MoneyGram
EBay laptop seller collected my wire transfer without valid ID

I negotiated an on-line ebay contract outside of the legal binding bid contract. After arriving at a price to purchase the laptop, the seller (Katie Colombo), advised me to send her the money internationally through MoneyGram as a way to "protect both her and I".

I am usually very cautious when dealing with internet buying, but I trusted the MoneyGram payment based on her recommendation. However, I placed a false name under the information with the understanding that she would be able to check the status of the payment without actually collecting it until I received and accepted the item and then changed the info to match hers. MoneyGram emphasised to me that it is not easy to collect the money unless there was a valid photo I.D. presented. I checked upon the Moneygram account today and the money had been withdrawn already (before I change the information).

Now I know I got ripped off because the original contract with the seller was that it was impossible for her to collect the money, because it was not in her name. I am at fault for being naive, but I believe MoneyGram was negligent in allowing a person to collect the money without valid I.D. that they claim.

I suspect that she could work for the MoneyGram location in Madrid and that's how she was able to collect the money without a valid I.D.

The fact is I got ripped off by Katie Columbo, and MoneyGram has a faulty system.

John
San Jose, California

Company: MoneyGram
Country: USA
Site: moneygram.com

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