VINTAGE BROADCAST MICROPHONES





James U. Steele
P.O. Box 610
Kingsland, GA 31548
(912) 729-1063 (Work)
(912) 729-2242 (Home)

WEB SITE FOR MICROPHONE COLLECTORS

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Below is a list of alleged or proven scams circulating in the arena of vintage microphone collecting:
WHO: Unknown, China based
WHAT: Offering counterfit Shure™ SM-58 microphones.
WHERE: eBay™ auction.
MODUS OPERANDI: Seller describes SM-58 as ‘new’ with a ‘buy it now’ sale price of $44.99.
TIP OFF: The dry resistance reading across pins 2 and 3 of the real SM-58 measures 150 ohms, the counterfeit measures 600 ohms.
INCIDENT POSTING DATE: March 7, 2007
WHO: Adrian Radomir
WHAT: Claims to have Western Electric Model 53C for sale for $1,700.00.
WHERE: Purports that he lives in Italy. Contact by e-mail using [email protected].
MODUS OPERANDI: Contacts bidders during active eBay auction for an item and claims to have same item at bargain price. Asks for Western Union money transfer with password arrangement as "escrow" mechanism.
TIP OFF: In addition to faulty escrow arrangement, buyer request to produce photo documentation of item in his possession is never produced.
INCIDENT POSTING DATE: February 14, 2004
WHO: Frank Ogara (May be stolen identity?)
WHAT: Offering "pristine collection of several 1930's hanging microphones."
WHERE: Calls collect from Springfield and Bolivar Missouri, area code (417). Will not give a call back number when asked; possibly calling from pay phone or dedicated fax line.
MODUS OPERANDI: Claims microphones are in storage and must removed immediately; offers to bring items to your location (or general area) for inspection but first asks for $350-$450 in cash (no checks, money orders, etc.) for travel expenses.
TIP OFF: Requests cash funds to be sent to him by overnight courier (UPS or FEDEX) in care of a third party drop address (e.g., a restaurant).
INCIDENT POSTING DATE: October 29, 2001

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