I Was Scammed Out of $15,100 | The SNAKEPIT Counterfeit Les Paul Story

[@Trog]

Part 2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmazm3pon66om8U For new viewers - I upload guitar content daily around 7pm EST. 🟢My Website: www.troglysguitarshow.com 🔴Reverb: tidd.ly/4aFiyhC 🔵eBay: ebay.us/R9fACt ❓Private Help Sessions: troglysguitarshow.com/help-appraisals/

[@PC85X]

Thanks for sharing. I got scammed out of £3000 on a car. I was furious, and felt the same sort of shame of being such a mark, but now I use it as a life lesson. The best you can do with your story is help others as you do, and you probably accelerated your Gibson knowledge by this, and who knows how much that has saved you over the years. Cheers from Wales

[@TheBrianRaglandChannel]

Austin, this is really cool video I really enjoyed it and I watched it all the way to the end and gave it a like, BUT... I think "Slash" is a total Sleazy DIRTY Douchbag !!!.... to be honest and any of his guitars are kind of pointless but I enjoyed the episode thanks for sharing.

[@whitepepper8365]

Holy crap dude........it seems like I've waited forever to learn some of the specific details about this awful thing that happened to you, but it was worth the wait. When I first heard that you were scammed out of so much money, I was gutted FOR you. Infact.....whenever I hear a story about someone getting scammed in general, my heart sinks. But when I learn of a scam involving money AND guitars I also become enraged!!! Since I too have been the victim of a scam, I can relate to not wanting to drag up all of the details and emotions that are involved. Its painful to relive the experience, and no doubt embarassing to share it with others. I will never forget the scam that robbed me of a 98 USA Stratocaster and $5000,, but to finally hear your story in full let's me know, .......... that I am not alone. Thanks Austin

[@dareal9208]

Joe Walsh Welcome to the club a really good song on youtube Enjoy it

[@jaredb852]

Austin as always your content and presentation is amazing. I’ve been watching since the beginning keep up the great work.

[@Esrom_music]

The most unbelievable part of the story is having access to 15k on a grocery store job.

[@2204JCM]

…and owning a home in your early 20’s.

[@lukasgarage956]

Credit cards

[@markkus1134]

He was bidding against the owner of the fake guitar

[@pattyg5502]

Rich kids.

[@Brunnen_Gee]

@@jamesbeard Man I'm in my 40's and I've never had more than a couple grand at once...

[@gr6060]

2 rules I always follow: Rule #1 - if I am interested in anything from a private seller that involves more money than I am willing to lose, I will not buy it unless I can see it, hold it, check it out IN PERSON. Rule #2 - see rule #1 !

[@BLKSG6]

Sounds like it still would have fooled him, he didn’t think it was fake until he tried selling it

[@kempmartin]

I totally agree with you. If it's too good to be true, it probably is. That should be Rule #2

[@Plockman29]

Rule 3, if something is being sold of value of above $50 and the seller is too lazy to use proper grammar and spelling, I don't trust it

[@ColinWatters]

I can't imagine spending anything like that amount without travelling to see the item in person.

[@Ishl]

True, but we have to remember that he didn’t have any way to verify if the Guitar was legit since he didn’t have much to go off of at the time of the purchase.

[@Kakascrot]

@@Ishl Then don't buy it, if you're willing to take that risk though, you have to be able to suck it up when it turns out to be fake

[@stevee231]

I can't imagine buying anything from the custom shop. My guitars are how I make money, I need to play them. I don't trust Gibsons on the road (much less sinking 15k into one) although one of my 3 guitars is an 80s LP Custom but I've had it for years, it still isn't worth much as it isn't a desirable era but it does what I need.

[@AB-80X]

As much as you feel your pain, man, the amount of things you should have done differently is mind bending.

[@Seymourbutts-u1d]

Don't worry. He also charges people to ID guitars. This is what happens when someone decides to become a "guitar guy" with mom and dads money.

[@ExodusAttacKGR]

i feel my pain on my forhead from the total number of facepalms i comited during this video...he wanted to make some money he says... GET OUT!

[@stephensarmento3529]

​@@Seymourbutts-u1d you sound salty as fuck lmao. not a good look on you honestly

[@polarbear3427]

dont buy Gibson guitars.

[@Kidbucked]

Dude stupidly buys a bad guitar and wants everyone else to bail him out. YOU GOT SCAMMED

[@jackdarby6080]

The real scam is someone would actually pay $15,000 for such an ugly guitar!

[@andreathedy2422]

underrated comment

[@nekrohatred9547]

Big facts

[@phayzyre1052]

I have to agree! I don’t give a damn what signature series or whatever artist they used to make this guitar that snake design on it to me makes it look a little bit hokey! 🤨

[@gergnotsloh]

Yeah that guitar is hideous. When he was talking about maybe getting that Angus SG, I was thinking damn that thing at least looks halfway cool.

[@FUSIONJAZZMAN420]

Look at the hair on the bone on that ugly drawing. Ugh the worst.

[@t.c.harrison7511]

Yes - those are my photos from the Gibson Custom Shop, where Bruce and I made REAL Snakepit guitars. No, I have never made a fake one, nor have I ever sold one real or fake, to anyone, anywhere, ever. Please note that in your video, upfront, if you'd like to continue to use my photos.

[@Trog]

Thank you for chiming in. Later in the video I do clear your name but will add this to the description to clear up any confusion. I have other edits processing right now but will modify that part when I’m allowed to

[@charlesbolton8471]

@@Trog It’s great that you are always willing to do the right thing.

[@t.c.harrison7511]

If you look at the photo of me standing with the guitar (wearing those dopey shorts)....to the right of me you can see the back of a guy wearing a light blue t-shirt. That man is Bruce Kunkel. I have a pic of him holding the guitar as well. I can give you all kinds of additional info from this era of GCS if you are interested.

[@SemiDad]

@@Trog I picked up the insinuation of fraud even with the disclaimer. One lesson here is to immediately contact your credit card company one you suspect you’ve been conned.

[@nemonescit2780]

@@t.c.harrison7511 It's honestly disgusting how you're name is getting dragged all over the place in this video. Thank you for your great work at the GCS.

[@IAMDRREMULAKK]

50 years from now. Someone is gonna bring this guitar into Antiques Roadshow. And they're going to be told "We couldn't believe our eyes when you brought this in! This particular guitar has such an interesting story behind it! Because of the great condition you kept this in, along with all the documentation including original photos, and letters, and paypal case numbers, we estimate this guitar to be worth... $500,000 to $700,000. But because the little yellow cap to the toggle switch is gone, we can only give you about $10,000."

[@kenlieck7756]

Haha! I dragged a friend to a taping of Rock Collectors (the old VH-1 version of AR) with her copy of the Beatles "butcher cover" LP, which had been scribbled on in thick black marker by the young original owner, who had drawn fangs on Paul, glasses on John, and scrawled his own name across it. VH-1 aired the segment but believe or not, the appraiser announced that because the name defacing the album read "STEVIE R. VAUGHAN" (yes, *that* SRV) that "it wouldn't necessarily detract from the value"!!!

[@kenlieck7756]

@@YearsOVDecay1 It was years ago, I've lost my tape of it, that series has never been rerun and my friend is now dead. All I can remember for sure is that they seriously lowballed it...

[@phayzyre1052]

Only problem with that antiques roadshow series is they can appraise something to be a billion jillion zillion dollars but unless you find somebody willing to pay that price it ain’t worth jack! My mother had a clock that was a one of a kind built in Germany in 1880 and condition wise it was in very good condition but it needed some minor clock work done to it. The lady told my mother in the condition it was in would easily fetch $30,000. Thinking my mother had a nice little sum of cash she set out looking to fetch that amount or perhaps even around $25,000. The highest offer she got was some clock collector in Virginia offered her $7000 and that was it. She eventually got it fixed for a couple hundred dollars and she still has that clock. Moral of the story: don’t believe everything you see or hear on that antique roadshow nonsense. Of course I know you’re just using it as a hypothetical make a believe comparison but personally I think that show is one of the biggest scams going.

[@michaeldobson107]

@@phayzyre1052 It is true that any item is "only as valuable as what someone will pay for it," but with that said, those appraisals are for auction houses (the big ones) and not "some clock collector in Virginia." Plus, the auction house will take a 10% (or higher) fee off the top of the sale. So, if your item sells for $100,000, you will only walk away with $90,000 on which you will have to pay taxes at the end of the year on top of that, as that is considered income. Cheers.

[@JonDeth]

Hopefully, this is the year you're finally able to switch from Velcro straps to standard laces. What's strange with social media is you could potentially work this into a documentary saga that earns everything you lost back and well beyond. There's a much bigger story here than you realize because there are millions of victims of counterfeit scams that all have a wildly captivating story to tell. Jackie Chan was once scammed out of over a million dollars US and admitted he was so embarrassed that he never even reported it or tried to sue! He also said it wasn't the only time he was scammed it was just the most money.

[@grahamhall2662]

I feel for you. I lost $100 on a camera lens and I am still reeling from the event 12 months later.

[@bigboyhours6473]

@@notfiveo it's a joke

[@despoticmusic]

I once put £1 into a slot machine in 10p pieces. I didn’t win…. 40 years later and I’m still traumatised. I’ve never played a slot machine since 😂😂😂

[@seblo8462]

Tell me about it, I lost $1,600 that was for mortgage and bills when I lost my wallet last year...a tip for anybody who carries their wallet in their rear pocket, just carry your wallet or anything important in your front pockets haha😅

[@whatilearnttoday5295]

To be fair any lens which costs $100 isn't worth buying.

[@newfreenayshaun6651]

​@@whatilearnttoday5295from one rich kid to another???

[@wadeguidry6675]

You should have the Gibson Custom Shop build you a PayPal signature Les Paul.

[@HAL-zx1bw]

A F*ck PayPal guitar would be more appropriate!

[@TheWelhaven]

Les Pal?

[@paultonkin5093]

@@TheWelhaven Pay Paul haha

[@wadeguidry6675]

@@TheWelhaven lol, brilliant!

[@k5elevencinc0]

@@HAL-zx1bw Most definitely.

[@wrenchhead4378]

A wise man once told me “the best lesson you learn is one you pay for”…. He was a banker by the way….. it made you stronger in the end….

[@kevindean1327]

Agreed!!!

[@sagvjc2525]

Yup. Paying for college really made me appreciate and value education.

[@vanargrand3199]

I don’t see that. $15k is expensive for an arbitrary lesson.

[@bobsaturday4273]

no , it just made him more of an idiot than he was already

[@Dhop1000]

The scariest part about this is telling your wife what happened lol

[@phayzyre1052]

No joke! Had that been my wife I had to tell that to I would’ve woken up at a hospital in ICU with two black eyes and missing half my teeth!

[@haraldpettersen3649]

@@phayzyre1052 - 😂

[@jimihendrix991]

@@phayzyre1052 ...is your wife an ex NFL linebacker called 'Bob'?

[@Matt8284music]

This is a very real fear!

[@78kasper78]

I don't even have a wife. I would be afraid to tell my cat!@@Matt8284music

[@michaelwirth6843]

The biggest question is, who in the hell wants to sound like Slash?!?

[@iam_niam]

😂😂😂

[@gameonsucker7477]

So here's how the story ends, Slash got famous playing a counterfeit guitar. Let's get the community together to find out how we can get this guitar in Slashes hands and have him play it on stage and then it will be worth a lot more money and then you'll really get your money back. And on top of that maybe slash will actually give you a guitar from his collection. Slash has your back, you're providing a valuable service for the guitar community. Great content!

[@Ren505nm]

Slash would smash it on the ground and light that shit on fire.🔥🎸🔥

[@vintagebikes4215]

Dreams dreams dreams

[@timcarter1164]

That's a great idea.

[@petemitchell6788]

Slash wasn’t playing a counterfeit. He was playing a custom and never believed it was a Gibson. You rode the short bus that had the leaking exhaust manifold.

[@JohnPaulSheets]

@@petemitchell6788 I really hope you’re trolling because it’s fairly common knowledge that the Appetite guitar wasn’t a Gibson 👀

[@chiyo-chanholocaust8143]

"Me and my wife were very short on money, so I just bought this 15,000 dolar guitar"...I don't think you know what "short on money" actually means

[@Bridging_the_Political_Divide]

So true.

[@ThePoushal]

White privilege in a sentence

[@jimjimjim7015]

you dont get it

[@McBurnside6380]

Heartbreaking. A scammer, eBay and PayPal have gotten me before too. I lost about $600 and it was awful. I can't imagine losing $15k (or $10k). Thanks for sharing your tale of woe.

[@michaelrountree7204]

These days people are ruthless

[@Antipodean33]

Yeah paypal got me too for a bit over $300, trying to get it back from them was impossible

[@cygnus1965]

Pay pal sucks. I know so many people they have scammed for hundreds. No wonder the PayPal mafia are all so rich. Got me for $600 and change many years ago. Will never use them again.

[@scotsman6712]

@@Antipodean33 just closed my Paypal account today because of their policy about stealing 2500.00 from the accounts of anyone posting 'misinformation'.

[@Jreb1865]

@@scotsman6712 I've lost money to them also. Closed my account years ago... I first used eBay in 1998...

[@metalema6]

"I got scammed with a fake guitar" "I blurred the name to not be sued"

[@nicnewdigate]

We all got scammed with this KZbin video…

[@lifeisstr4nge]

Yeah, whats up with that

[@larrybailey517]

Lol. Afraid the criminal would sue him.

[@saleseng]

I thought I bought a fake Gibson once until a couple months later the headstock mysteriously cracked on it then I knew I had the real deal🤣

[@kenl.3298]

Sounds about right lol

[@Mr05Chuck]

Only Gibson I ever had had a headstock repair.

[@lifeisstr4nge]

😂😂😂😂

[@royfablooo2810]

Man I can't imagine Being scammed in the 80's to early 2000's without no internet you basically just got scammed. I feel the pain to those people.

[@jamesong.a.7695]

The warning signs were there.. Mexico, no reserve price on extremely high value item that also requires international shipping cost, zero positive feedback over previous 12 months, Mexico.. then requesting $19,500 but instantly agreeing to $15,100 “if paid now”.. I would’ve guessed stolen if not counterfeit

[@danparry834]

Why is Mexico a warning sign?!

[@Frip36]

Because Mexico. @@danparry834

[@dank7256]

​@@danparry834😂😂😂😂😂

[@cwang6951]

​@@danparry834 don't buy anything of great value from poor areas, in our own cities too. More motivation to scam.

[@dennismetzger9287]

​@@danparry834... why do you think...

[@maxnits9556]

So the guy's business model is buying an old guitar, doing zero work whatsoever and immediately reselling it for twice the price? That's a scam in itself!

[@lifeisstr4nge]

Hes the real scammer 😂

[@ROOKTABULA]

Spending over $3,000 on any guitar is pretty much lunacy.

[@stefanfilipov7254]

Yeah. If you aim to get the most value in actual quality. Like the material used and engineering...

[@garyhoffman503]

Jedi ✝️

[@lyleswan6671]

Agreed, unless you're David Gilmour.

[@Michael-cj9uo]

not if you're treating it like a business and selling it on

[@aholder4471]

Yeah, unless there are other people willing to pay more, then it's just business. And the world is full of lunatics willing to spend way too much money on stuff. Being an American, I feel like people in other parts of the world think we are all stupid and rich. I would say most of us in reality aren't rich at all. And I don't think they even bat an eye to scam us because of this. This has led to some person in some other country stealing my Netfilx account and literally watching it on a better TV then I can afford. I hate hackers and scammers. I love people that hack hackers and scam scamers.

[@gearjammin_bluesman]

The bad experience made you a better businessman. Be proud. I'd personally keep the guitar. It's iconic to how you started your show. Too many of us have sold things we wish we would have never sold. Don't let this be one of those stories. Trust is tough in the musical instrument business. Many of us have been scammed including myself and watching your show has helped me tremendously spot so much recently when searching for a guitar. For that, I'm grateful for people like you. Perhaps someday I'll be one of your customers because we NEVER forget those who take pride in being honest.

[@danrodrigues3531]

I understand that Paypal needs to have claims closed promptly but when you're dealing an amount like $15,000 then I think that a little leeway should be granted especially when they are requesting that YOU produce very specific legal details about the product in your claim. Even if it was closed what is the issue with reopening the damn thing? This wasn't a couple of hundred dollars, it was thousands. I've been intending to close my paypal account and this video inspired me to do so.

[@ickymouth]

Proper should take priority or prompt when the situation could carry significant repercussions

[@Shadow0fd3ath24]

he took 5 months before he made the claim....and then got a long ass extension. Its his own fault

[@ickymouth]

@@Shadow0fd3ath24 I didn't get the impression that he was placing blame, simply expecting them to live up to the agreement, as in the 2nd extension, not doing so was in bad faith to say the least. Anyways, since you started it and I'm here now Iam gonna blame you, it's always the stupid ones! Who else puts corporate needs in front of a brother. Btw, don't bother clapping back or some dumb shit, this was a love tap and only cause you asked for it

[@TheSteelerider]

Why should PayPal have to pay for his mistake? All they do is facilitate the transfer of money.

[@qua7771]

@@TheSteelerider Because it's part of their terms of service to provide protection, and help with claims. That's one reason for using a service such as theirs rather than making a direct payment.

[@AB-wy7dr]

I think the biggest lesson here is - if you’re ever about to buy a guitar on THREE CREDIT CARDS that you will be unable to payoff (and therefore paying monthly interest payments on…)… please don’t do that. Please…. I’m begging you…. Don’t.

[@musclecarmitch908]

Awesome episode Austin! Sorry this happened to you, I too was scammed on a vintage car part on the internet once, I know how bad it feels. But it seems this may have been a blessing in disguise, you have learned so much from this and it has pushed you to grow into the guru of guitars that you are today! I really enjoyed this episode! Sorry it was from a misfortune.

[@wayneharmon4092]

Wow! So well done, Austin. The worst I was ever scammed was back in around 2000 when I paid around $65 for the first season of "The Sopranos". Almost instantly, after buying, I knew it was a scam and I remember that sinking feeling of despair and anger and embarrassment. I can't even begin to imagine what you must have felt as your joy of having this "Snakepit" signature turn into utter dread when you realized it was not the real thing. Perhaps the wealth of knowledge and insight, that this experience has given you, has paid great dividends in all of your subsequent dealings, but what a hefty price to pay for that education. Thanks for this!

[@leonardhpls6]

How was it a scam? That sinking feeling is awful

[@johndarcy4164]

I attended live auctions in UK in mid 1990s, spent £600 + on fishing bits and pieces, hooks etc , I wasn't into fishing and had no knowledge of what I was buying. Recovered about £300, lesson learnt, don't venture away from your knowledge base and if you do be prepared to take a loss.

[@L-A-Chargers]

This was a well done video. It kept my interest. My favorite part is at the end when you come to the realization that although you were royally screwed, you somehow are ok with having a very unique replica. In other words, you are now able to see value in something that had no value when you were blinded by your anger. I get pissed when they forget to add ketchup packets to my fast food order…I can only imagine how you felt. Thanks for sharing.

[@tomislavukraden4151]

No guitar is worth more than 3,000 bucks. Every dollar over that is a tax on fools. ;)

[@zambufly1]

I bought some fake Fender guitar picks once. I was out $2.68. Lesson learned.

[@debomb721]

You should make a KZbin vid about it to make some money back from it

[@KrisDiKascos]

On the one hand, I'm really sorry that you had to go through all of that. With such a large amount of money involved, I can't even imagine how stressful it was for you. On the other hand, my god what a fascinating video to watch! I've been after an original 80's Jackson Soloist for a while but I always get too nervous about whether they're genuine or spliced.

[@saltpeter7429]

Good luck for the Jackson soloist hunt, that sounds awesome. I would be happy to get my hands on a modern pro series myself, lol. I have an 08 Japanese dinky, that I love with all my heart. Once I played a Jackson neck I dont want anything else.

[@KrisDiKascos]

@@saltpeter7429 I love Jackson's, they're my favourite. I have seven of them myself... 3 Dinky's, 2 Rhoads, 1 JS and a Minion Bass.

[@buttkrusher]

Austin, I also sorry you got scammed, but be happy in the fact that this provided the best video you've ever done. My wife and I were entranced by this story, and I personally think the way you told the story in chapters was brilliant (and I have a 30+ year career in broadcast television). And if I were you I'd hang onto that guitar, because even if it is a fake, it's going to be the most famous fake on the internet, which in turn will drive up the value! Great vid, Austin, and kudos to your video editor!

[@charlesbolton8471]

I completely agree, and it will prevent a fake from being used to scam someone else.

[@voyager7]

Actually that's a really great point. Trog's prestige on this medium and the sincerity with which he has established that prestige, means the story on this guitar will make it significantly more valuable $$-wise than the remaining $10k approx that he's out on it. I know that wasn't his intent but karma (good karma in this case) is in his future!

[@eddiejr540]

AGREED....well said!!!!!

[@upload2352]

Agreed - my wife hates videos about guitars even more than she hates guitars, and she couldn't look away as Austin's tale unfolded. Good story, well presented, with excellent production values, photos, inserts, printed material, etc., that really helped to tell the tale. Among all of his other activities, Austin managed to write/support/produce, and star in, a 40 minute TV program that people watched to the end. Truly talented. He's getting the last laugh, on this one. Separately, it wasn't clear to me that Mr. Harrison was adequately exonerated in the video, and others may conclude a question remains. If this was my video, and I wanted to give due justice to Mr. Harrison, I would pin his comment to the top.

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

Yep, he should keep the guitar.... or, rather I suspect his wife is forcing him to keep it to remind him every time he looks at it what he did to the household finances! As far as it becoming the most famous fake on the internet and making the guitar more valuable? Naw, the money involved in the buying and reselling of fakes in the Fine Art market far outstrips this...lost $10,000 on a fake guitar? That's pocket change..

[@rubberduck3066]

Flipping a guitar with 15000 profit. You can only scam a greedy person. Hope you learned something.

[@andyparton3755]

Hi Austin. It's Andy Parton, the guy who has contacted you about consigning my EDS-1275. You advised me to put it on Reverb myself I think for around $3500. Anyway, haven't done it yet but still think I might send it to you for consignment. This video is such a great one. It just shows how some fakes are so good. Interesting as to the "who" did it. To spend that much time to try to gin up a fake is quite an undertaking. I like your alleged theory, but so many others could have been involved. Kinda makes me wonder about the seller. How did he get propositioned with it, or was he part of the deception? Just thinking. Certainly one of the most intriguing videos you have done. Provoked this comment from me. Best wishes, and keep up the good work!

[@donttalktome4696]

The biggest mistake you made was not driving the guitar to Nashville yourself. That was way too much money on the line too trust anyone haha

[@TSoneonetwo]

trust but, verify. I worked for GC many years ago. one night, the manager and one of the the salesman stayed past closing with a customer looking to buy a vintage strat. he was making them remove the pickguard, and neck in order to verify its authenticity before finalizing his purchase. the ultimate question in these types of transactions is not whether the seller is trustworthy. the question is, is it really what it is claimed to be. the seller may genuinely believe it is authentic, and thus be honest...and you still end up like you did. truth is Trogly, you did not get scammed, per say. you failed to take responsibility for your own business, and tried to take an easier route by trusting without verifying. tough lesson son.

[@mjh5437]

@@TSoneonetwo *per se*

[@edsnotgod]

@@mjh5437 Grammer notsee

[@mjh5437]

@@edsnotgod *Grammar*

[@squirlmy]

@@TSoneonetwo what the hell is the point of a lecture now? Do you feel like a big smart guy now? Seriously man, if you're just going to twist the knife, think twice and just don't post. You have nothing valuable to say here.

[@buttkrusher]

Austin, I commented before, but I wanted to add this; I bought a Gibson Les Paul Studio (2009, Port Wine w/ gold hardware) off ebay. I got a really good deal on a beautiful guitar, so good that for years I was afraid it was a fake. Well, thanks to you I finally cracked that sucker open and verified all the electronics and am very happy to have an authentic Gibson. Yeah, it's not their top model, but I'm a shitty player so it's good enough for me!

[@Trog]

Enjoy it!

[@acemechanical275]

I don’t think you’ll find too many fake studio models.

[@wesleyAlan9179]

I have the same guitar you're speaking of...its from 97' I payed 600 for it at a pawn shop

[@bryonkidder6199]

@@Trog T.C. Harrison is the Gibson employee you're looking for, he's on Facebook. He says he built the Ace Frehley Budokan prototype for the KISS Reunion Tour. He says Ace didn't like the gold hardware he put on the first prototype...lol

[@miquelmarti6537]

I'm also a collector and that made me feel extremly unconfortable. I always used Paypal just because of their Refund service. Maybe it's time to look for more secure alternatives. Thanks a lot for putting up all the info. What a journey (nightmare)

[@TheAustinGuy]

Yeah, never rely on them for anything larger than a few hundred

[@dysfunctionalism27]

I think what you should take away is to be more prepared when it comes to gathering evidence before escalating a case.

[@miquelmarti6537]

@@dysfunctionalism27 objection, statement calls for speculation

[@joekt22]

Paypal sucks ... I refuse to use them, they are useless tools hanging below my balls. Called your state AG and you may have got somewhere.

[@moonlime-io]

Oh yeah paypal is incredibly unsafe. They try really hard not to be a "bank" specifically to avoid regulations that apply to a real banks. I think it was like 2019 or so that even Ebay cut them off and setup their own payment system. Paypal had decided it wouldn't refund their fees for returned items anymore. You got Ebay final value fees back but Paypal also charged sellers like 3% and just decided that they would keep that even in cases of buyer fraud.

[@RC51Rod]

I greatly appreciate your help identifying a Gibson I bought last December. I thought I got scammed, but it just ended up being a studio light finished as a studio. I like it even more because it's a factory freak! And the studio lites had awesome necks!

[@Aeon135]

Austin, you’re an absolute legend for sharing all this. People who’re victims of scams and fraud often feel a lot of shame and stigma and we all really respect the courage it must’ve taken to make this video. Much love from Ireland!

[@mercster]

On the modern Internet of victimhood, shame no longer exists.

[@phaelax]

New house, starting a family, low funds... and you spend $15k on a guitar. That was just all kinds of dumb. How someone even has $15k to blow right after college is also a mystery

[@AussieBassplayer]

hahahah that's what i'm thinking

[@RyoCanCan]

Tbh, it was an investment.

[@Saori-chan74]

yeah 15k is a decent chunk of change, if it was a $1500.00 les paul that's one thing

[@thatotherdan9984]

Cocaine is a hell of a drug, that sells for many $.

[@Fieldeluxe]

@@Saori-chan74 I've been putting off a $150 ibanez gio because it feels excessive!

[@craigjohnson4302]

Wow, what a story! All I did was watch the video and I'm completely exhausted! Sorry you got scammed, intentional or not. But, good for you in sharing this long and horrendous plight as I'm sure it will help others take the necessary steps to counteract something like this. All these companies that supposedly have their customer's best interest at heart, only do when it doesn't cost them anything. They're kind of like insurance companies. You religiously pay you premiums, then, when it's time for them to cough up what they promised you, they fight you at every angle. For the most part now days, guarantees are no longer guaranteed.

[@grumpyoldrockers1048]

My brother, I wish you were my therapist. You have ALWAYS been a stand up guy. I had a Les Paul that you were so gracious on giving me information about. Always professional, courteous and kind to others such as myself. I can't imagine losing 10 grand much less my sanity over something like this. You are a saint.$10,000 to me is like a million to someone else, as I barely get by. You are my new hero. Thank you for this video and showing that we are all fallible.. I'm sure it could have been worse. God bless you my brother

[@monsterram6617]

Everything about this screamed SCAMMER!!!! I'm amazed that you even went through with this.

[@classicrockguitar8084]

Right? Its hard to sympathize with the guy when there were so many red flags from the get-go. Especially considering this guy seems to have "experience" trading guitars. Severe lack of good judgement. Also, when you have a house, a wife, etc. and you spend 15k that you don't truly have is utterly foolish. Regardless, thank you for sharing your story and I hope this experience educates you and others to be more careful.

[@hixxy2069]

@@classicrockguitar8084 you do realize this story took place over 5 years ago? it’s not as if he had the same experience as he does talking now, and obviously he was making enough money to do this, or he wouldn’t be making this story, now would he?

[@jasonm1690]

@@hixxy2069 no excuses.

[@jimbobsquarepants1765]

You were ‘short of funds at the time’ but flipped over 15 grand on a high value guitar, on eBay, from a total stranger in Mexico? This is without the numerous red flags after the auction had finished. Dude, I feel for you but man, you walked right into this like a complete mug.

[@danyeo]

Dave Ramsey is just going mental with face palms.

[@postwardream8579]

That was my first thought

[@chhau123]

Maybe 15 grand is not that much to him

[@DemonKingOFFICIAL]

Total duck move

[@robertp457]

"you walked right into this like a complete mug." Nope Its not like there were pictures and articles all over the place about this guitar. That kind of information just didn't exist at the time. Also your post was a total duck move.

[@jasonking7729]

I really liked this story. I'm always entertained by pushing through the tape that most people give up on.

[@jasonwilson5753]

Remember this, Slash’s original Les Paul for appetite for destruction is a copy of a real Les Paul, a true fake itself… and it is worth more than than a real one… so there is that…

[@orejotus]

so true also some artist use ghost builders (luthiers who works for themselves but make guitars for big companies) and make copies that even the major brands copied it

[@MrChopsticktech]

@@orejotus Next thing you know, people are going to say Eddie Van Halen's guitar was made of parts of other guitars!

[@vinny943]

If this guitar was hand made vs cnc I have more respect for it being hand made 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@metalraff]

Honestly, being a real Les Paul & with this insane story, the guitar should be a collectors item itself.

[@johnmilner4778]

This is one of the lessons that you used to build your business on....consider it tuition. Sorry for your loss, congratulations on having a unique set of skills, insights, motivations and honesty as a result. This might be what differentiates you from every other guitar reseller in the world.

[@davidmcintire1462]

I have a fake Snakepit. I bought it in a guitar shop located in a flea market. I had never heard of the Slash Snakepit. I looked it up Online after I bought it. I found out that it was a fake by the Custom Shop logo on the head stock. The inlayed O in the word "SHOP" was off center. The serial number on it is SL 038. I still bought it knowing that it was a fake because it was a cool guitar, and also to get it off of the market. It looked good and played good. It was worth the 500.00 that I gave for it. I'll give it to one of my grandkids along with my other guitars. This video is a very good reference piece for anyone who has a Slash Snakepit, or a Fake Snake like I do. Thanks for the video!

[@MsZappas]

Quite the epic story! I am a long time viewer of this channel and I have to say I was glued to my monitor for this one. I hope paypal makes it right, since you clearly are an honest customer and they look like crap right now. As far as selling off the guitar, I would be a little leary about that, mainly because it's obviously cursed. The curse could be helping your career now as you seem to be doing quite well and parting with the guitar could be like a reverse curse break. Not to mention someone else may try to pass if off as an original and someone else will be cursed out of alot of money.

[@hkguitar1984]

I'm also a long time viewer/subscriber and was also glued to the monitor during this episode. I 100% agree with you, keep the guitar and use it as the ultimate learning tool.

[@_-_Michael_-_]

Actually that 5000$ refund from one card company was so big highlight of this trainwreck, made me appreciate them a lot.

[@Skeeterguy24]

Wow, thanks for sharing the story! This should be a chapter in an e-commerce business\marketing book. I especially loved the animation of the Trogly dragon animation as it sat by the screen in anticipation and the rage when the credit request was turned down.Keeping the guitar is probably a good idea. Even Cesaer was reminded that all of fame is fleeting when he returned victorious to Rome....

[@hkguitar1984]

Ditto Also, that dragon turning red REALLY conveyed the emotions at that point in the story.

[@danielfree7822]

wow. Why in the world would you spend that kind of money without clear photos. it screams scam from the very start

[@voyager7]

Sad that you've had to go through all this, but as episodes go this was a fascinating watch. I hope that someone at PayPal steps up and does the right thing...you are 100% correct, even if the extension was not normal, they or a representative of that company did extend it to you and you complied. To rescind that because they saw the price tag is unethical and unjust. I challenge PP to do the right thing on this!

[@MainPrism]

Double challenge!!! Step up Pay Pal this is super messed up... I've only used it a few times but I sure won't be using them for big purchases after watching this!!!

[@Dram1984]

PayPal 100% doesn’t care about anyone.

[@johnalbasini5875]

Sadly, PP does not often do the right thing. I bought a much cheaper item that was nowhere near what was described. PP ascertained that since I received an item, that it wasn’t fraud. They denied my claim. Lesson learned.

[@laughingdaffodils5450]

You clearly don't know paypal.

[@joeturner7959]

I challenge PP to the right thing on anything. I have been scammed by PP, a few times, but only for low dollar stuff, but its irritating just the same. PP 100% does not care about anyone. They are not even a last resort.

[@joermnyc]

Yes, the Les Paul Museum can have the Fake Snakepit Room with an eternal flame burning the PayPal logo 😂

[@thefixation500]

I was an Ebay guitar reseller myself back in the day. A scammer selling me a 1962 gibson...odly enough also from Dallas Tx put me out of business. I am glad you got past it :)

[@Cavemaaaan]

Trogly....WHAT AN AWESOME STORY and VIDEO TELLING!!!! I've been through some of the same exasperating scenarios in my job over the years. Thank Gog I didn't get scammed out of that kind of money. What a great video chock full of information and ups and downs and all the stages of grief right through to acceptance. Kudos Sir, kudos :)

[@smokestackstudiosgem]

PayPal representatives hang your heads in shame. I’ve had to deal with them and it’s the worst service I’ve ever had. If they don’t refund you the remainder after seeing this, and they will see it, they are the lowest of the low. I’m sorry that happened to you Austin. All the best from Downunder🎸

[@boogerz]

Unfortunate that this happed to you but thank you for sharing the story and information, as well as offering appraisals to help other people. Eventhough it's a fake/replica, it does have a story. I'll wait for part 2 to hear how it plays and sounds and the deep dive into taking it apart. Thanks again Trogly!

[@ckac730]

This is an insane story. It's amazing to listen to you go through it and I appreciate all the detail you provided like the interactions with the appraisers, the confusion over the maker's name and the hassles from PayPal. It's amazing Citi helped and you are right to highlight their assistance. Can't wait to learn more.

[@5argetech56]

33:23 - I laughed my Tush off at that response animation!! What... *WHAT* ! 😂😂😂😂

[@dsholt]

I think we now need the story of how you started guitar dealing. A newlywed (with a mortgage) working at a grocery store with $15,000 available to flip a guitar has me very curious.

[@ricklavin5625]

He put it on 3 credit cards!How many people have you known who have bought things they don’t have the money for on credit?

[@johnsmith-bk4ps]

he is poor but has a blog. a lot of these wanabees online. he has never even held an old les paul till a few weeks ago

[@buzzyduder3531]

rich parents or a winning lottery ticket?

[@tylernewton7217]

Very well told story. First video of yours I’m seeing. I know it was a lot of money, but sometimes life’s most valuable lessons end up costing this much money. I’ve had similar experiences learned the hard way and I must say, with time you end up appreciating the knowledge gained more than the money lost. After all - you won’t ever fall for something like this again! Subscribed and liked! Cool content.

[@mariotorres4232]

Wow! What a story and great video with all that evidence. You seem to be very resourceful and it just makes me smile that the guy who actually built the originals would be so attentive and detailed in his points. It sucks that this happened but it's great to shed some light in what someone could do if this ever happened to to them. The internet thanks you for that.

[@NikoBased]

If I was PayPal, I wouldn't want to eat the cost of this. You were way too naive, and I don't know why PayPal is responsible for that. You're dealing in custom guitars in the 10's of thousands of dollars, and never had a course of action in the event somebody ripped you off. You sort of just made it up as you went, and hoped PayPal and your banks would just give you the money back for your own naivety. Not trying to be rude, but that's the way I would have looked at it. When the people being scammed are young or elderly I'm a little more empathetic. You seem like a nice guy, and I'm sure you learned a lot of valuable lessons through the process of obtaining this guitar.

[@rocknrollresignation93]

The lesson here probably is don't even go through PayPal, immediately do credit card charge backs.

[@tommyboyproductions1588]

If I were you, I’d NEVER part with it, I had a similar thing happen to me with a Gibson Supreme that I will never part with, it too is a Gibson, probably a Studio that had binding added, better pickups and so on, the guy that sold it to me stated that he had it stolen from him & when he got it back, all the original parts were replaced, I had a luthier look at it and he can say that he’s 99% sure it’s a Gibson, just not a Supreme, they even went as far as replacing the back cutouts with a solid back, the luthier said it’s a great rework but not worth the $4-$5000 I thought it was worth, I got it for $1500 so I’m not really out of any money but people are deceiving and also I’ve got A LOT of info from your channel, I look forward to seeing every episode, thank-you for your great videos and all the insight, you definitely put a lot of time & effort into each show, I hope that you’ll have your show around for a long time to come! Great job! And again, thank-you Austin!!

[@cheebsgod]

Dude this is awful. It's great of you to have your appraisal service to help people like you.

[@DETHMOKIL]

Dropping 15k on a blurry photo. KZbinr brain.

[@lifeisstr4nge]

These people exist

[@MossTheBoss]

I saw this video in my recommendations and saw the length and was like "nah, too long". But here I am, 43 minutes later after watching the entire thing. Incredible story, Austin. This was the first video of yours I've seen and I don't regret a second of it.

[@supisay77]

Same here!

[@Syclone0044]

@@supisay77 I stayed up way late to bed just because I was so gripped I couldn’t wait to see how it unfolded

[@Colinshreds69]

facts

[@LargeKnives]

Yea 100% same...

[@muratopozturk5211]

Bro think he'll get paid for flattery☠️

[@shawnwhit]

This is a very well told story! I’m sorry you’re still going through it and I hope you get satisfaction! Thanks for the episode!!!

[@vladimirpoutine7522]

So that's how PayPal treats it's customers that do decent sized business with them? Hmm....Good to know.

[@Dram1984]

PayPal is complete garbage.

[@TheLambLive]

They've always been this way since the very beginning,,, scam company, always have been.

[@mattwroe4776]

They always been shit I bought a game once and they sent a blank cd or a copy. PayPal said I had to go into a 3rd party and get a statement to say it wasn't genuine they wouldn't accept a photo. The seller disappeared and account banned still wouldn't budge. I managed to scam my money back by transfer money to my dads account withdrawing the money and cancelling both cards on both accounts and ignore all emails. Scum paypal

[@vladimirpoutine7522]

@@mattwroe4776 Wow that was a smart turn around. Good move!

[@Jlinkin]

Reminds me of the fake Eds 1275 I got when my dad passed. Sold it to some guy for 300 hoping he didn’t turn around and scam someone.

[@APPEALtoFEAR]

If what you're saying is true, and they knew what they were buying , then good on you 👍

[@vbprogrammer2007]

I'm not surprised PayPal rejected your claim. They always find a way to finegal out of paying..especially big dollar claims. This was a great video, though

[@brandonkaiser8344]

Spoil alert

[@doug941]

Elon sold Pay Pal! Good luck!!

[@shybzrk]

@@brandonkaiser8344 Yes the video will be discussed in the comments lmao

[@chrispattee77]

Live & Learn, you've obviously improved your knowledge and Wisdom of guitars. Thanks Man

[@porchestra]

A bitter lesson to learn at the beginning of your venture, but it was only just a bad start to an otherwise successful channel. So glad you’ve moved on, Trogly.

[@gl3nnium]

Yeah, well. Nobody should be spending $15,000 on a gibson guitar unless there's some kind of historical provenance like it was actually owned by Slash. You did it to yourself brother, even if it was real you still paid 10 times too much. Those guitars are still made in factories, made with C&C machines and then damaged (I mean relic'd) by some dude with a chisel and a spray gun.

[@davidrobinson4291]

Damn that's a hell of an experience, pretty surprised you're still as enthusiastic about guitars and trading them after all that. Can't fault you for taking the leap(s) of faith to get that thing, if I had the cash and were in the same position as you I would have done the same thing(s). I've also had problems with scammers selling shit using paypal since 2004-06 and this is really troubling to see it's still business as usual. I just very, very recently decided to test paypal for small, sub $20 transactions and I'm already realizing it might be a mistake.

[@davidrobinson4291]

and no, I'm not using paypal for O.F. -_-

[@foxtrot889]

Ayyyyyy... Citibank had your back. They're my main cc that I use, and I've had nothing but good experiences. Not a perfect or even remotely happy ending, but I'm glad things worked out for you financially. If I were in that situation, I'd totally be so anxious I'd be throwing up every night. Hope you didn't stress that much, and congrats/kudos to building a good community and making something of the hobby/career.

[@hkguitar1984]

I hear you. When our Daughter got married and left home the day after she moved we received the last mobile phone bill (as she was young and on our account), the Bill was for $6K. I went to the bathroom and threw up. This was back in the early 2000's, phone plans have changed greatly since then. The following month was for $4K. All her time on the phone was due to her making long distance calls to her future husband. Thankfully AT&T was able to greatly reduce the bill and our Daughter is still married to the same man. Point of my story, yeah, that kind of financial loss is most certainly "Throw-Up" worthy.

[@charlesbolton8471]

@@hkguitar1984 The good old days when cell phone companies charged you by the minute. I always kept my calls to a minimum back in those days. I did get hit with some larger than normal bills before I had unlimited texting though.

[@DG-ph8gp]

I'd never even consider spending $15K on a guitar without getting the maximum possible assurance in advance that it was genuine and worth the money. I'm not a guitar collector though. And I'm very risk-averse when it comes to money. I think it's actually kind of a good thing that you're able to do this kind of thing without freaking out about it. There's something to be said about living life without fear.

[@Frip36]

I think he was really young at the time.

[@TheAustinGuy]

@@user-cl3re8xi7ythis is a really good take.

[@codsack56]

Ex vintage guitar dealer here… EX ! I dealt in Fender and Musicman vintage bass guitars and did all the big shows and then came eBay in 1996 and the internet took it to new heights! Changed pots and pickups, maxed out truss rods, refinished body’s were everywhere. No thanks!!!

[@Kazwell111]

Outstanding presentation despite the sad story. I was glued to my seat as each chapter unfolded. Well done!!!

[@onionheadguy7094]

It always throws me for a loop when people are like "so right after college me and my wife bought a house and I was working at a grocery store" Like on what planet is this possible?!?!

[@TorrieSeager]

Exactly. This is the most bizarre thing ive seen in a while

[@maxmustardman298]

@@TorrieSeager not really, but American culture is its own thing. Its just funny to see it actually happen every now and then. For someone who is well educated and (I assume) comes from a middle class background, its just common to move out early and pretty much finance themselves. Of course I dont know anything about his background, but its just that reoccuring theme that comes with a certain age or milestone.

[@tommyfogarty]

@Justin M you guys remember interest rates and approval thresholds a few years ago? It is totally possible. My wife and I bought a house for $280,000 in WA with $60k down and a mortgage payment that we could afford on two modest incomes (and admittedly no kids at the time). That house is worth $980,000 according to Zillow now. Just had to work hard and accept a little risk.

[@weswhile]

Then proceeds to spend $15,000 on a guitar lol

[@NeverTalkToCops1]

Credit cards, same method he used to buy snakepit guitar.

[@eddiejr540]

FINALLY... I have been waiting for this for at least 3 yrs...THANK YOU TROGS...you are a good man!!!!

[@itizme8072]

Anyone who bids on ANYTHING from someone in Mexico deserves what they get. But anyone who Bids THOUSANDS, not just from someone in Mexico, BUT on EBAY... I have absolutely NO sympathy.

[@9372duffy]

Incredible story, I hate you were scammed but it makes for a great, entertaining story. We all have to fail sometimes to succeed. God bless you my man!

[@jackjohnson1666]

Great video man, it took me on a journey and I was enraged for you. I've been in situations like that and it is so frustrating and depressing. I'm glad you are doing great now and showing they didn't get the best of you

[@Emailmesoicanignoreu]

I felt pity for him. Not the sharpest pick in the case.

[@lifewithglee]

What a great story. It had me gripped all the way through. Sorry you got scammed. Most videos I watch at 1.5 or 2x speed but this one I had on normal. Top quality.

[@greenman7yyy]

What a horrible ordeal!! Unfortunately everyone gets burned, at least once. I'm very impressed with your courage, sharing this.

[@lazyboyrider4607]

I really enjoyed the episode. It was very well done. However, I’m so sorry you had to go through the experience. If crooks would put their talents to honest labor there’s no telling what they might achieve. Thank you for turning your bad experience into a way to help others from getting taken. By the way, I think you should keep the guitar. It will be a good piece for your future museum.

[@jimmyjames2022]

It's a tough experience, well done for explaining it all to us in such detail. Particularly hard when you are just starting out with a new mortgage. But you stuck to doing this work so congrats on your resilience!

[@DjPolo1897]

I tend to find that when someone is selling a genuine high priced and desirable item on Ebay they included many detailed pictures, when there are few pictures and no close ups its a red flag. Hindsight may be a wonderful thing but when buying anything for a large sum of money one should really know everything about it and get many detailed pictures, personally its your own fault. You should have also sought legal advice after what Paypal did, their mistake is not your regret.

[@DjPolo1897]

@@MrJimShorts That is true as long as you know what you are doing. There are rare items I have looked at in the past where I did not know then what I know now so I passed. To me spending a large sum of money without knowing everything is at best a bad idea. Obviously its down to the individual to decide if its worth the risk when not having the full information so fair enough. I remember when a friend of mine asked me about the authenticity of an Iron Maiden RIAA award on Ebay, there was only one picture, I said you need to get many detailed pictures and told him what to ask for. He ignored me and purchased it for £1500, when it came he sent me pictures and it turned out to be fake. He paid with his credit card so they needed a statement from someone who knew what they were doing, he asked me and I provided the details as to why it was fake and he got his money back. I asked him why he did it and he just said it was worth the risk, I thought he was mad but as I said its down to the individual.

[@QuakeGamerROTMG]

"I didn't have much money" "I just bought a house" "I worked at a grocery store" "I dropped 15K on a guitar off EBAY" The US is fucking insane if this is what constitutes being broke over there. For normal countries what you described is called being "quite wealthy" Most people can't afford to randomly drop 15K on much of anything much less a dodgy ebay guitar. That whole section sounded like you are from some fairy tale timeline.

[@Dylan_Sterling]

This is definitely not what being broke is like here.

[@xLisranda]

I'm not surprised by PayPal's response. The first rule of any kind of insurance is to try to get out of paying. They do it by having a convoluted claims process with strict requirements that must be met exactly as described in unreasonable time frames and any deviation allows them to bail from the claim. The industry as a whole is only able to exist because only a small % of legit claims actually make it through to payment. Promise security by having people's backs, know full well that half of impacted people wont make a claim in the first place, half of those that DO won't make it through your process, and then half of those remaining will drop the case and refuse to sue when you hold out on paying after approving their claim for months upon months.

[@saltpeter7429]

Excellent summation. I'm glad Trogly made this video, to hell with shame and frustration. I'm learning a lot just from reading comments on here.

[@keschgelb]

Wow, what a scary (but eye-opening) story. I adore your patience throughout the whole process. Wish you all the best, hoping that something like this never happens to you again (nor anybody else of course).

[@Chance530]

Been waiting for you to tell this story for a long time now , interesting to hear the story behind this guitar.

[@user-JamesRowe51502]

Holy moly I have never seen any more ads in my entire life for one video

[@debomb721]

Gotta make back that 15,000$ somehow

[@wmxx2000]

Brother, you got scammed thinking a guitar that's not made out of solid gold is worth 15k

[@tobiasryan8378]

So worth the wait. Thank you for making this video Trogly - I know it must've been hard, but we all have your back :)

[@nightoftheshape]

No guitar is worth $15k For that money you probably could’ve arranged to meet Slash in person

[@fr3ak1shh]

And? I’d rather spend $15k on a guitar than $15k to meet someone. I wouldn’t spend $15k on either though!