Ex-Attorney involved in eBay Fraud

This news article shows the importance of filing complaints with the local authorities and online if you deal with a dishonest individual. Without those complaints piling up, this guy would still be cheating people out of their hard-earned money.

MIAMI—A former attorney who was also the owner and operator of a Miami rare coins business has pleaded guilty to more than $400,000 in mail and wire fraud.

Martin Eugene Haber, 58, owned and operated South Dixie Rare Coins and sold collectibles and rare coins through eBay, an Internet auction site.

At sentencing, Haber faces a statutory maximum of 20 years for each of the six counts of wire fraud and one count of mail fraud, fines of up to $250,000, and can be ordered to make full restitution to the victims. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 22 before U.S. District Court Judge Donald L. Graham.

The investigation began after the Internet Fraud Complaint Center received more than 50 complaints from buyers who did not receive the merchandise they purchased on eBay from Haber. An additional 50 complaints were reported by unsatisfied buyers with the Consumer Sentinel and local police departments. Over all, more than 188 complaints were made for merchandise purchased between May, 2001, to January, 2005, representing a loss of more than $400,000. Despite two arrests by local law enforcement for these same activities, Haber continued to sell items on the Internet using a variety of names, including those of his family and friends.

The FBI investigation revealed that Haber used eBay accounts belonging to friends, family members, and business associates to sell coins on the Internet. Haber often assumed the identity of an actual eBay account holder to hide his true identity from the potential buyers. Many of the eBay accounts Haber used were suspended due to buyer complaints. Haber continued to sell coins on the Internet until search warrants were executed at his home and place of business.

(via northcountrygazette.org)