This OP let me know he was making this thread. I was actually the seller of this game. You can actually see this game on the archived games of recently sold TMNT under my name / avatar. I agree, for those inclined, please evaluate that ad to be on the lookout for that game. For those inclined, any sightings on eBay, Craigslist, anywhere else, please contact OP.
I have been in close communication with the OP regarding this. I'm going to describe the scenario I encountered and these individuals/company people below.
And just so it said, for those looking for alternative transport ideas (as opposed to the more expensive but more known companies such as CRST/STI, etc) if anyone ever runs across anyone that looks/acts like this scenario below, these very well maybe scammers/thieves, OR the people specifically in this scenario....and try and collect information as you can, veer away from proceeding with the transaction, and contact OP/ buyer/seller/Pinside, etc... The game can always be picked up another day. But once it's picked up and gone, it might be gone forever......
In this case, it was a middle-aged, very rough looking, mid to late 40s Caucasian couple (man and woman). The woman said she called her business "Rising Phoenix." She says it was based off of her son who was a young child involved in a house fire who spent over a year in a ICU, but has made a recovery since. The husband runs another business that he calls "Russell moving." The both of them, to be honest, look like meth heads. The woman was somewhat unfit, 180 lb, brown shoulder length hair and had a large open sore to the left side of her face and was missing the upper teeth on the left. I didn't catch her name (maybe OP remembers?). She had a short-haired blonde mutt looking dog that she kept on leash throughout the entire experience. The gentleman's name was Russell. He seemed a little older, very road hard. Poor dentition as well. Shaggy short hair. Both individuals about 5 ft 10 in. They were driving in a medium sized U-Haul.
They showed up to my place late, real late...with no pinball lift, no pallet jack. Only a rolling cart that had the word "Russell" painted on the top of it in red. In under a minute of their arrival, I knew immediately that these people had very little to no experience with transporting pinball machines. Looking back, I probably should have stopped it right there, but I blame myself for not stopping the pickup.
Let it be said, I would encourage anyone else who deals with an alternative transport company who shows up unequipped to adequately transport a pinball to stop the transaction right there and talk with the buyer / seller. Better safe than sorry.
Anyway, we eventually got the machine that I had strapped on a pallet into the back of the U-Haul and after I personally ensure the day strapped the living hell of this game in palette to the side of the U-Haul, they took off.
Unfortunately, they never showed up at the buyer's house (the OP). I am absolutely sick over this. I took a picture of the game fastened to the side of the U-Haul, but obviously in the end that wasn't enough. Let me make recommendation not only to reiterate to myself, but to others....If anyone comes to pick up a pinball machine that is an unknown alternative transport, take pictures of the vehicle, the license plate, pictures of the people, anything and everything.
I feel so terrible for OP. This is so absolutely terrible, and my heart goes out to him. I can't imagine what he's going through. He has spoken with the authorities about the matter. I will continue to work with him and offer any assistance to him or the authorities to describe the scenario that I witnessed. But I'm glad he made this post.
For those willing, please do keep a lookout on the available selling sites for OP, and inform him if anything is noted. Again, he purchased my game, which can be seen on the archived ads.
The shipper on this scenario, was through the ladies company (Rising Phoenix). She called me a couple times before arriving. I can only assume this was her cell phone ( it was +1 912-571-1320).
Again, if any ads come up, and there is a contact number to reach, and if it matches the number above, please contact OP.
Silverthorne, CO
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Edmonton, AB
