Mitchelle Steele / Shepardgirl / Ebay Ripoff Consolidated Thread

[Apex]

Opening the thread for discussion on the Mitchell Steele ripoff on Ebay. Apparently, at least 7 people got ripped off along with me on auctions closing roughly the same time. Please post here if you're one of these people, or if you have any suggestions.

I'm also go going to post of all of the Mitchell Steele's we have found in that area.

Basically, what we know is this:

1. The ebay account was under the name shepardgirl. She had 30 positive responses and no negatives. She was also a woman named Cheryl. So, this does not match up with who used the account this time:

http://cgi2.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAP...id=shepardgirl

2. The address he gave is from a Mail Boxes Etc:

Mitchell Steele
4327 S FranklinSt
Michigan City ,IN 46360

I mailed my check certified mail, and it was signed for by a Melanie Kissinger. I'm guessing she works for Mail boxes Etc:

http://www.mbe.com/usa/mbe3482.htm

4327 S FRANKLIN ST
MICHIGAN CITY, IN 46360-7806
Phone: (219)879-0227 Fax: (219)879-2489
LAKE PARK PLAZA NEAR WALMART

3. Unfortunately, postal regulations will not allow
the MBE store to give out the information on the postal 1583 form. They probably would know Mitchell's address though.

4. If we can get the address, having a cop call or visit would greatly help. We'd, of course, need to find a law enforcement officer in the area.

5. It's definitely mail fraud, so at some time, we should fill out this form:

http://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/fraud/welcome.htm

I'm not sure if it should be 1 forum with all our names, or 1 form per person.

ALL SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOME. I'll be posting a list of names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the Mitchell Steele's nearby. Also, I've already gotten a LOT of email from people willing to go by to check it out, as soon as we get the address together. Finding this guy and getting him to pay might end up costing some money, so we might want to pool our resources, so we don't double up on stuff we don't have to.

[Thorin78]

I dunno if this will help out much but the FTC did a report on internet scams and it showed that they did bring charges to 251 of their cases.

this is the link to their thread
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2000/10/topten.htm

there are also some other links on the page for you to check out other resources and a link at the bottom of the page to file a complaint with the FTC.

Good luck.

[Apex]

Some suggestions I've received so far so far:

============================================

Tom Martino's nationally syndicated call in show. Apparently, they're pretty tenacious:

http://www.troubleshooter.com/

=============================================

Writing a letter to MBE, faxing it to them, and following up with a phone call. Explain the situation and list the number of people affected and the approx value loss.

MBE: Phone: (219)879-0227 Fax: (219)879-2489

=============================================

File a complaint with the internet fraud complaint center:

https://www.ifccfbi.gov/

=============================================

You should contact the local District Attorney's office in that area (Michigan). They can get the local PD to track him/her down. They might like the opportunity to get PR on helping to stop "Internet Fraud".

If that doesn't work, contact the local news about the DA's reluctance. Either way, it's got good spin.

==============================================

Go through a private investigator, such as Pankau Consulting (which is in TX):

http://www.pankau.com/

==============================================

Call Global Tracing Service in Seattle. They will find anybody, with very little info, for $195.00. In the unlikely event they strike out, you owe them nothing.

==============================================

[Apex]

Possible suspects so far:


Mitchell Steele
1510 E Baseline Road
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858-9784
517-772-8014

==============================

Mitchell Steele
5001 W Jordan Road
Weidman, MI 48893-8763
517-644-5613

=================================

Mitchel_L_Steele
North Manchester, IN 46962-0000
219-982-6431

================================

Steele, M J
515 Cleveland Ave
Michigan City, IN 46360-5106
219-879-7529

================================

Mitchel L Steele
Ijamsville, North Manchester, IN 46962

================================

Mitchell Steele
6130 Clintonville Rd
Clarkston , MI
(248)391-4878

=================================

Mitchell Steele
1510 E Baseline Rd
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Phone: 517-772-8014

=================================

James M Steele
2451 County Road 56
Auburn , IN (219)925-1214

==================================

M Steele
1420 Kentfield Way
Goshen , IN (219)533-5438

==================================

M Steele
1527 Orchard St
Wabash , IN (219)569-0019

==================================

M Steele
1838 W 11th St
Marion , IN (765)662-7859

==================================

M Steele
310 W Liberty St
Greencastle , IN (765)653-2973

=================================

M Steele
3715 Zurich Ter
Indianapolis , IN (317)329-6444

================================

M Steele
6784 County Rd 64
Fort Wayne , IN (219)238-4572

=================================

M Steele
7828 Madison Ave
Indianapolis , IN (317)859-8123

=================================

M Steele
807 Rosslare Pl
Crown Point , IN (219)663-6304

================================

M Ray Steele
Po Box 4
Medaryville , IN (219)843-

===============================

Name: HARDAWAY, GLADYS M
Other Names: STEELE,GLADYS; HARDWAY,GLADYS,D; MITCHELL,GLADYS,D
Current Address: 3880 MADISON STREET, GARY, IN 46408
Previous Addresses: 561 E 47TH PLACE
GARY, IN 46409
6300 E 3RD AVENUE
GARY, IN 46403
Current Address Updated: 11/1/1999
Previous Address Updated: 7/1/1999
Birthdate: 1957
Telephone Number: 263-5806
On File Since: 8/1/1981

==================================

Name: MITCHELL, STEELE
Current Address: 161 S ELIASON ROAD, CENTERVILLE, IN 47330
Current Address Updated: 8/1/2000
On File Since: 8/1/2000

====================================

Name: MITCHELL, BARBARA STEELE
Consumer Name Last Updated: 5/22/1998
Current Address: RR 2, SPRINGVILLE, IN 47462-9802
Previous Addresses: 1018 LINCOLN AVE
BEDFORD, IN 47421-2923
Address Type: SINGLE FAMILY
Address Created: 11/17/1991
Address Updated: 12/8/1993

PO BOX 913
47462
Address Type: PO BOX
Address Created: UNKNOWN
Address Updated: UNKNOWN

Current Address Type: RURAL ROUTE
Current Address Created: 7/7/2000
Current Address Updated: 7/7/2000
Birthyear: 1966
Gender: FEMALE
On File Since: 11/17/1991
Date Vendor Record Last Updated: 7/7/2000

==================================

Name: MITCHELL, STEELE
Consumer Name Last Updated: 10/22/1999
Current Address: 913 WINDING RIDGE DR APT 1, RICHMOND, IN 47374-8013

Previous Addresses: 161 S ELIASON RD
CENTERVILLE, IN 47330-9626
Address Type: SINGLE FAMILY
Address Created: 10/10/1999
Address Updated: 10/22/1999

Current Address Type: HIGH-RISE/APARTMENT
Current Address Created: 1/24/2001
Current Address Updated: 1/24/2001
Birthyear: 1981
Gender: MALE
On File Since: 10/22/1999
Date Vendor Record Last Updated: 1/24/2001

========================================

Name: STEELE, MITCHELL L
Other Names: MITCHELL,STEELE; BNKELE,MITCHELL,L
Current Address: 165 S ELIASON ROAD, CENTERVILLE, IN 47330
Current Address Updated: 8/1/1999
Telephone Number: 855-1029
On File Since: 8/1/1999

============================================

Name: STEELE, MITCHELL L
Current Address: 125 N WABASH AVE, NORTH MANCHESTER, IN 46962
Address Reported: 9/1994
Previous Addresses: 304 S HIGH ST
NORTH MANCHESTER, IN 46962
Address Reported: 5/1994

RR 1 BOX 88
NORTH MANCHESTER, IN 46962
Address Reported: 8/1991

=======================================

Name: STEELE, STEVEN MITCHELL
Consumer Name Last Updated: 1/22/1998
Current Address: 656 S WISCONSIN ST, HOBART, IN 46342-5030
Previous Addresses: 418 W 9TH PL
HOBART, IN 46342-5833
Address Type: SINGLE FAMILY
Address Created: 10/8/1995
Address Updated: 11/21/1995

751 W HIGH WAY 130
HOBART, IN 46342
Address Type: SINGLE FAMILY
Address Created: 7/25/1995
Address Updated: 8/21/1995

Current Address Type: SINGLE FAMILY
Current Address Created: 7/17/1996
Current Address Updated: 8/22/1997
Birthyear: 1962
Gender: MALE
On File Since: 7/25/1995
Date Vendor Record Last Updated: 1/22/1998

================================

Melanie Steele
9540 Benchmark Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46240-1277
(317)580-1039

[blueberry muffin]

This is a person who basically only bought and sold baby clothes on Ebay, and then all of a sudden they are selling Laptops. Have you contacted the other high biddders on some of the other auctions?

http://cgi6.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAP...sort=8&rows=25

[Paladin]

Next time we are going that way I will try and make a stop at MBE and try and ask for Mitchell or ask if they know who that is. But I need an address before I can do anything, so ...Give me the one you think is him...

[WebMonkey]

I would email every one who sold to this person for an address. Some people are so anal that they keeep a log of everything they sell with the person's address. Some like my friend, even copy their checks when they receive them.
I would think that any one who went from baby clothes to laptops has had their account lifted. I sure hope so because it looks like the wolves are going to eat ShepardGirl's ASS !!!

[NiceMann]

Just keep in mind that MBE can be used as a mail forwarder. For all we know this person could live in CA. We can't be positive till MBE gives out the persons information and they can't do that till mail fraud has been filed. MBE does make you show two forms of ID when signing up for a box. I have been using them for a while now.

~NiceMann

[Wolf_Dude]

eBay has the following information regarding shepardgirl. It's yet another name and location. I've also put in a report with them and they're supposed to investigate and get back to me within 2 to 3 days.

Contact information for shepardgirl:

User ID: shepardgirl
Name: Micheal O'Reilly
Company:
City: New Buffalo
State: MI
Country: United States
Phone: 616 000-0000
Time/Date: Jan-07-00 14:28:20 PST

[dafunda]

The first thing that comes to mind is tracing him through the payment I would have sent: i.e. if I sent a check, I would call up my bank and see who cashed it.

The Postmaster general is also the MAN to consult, they will actually send postal inspectors to your location to get details.

[m0j0]

Originally posted by Wolf_Dude
eBay has the following information regarding shepardgirl. It's yet another name and location. I've also put in a report with them and they're supposed to investigate and get back to me within 2 to 3 days.

Contact information for shepardgirl:

User ID: shepardgirl
Name: Micheal O'Reilly
Company:
City: New Buffalo
State: MI
Country: United States
Phone: 616 000-0000
Time/Date: Jan-07-00 14:28:20 PST

if they listed their name as "micheal," then it also could be fake. it is most often spelled "michael," and most often misspelled "micheal"

[zaheer_n]

I cannot belive this women she ****ing screwed us over i have no idea what to do next only hoping to get my money back

[Black Francis]

I just looked at shepardgirl's ebay feedback page, and noone has posted negative feedback yet. You guys should go ahead and do this just in case she tries to strike again.

Just a thought.

[shoeish]

You should try and get in contact with the other bidders in his/her previous auctions to see if they might have some extra contact info stored away in their email or something...

Just a suggestion.

Shoeish

on eBay: shoeboy.

[jclark]

Originally posted by m0j0

if they listed their name as "micheal," then it also could be fake. it is most often spelled "michael," and most often misspelled "micheal"

"Micheal" is a girl's name. Sometimes it's pronounced "Michael" and sometimes "Michelle".

[blade]

Now this really sucks bad. I suggest contacting the local postal inspector there and also the FBI. And naturally post feedback and notify ebay if this hasn't already been done.

Gary Yardley at: gdyardley@uspis.gov has been working on the nick ervin case but that is for texas. However he has been real helpful and may provide more insight here and who to contact where he/she lives. Bad thing is he's out of his office till the 26th. So searching for and contacting the local postal inspector is a very good idea.

And do call the FBI, this is over 3k it looks like so they should be interested in this.

[jimmynguyen41]

in response to this..did you notice this guy/girl is is selling some pretty high labtops, my guess the acct is hacked on ebay, and what not, but Mitchell can also be Michael or Michelle...

Apex said the person who owned the acct is Cheryl could that be short for Chelle? hmm who knows

i like a good mystery, well who ever it is, they live some where in the great lakes area..

but there was a person name Micheal, name Micheal Williams who use to play for the Minnesota Timberwolves, at least thats what its spelled on my upperdeck BBall card, unless its an error eheh...FYI

Jimmy

[Mat]

hey DUDE! Why dont you contact the people who bought from this lady before, and you can get her address from them!! you can review all her previous auctions on ebay.

[Player]

> I mailed my check certified mail, and it was signed for
> by a Melanie Kissinger. I'm guessing she works for Mail
> boxes Etc:

If you have records of this check, your bank can provide you with the bank account and routing number of the person who cashed or deposited this check. Knowing the branch would narrow the location down. Chances are, the name you wrote the check out to is in fact the person who defrauded you as two forms of ID are necessary to either cash a check or open an account. If it was signed over to someone else, then you should be able to find out that information as well.

[Wolf_Dude]

Here's my latest response from eBay:

Hello Mark,

Thanks for bringing this matter to our attention. I have recently sent out a request for this member to update their contact information. If they fail to do so, their account may then be subject to suspension.

You may wish to try and request their contact information once again in the next 48hrs. If you still are not able to reach them, please let us know and we can help you get in touch with our Fraud Department.

Regards,

Joshua
eBay SafeHarbor
Investigations Team

[quest577]

Why haven't you guys called the police???

[hapoo]

Originally posted by quest577
Why haven't you guys called the police???

When was the last time the police actually gave a damn?
Plus if they do call, and they guy is found later beaten to a pulp, they'll know who to come after

[quest577]

But seiously, let's say you actually find the culprit....I know a bunch of computer geeks aren't going to beat this guy up . And you definetly want some type of restitution....enter the police or some type of law enforcement agency.

[Paladin]

I need an address before I can call the cops and tell them what the deal is.

[hapoo]

Originally posted by quest577
But seiously, let's say you actually find the culprit....I know a bunch of computer geeks aren't going to beat this guy up

If i ever find out where you live i'll show you what a computer geek can do
DONT MAKE ME UNLEASH MY AIBO ON YOUR ASS!

[Shadow Dragon]

Don't know if this will help or not, but this is directly off of http://www.nolo.com (A legal advice website):

I think I was the victim of a scam. Can I get my money back?

Federal and state laws prohibit unfair or deceptive trade acts or practices. If you think you've been cheated, immediately let the appropriate government offices know. Although any government investigation will take some time, these agencies often have the resources to go after unscrupulous merchants. Law enforcement in the consumer fraud area is poor in some parts of the country, but many hardworking investigators do their jobs superbly. The more agencies you notify, the more likely someone will take notice of your complaint and act on it.
Unfortunately, government agencies are rarely able to get you your money back. If the business is a reputable one, however, it may refund your money when a consumer fraud law enforcement investigator shows up. It certainly can't hurt you to complain.

How can I file a complaint for fraud?

The National Fraud Information Center can help you if you've been defrauded. NFIC provides:
assistance in filing a complaint with appropriate federal agencies
recorded information on current fraud schemes
tips on how to avoid becoming a fraud victim, and
direct ordering of consumer publications in English or Spanish.
You can contact NFIC, P.O. Box 65868, Washington, DC 20035, 800-876-7060; http://www.fraud.org
Contact your local prosecutor to find out if it investigates consumer fraud complaints. Your state consumer protection agency can also provide advice. Finally, contact any local newspaper, radio station or television station action line. Especially in metropolitan areas, these folks often have an army of volunteers ready to pursue consumer complaints.

---

Also, here is the Indiana State Consumer Protection Office:

Consumer Protection Division
Office of Attorney General
Indiana Government Center South, Fifth Floor
402 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-232-6330; 800-382-5516; Fax: 317-233-4393
email: inattgn@atg.state.in.us
http://www.ai.org/hoosieradvocate


[Edited by Shadow Dragon on 03-22-2001 at 03:22 PM]

[Prometheus]

I can't imagine this happening to a more undeserving person. You have my sympathy and support. If anything, you might try to at least file a fraud claim at ebay and get at least $175 back. You can use that in trying to find the bastard who ripped you off. Here's a direct link incase you haven't already found it.

http://pages.ebay.com/help/community/ins-process.html

Good luck and keep us posted on the status of your man hunt.



[Edited by Prometheus on 03-22-2001 at 11:55 PM]

[kame]

So what is the update?

Inquisitive Minds want to know.....

[Jenny]

Apex has been busy with some other personal stuff, so not sure how much time he's spent on this the last few days. I'm sure as soon as he has a chance, he'll let everyone know the latest info.

[deucejlm]

The only reason why I bid on item Ebay Item #1218440619 was the fact that it showed Chicago as the point of origin. I won the bid and requested Mitchelle in person and pay ca$h. After a string of email chains, he managed to come up with the following excuses:

1) "I stated in the auction that I only ship UPS. That is the way all of my auctions are handled."

2) "I only ship the items as the auction states. I am handicapped and I don't put myself in a situtation of traveling nor do I have people unknown to me come here."

3) "I can see where you are coming from . If you don't mind waiting until next week my son goes on vacation from his job. He said he will go to you or meet you. I would but I am unable .He will bring a charged battery for the laptop so that you can test it before you leave. He will able to
meet you later next week. Sorry for the delay but that is the only way I can do it ."

I was contacted by another ebayer and was told:

"I just got off the phone with UPS and there IS a business called Mitchell's Computers, or at least he has the free UPS software to generate tracking numbers."

This ebayer also mentioned:

"The guys a total scammer. The Michigan City PD is about to issue a warrant for his arrest. He's not old enough to have a son, he has not been sick and he is not
handicapped. If the dollars he scammed reach $25,000, it will go from state to fed and he faces 10-15 years in federal prison, instead of 2 years in state prison. The detective told me he's accumulated more paperwork on this guy than on a murder case."

Sounds like this kid will be handicapped if any of us find him

I will supply all email correspondance I had with this fraud. If interested, you may email me at JLMurray@TriMetrics.com.