By any chance is his full name Garth Doug Wilson? If he's the guy I'm thinking of I've dealt with him in person and he is a VERY shifty character. If we're talking about the same guy I might have some additional contact info for him assuming he hasn't changed it.

[nc wagoneer]

Is there any way to find out this guys username? Maybe somebody who has access to info when somebody joins could lead us to this guy :huh: Whoever this guy is he's affecting fsj's and ifsja and should be banned from fsj's and fsj parts for all eternity :mad:

[dkmcgowan]

I bought a clock from him, I just received it today, it was a little slow getting here, but not too bad.

Thanks for the heads up though!

David

[Gambler68]

If I meet a guy named Garth in a junkyard, I'm just gana assume he's a dirt bag and stuff him in the nearest trunk. Problem solved.

[Frank G]

Iv dealt with him about 7 or 8 times mostly off ebay and he has never screwed me on anything and has even sent screws and small parts free of charge and even took pics of a window regulator installed when i bought one from him to show how its installed as my SJ had one completely missing.

Just my experience with him.

[steamship]

Thank you all for your experiences and sympathies !:o

I advised him to this thread and communication started again

with his offer to send the parts.

Meanwhile I got some tracking information but I keep skeptical

until I have something in my hand ...

I think everyone will understand that :rolleyes: .

I´ll keep you informed and hope for a happy end.

Gunnar

[puckettj]

I've dealt with him before and he took forever to ship what I ordered from him. I don't think its that he is shady...just very unorganized...good luck...I've always had good luck with claims against paypal, just takes forever.

[kevinhamann]

I've had good luck with Garth, purchased a few hard to find things from him on ebay really kinda nice to have someone out there selling old FSJ parts.
I will be careful in the future though

[serehill]

He gets a good deal you get a good deal he gets a bad deal you get a bad deal. I bought some parts from him after he came highly recommanded. He claimed the parts were as good as new old stock. I got them posted pictures up on the forum then trashed them 60 bucks shot. I'll never buy from him again. Don't buy off line from him it's a guaranteed cheat.

[Aussiewagoneer]

I have only dealt with this guy once.
Finally shipped parts after 3 months and numerous emails.
Once the parts arrived they were absolute GARBAGE!!

[cma]

@steamship,

i had a positiv ebay deal.

[ozziewynot]

FYI , I once made a claim with paypal after the 45 days . I explained that it was not timely because I had been trying to work with the seller . They accepted it and the claim was settled almost immediately .
Few things are written in stone and it's always worth a try .

[SGT-ROCK63]

WOW very sorry to here that but glad you posted it. I have purchased three things from that guy. I never got taken but it's good to know he will do that to a person. I went to my Ebay account and banned him!!

[DatsunTim]

Is there any way to find out this guys username? Maybe somebody who has access to info when somebody joins could lead us to this guy :huh: Whoever this guy is he's affecting fsj's and ifsja and should be banned from fsj's and fsj parts for all eternity :mad:

It is possible to find out the name of a seller and address and maybe even phone number....it has been a while since I have had to do this so am not 100% certain on how to do it or what you get. You may even have to have a history with the seller (or buyer) in order to get their info.

Good luck!
tim

[cma]

any news?

[Wackyneer]

Steamship- I recommend posting on IFSJA when you are looking for parts. You'll get better parts and service from fellow FSJ fans.

[steamship]

Steamship- I recommend posting on IFSJA when you are looking for parts. You'll get better parts and service from fellow FSJ fans.

Yes, i did this already in the past and had several very good and helpful deals. However you can´t get all parts all time here...:o

[Asphalt Cowboy]

http://hooligancruisers.proboards.co...nt&thread=3416 (http://hooligancruisers.proboards.co...nt&thread=3416)

That would be me.

Read the emails between he and I and check the dates on them.
I got the impression he sat by his computer waiting for the payment to hit his account and then took off on an extended 4th of July holiday. It seems I basically financed his week long vacation, at least in part.

Durring our last thread here on him I emailed him a link. Wasn't long, and I had an email from him with what had been my old phone number wanting to know if it was my number. I simply told him "No, I've moved". Turns out I was correct. He wasn't in the least serious. Haven't heard anything since from him.


Hey!!! Garth!!! If you're reading this, you still owe me $472.
Oh!! BTW!!! There is no statute of limitations on small claims court filings.

[DatsunTim]

I guess I may have gotten lucky. I recently bought an evilbay item of his. Shipping out was (just barely) within his stated handling time. I received the item, well packaged and as described.

Lucky me.
tim

[steamship]

Hi guys,
here is my update:

I received all parts in good condition and Garth was very keen to correct this matter. So it is a happy end for me.
However we should keep in mind that I had to start this post in this forum to get a contact again.
So if doing business - do it safe !
That´s my recommendation.

Thanks again for sympathies. :thumbsup:

Gunnar

[cma]

So there is a happy end.........:thumbsup:

[paulyertiz]

Hi

I am in the UK had lots of stuff from Garth in the last 2 years, but recently paid for a number of items, in all about $350.00, no items arrived

Can anybody let me now about other cases.

I think me may just be scamming international customers.

Paul

[eps_jeeps]

For what it is worth he is no longer a registered user on eBay......under the name edwardsterlingco......that is.

[paulyertiz]

Thanks eps-jeeps

He also uses an email address, sldmomt5@hotmail.com
But since June will not reply, and uses a PO box for his shipping so have no real address.

[cma]

Any other issues?

[steamship]

Got today a request from a guy from Australia - also ripped off by Garth...

For all who want to contact him:

http://denver.craigslist.org/pts/3287973264.html


Gunnar

[Asphalt Cowboy]

I e-mailed him,,,,

"Everything from the header panel forward on the blue truck posted would suit me just fine.

Scott"

Don't think it's gonna' do me any good though.

[cma]

what could be the reason that a guy is on one side more than friendly to his customer, and on the other side he do not respons emails, or doesn`t send the parts which are payed?????

my thoughts:

a) he is working with the money the customers sending to him, to finance other projects or the daily bread

b) he has a strategy ..............

:banghead:

[Blake]

Everyone here should know that he is VERY much aware of this thread and see's what we are saying. He texted me within a few minutes of my original comment on this thread.

He apparently continues to scam folks and is attempting to further scam folks by changing this ebay username, email addresses, etc in order to mask his identity.

His phone number is 3036382499 for those who would like to contact him

I suspect he will be WAY TO MUCH OF A F'N COWARD TO RETURN CALLS THOUGH.

[cma]

He can read this, no problem. :D

But one thing is for sure: Garth you will get the invoice!

Edit: do you think it is funny??????

[DatsunTim]

There are other FSJ bone yards out there. Why not just not use this guy who seems to either have issues or is a scumbag and deal with Montana Overland or Jackie (Halftrac here on this board)?

BTW...I did get something from him earlier this year with no problems.

[cma]

BTW...I did get something from him earlier this year with no problems.

yes, me too.

but the second one has not arrived until now............and thats the game of Garth, first round to get a good feeling with no problems, to have credit, and in the second one he Great Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley Moogleys you in the Great Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley Moogley ;)

[DatsunTim]

Well, I certainly won't be ordering a second item/thing from him because of what I hear read in this thread!

[Asphalt Cowboy]

what could be the reason that a guy is on one side more than friendly to his customer, and on the other side he do not respons emails, or doesn`t send the parts which are payed?????

my thoughts:

a) he is working with the money the customers sending to him, to finance other projects or the daily bread

b) he has a strategy ..............

:banghead:

And then there's,,,

c) Take the money and run.

I've received several e-mails from people he's bent over. Every instance mirrored mine. He received payment just prior to a holiday and took off on an extended weekend.

I added up his ebay sales a couple times. Both times within 7-10 days he had cleared as much as I bring home in a month.

[Jeeptrav]

I live in Australia & have been restoring a couple of jeep trucks.

I've spent at least 2K with Garth Wilson/Edwardsterlingco over the last two years with the promise of my parts being shipped out once there was enough to fill a decent sized box.

I've been waiting for that box for the last 12 months, been promised it was on it's way at least a dozen times & have heard at least a dozen excuses.

The last one was that he was
'He was just a guy, down on his luck & not a thief who was going to keep my money & parts'.

Now his eBay account has been closed, he will not reply to emails & no longer answer his phone.. which is (720) 877-3039.

Almost tempted to spend the extra money, jump on a plane have a holiday in the US & collect my parts in person.

After doing some research into Garth Wilson's character I found these unhappy customers.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2537369/1981-dodge-colt

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sldnmom/212182251/

http://hooligancruisers.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=jungle&action=print&thread=3416

http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/colorado-springs-dodge-colorado-springs-colorado-c110333.html

http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?p=1392313#post1392313

[cma]

Oh Great Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley Moogley another one.........

This Guy drives my crazy. For luck i lost "only" USD 50,-, but its more the fact that i felled in his scam................

[DatsunTim]

Has anyone who has been scammed tried to contact the local police where he lives? There has to have been some sort of fraud commited on which the police would have to act. It sounds to me that he has done enough for it to be a major felony or two.....

tim

[cma]

We could start a facebook compaign against him!

What you think?

;)

[Strode182]

I've never dealt with the guy, but I once responded to his Craiglists ad in Denver, and he emailed me this phone number:


303-638-2499

[Asphalt Cowboy]

Has anyone who has been scammed tried to contact the local police where he lives? There has to have been some sort of fraud commited on which the police would have to act. It sounds to me that he has done enough for it to be a major felony or two.....

tim

I first reported him here, http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx , didn't hear a thing back. Then I tried calling the Arapahoe County Sheriff's office. So bad, so sad, was all I got. What it boiled down to was driving out to Colorado and filing in small claims court.

I've got something in the works now. Cross your fingers that there may be an extradition hearing in his future.

[Asphalt Cowboy]

I live in Australia & have been restoring a couple of jeep trucks.


http://www.flickr.com/photos/sldnmom/212182251/



You wouldn't happen to be SMMS on flickr would you?

[babywag]

How was payment made?

If anyone paid via USPS mail call the postmaster(s).
Mail fraud is a federal offense and they don't screw around.
A buddy of mine got screwed and took this route.
The guy that "sold" him the parts that he never sent was arrested and was convicted.

If you paid with a credit card (hopefully) call them and dispute the charge.
They also have fraud teams.
A member on this forum tried to screw me out of $1100 several years ago.
eBay & Paypal were zero help.
1 call to American Express and they took careof it.

[Blake]

Has anyone here other than me actually met him in person?

[Jeeptrav]

We could start a facebook compaign against him!

What you think?

I have found him on facebook with a total of 277 friends and a new girl friend, i bet they dont know what sort of person he is but they will.
Garth has gotten away with this for to long and its about time everyone
was aware of his activites.

I also found his home address on facebook for anyone who is close enough
to pay him a visit, 8547E Arapahoe Road, Unit J-151, Greenwood Village, CO 80112.

[Jeeptrav]

I have found him on facebook with a total of 277 friends and a new girl friend, i bet they dont know what sort of person he is but they will.
Garth has gotten away with this for to long and its about time everyone
was aware of his activites.

I also found his home address on facebook for anyone who is close enough
to pay him a visit, 8547E Arapahoe Road, Unit J-151, Greenwood Village, CO 80112.[/quote]

[steamship]

I also found his home address on facebook for anyone who is close enough
to pay him a visit, 8547E Arapahoe Road, Unit J-151, Greenwood Village, CO 80112.[/quote]

Be carefull with address. I was never there and found the same on my
ebay boxes but I think it is just the address of a big shopping center,
maybe the postal office. Check it out at google maps...

[Jeeptrav]

I did google the address and it came up with 1A Advantage Towing and Roadside Assistance.

[autogatto]

Has anyone here other than me actually met him in person?

I did twice a long time ago. Once at a bone yard off Santa Fe (borrowed a tool and then disappeared) and once I believe in the parking lot of his apartment building when he sold me some mag wheels that didn't match the description he had on CL.

[Jeeptrav]

Well guys, what do you know. I switched on the computer this morning to check my emails and had three USPS international confirmation emails with tracking numbers from old mate Garth Wilson. Shipping from the US to Australia takes about ten to fourteen days so lets see if i actually get my parts or three empty boxes. Hopefully he has done the right thing buy all of us.

[cma]

i can`t belive it..........:thumbsup:

[cma]

same procedure :eek:

i do not understand you Garth! Why we have to wish you the hell until you do anything???????????????;)


Well guys, what do you know. I switched on the computer this morning to check my emails and had three USPS international confirmation emails with tracking numbers from old mate Garth Wilson. Shipping from the US to Australia takes about ten to fourteen days so lets see if i actually get my parts or three empty boxes. Hopefully he has done the right thing buy all of us.

[Mars]

You know.. I would think for all the hassle and time and money, some of you guys havent contacted someone stateside to find him and "talk" with him.. over and over.. those services exist and with times as hard as they are these days probably pretty eager to get started. I mean I know some folks..

[Bres2322]

He seemed really nice. I was having a carb issue when I was there so I was a little distracted, but he seemed on the up and up.
I got an OEM grill guard from him, but I picked it up.
He had all sorts of parts and bumpers in his yard, and seemed very knowledgeable. He had two sets of the chrome trim the thread has mentioned...
Since I was at his place I have ordered from him twice with great success. Hope he just got on some bad times and has rebounded, as the Australian seems to think, since he now has tracking numbers.
Sean.

[cma]

always the same game........one with positive expiriance, another one with negative....

[cma]

Garth, i got your parcel yesterday, but did not had the time to open it.
Thanks for delivery.

Could you please tell me and the other customers from you, why you do the business in this way? We all could do more and finance you your life, if you would be more trustful and serious in delivery time and feedback via email.

:cool:

[Asphalt Cowboy]

I could write a litany of reasons why he won't answer to that Markus.
What it all boils down to is a man's strength of character and how his commitments are dealt with.

[Mars]

What it all boils down to is a man's lack of character and how his grifting is done.

There, fixed it for you :thumbsup:

[cma]

whats happened with our good old friend? :D

[Asphalt Cowboy]

Gonorrhea, I hope.:sawzall: