Events are unfolding quickly in the eBay land sales story up in Nova Scotia. A couple of the main characters have been involved in a law suit in Supreme Court in Halifax for the last few weeks seeking $200 million dollars from a group of lawyers that Kevin Blinn/Layes claims cheated him out of a bottled water company. Questions about Kevin Layes' involvement in the land sales and his relationship with Kevin Blinn and Carmen Blinn have been raised.
During the proceedings it appears all sorts of questionable actions in Blinn/Layes' past have come to light. Convictions for fraud, questions about a common law wife, using an assumed identity, ( presently he's involved in 4 or more other lawsuits ) and possibly contradicting himself on the stand.
For me the bottom line seems to be: Kevin Blinn/Layes has been in and out of serious legal trouble for a decade. He is a convicted felon on parole for fraud. The present business venture in which he is involved with Carmen Blinn has resulted in the filing of at least 4 lawsuits. The Spiders are getting caught in their own web.
I wonder if there is anyone out there who would vouch for the character of Kevin Blinn, Carmen Blinn, or Kevin Layes? Step up PLEASE!
NavaScotiaToday.com has been covering this story in Halifax.
Showing posts with label eBay land scams. Show all posts
Showing posts with label eBay land scams. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Friday, April 6, 2007
Comment on NovaScotiaBusinessJournal.com
Clearly something is amiss in Port Clyde, Municipality of Barrington, Nova Scotia. The comments posted here overwhelmingly question, if not outright refute, the claims C. Blinn has made in describing the properties she has sold in Barrington. Her comments about J. Harlow have also met with opposition.
The Building Inspector for the Municipality of Barrington says "they are selling lots that don't exist on street names that don't exist". The folks who have commented have pointed out the apparent misrepresentations between C. Blinns descriptions of everything from the names of towns, their sizes, their distances from other places, the condition of the land sold etc. etc. and their particular knowledge of the area. C. Blinn states "I did not know that Harlow and Gillespie were the people in charge of Shelburne County!".
This comment begs the question of when the elected officials of the Municipality of Barrington will weigh in on this matter. Upon viewing the Municipality of Barrington website it is clear to me that the general populace and the local officials both care for and cherish their home towns and the quality of life it affords them.
Both, I assume, also care deeply about the image the Municipality of Barrington depicts to the world. The growing and far reaching situation of eBay land sales in your municipality by Nova Scotia Land Sales, and possibly other internet companies, needs to be thoroughly researched, immediately, by Council and Committee Members as they have been absent from this situation thus far.
For clearly something is amiss in Port Clyde, Municipality of Barrington, Nova Scotia.
Posted 06/04/2007 at 10:32 pm
The Building Inspector for the Municipality of Barrington says "they are selling lots that don't exist on street names that don't exist". The folks who have commented have pointed out the apparent misrepresentations between C. Blinns descriptions of everything from the names of towns, their sizes, their distances from other places, the condition of the land sold etc. etc. and their particular knowledge of the area. C. Blinn states "I did not know that Harlow and Gillespie were the people in charge of Shelburne County!".
This comment begs the question of when the elected officials of the Municipality of Barrington will weigh in on this matter. Upon viewing the Municipality of Barrington website it is clear to me that the general populace and the local officials both care for and cherish their home towns and the quality of life it affords them.
Both, I assume, also care deeply about the image the Municipality of Barrington depicts to the world. The growing and far reaching situation of eBay land sales in your municipality by Nova Scotia Land Sales, and possibly other internet companies, needs to be thoroughly researched, immediately, by Council and Committee Members as they have been absent from this situation thus far.
For clearly something is amiss in Port Clyde, Municipality of Barrington, Nova Scotia.
Posted 06/04/2007 at 10:32 pm
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Anonymous Says.....
This opinion was sent by Anonymous from California regarding the ongoing Nova Scotia Land Sales eBay lawsuits. The story thus far can be found on the links of this blog. As someone said "the issue has been smoking for some time and now seems to have burst into flames".Are there other lawsuits against eBay land sellers in other parts of the world that should be included on this blog?
It is, It isn't or It Could Be
Help me with this, will you? Does it make sense that either it is or it isn't when it comes to physical, and therefore concrete objects?
For instance, if one comments that a road exists on a property either it exists or it doesn't exist. Right? I realize we could argue what constitutes a road or even a dirt road, but it still exists or does not. A trail is not a road, a path is not a road. They are paths and trails. If you name the road and draw it on a map of the property and claim location by this thing you named, then you sure as hell mean that there is an identifying object that is visible to the eye, and to the sense of touch if you bend down to feel it. Main St. is Main St. and you can see it and walk on it (maybe) and if you fall down on it you know it. You could say "I fell down on Main St. yesterday". Everyone who is familiar with Main St. would then know where you fell down and might even ask "where on Main St.?". Simple enough.
How then can land sellers claim that there are 4 roads through a development, name them all and when others go to look for them the roads can't be found? Even the town inspector doesn't know anything about them. Anyway, the eBay land seller stands behind the fact that they exist.
Just to be fair, when describing something like the weather one could utilize some personal liberties. If you're aware that someone loves the snow and cold you could say, regarding a certain location, that even though the January average temperature is 20F and the January average snowfall is 12", that it's colder than 20F and snows more than 12" a lot of years in January. By the same token a warm weather person could be told it's warmer than 20F and snows less than 12" a lot of years in January. This is interpreting the facts to appeal to the listener and it's NOT LYING.
It is LYING when you say something exists and it does not exist. It appears that Internet land transactions are ripe with LIES, misrepresentations, and the deliberate act of leaving out crucial information. The electronic venue for land sales should be halted until it can be regulated properly. Are you listening eBay? Are you listening prospective land buyers?
I would enjoy hearing from those buyers and sellers who see no wrongs in the current system as it exists. The old saying caveat emptor just doesn't seem to fit.
For instance, if one comments that a road exists on a property either it exists or it doesn't exist. Right? I realize we could argue what constitutes a road or even a dirt road, but it still exists or does not. A trail is not a road, a path is not a road. They are paths and trails. If you name the road and draw it on a map of the property and claim location by this thing you named, then you sure as hell mean that there is an identifying object that is visible to the eye, and to the sense of touch if you bend down to feel it. Main St. is Main St. and you can see it and walk on it (maybe) and if you fall down on it you know it. You could say "I fell down on Main St. yesterday". Everyone who is familiar with Main St. would then know where you fell down and might even ask "where on Main St.?". Simple enough.
How then can land sellers claim that there are 4 roads through a development, name them all and when others go to look for them the roads can't be found? Even the town inspector doesn't know anything about them. Anyway, the eBay land seller stands behind the fact that they exist.
Just to be fair, when describing something like the weather one could utilize some personal liberties. If you're aware that someone loves the snow and cold you could say, regarding a certain location, that even though the January average temperature is 20F and the January average snowfall is 12", that it's colder than 20F and snows more than 12" a lot of years in January. By the same token a warm weather person could be told it's warmer than 20F and snows less than 12" a lot of years in January. This is interpreting the facts to appeal to the listener and it's NOT LYING.
It is LYING when you say something exists and it does not exist. It appears that Internet land transactions are ripe with LIES, misrepresentations, and the deliberate act of leaving out crucial information. The electronic venue for land sales should be halted until it can be regulated properly. Are you listening eBay? Are you listening prospective land buyers?
I would enjoy hearing from those buyers and sellers who see no wrongs in the current system as it exists. The old saying caveat emptor just doesn't seem to fit.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Complaints & Reporting
This info is from THE BOG, visit the site for information regarding Nova Scotia eBay land sales. (Other complaint and reporting information is requested for ALL jurisdictions. You leave it, I'll post it.)
Fraud Alerts: If you think you might have been the victim of fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion or undue influence in a eBay land purchase in Nova Scotia (or anywhere else in Canada), you should immediately file a complaint, spelling out the details of the (alleged) fraud (see a sample here), and send it to the authorities and agencies below.
This serves several purposes:
=it puts your complaint on record with authorities and, if there are several complaintants, the agencies will see a definite pattern
=if the alleged fraudsters are aware of your complaints to authorities, you may get some relief from them
=it shows due diligence if and when you may be forced to take legal action
=it could give other victims the support needed for them to take action
=once you have reported the issue to authorities, news reporters are able to report on the fact that you have made a complaint and can report on the substance of the complaint.
VICTIMS SHOULD TAKE ACTION SOONER THAN LATER
eBay fraud complaint form: Probably a good idea, but action by them less likely than being hit buy a comet. Also, time limit is 90 days from close. Many property buyers do not find out about problems until they visit the property.
PhoneBusters National Call Centre (PNCC): It collects consumer complaint information through its 1-888-495-8501 toll-free number. Fax number: 1 (888) 654-9426 e-mail info@phonebusters.com phonebusters@efni.com
Though designed to prosecute key individuals in Canada involved in telemarketing fraud under the Criminal Code of Canada (including) facilitating prosecution by United States agencies through extradition, and by Industry Canada under the Competition Act.) you should be on record with them. Reporting Economic Crime On-Line.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has developed a central web-based crime reporting center entitled RECOL. The objective is to offer citizens a single point of entry, via the phone, fax or Internet, to lodge a complaint concerning any frauds, traditional or Internet based, and have it directed quickly and efficiently to the respective law enforcement or investigative agency for action.
RCMP's Security Fraud Information Centre - e-mail Scam Contact
RCMP (the Mounties are our local police). The RCMP should know if you feel that any type of fraud may have occurred in any land sale in Shelburne County. Sgt Barry McLellan 902-875-2490
Competition Bureau of Industry Canada: e-mail 1-800-348-5358
Strike back against fraud news release
Fraud Alerts: If you think you might have been the victim of fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion or undue influence in a eBay land purchase in Nova Scotia (or anywhere else in Canada), you should immediately file a complaint, spelling out the details of the (alleged) fraud (see a sample here), and send it to the authorities and agencies below.
This serves several purposes:
=it puts your complaint on record with authorities and, if there are several complaintants, the agencies will see a definite pattern
=if the alleged fraudsters are aware of your complaints to authorities, you may get some relief from them
=it shows due diligence if and when you may be forced to take legal action
=it could give other victims the support needed for them to take action
=once you have reported the issue to authorities, news reporters are able to report on the fact that you have made a complaint and can report on the substance of the complaint.
VICTIMS SHOULD TAKE ACTION SOONER THAN LATER
eBay fraud complaint form: Probably a good idea, but action by them less likely than being hit buy a comet. Also, time limit is 90 days from close. Many property buyers do not find out about problems until they visit the property.
PhoneBusters National Call Centre (PNCC): It collects consumer complaint information through its 1-888-495-8501 toll-free number. Fax number: 1 (888) 654-9426 e-mail info@phonebusters.com phonebusters@efni.com
Though designed to prosecute key individuals in Canada involved in telemarketing fraud under the Criminal Code of Canada (including) facilitating prosecution by United States agencies through extradition, and by Industry Canada under the Competition Act.) you should be on record with them. Reporting Economic Crime On-Line.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has developed a central web-based crime reporting center entitled RECOL. The objective is to offer citizens a single point of entry, via the phone, fax or Internet, to lodge a complaint concerning any frauds, traditional or Internet based, and have it directed quickly and efficiently to the respective law enforcement or investigative agency for action.
RCMP's Security Fraud Information Centre - e-mail Scam Contact
RCMP (the Mounties are our local police). The RCMP should know if you feel that any type of fraud may have occurred in any land sale in Shelburne County. Sgt Barry McLellan 902-875-2490
Competition Bureau of Industry Canada: e-mail 1-800-348-5358
Strike back against fraud news release
Friday, March 30, 2007
Nova Scotia Land Fiasco
The Nova Scotia Business Journal site published an article recently regarding eBay land sales. Interesting stuff. What do you think?
Link to article at left.
Link to article at left.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
eBay Feedback System
It appears the eBay Feedback System has major flaws when it comes to buyers/sellers (in particular buyers) wanting to change the feedback score they have left. As I understand it, once feedback is left for a completed transaction the +, 0, - score is permanent and only an additional comment can be recorded.
This system "might" work for small items one receives in the mail and can inspect in hand but for many items, and especially land, the system is virtually useless. Issues arise past 90 days that could have a major impact on the original feedback. If land is described, pictured, and advertised in a certain condition, location and with certain amenities, including being buildable and in a "subdivision with services and roads", and the declarations are not found to exist upon inspection of property the eBay feedback needs to be changed to reflect these facts. Even smaller items could be found to be not as promised months after receipt. Let me not forget about honest sellers who experience all kinds of bs from moronic buyers long after the original sale for no sane reason. They can't change their feedback either.
The eBay feedback system prides itself on being able to discern good eBayers from bad eBayers. This is not true. The system is extremely limited and even misleading.
Example: A buyer responds to a eBay listing for property for sale and the listing describes in detail where the land is located and it's proximity to other attractions, the view it provides, services to the property, how the land elevates to provide panoramic views, attractiveness in being located in desirable and sought after area, and easy to build on. The buyer purchases the property and visits a few months later to find nothing in the sales literature is accurate, and most is outright incorrect.
The seller has a 99% feedback score with 100 feebacks. (Seems like a good eBayer with that score.) Meanwhile, countless dissatisfied and outraged buyers cannot change the feedback they left other than to add a new comment. Although innocent until proven guilty, eBay continues to provide a venue for the seller to list additional properties after eBay fraud was notified of problems with the seller and, criminal lawsuits in public courts are filed with the same list of deceptions. Could eBay put a "hold" on the seller until an investigation is completed so their members are protected somewhat from a scam? What does eBay fraud do anyway? The stamp guys have been operating for a long time selling duplicate and copied stamps.
From my point of view, although eBay "just " provides a medium for buyers/sellers they charge a fee for this. They created a rating system to highlight good members and expose bad ones. They call their participants "members " and have a fraud department. Why have all of this??
eBay seems to perpetuate fraud by creating half measures to ensure their members transactions are consistent with the high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade.
But that's just how I see it.
This system "might" work for small items one receives in the mail and can inspect in hand but for many items, and especially land, the system is virtually useless. Issues arise past 90 days that could have a major impact on the original feedback. If land is described, pictured, and advertised in a certain condition, location and with certain amenities, including being buildable and in a "subdivision with services and roads", and the declarations are not found to exist upon inspection of property the eBay feedback needs to be changed to reflect these facts. Even smaller items could be found to be not as promised months after receipt. Let me not forget about honest sellers who experience all kinds of bs from moronic buyers long after the original sale for no sane reason. They can't change their feedback either.
The eBay feedback system prides itself on being able to discern good eBayers from bad eBayers. This is not true. The system is extremely limited and even misleading.
Example: A buyer responds to a eBay listing for property for sale and the listing describes in detail where the land is located and it's proximity to other attractions, the view it provides, services to the property, how the land elevates to provide panoramic views, attractiveness in being located in desirable and sought after area, and easy to build on. The buyer purchases the property and visits a few months later to find nothing in the sales literature is accurate, and most is outright incorrect.
The seller has a 99% feedback score with 100 feebacks. (Seems like a good eBayer with that score.) Meanwhile, countless dissatisfied and outraged buyers cannot change the feedback they left other than to add a new comment. Although innocent until proven guilty, eBay continues to provide a venue for the seller to list additional properties after eBay fraud was notified of problems with the seller and, criminal lawsuits in public courts are filed with the same list of deceptions. Could eBay put a "hold" on the seller until an investigation is completed so their members are protected somewhat from a scam? What does eBay fraud do anyway? The stamp guys have been operating for a long time selling duplicate and copied stamps.
From my point of view, although eBay "just " provides a medium for buyers/sellers they charge a fee for this. They created a rating system to highlight good members and expose bad ones. They call their participants "members " and have a fraud department. Why have all of this??
eBay seems to perpetuate fraud by creating half measures to ensure their members transactions are consistent with the high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade.
But that's just how I see it.
Monday, March 26, 2007
eBay land sellers to prove themselves
WOW, Finally an accused eBay land seller will have to explain them self and answer to a lawsuit filed in Nova Scotia regarding questionable land claims, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation and negligence . I can't wait to hear this.
A story can be found on ShelburneCountyToday web site or by clicking the link included on this blog. The land sales company is known as Nova Scotia Land Sales and operates through the eBay auction market and eBay store of the same name.
Everyone with iffy land in Texas, Florida, Arizona, Oklahoma etc. should tune in.
A story can be found on ShelburneCountyToday web site or by clicking the link included on this blog. The land sales company is known as Nova Scotia Land Sales and operates through the eBay auction market and eBay store of the same name.
Everyone with iffy land in Texas, Florida, Arizona, Oklahoma etc. should tune in.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Wild West
We've been hearing that there's a new day dawning on the interent because of the success of eBay and other auction sites, but it's not such a pretty sight, when it comes to the lawless practices by some on the internet.
Just a cursory review this morning showed no fewer than 13 "Guides" on the eBay site alone describing various scams and ripoffs, from Florida to Texas to Oaklahoma. (see http://search.reviews.ebay.com/Land-Scams_Land_W0QQucatZ15841QQuqtZg)
In researching a story to be published next week about eBay online land sales, I spoke to disgruntled buyers of land in Nova Scotia, Canada, who live in New York, Virginia, Florida, Georgia and elsewhere. Some are are trying to get their money back after having found the true meaning of caveat emptor and some have even hired big-city lawyers and have filed suit in superior court.
From a selfish point of view, I'd be very interested in what other stories people in the USA and Canada have to offer and what they think can be done to stem the growing tide of real estate nightmares.
Nova News
Just a cursory review this morning showed no fewer than 13 "Guides" on the eBay site alone describing various scams and ripoffs, from Florida to Texas to Oaklahoma. (see http://search.reviews.ebay.com/Land-Scams_Land_W0QQucatZ15841QQuqtZg)
In researching a story to be published next week about eBay online land sales, I spoke to disgruntled buyers of land in Nova Scotia, Canada, who live in New York, Virginia, Florida, Georgia and elsewhere. Some are are trying to get their money back after having found the true meaning of caveat emptor and some have even hired big-city lawyers and have filed suit in superior court.
From a selfish point of view, I'd be very interested in what other stories people in the USA and Canada have to offer and what they think can be done to stem the growing tide of real estate nightmares.
Nova News
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
